Construction of kidney hemodialysis unit in Surrey, B.C., starts in August: Eby

British Columbia Premier David Eby says construction of an $85-million expansion of kidney hemodialysis services in Surrey is set to start in August.

Eby says a new unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital will add 21 renal hemodialysis beds to treat patients with kidney disease, bringing the hospital's total to 60 stations.

The stand-alone unit is expected to open in 2025 and the province will pay $84 million, while the Surrey Hospitals Foundation will pay $1 million.

Health Minister Adrian Dix says kidney concerns are one of the leading health issues in Surrey, where residents are already having to go outside the city for care.

Dr. Victoria Lee, the CEO of the Fraser Health authority, says Surrey hospital conducts 42,000 dialysis treatments a year and the new beds will expand that number to 65,000.

A statement from the Health Ministry says the in-patient renal hemodialysis unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital functions as one of three regional hubs that supports patients in communities across the region.