Kamloops residents tour RIH’s new Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops’ newest addition to the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) was premiered on Saturday.

The Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower was shown to staff and members of the public to give them a chance to view the building and the newest medical facility the city has to offer.

“It’s a new modern building with state-of-the-art technology that’s going to match the skill sets of the healthcare workers that work here. There’s amazing care going on every day a Royal Inland Hospital, and now those staff and physicians will have a building that matches their skill sets,” says Kevin Parnell, Interior Health Capital Planning.

Plans came together in 2018 for the largest capital project in Kamloops’ history.

The $417-million-dollar expansion to the hospital hopes to cater to residents. The RIH Foundation says the community has been behind them to help fund technology for healthcare.

“The foundation has raised $25 million. Wwe have neuroscience and trauma and maternity — we’ve got incredible things happening,” says Heidi Coleman with the RIH Foundation.

Coleman added one of the main focal points of the tower was to expand the maternity ward and one resident believes it will make a difference in the city.

“They’ve got the maternity rooms — so beautiful — and the operating rooms are bigger. It’s so much nicer. I know when I had surgery here… this is special. I don’t want to have another surgery but, obviously, this is very nice,” says Kamloops Resident Jackie Kitzel.

Reports of staff shortages hospital-wide have come from residents and physicians, and it’s hoped the state-of-the-art care centre will attract new staff.

“I know this beautiful building will help retain staff. The spaces designed for staff will and they will feel supported,” Coleman said.

Parnell added, “Having a world-class facility like this will help recruit healthcare professionals. Staff will move from the existing site into this facility and the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower becomes the new main hub — the new main entrance — the main point of access for Royal Inland Hospital.”

The tower is meant to provide enhanced care spaces to the public and improve working conditions for staff. It officially opens on July 18.