Community Articles
General News · 13th April 2022
Elaine SRD
Strathcona Regional District to build Just Like Home Lodge
Keeping loved ones close when it matters most will soon become reality for North Island residents. The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is happy to announce that it will build and operate a safe and welcoming home-away-from-home for regionally based patients and loved ones needing to travel to Campbell River for specialized medical care or procedures that are not available in their communities.
The North Island Hospital, Campbell River & District (also referred to as Campbell River Hospital) serves 32 communities of North Vancouver Island and the North Coast. The Just Like Home Lodge, steps away from the Campbell River Hospital, will be a safe haven for patients and loved ones to support each other while connecting with others through shared experiences together in their times of need. This 10-bedroom lodge will feature separate sleeping rooms with private washrooms, a communal living space, shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. Included in the plans are spaces for Recreational Vehicles with hook-ups and a walkway with easy access to the hospital.
“The SRD Board is committed to a goal that high-quality health and social care is available regionally,” said SRD Board Chair Brad Unger. “Over the years, we have all known people that would have benefited from such a place, and we are so pleased to offer our community members this option. Whether patients need accommodation for services scheduled early in the morning, discharged from hospital in the late evening, or need to stay for multiple days, the Just Like Home Lodge will provide a safe, healthy environment. “
With support from Island Health granting a 40-year tenure over the vacant land adjacent to the Campbell River Hospital, the SRD is now able to construct and manage the operations of the lodge. Ongoing operating costs will be provided through the Strathcona Regional District and nominal fees will be charged to guests using the lodge.
“Island Health’s Board of Directors is very supportive of its partnership with the SRD and Campbell River Hospital Foundation to provide affordable accommodations for adult patients having to travel outside of their communities to receive care at Campbell River Hospital,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health’s Board Chair. “We are grateful to our partners for spearheading this project which will tremendously help our North Island clients and their families.”
In partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (CRHF), fundraising efforts have begun to cover the capital costs estimated at $2 million. “We are incredibly thankful for our first gift of $500,000. We know that need for this type of facility is there. What we did not realize until we reached out to our rural communities is just how greatly their lives are impacted. During moments of medical crisis, travel time and finding appropriate accommodation contributes to increased emotional and economic stress for both patients and their families. We are proud to be a part of a project that will make access to care easier for rural communities.” Said Myra Egan, Campbell River Hospital Foundation Chair.
Tickets for the CRHF 2022 Because You Care Hospital Lottery go on sale April 12, with all proceeds supporting this vital project. To learn more about the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and the Because You Care Hospital Lottery call 250-286-7164 or visit www.crhospitalfoundation.ca
For more information or to get involved in the Just Like Home Lodge project, please visit www.justlikehomecr.ca.
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Media contact:
Aniko Nelson – SRD Senior Manager, Community Services 250-830-6708 anelsonsrd.ca
Stacey Marsh – CRHF Executive Director 250-286-7164 Stacey.marshislandhealth.ca
Keeping loved ones close when it matters most will soon become reality for North Island residents. The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is happy to announce that it will build and operate a safe and welcoming home-away-from-home for regionally based patients and loved ones needing to travel to Campbell River for specialized medical care or procedures that are not available in their communities.
The North Island Hospital, Campbell River & District (also referred to as Campbell River Hospital) serves 32 communities of North Vancouver Island and the North Coast. The Just Like Home Lodge, steps away from the Campbell River Hospital, will be a safe haven for patients and loved ones to support each other while connecting with others through shared experiences together in their times of need. This 10-bedroom lodge will feature separate sleeping rooms with private washrooms, a communal living space, shared kitchen, and laundry facilities. Included in the plans are spaces for Recreational Vehicles with hook-ups and a walkway with easy access to the hospital.
“The SRD Board is committed to a goal that high-quality health and social care is available regionally,” said SRD Board Chair Brad Unger. “Over the years, we have all known people that would have benefited from such a place, and we are so pleased to offer our community members this option. Whether patients need accommodation for services scheduled early in the morning, discharged from hospital in the late evening, or need to stay for multiple days, the Just Like Home Lodge will provide a safe, healthy environment. “
With support from Island Health granting a 40-year tenure over the vacant land adjacent to the Campbell River Hospital, the SRD is now able to construct and manage the operations of the lodge. Ongoing operating costs will be provided through the Strathcona Regional District and nominal fees will be charged to guests using the lodge.
“Island Health’s Board of Directors is very supportive of its partnership with the SRD and Campbell River Hospital Foundation to provide affordable accommodations for adult patients having to travel outside of their communities to receive care at Campbell River Hospital,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health’s Board Chair. “We are grateful to our partners for spearheading this project which will tremendously help our North Island clients and their families.”
In partnership with the Campbell River Hospital Foundation (CRHF), fundraising efforts have begun to cover the capital costs estimated at $2 million. “We are incredibly thankful for our first gift of $500,000. We know that need for this type of facility is there. What we did not realize until we reached out to our rural communities is just how greatly their lives are impacted. During moments of medical crisis, travel time and finding appropriate accommodation contributes to increased emotional and economic stress for both patients and their families. We are proud to be a part of a project that will make access to care easier for rural communities.” Said Myra Egan, Campbell River Hospital Foundation Chair.
Tickets for the CRHF 2022 Because You Care Hospital Lottery go on sale April 12, with all proceeds supporting this vital project. To learn more about the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and the Because You Care Hospital Lottery call 250-286-7164 or visit www.crhospitalfoundation.ca
For more information or to get involved in the Just Like Home Lodge project, please visit www.justlikehomecr.ca.
- ## -
Media contact:
Aniko Nelson – SRD Senior Manager, Community Services 250-830-6708 anelsonsrd.ca
Stacey Marsh – CRHF Executive Director 250-286-7164 Stacey.marshislandhealth.ca
