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February 11, 2015 - 8:27 AM
KELOWNA – Two cities in the Okanagan will be getting significantly more care beds for the elderly sometime in the future, according to an Interior Health announcement Tuesday.
Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thompson says the beds, which are for seniors with complex care requirements requiring round-the-clock care, will help more than just Okanagan seniors.
“These additional beds not only support seniors, but also help relieve pressures at our local hospitals, ensuring they are able to continue operating efficiently and providing our residents with access to timely care services,” he says.
The 185 beds will be divided between Kelowna and Vernon.
Health Minister Terry Lake says the addition is part of the province's re-focusing of efforts to ensure seniors have access to the care they need in the community.
“Today’s announcement of more residential beds for Vernon and Kelowna is great news for the Okanagan and will help ensure supports are in place for seniors with complex care needs,” he says.
The contract will be available on the B.C. Bid website for six to eight weeks. IH anticipates the contract will be awarded in June with construction estimated to begin in the fall.
“Over the past three years we’ve opened more than 150 new residential care beds in the Okanagan, and today, we’re more than doubling that,” says Premier Christy Clark. “B.C.’s population is aging, and that’s why we’re making investments to ensure beds are available for those who need them.”
To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015