Vancouver Coastal Health has confirmed what most people on the Sunshine Coast already knew; St. Mary’s Hospital in Sechelt is getting a new name.
The Sechelt First Nation were the driving force behind the name change, in part as recognition of their donation of land for the building and also because the name is associated with an infamous residential school (albeit in a different community).
Cabinet had to approve the name, and Heath Minister Terry Lake says “Sechelt Hospital” is a good choice because it offers the chance to incorporate the traditional shíshálh name.
Clay Adams of VCH says the general public will notice that in things like the signs, which will include both versions.
Adams says another reason they proposed “Sechelt”, instead of something like “Sunshine Coast Regional Hospital”, was so the name would tell people unfamiliar with the area where the hospital is.
Adams says details are still being worked out for an unveiling and celebration of the new name on March 28th.
