Canada's British Columbia (BC) Government has approved the establishment of a new integrated primary care and community health services facility in Vanderhoof.

This new facility is expected to launch in 2025.

Situated on the St John Hospital Campus, the new facility aims to enhance access to 'high-quality' team-based health care for the residents.

At this facility, interprofessional teams from Northern Health will co-locate with the practitioners of Omineca Medical Clinic.

It is said to be part of a broader initiative to improve primary and community care across BC, with a focus on team-based care.

Northern Health Board of Directors chair Colleen Nyce said: “Northern Health is planning for the future of primary and community healthcare in the Vanderhoof area.

“This new facility brings together local primary-care providers and Northern Health community health services team members under one roof, ensuring patients have access to multiple and coordinated healthcare services in one place, well into the future.”

The new facility, planned for the old College of New Caledonia hospital building site, will provide increased space, better layout, improved accessibility, and patient privacy.

Construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024 after detailed design and procurement processes.

The project is a joint effort by the BC government, Northern Health, and the Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District to advance primary and community healthcare in the Vanderhoof area.

Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District chair Judy Greenaway said: “The primary-care facility in Vanderhoof will provide much-needed capacity to the community and surrounding area.

“Residents and health practitioners alike will now have a central location where primary healthcare services can be provided, resulting in faster and improved access to team-based care.

“The Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District is proud to be a partner in this endeavour.”