These are exciting times for Delta Hospital.
That was the enthusiastic message conveyed to the many Delta Hospital Auxiliary volunteers attending the group's annual general meeting and luncheon at the Delta Town & Country Inn Wednesday.
"Everyone has finally realized it's a very important hospital and that we need to expand," said outgoing president Byrel Matthewson.
The guest speaker at Wednesday's gathering was Delta Hospital Foundation executive director Veronica Carroll, who went over the major growth plans for the facility.
Two years ago, Fraser Health launched a planning initiative aimed at determining what services the Ladner-based hospital should provide as well as what building additions would be required. What came out of that is a new master plan containing short-term goals and long-term objectives.
An expansion of the diagnostic imaging and the hospital's lab services were identified as the top priorities in the short term, a period over the next five years.
Following that, the number of medical beds would double, there would be an increase in surgical daycare and increasing mental health needs would be addressed. The longer-term goals would include replacing the residential care complex as well as adding a community health centre.
Carroll said the business case has been submitted to the province. Once approved, it's anticipated the fundraising campaign can begin this September to expand lab services and medical imaging with a new wing, a project estimated to cost $12.5 million.
Fraser Health has committed $5 million, while the community will contribute $7.5 million, mostly through the foundation.
It was announced at Wednesday's meeting the auxiliary has agreed to contribute $2.5 million toward furnishing and equipping the new building, which would make it the biggest single project the auxiliary has contributed to yet. The auxiliary will undertake a five-year campaign toward that goal.
The expansion is truly necessary in light of the increasing number of patients already going through the hospital's doors, explained Carroll.
From 2009/10 to 2011/12, the number of patients served in various areas of the hospital increased from just over 86,000 to 147,000, a jump of over 50 per cent.
Clearly needing an upgrade, the lab and diagnostic imaging departments are involved in 75 per cent of treatment at the hospital, Carroll noted, saying the facilities are now operating at capacity.
"I think the needs of our community have grown, so we must," she said. "What will that mean? It will mean we will have increased capacity, more people will be seen, greater comfort and care, privacy, shorter stays, fewer transfers, less stress and we will improve the way the hospital's space is used."
As far as the auxiliary's major contribution, Matthewson assured the volunteers the organization will continue to provide money to areas that provide care and comfort to patients, as it does today.
The auxiliary will set aside some money every year for five years for the expansion.
The auxiliary has donated over $17 million over the last 15 years, so raising $2.5 million isn't a stretch, she said.
Past auxiliary president Elaine Canning told the Optimist that even though the hospital is set to expand, it would remain free of pay parking.
"We'll make sure it stays that way as long as the auxiliary is around," Canning said.
Wednesday's AGM also saw Marilyn Jones take over as president of the auxiliary from Matthewson.
