Saanich Peninsula Hospital will be making some short-term adjustments later this week as crews get to work upgrading the ventilation system in its emergency department.
The project begins October 17th and is expected to wrap up by October 27th.
Island Health says the emergency department will stay open as usual from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and anyone needing urgent care should continue to come through the regular entrances.
The waiting room and triage areas won’t be affected, but treatment and assessment spaces will temporarily shift elsewhere in the hospital while construction is underway.
A few other services, including medical daycare, outpatient antimicrobial treatment, and surgical daycare, will also move to temporary on-site locations during the project.
Extra signs and volunteers will be available to help people find their way.
Island Health is reminding residents that, while the hospital will continue to be there for emergencies, there are other options for less urgent needs.
That includes booking a same-day appointment with a family doctor or nurse practitioner, calling HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for 24-hour advice, or visiting one of the region’s Urgent and Primary Care Centres.
The closest locations are the North Quadra UPCC and the after-hours clinic at the Peninsula Health Unit.
Pharmacists can also help with minor ailments, contraception, and quick prescription refills, while Island Health’s Community Virtual Care program supports people managing long-term conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.
Hospital leaders say staff and physicians will continue providing the same quality care patients expect, though there could be some short delays as work progresses.
They’re asking for patience toward staff while the necessary upgrades are completed.
