Acute Care Short-term treatment for a severe injury, illness, urgent medical condition, or during recovery from surgery.
Critical Care Specialized treatment for people with life-threatenting injuries or illnesses.
Primary Care First point of contact care in the health care system usually a clinic or family doctor.
Community Care Services that help people to receive care at home instead of a hospital or long-term care facility.
Academic Health Sciences Centre A partnership between one or more universities and health care providers focussing on research, clinical services, education and training.
Integrated Care A global trend in health care aimed at reducing fragmentation of services and enabling better more coordinated and continuous care.
Menu

the new St. Pauls

Celebrating the physical and spiritual foundation of the new St. Paul’s Hospital

Celebrating the physical and spiritual foundation of the new St. Paul’s Hospital

Posted On: Tuesday January 7, 2025

St. Paul’s has always been more than just a hospital—it’s a place of healing, compassion, and community. In December 2024, Providence Health Care hosted a ceremony to bless the cornerstone of the new hospital, serving as a moment of connection between our history and our future, and grounding the new hospital in our ongoing commitment to our mission and values.

“We are building this hospital to respond to the needs of our community in a new era of health care, one marked by challenges and opportunities we couldn’t have imagined a generation ago,” said Fiona Dalton, Providence President and CEO. “We embrace new approaches and technologies, always with a heart for service and commitment to excellent care worth of this foundation.”

A long-standing Catholic tradition

Paul Brown (left), Society Chair of Providence and Peter Bull (right), Vice-Chair of Providence’s Board, unveil the new cornerstone.

The cornerstone represents more than a foundational element of the hospital’s structure—it serves as a powerful reminder of the principles upon which Providence is built: faith, service, and a dedication to holistic healing. Historically, cornerstone blessings have deep roots in Catholic tradition, reflecting stability, purpose, and alignment with greater principles. The cornerstone itself serves as a physical and spiritual foundation, a reminder that the work we do is built upon enduring values. 

As Archbishop J. Michael Miller​ led the ceremony and prayers, he reminded the audience of Providence’s commitment to building a new facility rooted in our shared values and creating a solid base for community and mission.

“May this new hospital become a beacon of hope and healing, a sanctuary of compassion, and a testament to God’s love for our suffering brothers and sisters.”

Rendering of the cornerstone (behind the white car) on the side of the chapel at the new hospital.

Bringing Providence’s mission and values to our new campus

default

Aerial view of the new St. Paul’s Hospital facing west (December 5, 2024).

Each day, Providence moves one step closer to delivering our vision of holistic care at the new St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver’s False Creek Flats​. 1,600 tradespeople currently work on site daily, with a focus on exterior finishes, interior drywall, and major equipment work.

Francis Maza shares the history and legacy of St. Paul’s Hospital.

When the new hospital opens to patients in 2027, staff, researchers and providers will continue to honour Providence’s legacy of providing support and care for everyone.

“As we know, the Sisters of Providence founded and led St. Paul’s Hospital and, while many things have changed, we choose to emulate their work ethic, drive for excellence and commitment to holistic care,” said Francis Maza, Vice President of Mission, Ethics and Spirituality. 

“Their faith called them to treat everyone regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. The mission that compelled the nuns is what compels us now. Carrying on this legacy is now up to us.”