The Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) is again using its Community Investment Fund to improve health care in northwest B.C.

The port announced today (Nov. 13), it is contributing $430,000 toward the Tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and special care nursery at the new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace.

"This investment will help keep patients closer to their homes, families, and support systems during their most physically and emotionally challenging days," the port said in a press release.

A Tier 3 NICU offers an advanced level of obstetrical and neonatal services that will support deliveries and newborn care at 34 weeks, and in emergent cases, 32 weeks 鈥� five weeks ahead of existing capacities in the region.

The $14.5 million state-of-the-art facility will serve mothers and babies from Atlin and Dease Lake to the north, Kitimat to the south; the Hazeltons, Smithers and Houston to the east; and Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii to the west. 

鈥淭he NICU and Special Care Nursery will save many at-risk patients the hazards and stress of being medically evacuated to Vancouver or Prince George and spare their families the complexities and financial burdens of travelling to an unfamiliar place to be with their loved ones during a traumatic time,鈥� said Shaun Stevenson, president and CEO of the PRPA. 鈥淲e are honoured to help provide greater access to high-level care and better outcomes for people from across northwest BC.鈥� 

Chris Mallett, president of the Dr. REM Lee Foundation noted that 93 mothers and 55 newborns have been transferred out of the region to hospitals with higher levels of care in the last three-and-a-half years.

鈥淭hat is 148 families who coped with the stress of separation and travel associated with these transfers,鈥� Mallett said 鈥淭he goal is to reduce the cost and trauma for other northern families like these.鈥�

Northern Health says the hospital is scheduled to be open on Nov. 24, but there is no word as yet if that includes the NICU and special care nursery.