The provincial government has released a Request for Qualifications for the expansion and redevelopment of the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. Health Minister Paul Merriman says the RFQ is for the design and construction of a new multi-level acute care tower addition to the hospital, and the redevelopment and renewal of the existing hospital space. It’s expected the new tower will be built first.

The RFQ closes in February, then the three top applicants will be invited to proceed to the next stage, which is a Request for Proposal, which is planned to be released next spring or summer. Merriman says the redevelopment will provide residents of Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan improved and expanded access to health services, closer to home.

When it’s done, there will be a larger emergency department, enhanced medical imaging services, and a 40 per cent increase in the number of hospital beds, with a total of 242. The province is paying for all of the capital costs and the local community and Victoria Hospital Foundation will raise funds for furniture and equipment.