Nanaimo hospital opens new unit for patients with complex, high-care needs

The Government of British Columbia announced that patients with complex care needs will receive more focused care and close monitoring at the new High Acuity Unit (HAU) opening at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

“This new High Acuity Unit is a vital part of building a stronger, more resilient health-care system for people in Nanaimo and the region,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Investing in modern, purpose-built hospital infrastructure like this means patients with complex care needs receive integrated, high-quality care in a purpose-built area.”

The new HAU will open on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, and is designed to help patients with serious health problems who need more care than provided in a regular hospital ward but less care than provided in an intensive care unit (ICU). Having both the ICU and HAU in one building strengthens the hospital critical-care team’s ability to care for their patients.

The new HAU at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital includes:

• 12 patient beds in private rooms that offer more space, natural light and dedicated family rooms with sleeping areas and reclining chairs;
• dialysis capability, monitoring equipment, private bathrooms and ceiling lifts in each room; and
• a nurses’ station, medication room, utility rooms, linen alcove, nourishment centre, physician area, family consult room and staff washroom.

Located south of the emergency department and attached to the ICU, the HAU’s location allows shorter travel times for patients and staff, which is critical for patients with such complex care needs. The new HAU replaces the eight-bed temporary unit set up at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“The critical care team at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital is immensely grateful to the provincial government, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District and the community at large,” said Jane Marriott, clinical lead for the High Acuity Unit. “This support has played a crucial role in enhancing the excellent care we are proud to provide our patients and families, everywhere, every time.”

The HAU adds four new high acuity beds to the hospital, bringing the total number of high acuity and intensive care beds at the hospital to 24.

“When someone is facing a serious health challenge, access to critical care close to home leads to better experiences and healthier outcomes,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “The new High Acuity Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital will deliver the right level of care at the right time, with a skilled team ready to respond.”

The completion of the HAU marks the final phase of a $60.1-million initiative to expand and enhance critical care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Launched in 2021, the initiative also included the construction of a new 12-bed ICU which opened in June 2023. Of the total budget, $41.6 million was allocated to the ICU and $18.5 million to the HAU. Funding for the project was provided by the provincial government, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District and the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.

“With additional beds and the latest critical and complex care innovations now available at NRGH, patients and their families are experiencing even more comprehensive support for their care needs. This advancement enhances our commitment to providing the best possible patient care,” said Leah Hollins, chair, Island Health.

Featured image: (BC Government)