Amirk Virk, MLA for Surrey-Tynehead, tours the new pediatric emergency unit with representatives of Fraser Health (Photo credit: Province of British Columbia)

Though the new Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) emergency department does not open to patients until October, the public recently got a preview of Canada’s second-largest ER.

"This new ER will allow health-care workers to deliver exceptional care to individuals and families in a much larger, more modern facility," said British Columbia's Minister of Health, Terry Lake.

The new 5,295 square metre ER is part of a $512-million redevelopment and expansion of the hospital. Redevelopment of SMH also includes a new critical care tower. The new ER is five times larger than Surrey’s current ER. Specific areas and zones have been created to create more efficient care.

"Surrey Memorial Hospital is close to my heart - from my time serving on the SMH board, I was able to get first-hand insight into how dedicated and talented the staff and physicians here are," said Surrey-Panorama MLA Marvin Hunt. "The new emergency department, and the critical care tower which will open next year, will provide all of the volunteers, nurses, physicians and staff here at SMH with the tools and space they need to provide the best health care possible to patients."

Once the redevelopment is complete, there will be a separate pediatric emergency department that will serve families throughout the Fraser Health region. Fraser Health collaborated with Child Health BC and BC Children’s Hospital to develop a clinical practice model, designing the new space with kids and families in mind. It is one of two pediatric emergencies in B.C., and will only treat children. It has it’s a separate public entrance, walk-in and triage zone, private treatment rooms, and a special area for pediatric mental health patients.

(Photo credit: Province of British Columbia)

"This state-of-the-art facility is truly impressive and designed with the patient in mind," said Dr. Nigel Murray, president and CEO, Fraser Health. "There are now over 100 single-patient treatment rooms, for more privacy and child-friendly murals have been incorporated into the décor of the pediatric emergency."

The new ER marks the completion of Phase 1 of the redevelopment of Surrey Memorial Hospital. The government of British Columbia has committed $492 million, with an intended contribution of $20 million coming from the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and Child Health BC.

The $512-million total investment is being used to develop the eight-hectare Surrey Memorial Hospital site so it can serve the entire Fraser Health region. This includes an eight-floor critical care tower. The new emergency department is located on the first floor of the critical care tower. The rest of the tower is scheduled to open in June 2014.