“Expecting a baby?” That’s a question many here in Vancouver ask. Many soon-to-be parents find their way to the BC Women’s Hospital. This hospital stands as a beacon of health and hope. It is dedicated to women, newborns, and families. Let’s step inside and explore its story.
BC Women’s Hospital is not just any hospital. It is the only facility in Western Canada specializing in women’s health. It’s also the largest maternity hospital in Canada. As we walk these halls think about the countless lives it has touched.
The hospital’s history began in 1927 as the Grace Maternity Hospital. The Salvation Army ran it at Heather Street and West 29th Avenue. In 1982 Grace Maternity Hospital joined with Vancouver General Hospital’s maternity care. They moved to this very location on Oak Street sharing grounds with Shaughnessy Hospital.
The Salvation Army withdrew its administration in 1994. It was after Shaughnessy Hospital closed. That year the facility became BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre.
Consider the special moments that have occurred here. In 2006 conjoined twins Krista and Tatiana Hogan were born here. They were the first such twins born in British Columbia. Then in 2007 Canada’s first set of sextuplets arrived. Four boys and two girls entered the world prematurely at 25 weeks.
The Teck Acute Care Centre opened here in 2017. This modern facility has single-occupant rooms. It offers natural light and gardens. It also has a high-risk labor and delivery suite and a new neonatal intensive care unit.
In September 2020 ten new single-room birthing suites opened. This brought the total to 27. A new family lounge was also added. It allows family members and visitors a place to relax. Siblings can play there.
BC Women’s Hospital serves women, babies, and families across British Columbia. Only 43 percent of patients live in the Lower Mainland. The remaining 57 percent come from other areas of BC. Many specialized women’s health services are unique to this hospital. BC Women’s treats over 68000 patients each year. Impressive.
The hospital delivers about 7200 babies annually. It provides high-risk maternity care. The Neonatal Intensive Care unit cares for 1200 high-risk premature and sick newborns each year. There are 85 antepartum/postpartum beds. 29 of these beds are high risk. There are nine delivery suites and ten neonatal care nursery beds.
BC Women’s Health Foundation supports the hospital’s needs. It raises funds for capital equipment, diagnostics, patient care, research, and education.
The Women’s Health Research Institute enhances women’s health research. It is a leading academic center embedded within the hospital. It improves the health and health care of girls and women.
As we conclude our visit remember BC Women’s Hospital’s impact. It is more than a hospital. It is a center of hope. It is a place of groundbreaking achievements. BC Women’s is a true pillar of women’s health in Canada.