UHNBC Chief Operating Officer Michael McMillan addresses the gathering at Gateway Lodge – photo 250 News

Prince George ,B.C. –  It was a cause  for double  celebration at the Gateway Lodge at 20th and Victoria Street in Prince George,  as  the  residents were invited to  celebrate the 5th anniversary of the official opening of the  Senior’s care complex,  and  the opening  of the  new  26  complex care, and respite/convalescence  space.

The  idea of  convalescent/ respite  beds  was presented in December, when the University Hospital of Northern BC was  facing a serious  capacity  issue.

By April of this year, 11 convalescent care and respite beds and 15 complex care bed were made avaialble at Gateway, easing  the pressure  on the  hospital.  Convalescent care and respite beds provide short term relief for people with illness or those recovering from illness who would otherwise be admitted to hospital. The complex care beds are available for people who can no longer safely or independently live at home or in an assisted living residence due to their complex care needs.

“We want to find the most appropriate ways we can to care for seniors in our community. It is important to have a range of options available to meet the specific needs that our aging residents require,” said Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount. “The new space at Gateway will allow for additional convalescent and respite care as well as critical complex care beds”.

It is estimated that by 2038,  one in very six residents  will be  over the age of 65,

The renovations to the third floor  to add the  26  units, cost approximately $1.2 million, with 60 per cent provided by the Province of B.C. through Northern Health, and 40 per cent by the Fraser Fort George Regional Hospital District.