News & Insights
Royal Columbian Hospital expands care with opening of new tower
Salas O’Brien supported the opening of the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, helping expand access to critical healthcare services across British Columbia.
Royal Columbian Hospital’s new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower begins serving patients on May 31, 2026, marking a major milestone in one of the largest healthcare redevelopment projects in British Columbia’s history. The new 388-bed, 10-storey tower expands access to critical and specialized care and makes this the only hospital in the region to provide expanded trauma care, cardiac care, neurosurgery, high-risk obstetrics, neonatal intensive care, and acute mental health care on one site.
These expanded services improve access to lifesaving care while helping healthcare teams respond to growing demand across the region. The tower positions Royal Columbian Hospital to care for more patients with complex and urgent medical needs, helping families access advanced treatments closer to home.
As part of the multi-year redevelopment, Salas O’Brien partnered with Fraser Health, EllisDon, Parkin Architects, HDR, and the broader project team to support the delivery of the tower. The team provided mechanical, electrical, architectural lighting, IT, telecom, audiovisual, and security design services focused on creating a safer, more efficient healthcare environment for the community.
Meeting the region’s growing healthcare needs
Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building incorporates energy-efficient systems that improve indoor air quality, support infection control, and create a more comfortable environment for patients and care teams.
Delivering the project required close coordination within an active healthcare campus. Salas O’Brien helped minimize disruptions to patient care throughout construction while supporting the hospital’s transition to expanded, modern healthcare services.
With patients now beginning to use the new tower, the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower represents a long-term investment in the future of healthcare in British Columbia, expanding access to the critical services the community needs.
Watch this video and hear from our experts on the innovative design for this growing hospital.
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