Seniors in Greater Victoria are in need of a long term care facility, according to the B.C. Care Providers Association.
The BCCPA is calling for the Vancouver Island Health Authority to consider other options for long term senior care beds in the region and to put out a request for proposals (RFP) within 30 to 45 days.
“Capital Region seniors have waited too long for new long term care beds,” Ed Helfrich, BCCPA CEO, said in a statement, released July 11.
“VIHA should initiate a new public re-tender as soon as possible.”
The association’s request comes after Oak Bay council voted, late last month, against VIHA’s plan to replace Oak Bay Lodge as a 320-bed facility.
VIHA knew that a return to RFPs would be necessary once height and parking variances for the proposed redevelopment of the Lodge were rejected, a spokesperson said.
“That’s exactly what we’ve done,” VIHA spokesperson Shannon Marshall said, adding however, it could take several months before a final RFP is developed.
“We’re moving ahead with that,” she said. “We too, would love to have it issued sooner rather than later but it is a very, very complex process and we need to take the time to ensure that (it’s done) with solid due process and that it’s as complete as possible before we issue it.”