The Government of Saskatchewan in Canada has awarded a contract to PCL Construction Management to build a new acute care tower at Prince Albert Victoria Hospital (Victoria Hospital).
The design and early works contract, which is valued at C$898m ($671.7m), was awarded to PCL through a public procurement process in December 2022.
PCL will build the acute care tower directly connected to and directly north of the existing hospital facility.
The company has already commenced preparatory work, with the construction of a new parking lot set to be paved in the spring.
Construction of the new tower is scheduled to start in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2028.
The tower will feature a heliport, larger operating rooms, an expanded emergency department, and improved medical imaging services.
In addition, it will house paediatrics, maternity, and a neonatal intensive care unit, as well as a First Nations and Métis Cultural space.
Once operational, the tower is set to increase Victoria Hospital’s overall existing capacity by 40%, from 173 to 242 beds.
The hospital’s project has received substantial philanthropic contribution from the Boreal Healthcare Foundation in the form of furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
In addition, the new MRI scanner and a second CT scanner at the hospital is projected to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
Prince Albert Grand Council is collaborating with the provincial government and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to design the cultural space, which will be a focal point of the new main entrance.
Efforts will be made by PCL and SHA to minimise disruption to hospital staff and visitors throughout the construction and renovation phases, with patient care anticipated to remain unaffected.
The agreement also includes an option for future renovations to the existing facility.
SHA CEO Andrew Will said: “This important project provides the opportunity for the SHA to deliver expanded services for Northern residents in key areas, including intensive care, medical imaging, adult mental health treatment, and children's and maternal services.”
