Chief David Spintlum Lodge - assisted living in Lytton

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Traditional prayer ceremony by Lytton First Nation members. . .

(NOTE: Chief David Spintlum was a respected hereditary leader and chief of the Thompson Indians (Lytton First Nations) and a well respected peacemaker)
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Province of British Columbia: Lytton Celebrates New Health Centre & Seniors' Housing

LYTTON, BC
Aug 03, 2009

Healthy Living and Sport Minister Ida Chong was joined today by representatives from local First Nations, Interior Health, BC Housing and the Thompson Regional Hospital District (TRHD) to celebrate the opening of Lytton's new health centre and assisted living complex.

'The new Chief David Spintlum Lodge and St. Bartholomew's Health Centre expand health-care options in the heart of the Fraser Thompson,' said Chong. 'The new health centre and assisted living facility improve acute care and community health services to better meet the needs of First Nations and other residents in the Lytton area.'

The new centre, which brings community health services and seniors' housing under one roof, was blessed with a traditional prayer ceremony by Lytton First Nation members.

'These new assisted living units ensure that Lytton remains an affordable community for local seniors who require additional care,' said Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman.

A new health centre in Lytton was one of the highlights in the First Nations Health Plan released by the provincial government and the First Nations Leadership Council in November 2006. The plan outlined a number of actions to improve the health status of First Nations in British Columbia.

'Through more equitable access to quality, culturally appropriate health services, we are working to reduce the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians,' said Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister George Abbott.

'The new health centre and assisted living complex is another phase of our comprehensive community health plan,' said Chief Janet Webster of the Lytton First Nation. 'We have been working in collaboration with all levels of government to improve the health and wellness of our First Nations communities, and appreciate the commitment displayed through their continued support under the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan.'

The $8.7-million dollar project was funded by the Province ($4.3 million), BC Housing ($2.5 million) and the Thompson Regional Hospital District ($1.9 million). Interior Health and the hospital district provided an additional $372,000 for land and radiology equipment.

'We are proud to be a funding partner for the health centre aspect of this new facility, which will make a difference in so many people's lives for years to come,' said TRHD chair Harry Danyluk.

The new health centre, which replaces the 1937 St. Bartholomew's Health Centre, includes an emergency department, lab and X-ray services, offices, a medical clinic and leased space for pharmacy.

'This has been an important development for the Village of Lytton and the adjacent First Nations communities,' added Interior Health CEO Murray Ramsden. 'Interior Health is pleased to be able to join with our partners to provide this new centre.'

The six assisted living suites are funded through the Independent Living BC (ILBC) program, an innovative housing-for-health program that provides housing for seniors and people with disabilities. Assisted living units are self-contained suites with a 24-hour response system. Residents receive personal care services, such as assistance with medication, housekeeping, meals, laundry services and recreational opportunities. Funding for personal care will be provided by Interior Health.

Following the Province's mandate for new builds to incorporate green features, the new facility has been designed and constructed to a LEED Gold standard through the Canada Green Building Council. Gold certification confirms that green principles have been implemented throughout the facility.

Since 2001, the provincial government has opened over 5,800 net-new residential care beds, assisted living units and supportive housing units with home support across British Columbia. More than 12,500 new and replacement beds and units have been opened, replacing many that were old and unsuitable for complex care. Over the next three years, British Columbia's health-care system will benefit from investments such as new medical equipment and modernized health facilities as part of a $2.5-billion health sector capital plan.

CONTACT: Ministry of Health Services, Public Affairs Bureau Tel: +1 250 952 1887 Greg McKay, Communications, Interior Health Tel: +1 250 314 2100 (local 3741) Tel: +1 250 574 1523