On Monday, the motel will become temporary housing for some patients being discharged from Surrey Memorial Hospital and unable to go home.

"Having patients in acute care when they are ready to be discharged is not good for anyone, and certainly not for the patients," said Dr Marita van den Bergh, medical director of Surrey Memorial Hospital.

He explained: "It's frustrating and it's not really a good environment to be in an acute ward when you're ready to be discharged but you can't go home.
  Fraser Health has leased the entire motel for two years at a cost of $4.5 million. Operating expenses for the same period will be $5.5 million.
"We've set it up with 24-hour nursing staff because some of these patients may need help taking their medication, even if they've gone home," the doctor said.
The renovated motel will start with about five patients.
"Gradually, as we use it and get started, we will increase it. We hope to eventually reach more than 50 beds," he said.


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