An update on our way forward
In our February CSRC Update, we shared news of working directly with the provincial government on an alternate plan to deliver the CSRC as a single building, owned and operated by Providence Health Care. In April, the revised business plan was submitted for government approval.
As we await government approval, the project planning is continuing to move forward. With the change in delivery model for the CSRC, our original goal to open the CSRC around the same time as the new St. Paul’s Hospital (NSPH), which is still on track for spring 2027, has been impacted.
Our ‘gap’ approach
Gap planning will cover up to two years as a worst-case scenario, with a promise to look for every opportunity to shorten the timeline while still delivering a high-quality building. The recommended gap approach is to generally maintain Providence’s current locations – including the current St. Paul’s Hospital (SPH) site on Burrard and leased office spaces or comparable spaces at other leased sites – until we transition to the CSRC.
To reach this decision, we extensively evaluated various options, such as leasing new locations off-site and utilizing existing sites. We carefully considered the associated capital and operating costs of each option during the evaluation process. Additionally, we took into account the impact on the overall operations of future CSRC occupants, as well as individual research centres.
After careful analysis, it was determined that remaining at current sites would cause the least disruption to the research centres and offer the best value for money compared to the other options.
Navigating the ‘gap’
We value the importance of your work in advancing patient care and research, and we understand the crucial need for access to clinicians, patients, clinics, and samples, as well as the unique nature of each research centre and their specific requirements based on the nature of research.
We will continue listening to your concerns about the potential impact to your workflows and operations, address your specific needs and minimize disruptions to your work during the gap period. We understand some individuals or teams may have functions that are incompatible with staying in current locations. We will assess these cases on an individual basis and work collaboratively with you on solutions.
Most of the detailed gap planning will take place in 2024. However, some early ideas of how to ensure connectivity between current locations and future NSPH are:
- Touchdown desks or temporary flexible spaces on NSPH campus
- Regular free of charge shuttle service between NSPH campus and current SPH site
- Bike share program
What’s next?
Over the next few months, we’ll be seeking opportunities to engage with each centre and specific groups to learn more about their needs and listen to concerns. As gap planning progresses next year, we will bring on additional project management team members and engage with working groups to help us shape individualized plans.
We value your expertise and appreciate your input as we work towards finding solutions. Our priority right now is to continue learning about each research group’s individual needs to ensure your work can continue with minimal disruption.
Contact us
Your Project Manager, Devang Raval (draval@providencehealth.bc.ca), is your main point of contact during this information-gathering phase. Devang is available to answer your questions about the CSRC project or address any concerns you may have as we move forward.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to scientific discovery and improving patient care.