Site preparation at hospital underway

KAMLOOPS – Politicians and dignitaries officially kicked off the beginning of phase one of Royal Inland Hospital's redevelopment Friday while crews began excavating the front lawn of the hospital.

Site preparation is under way on the grounds, which includes the relocation of underground utilities. The construction of the actual clinical services building is expected to start in spring 2014 and will take approximately two years to complete.

"I don't care what the building looks like, the people who work in those buildings are truly amazing. They dedicate their lives to making people better, and they work very very hard," Health Minister Terry Lake says. "It's nice to know we can provide infrastructure that makes their jobs easier and provides better outcomes for patients."

Interior Health is also in the process of selecting a 'preferred proponent' to design and build the new clinical services building, which is expected to be announced in the spring.

The new building will cost approximately $79.8 million and will be cost-shared between the province and the Thompson Regional Hospital District.

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