​​The Slocan Site Redevelopment Project team came together around a shared passion for improving the lives of children with the most complex and challenging health conditions in British Columbia. Since it was established in June 2022, this high-functioning team of 16 has already accomplished many major milestones earning them a PHSA+ Award.​​

“We’ve tasked the Slocan team with developing a brand new program for BC Children’s Hospital, where few precedents exist. The team has risen to this challenge by adopting an innovative strategy focusing on human-centred design. This approach places the end users of the program (the children and families, and the staff who will offer care at the site) at the centre of clinical and facility planning. The Slocan team’s approach gives families, clinicians and key partners the opportunity to co-design the program. I have no doubt that the result of this work will be a first-of-its kind program that will have a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of these children and their families,” says, Sarah Bell, chief operating officer, BC Children’s Hospital.

The Slocan team’s commitment to robust and authentic engagement is what sets it apart from other redevelopment project teams. Their collaborative approach is breaking down siloes and leading to critical conversations around gaps in the care that exists. By working in partnership with key groups, especially families, clinical and operational staff, Indigenous partners, and external partners they are learning how the program at the Slocan centre can address these gaps. (Since the beginning of the project, the team has already engaged with close to 400 individuals!)

One of the many innovations that stemmed from the team’s close partnership with families is the incorporation of a feature ramp into the building design to serve children who are in mobility devices. As a direct result of the families’ input, the architects shifted their approach to include a ramp connecting several levels of the building.

The Slocan team aims to achieve LEED Gold (main facility) and Passive House (daycare) certifications, notable carbon and energy reduction targets, as well as a Gold rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification​. They have also worked closely with Indigenous Health partners to introduce innovative spaces to support Indigenous patients and families including an All Nations space, Elder’s room and healing garden.

The new program and centre is intended to significantly improve the quality of life, well-being, and health outcomes for children and youth with health complexity, and their families.

“This project isn’t just about a new building with the same features as other facilities, it’s  a unique opportunity to co-design a service and centre that can truly demonstrate a patient-centred process and solution,” says Scott Fraser-Dauphinee, senior director, Major Capital Projects, PHSA.

Congratulations to the Slocan Site Redevelopment Project team on their PHSA+ Award!