RFQ issued for Surrey hospital

Residents in and around Surrey, B.C., are a step closer to having a new hospital and cancer centre. Fraser Health Authority has issued the request for qualifications (RFQ) for the facility, which will feature 168 in-patient beds, a surgical/perioperative suite with five operating rooms, four procedure rooms, an emergency department with 55 treatment spaces, and virtual care options in all clinical service areas.

An integrated cancer centre will include an oncology/ambulatory care unit with 50 exam rooms, 54 chemotherapy treatment spaces and room for six linear accelerators for radiation therapy.

Through the RFQ process, Fraser Health Authority will identify a short list of up to three qualified proponents who will be invited to participate in the request for proposal (RFP) stage, which will determine the company leading the design and construction of the project.

The RFQ process is expected to be finalized in early 2022, followed by the RFP process. Construction is expected to start in 2023, with the facility being ready for patients in 2027.

“This is the first stage of the procurement process and invites teams to express their interest and qualifications for designing and building the hospital, which will help meet the public healthcare demands of the fast-growing community,” said Adrian Dix, British Columbia’s minister of health.

“We are excited to take this next step forward in the development of a new hospital for Surrey, and, in partnership with BC Cancer, the addition of a fourth cancer centre to our region,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, Fraser Health president and chief executive officer. “The new Surrey hospital and cancer centre will be a fully digital community hospital within Fraser Health’s integrated regional smart system of care.”

The new hospital will significantly expand the availability of healthcare services for people in Surrey. In addition to adding hospital beds in the region, it will also have a medical imaging department, including three computed tomography (CT) scanners and two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. Additionally, there will be a dedicated area for spiritual care and family gatherings.

The total project cost is estimated at $1.66 billion and is currently funded by the province. Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority are working with the Surrey Hospitals Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation to explore potential funding opportunities.