Interior Health released today a Request for Proposals (RFP) to build 43 new residential care beds in
Nelson.
“This announcement of 43 new beds is great news for families in the Nelson area,” said Health Minister
Terry Lake. “These beds, along with an additional 243 new residential beds located throughout Interior
Health that we announced last fall, will help provide a caring and supportive environment for residents
who can no longer live independently.”
The 43 new beds will increase the publicly-funded residential care beds in Nelson to 167 from the 124
beds currently available in the community.
“While our goal is to help individuals live independently as long as possible, residential care continues to
play a vital role in supporting the needs of an aging population,” says Interior Health board chair John
O’Fee. “Interior Health has recognized the need for additional beds in Nelson and I’m pleased to see this
moving forward.”
The RFP for Nelson is based on a review of current local demographics, wait times, referral patterns,
complexity of residents, and population projections for the Nelson area. New beds will meet the most
recent standards for residential care including private rooms; wide, bright hallways; more intimate dining
and recreation areas; and focus on environments that will best support those with complex needs, such
as residents with dementia.
“This announcement expands the housing options for seniors in Nelson where we know additional
residential care capacity is required,” said Executive Director, Residential Services Cindy Kozak-
Campbell. “These new beds will ensure we are meeting the needs of Nelson in the years to come.”
Interior Health currently has 5,653 residential care beds, providing 24/7 care and support for individuals
with complex care needs who are no longer able to live at home independently or with supports. This
includes frail and elderly individuals with chronic conditions, such as those with dementia, whose needs
may change over time.
IH anticipates awarding the contract to build 43 new residential care beds in Nelson in the spring with
new beds available by the fall of 2018.
As part of its commitment to enhance cultural safety and provide culturally appropriate care in all service
areas, Interior Health will require proponents to develop a plan that includes engagement of local
communities including First Nations stakeholders during development of the new beds. In addition,
Interior Health’s Aboriginal Health team will be involved in the procurement process.
Interior Health’s plan for residential care services supports the Ministry of Health’s strategic direction,
which focuses on a more integrated system of primary and community care that better meets the needs of patients, including frail seniors.