Update on B.C.’s First Senior Friendly Emergency Unit
Thanks to you – our dedicated community, fundraising for BC’s first Senior Friendly Emergency Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital was completed this winter, and the impact is already taking shape.
“I’m excited to share the progress that has been made on developing our Senior Friendly Emergency Unit,” says Rebecca McGregor, Director of Tertiary Clinical Operations. “Thanks to the dedicated working group of peers, we have started populating the roadmap of changes over the next 10 months towards opening BC’s first emergency unit of this kind.”
Renovation plans and budgets have been submitted, equipment wish lists verified, and purchase orders are in progress to bring the needed equipment to the unit. Initiative champions from within the emergency healthcare teams have also stepped forward to lead key areas including workflows and the nursing framework for senior-focused care.
Rebecca emphasizes that while the physical renovations are important, and equipment purchasing necessary, the cultural and practice changes are just as critical to meet the needs of seniors needing care.
“This is what your donor support makes possible,” shared Rebecca. “This is not just a renovated space, but a reimagined approach to emergency care for seniors across our region.”
BC’s first Senior Friendly Emergency Unit at NRGH is anticipated to open winter 2026/2027.
