Royal Columbian hospital redevelopment announced

The B.C. government has announced a major redevelopment of Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, but it could be years before any shovels hit the ground.

That's because the planning process has just begun and work on a business plan that will shape the overall scope of the project won't even start until next year.

Health Minister Mike de Jong made the announcement in New Westminster Tuesday, marking the 150th anniversary of the hospital and saying the redevelopment project could cost $750 million.

"When we say we're going to build a new hospital, we build it. And we're going to build this one," de Jong told a news conference.

The upgrades are expected to add hundreds of new beds to Royal Columbian, plus a larger emergency department, a new surgical suite and better organization of critical care beds.

De Jong says the Royal Columbian plan won't address immediate concerns about patient care in hospitals in the Fraser Health Authority, including patients being treated in hallways and outbreaks of stubborn infections.

So he's also ordering the health authority to take action in five key areas, including reducing hallway care and infection rates, and speeding up admissions to emergency departments and hip fracture operations.

NDP Opposition health critic Mike Farnworth said it might be too much to ask of the hospital under the circumstances.

"Royal Columbian has been neglected by this government and now they’ve given them 150 days to make some key changes in a number of areas, but not providing any additional resources," said Farnworth.

Medical officials admit it will be a challenge.

"The government wants to see results, people want to see results," said Royal Columbian’s Dr. Gerald Simkus. "We want to have optimal patient care, and these are issues we work on every day. And how we get there? We'll need more creative thinking!"