The replacement of the Cowichan District Hospital is “Island Health’s number one capital priority.”
The 50th anniversary celebration went at the C.D.H. on Friday and the two longest serving staffers were recognized for their decades of hard work.
Aldine Kirkpatrick has spent more than 60 years with, first the Kings Daughter Hospital and, then the Cowichan District Hospital. Susan Witteveen has served the Cowichan and District Hospital for 49 years.
Island Health’s interim President and CEO, Kathy MacNeil says the people are the reason for the facilities longevity.
Doctor David Robertson worked as an Anesthesiologist at C.D.H. from 2006-2015 and says in the last 50 years, medical advancements have been staggering.
Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA, Doug Routley says he has a personal connection to this hospital, but its time for an upgrade.
The Cowichan District Hospital has 126 funded beds, serving around 83 thousand residents in the Cowichan Valley.
A concept plan to replace it is being developed and is expected to be submitted to the government by the end of the year