NDP Government’s promised new Surrey hospital and cancer centre is closer to reality with the issuing of the request for qualifications (RFQ). "Our government is delivering on its commitment of a new hospital for people in Surrey and we are moving forward with procurement now underway," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "This is the first stage of the procurement process and invites teams to express their interest and qualifications for designing and building the hospital, which will help meet the public health-care demands of the fast-growing community."

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – NDP Government’s promised new Surrey hospital and cancer centre is closer to reality with the issuing of the request for qualifications (RFQ).

"Our government is delivering on its commitment of a new hospital for people in Surrey and we are moving forward with procurement now underway," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "This is the first stage of the procurement process and invites teams to express their interest and qualifications for designing and building the hospital, which will help meet the public health-care demands of the fast-growing community."

Through the RFQ process, Fraser Health will identify a short list of up to three qualified proponents who will be invited to participate in the next step of the competitive selection process, the request for proposal (RFP) stage. That determines which proponent will be chosen to lead the design and construction of the project.

The RFQ process is expected to be finalized in early 2022, followed by the RFP process. Construction is expected to start in 2023 with the facility being ready for patients in 2027.

"We are excited to take this next step forward in the development of a new hospital for Surrey, and, in partnership with BC Cancer, the addition of a fourth cancer centre to our region," said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health president and chief executive officer. "The new Surrey hospital and cancer centre will be a fully digital community hospital within Fraser Health's integrated regional smart system of care and, by providing a virtual first, responsive environment at the new hospital, we can better support patient-centred care while increasing access for patients and their families, closer to home."

People will benefit from things such as increased training and employment opportunities for Indigenous people and other under-represented groups (such as people of colour, women, youth and people with disabilities), more apprentice hours, and promotion of Indigenous culture, which will be achieved through enhanced procurement and contract terms.

The new hospital will significantly expand the availability of health-care services for people in Surrey and is designed to serve the local community now and into the future. It will have 168 in-patient beds, a surgical/perioperative suite with five operating rooms, four procedure rooms, an emergency department with 55 treatment spaces, and virtual care options in all clinical service areas. The facility will also have a medical imaging department, including three computed tomography (CT) scanners and two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, pharmacy, laboratory and academic space.

Additionally, there will be a dedicated area for spiritual care and family gatherings that support cultural diversity and spiritual practices.

The new integrated cancer centre will include an oncology/ambulatory care unit with 50 exam rooms, 54 chemotherapy treatment spaces and room for six linear accelerators for radiation therapy to provide care and support for people diagnosed with cancer.

"By 2030, we expect that almost 40,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer every year, with one of the largest increases in the Fraser Health region," said Dr. David Byres, president and chief executive officer, Provincial Health Services Authority. "Through our partnership with Fraser Health, we're building our provincial capacity, ensuring British Columbians continue to experience some of the best cancer outcomes in Canada. BC Cancer provides an invaluable service improving these outcomes and providing the support patients and their families need."

The project also includes a child care centre and approximately 730 parking spots, which includes 375 surface spaces and 355 underground.

The total project cost is estimated at $1.66 billion and is currently funded by the Province. Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority are working with the Surrey Hospitals Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation to explore potential funding opportunities.