FAQ:
About the Project
Q: What is the Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals Project?
A: The Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals Project is part of an expansion plan to meet increasing demands, expand health services and enhance patient care in the Okanagan. It is actually three projects in one. It includes a new 360,000-square-foot patient care tower at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), a new 34,000 square foot University of BC Medical School building and attached parkade, and a new 181,500-square-foot patient care tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH).
A: These new facilities are urgently needed for the residents of the central and north Okanagan and will provide improved patient access to care. Interior Health needs to provide for population growth and meeting the acute care needs of residents of the Okanagan. Not only is population growth rapid, there are also changes to the demographics as more seniors -- the largest user group of health services -- move to the Okanagan. Much of the current Vernon Jubilee and Kelowna General hospitals are outdated and are in desperate need of more modern and efficient health care facilities.
Q: What are the benefits these new facilities will provide?
A: These new facilities will help Interior Health as it strives to provide enhanced patient care for a growing population. The coordination of care for patients will be improved through the integration of outpatient and day care services at both KGH and VJH. Service efficiency and patient flow through new emergency departments will improve the patient experience.
Q: What is a public private partnership?
A: A public private partnership (P3) is a long-term contract between the public and private sectors to deliver infrastructure such as roads, bridges or health care facilities. Partnerships bring the strength of the public and private sectors together. The public sector owns the facility and maintains accountability for each project through a performance-based contract to ensure high standards are adhered to throughout the life of the contract. The private partner takes on substantial risk and manages the infrastructure to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to specified performance standards.
Q: Why is the project being built using a public private partnership?
A: Interior Health's number one priority is improving patient care while using public money responsibly. We have gone through an extensive review process and have concluded a public private partnership (PPP) will allow this project to be built on time and on budget, as well as to meet our goal of enhanced patient care in Kelowna and Vernon. All health care services will continue to be publicly funded and Interior Health will continue to provide all clinical services according to the Canada Health Act.
