PEOPLE in Surrey are a step closer to having increased access to inpatient renal care now that a business plan has been approved for a new renal hemodialysis unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
“More treatment stations mean less waiting time and more opportunities for care for patients facing the hardship of kidney disease,” said Premier David Eby on Tuesday. “This new facility addresses a critical health-care need, and ensures that people in Surrey can get comprehensive, compassionate care in the community that will enhance their quality of life.”
Planning and site preparation is underway with construction set to begin in August 2024.
“We’re investing in life-saving renal services in Surrey because the population is growing rapidly and, currently, people sometimes need to travel to other communities for their dialysis,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “The approval of the business plan for a hemodialysis renal centre at the Surrey Memorial Hospital demonstrates our continued commitment to improving health services for patients in Surrey and south of the Fraser.”
Located on the northwestern corner of Surrey Memorial Hospital’s campus, the new stand-alone unit is expected to open in 2025. The unit will feature state-of-the-art equipment and will expand the hospital’s capacity to treat patients with kidney disease by adding 21 new renal hemodialysis stations, bringing the total at Surrey Memorial Hospital to 60. The unit will operate seven days a week and will complement existing in-hospital renal units.
Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO, Fraser Health, said: “This new facility in the heart of Surrey will be life changing for renal patients and their families, supporting them to access care closer to home. With this expansion hundreds of additional patients will have peace of mind that care is there when they need it. I would like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated care teams at Fraser Health, Surrey Memorial Hospital and in the Surrey community for their compassionate care to patients, clients and their families.”
Dr. Bradford Strijack, head of the division of nephrology, Surrey Memorial Hospital, said: “This innovative new facility will make a big difference to local patients with chronic kidney disease. We know comfort is key for our patients, given that hemodialysis can require three or more half-day sessions per week. With this new dedicated space, we can ensure patients have a better experience during their visits, closer to their homes and families.”
In addition to supporting patients in the Surrey community, the inpatient renal hemodialysis unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital functions as one of three regional hubs that supports patients in communities across the region. These hubs are part of Fraser Health’s regional renal strategy to provide a better experience for renal patients and their families.
The estimated capital cost of this project is $85 million, with $84 million funded by the Province, and $1 million by the Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
This announcement builds on the 30 actions announced in June 2023 to improve health services for patients, while better supporting health-care workers at the Surrey Memorial Hospital. In March 2024, the Province announced the start of decanting for two new cardiac catheterization suites and a second interventional radiology suite that will be located on the third floor in the Critical Care Tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
