Burns Lake, B.C. – The  exterior walls  are in place, the roof is on,  so  the new Lakes District Hospital  under construction in Burns Lake, is now enclosed.

Although windows  have yet to be installed,  crews can now start working on the  interior of the new facility.

The project started construction in June of 2013, and  is said to be on time and on budget.

“It has been great to watch the project move from the ground up,” said Marie Hunter, Northern Health Lakes District Health Service Administrator. “I’m excited with the progress that has been made on this project and we’re one step closer to the expected Fall 2015 opening of the new facility.”

The $55 million dollar  hospital will be 65,000 square feet on two storeys.  When  complete,  it  will have 16 beds and will provide acute care and emergency services, diagnostic imaging, a laboratory and pharmacy. Space also is planned for a medical clinic along with the delivery of mental health and addictions services, public health, and home and community care.