Vancouver Island Health Authority

Elder friendly and environmentally responsible, the 500-bed, 320,000 sf facility enhances patient privacy and comfort with spacious single rooms and furniture designed to facilitate family visits and overnight stays. Walking is encouraged through strategic arrangement of walkable spaces and destinations as well as wayfinding devices designed for clients with cognitive impairment. Sound-absorbing panels on ceilings and walls and quiet flooring and equipment minimize noise, while natural-themed art, calming music, natural light, and access to outdoor green space further reduce stress.

Walking distances on clinical floors are minimized—also reducing stress for medical staff by allowing easy access to needed supplies, as well as increased nurse-patient interaction time. Staff amenities such as on-site day care, educational areas, dry cleaning, and pharmacy as well as easy parking access, cyclist facilities, lockers, and staff lounge enhance the overall working environment. Art, music, natural light, and quiet hospital technologies engender a calming, attractive atmosphere.

The building’s green design features further improve quality of life for patients and staff, including fresh-air ventilation, natural lighting, access to nature, low-emitting and sustainable building materials, green cleaning products, energy-efficient design and equipment, water-efficient fixtures, public education, and reduction of waste volume and toxicity. Vancouver Island Health Authority has committed to achieving a minimum of LEED Gold status for the Patient Care Centre.