The ground has been broken for a P3 hospital in Abbotsford, B.C. and so has the hospitals budget. Costs for the hospital have risen by nearly 70 per cent since the project was announced in 2001. Yet the number of beds has stayed the same.
A spokesperson for B.C.s P3 agency defended the spiraling costs, saying many new features have been added to the hospital. He also told the media the whole focus is shifting to getting people in and out of the hospital as soon as possible not a very reassuring statement for potential patients.
Another overpriced P3 hospital is moving ahead in Ontario, with the signing of a deal for Bramptons for-profit hospital. Analysis of that deal which, like the Abbotsford deal, is shrouded in secrecy found it would cost at least $174 million more than a public project. The hospital will cost twice the original estimate and is smaller than the original plan.