The countdown is on: new hospital to open in 73 days

Less than three months remain until the official opening date of June 21 for the hospital, and June 24 for the Peace Villa residential care facility. Cathy Ulrich, President and CEO of Northern Health told a group that included government representatives, staff and members of the community this afternoon that the project is still "on time and on budget". She also unveiled the new electronic sign that will count down the days until it is open.

Construction began back in June 2009, and will culminate in a brand new two-story hospital with 55 acute-care beds, and a residential care facility with 124 beds.

"These new buildings will provide patients of all ages with a wide range of health services closer to home," says Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm. "It also supports recruitment, retention and engagement of a sustainable health care work force."

As construction is finishing up on the interior of the building, Northern Health's focus is turning to planning for the transition that will take place over four to five days in June. Equipment in the existing facility will be transferred to the new one, along with patients and residents. Service commencement day, when Northern Health is handed the keys to the new facility, is still scheduled for May 31, 2012.

Below are photos from a tour of the facility one month ago: