An $18 million renovation project has been approved for Mission Memorial Hospital, Fraser Health announced on Thursday (May 15). 

According to a news release, the expanded emergency department will be 35 per cent larger, increasing care spaces by 17 to 41.

Other enhancements include a resuscitation room with a dedicated anteroom to treat patients needing quick interventions like cardiac arrest. 

鈥淚t will also include an airborne isolation room that will provide immediate and specialized care for patients at risk of spreading airborne infections,鈥� the news release reads. 

The new layout will focus on clear lines of sight, quick and clear exit paths in case of an emergency, and controlled access to and throughout the department, Fraser Health says. 

With the planning for the project complete, Fraser Health says construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed by spring 2027.

The health authority also announced the completion of repairs after burst pipes caused the emergency department to flood in January 2024. 

Fraser Health said the department required major remediation, which provided an opportunity to examine the existing space and consider how the department could be improved in the long term. 

B.C. health minister Josie Osborne said in the release that the 鈥減roject will help ensure that the hospital can keep pace with the community鈥檚 growing population and provide quality care now and into the future.鈥�

Dr. Lynn Stevenson, Fraser Health interim president and CEO, said the investment marks a major milestone for emergency care in Mission. 

鈥淭he expanded and modernized Emergency Department will not only enhance the care experience for patients and families, but also create a safer, more efficient work environment for staff and physicians,鈥� Stevenson said. 鈥淲e hope this revitalization will also attract new emergency physicians who are excited to be part of a growing, vibrant community.鈥�

Mission Memorial Hospital has been dealing with physician staffing challenges since last summer,

鈥淟ast year, we were told by the Minister of Health that Mission Memorial Hospital was considered a critical part of the Fraser Valley鈥檚 health care infrastructure, and that it had an important future,鈥� Mission Mayor Paul Horn said in the release. 鈥淭his investment reinforces the commitment by Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health in ensuring a robust Mission Memorial Hospital. We look forward to more opportunities to see improvements in and around the hospital campus.鈥�

More to come.