Andrew Wilkinson warns Surrey residents to be wary of NDP’s promise of building a second hospital in Surrey

Opposition leader Andrew Wilkinson is warning Surrey residents to be cautious about the NDP’s pledge to build a second hospital in the city, saying voters should look beyond campaign announcements to see whether real progress is being made.

Wilkinson argued that residents need details on timelines, funding approvals, and procurement steps before trusting the promise.

The government says the project is moving through the province’s capital planning process – from concept plan to business case, then Treasury Board funding, followed by design and construction. Officials insist Surrey’s rapid growth demands additional health care capacity.

Local health voices agree that demand is critical. A Surrey physician told Connect FM that emergency wait times and patient loads show the current system is stretched. “Another hospital is needed, but people want to see firm commitments on beds, staffing, and timelines,” the doctor said.

Residents who have faced long delays in emergency rooms welcomed the idea of a second site, but said they want clarity on where the hospital will be built and how it will be staffed. Surrey councillors noted the city’s role will be to ensure proper land use, transportation links, and servicing once provincial plans are finalized.