The Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) Critical Care Tower, located in Surrey, British Columbia, is a significant expansion to the existing healthcare facility. Completed in 2013 and 2014, the eight-storey tower was commissioned by the Fraser Health Authority to address the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population, which increased from 50,000 in 1959 to over 474,000 by 2013. The project aimed to enhance healthcare capacity, improve patient care, and integrate innovative design features.

Designed by Parkin Architects and CEI Architecture, with EllisDon as the construction team, the Critical Care Tower increased the hospital's total capacity by 30%, adding 150 new beds to bring the total to 650. The tower accommodates an additional 650 clinical staff and 300 support staff. Specialized units, including expanded neonatal intensive care, stroke, and intensive care units, were introduced. The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) capacity doubled, featuring Canada’s first neonatal and pediatric pharmacy. The High Acuity Unit and Intensive Care Unit were also upgraded to 25 beds each.

The tower prioritizes patient-centered care with over 80% of its rooms being single-patient, ensuring privacy and enhanced infection control. Approximately 20% of rooms are equipped with advanced airflow systems for infection prevention. Each room includes a designated family zone with a sofa bed or recliner, enabling family members to stay close to patients. Innovations like bedside dialysis plumbing on floors 5, 6, and 7 eliminated the need to transport renal patients to separate units.

The design incorporates spacious, well-lit interiors with natural materials that emit low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These sustainable choices, along with energy-efficient technologies, earned the tower a LEED Gold certification for environmental performance. A heliport with streamlined access to the emergency department was added to reduce transfer times for air ambulance patients.

Constructing the tower adjacent to an operational hospital required careful planning to minimize disruption. The team employed fast-tracking techniques to maintain hospital functionality throughout the project. The facility was recognized with an Award of Merit in Buildings by the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC-BC) for its resource-efficient design and state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure.

The SMH Critical Care Tower exemplifies innovative design and strategic planning to meet the healthcare needs of a growing community. Surrey Memorial Hospital is the largest acute care facility in Fraser Health, and the busiest emergency department in the province.