We talk a lot about how the new St. Paul’s Hospital will transform the way we care for patients, collaborate with colleagues, and engage with the communities we serve. But what does that really look like?
Well, for one thing, the new space will incorporate what’s called an “on-stage/off-stage” design. It’s a concept borrowed from the theatre world and built on the premise that the audience (in this case, our patients and families) needs different things than the cast and crew (our staff).
This means that public spaces (exam rooms, labs, waiting areas) will be separate from private or utilitarian spaces (nursing stations, break rooms, offices, storage). It’s a simple, effective way to reduce wait times, simplify wayfinding, enhance privacy, and ensure people and equipment can move through the hospital safely and efficiently.
Here are few more fast facts about the new St. Paul’s Hospital and how it will transform the health care experience for patients and staff alike.
PEOPLE FIRST
- Will reflect the spirit of the land, culture, and values of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh.
- Will be built with meaningful engagement and collaboration with local Nations, community organizations, and Indigenous peoples throughout BC.
- Features include art, wellness walks, sacred spaces, and natural light.
- Gardens for sunshine and fresh air; some will have gas hook-ups for patients on oxygen. In the mental health area, the garden will be enclosed for safety and privacy.
- Learning commons and conference facilities will give staff, students, research professionals, and patients spaces to learn, teach, and share.
PANDEMIC READY
- Three times more handwashing sinks.
- Eight times more negative pressure rooms.
- The Teck Emergency Department will be outfitted with antimicrobial copper proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Robust HVAC and many direct entrances from outdoors to cordon off sections of the hospital if needed.
- Three infection-control surgical rooms with sealed anterooms and independent air filtration systems to safely change into/out of PPE.
- Everything from patient check-in, to scheduling, to security is controlled by a clinical operations centre – similar to an air traffic control tower.
FUTURE PROOF
- Fully equipped to network with clinicians, researchers, and scientists in BC and around the world.
- Opportunities to collaborate nationally as a founding member of Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster and within the Pacific Northwest’s expanding Cascadia Innovation Corridor initiative.
- In addition to the Clinical Support and Research Centre, future development may include other centres for excellence such as a Centre for Healthy Aging, an Indigenous Wellness and Welcoming Centre, and more.
The new building and its grounds will be spectacular, innovative, and ultra-efficient. And all of this incredible infrastructure serves a single purpose: to support our frontline caregivers, our patients, and their families. Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime transformation, give today!