We are going back into our archives in this Throwback to some tough times for Delta Hospital.
Fraser Health, in early 2002, announced a series of planned cuts including an overnight closure of the emergency department and downgrading the hospital’s status.
Having worked hard for years to get a local hospital built, the community was in an uproar and thousands attended a heated meeting at the South Delta Recreation Centre to voice their anger.
A petition with more than 32,000 signatures was eventually presented to the government and a recall effort launched against then MLA Val Roddick.
The continued pressure by the community, including the Save Delta Hospital group and the city, would force the health region to back off closing the ER.
However, the hospital lost its acute care status.
The community didn’t waiver and, following continued lobbying, the acute care status was reinstated in 2008.
In the years that have followed, additional acute-care beds were added and, eventually, a rapid access clinic came among other things.
Other improvements included a newly renovated endoscopy suite as well as state-of-the-art CT scanner.
More positive changes, thanks to the fundraising efforts and community support for the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation and Delta Hospital Auxiliary, included an expansion of the ER and, more recently, the new Peter C. and Elizabeth Toigo Diagnostic Services Building.
The facility is currently designated as a primary care, level II community hospital.
Next on the hospital’s High Level Master Plan is a replacement of the Mountain View Manor care facility.
