Seniors once again in the middle, as the Acropolis saga takes a few more twists

The folks at Acropolis Manor and those wishing to join them one day, must be feeling like bouncing balls in a bingo machine these days, as plans continue to be developed to replace the aging structure adjacent to the Hospital.

Already a tad behind schedule, the saga continues along with two possibilities being floated as a concept for replacement. Northern Health is pushing forward with their plans to replace the facility, but at the same time is now exploring the possibility of having a private operator take on the project as well.

What has yet to be said is whether the private operator plans might delay the construction phase of the project, thus causing more consternation for those so closely involved in the issue for the last number of years.

It’s felt by a few of those that have been lobbying for a replacement facility for years now, that the private option would only set back the replacement plans even further, leaving the Northwest in dire straits as far as senior care goes for the short and medium term.

There are many projects that are needed in the Northwest, but by far the Acropolis file should be dealt with as soon as possible, no further delay in concept let alone construction should be pondered by those in charge. The current residents and those that may wish to join them soon, need a definitive word on what is ahead for them.

Eventually someone just has to decide to build the thing and get the wheels moving, leave the bouncing balls for the bingo players in the residents lounge. B as in Build, should be the mantra for all at Northern Health.

The Daily has all the details on the latest twist to a long running story, you can check it out below.

NEW TWIST IN ACROPOLIS MANOR SAGA
By James Vassalo
The Daily News
Monday, May 1, 2006
Page One

Northern Health is pushing forward with plans to build a replacement facility for Acropolis Manor, however they are still actively seeking a private operator as well.

“We’re in the design-development phase and we’re moving forward, but alongside we are also looking at this parallel process,” said Suzanne Johnston, Northwest Chief Operating Officer.

“We are going to build it, we are going to get it done but we’ve got huge capital needs and we want to see if there’s money out there.

“This process will ensure all options are available to replace Acropolis Manor with a facility that provides care for the wide range of seniors’ health needs.”

NH is developing architectural drawings for the new facility, with the intention to issue a construction tender by the summer.

During a process two years ago, independent operators had expressed limited interest in building and operating the new seniors care facility, however the health authority says it has recently become aware of several groups that may submit a proposal to build and operate a facility in Prince Rupert.

The proposals could provide a range of options from building the new facility and leasing it back to NH, to building an operating it on a contract with the health region. These proposals could also include alternatives to Northern Health’s proposed on-site replacement of Acropolis Manor present to seniors last month.

“It could be somewhere else in town,” said Johnston. “We’ll look at proposals anywhere … they may want to build downtown instead.”

However, the proposal the health authority presented locally – a cruciform structure on the site of the current Acropolis Manor with built in flexibility that allows “pods” to be added to it if the need for long term care grows – will also continue moving forward.

She said the “parallel” process will not change the timeline for the development expected to be finished for 2007 or early 2008.

“We are committed to seeing a new facility to meet the needs of seniors in the Prince Rupert area,” she said.

“We will work with our partners in the North West Regional Hospital District to ensure that we move forward with the best solution for the community.”

The potential of a private operator does concern some, largely due to a feeling that the often delayed facility will take even longer to build.

“(Private interest) is welcome news for their side – the government side not Northern Health – but this is going to delay this thing again.” Said Tony Briglio, vice-chair of the North West Regional Hospital district..

“And if they a re successful, we’ll just be taking operating dollars away from local health care, which is my concern with these P3’s.

While the health authority gets the money to build the facility now – although Briglio notes the hospital district has its 40 per cent for the project and Northern Health has put aside its 60 per cent for the project – it ends up costing much more and the money comes out of operating expenses rather than out of capital expenditures, leaving less for day-to-day health care costs,” he said.

“The bottom line is: I think (Northern Health) is on the wrong track,” he said.

“We’re going to get further delays and at the end of the day I don’t think there is someone in the North that will build this.”
“It’s just a further delay and it’s a cause for concern for the whole community.”