Saanich Peninsula Hospital Celebrates 30 Years

At the Saanich Peninsula Hospital (SPH) 30th anniversary celebrations on May 20th, VIHA unveiled its future vision for enhancing acute and community health care services for peninsula residents.

Mike Conroy, VIHA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer joined more than 100 guests at a celebration lunch for local dignitaries, community physicians, hospital staff past and present, members of the SPH Foundation, representatives of peninsula First Nations and community groups involved in health care.

"Saanich Peninsula Hospital is – and will continue to be – both cherished by its community and an important hospital in the South Island network," he told them. "VIHA’s vision for SPH sees this family practice based hospital continuing to provide acute care while serving as the hub of a comprehensive array of health services."

Dr. Ambrose Marsh, Chief of Staff, hailed the 30th anniversary as a "significant milestone" for SPH, noting, "I’m optimistic that, with VIHA’s commitment to this vision, SPH will play a pivotal role as a community hospital providing a broad range of health care over the next 30 years."

The same day during a special anniversary tea for members of the SPH Foundation, Georgina MacDonald, Vice President Planning, outlined the emerging vision for SPH that is now evolving in collaboration with a working group made up of the hospital site administrator, physicians and VIHA planning and operations staff.

Among the goals: 

• Improved access to acute care services for Saanich Peninsula residents;
• A campus of care for seniors including geriatric assessment, seniors wellness programs, chronic disease management and palliative care;
• Aboriginal health programs;
• Development of SPH's integral role in the South Island hospital health care network; and
• Development of SPH as a teaching hospital for new physicians, nurses and allied health professionals.

"We are thrilled to hear about these new plans," said Lorne Jack, SPH Foundation president. "It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the hospital's 30th anniversary and we know our donors will be gratified to see their generosity rewarded with a clear vision for the future." The Foundation is close to completing its goal for $500,000 to build a chapel at the hospital and has currently raised $1.5 million of its target $4 million for new operating rooms.