Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan opening delayed

The Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan likely won’t open its doors until 2018 after several delays.

“I think everyone is just a bit frustrated. This is one of the biggest undertakings—one of the biggest projects that has ever been undertaken in this province. All of us, the foundation, the health region, parents, children, have been looking forward to the opening day,” Dan Florizone, president of the Saskatoon Health Region, said.

The hospital was slated to open in 2017 however three different delays have pushed that back about six months.

Health Minister Dustin Duncan announced last April that the Children’s Hospital had been delayed to add 24 more beds to the design, which would meet the needs of a growing province.

Since then, the three –prequalified vendors asked the health region for a more detailed analysis for their engineers before submitting their proposals. All three vendors have submitted a proposal, which includes a timeline and price tag.

“Unfortunately both the cost and timelines are confidential at this point,” Florizone said.

The Saskatoon Health Region has now asked for a 45-day extension from the July 13 deadline to determine which vendors will be awarded the project.

Kimberley Camboia can’t wait to bring her five-year-old daughter Aleina to the new Children’s Hospital. She’s one of many parents who have been consulted throughout the process.

“All the delays have been well worth it. They have been with a patient and family focus,” Camboia explained.

Aleina, who has cystic fibrosis, frequents the hospital every three months. She insists on an elevated parking space every visit to look down at the future site of the hospital.
 
“It sucks that there have been so many delays as an eager parent waiting for something like this to happen… but if you really learn why there is the delays, I think it’s hard to be upset,” Camboia said.

Last June, excavators crushed through the structures of the Royal University Hospital’s parkade to make way for pilings.  Phase one was on scheduled and completed in March 2015.

“While you look at the site, you may not notice the change. Those pilings are underground. They are all tested,” Florizone said.

“We’re all ready for phase two.”

Within the 45-day extension, recommendations will be made to the province and regional health authority. The final decision will be made public.

“What it really comes down to is how much and by when?”

kyeske@rawlco.com
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