The Strathcona Regional District celebrated the completion of the Just Like Home Lodge and Health Professionals Housing with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
The regional district said it marked the milestone alongside project partners, donors and community supporters.
The two housing initiatives are located together in a purpose-built facility just west of the Campbell River Hospital.
The 10-unit lodge will provide accommodation for patients and caregivers travelling to Campbell River for medical care, while the 20-suite Health Professionals Housing will provide short- and longer-term accommodation for health-care professionals.
The SRD says the housing will help attract and retain health-care professionals needed to provide care in the region.
“These two projects turn a simple idea into practical action: if we want people to access care, and if we want health professionals to choose this region, we have to remove the barriers that stand in their way,” said SRD vice-chair Susan Sinnott. “Just Like Home Lodge offers comfort and dignity when patients and caregivers are away from home, while Health Professionals Housing gives people who come here to deliver care a place to land, build connections and consider making this region their home.”
The Campbell River Hospital Foundation and its donors raised more than $2 million to support construction of the lodge. Seymour Pacific Homes handled construction of the facility.
Health Professionals Housing will begin welcoming residents Sept. 1, while Just Like Home Lodge will begin welcoming patients and caregivers Sept. 15.
