The announcement builds on the “30 promised health measures” that Dix announced in June 2023.
British Columbia's Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Premier David Eby visited Surrey on Tuesday (June 18) to provide an update on Surrey Memorial Hospital's new renal and hemodialysis unit.
Dix stated at a press conference in March that preparations for construction of the new renal unit were underway. Eby announced at a press conference held at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Tuesday (June 18) that the business plans for the new renal unit have been approved, with construction scheduled to begin in August 2024.
The new freestanding renal hemodialysis facility will be built on the northwest corner of the Surrey Memorial Hospital campus.
“This means an additional 21 dialysis stations will be added at Surrey Memorial Hospital, bringing the total to 60,” Eby said, “a standalone facility that can provide support to live healthy lives for those who need that care here in Surrey.”
“This is good news for people facing the challenges of kidney disease and who need regular support.
“This means shorter wait times and increased access to care. This builds on the work we've already done to support Surrey Memorial Hospital while making the additional capital investment needed for the new hospital and patient tower.”
Jacqueline Sim, a haemodialysis patient at Panorama Community Dialysis Unit, said there is a huge demand for kidney care. Sim said the clinic at Panorama is full of dialysis patients every day, from opening to closing. The new kidney clinic at Surrey Memorial Hospital will be a “huge help,” she said.
“This new facility will improve access to vital care and make a real difference for hemodialysis patients whose daily activities are highly dependent on appointment availability,” Mr Sim said.
“Surrey renal and medical staff provided me with fantastic care and I'm delighted that their service will be expanded to support more haemodialysis patients in the area.”
Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO of Fraser Health, said while not everyone with chronic kidney disease needs dialysis, about 1,000 people in the region do.
“One of the things that's really surprising about chronic kidney disease in the Fraser South region is that over the last 20 years, we've seen a 300 per cent increase in the number of new cases, and that's due in part to the vulnerability of the Surrey population and the increase in Surrey.”
The announcement builds on the “30 Promising Health Measures” that Finance Minister Dix announced in June 2023. Finance Minister Dix said a further update on the measures would be announced in the coming weeks.
“Surrey's population is booming and some people currently have to travel to other areas to receive dialysis, so we are investing in life-saving kidney services in Surrey,” Mr Dix said. “The approval of the business plan for the Haemodialysis Kidney Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital demonstrates our ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services for patients in Surrey and south of the Fraser River.”
Dr. Bradford Strijac, chief of nephrology at Surrey Memorial Hospital, said the new renal facility will have a major impact on patients with chronic kidney disease.
“Haemodialysis can require half-day dialysis three or more times a week, so we know comfort is important for patients, and this new dedicated space will give patients a better attendance experience, closer to home and family,” Strijac said.
Nicole Robson, president and CEO of Surrey Hospital Foundation, was pleased to hear about the unit’s continuing progress, which she called “an important step in meeting the growing demand for specialized healthcare in Surrey and the southern Fraser River region.”
The estimated capital cost of the unit is $85 million, with $1 million coming from the Surrey Hospital Foundation and $84 million from the province.
Eby also spoke about the previous government's “failure” to provide adequate health care, housing and education.
