July 17, 2007
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation > Media Room > July 17, 2007

Surrey’s increase in children emphasizes hospital’s pediatric role

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey has more children than any other city in British Columbia, according to 2006 population numbers released today.

Census information shows 107,790 residents aged 19 or under live in the city of Surrey. The data also demonstrates no other British Columbian city has seen as large an increase in the number of children aged 19 and under than Surrey, with 7,945 more compared to 2001 data.

"The numbers come out as Surrey Memorial Hospital takes on an increased role in caring for the pediatric population," notes Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation President/C.E.O. Jane Adams. "The hospital is the regional centre for children in Fraser Health who require a higher level of care. Upcoming hospital construction will reflect the importance of caring for our children."

Surrey Memorial Hospital will take on added responsibility in caring for high risk babies and their mothers, with an expansion of perinatal services. Also, construction is scheduled to begin next year on a new Emergency Centre, which will include a separate children’s ER. In 2001, the hospital’s Children’s Health Centre opened, offering a number of clinics for children as well as the largest single room maternity care facility in Western Canada.

Since 1992, Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation has raised more than $45 million for the hospital’s equipment, infrastructure, and service needs. In April, the Foundation launched its $15 million Emergency Centre Campaign to ensure the replacement to the current E.R. is state-of-the-art.

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For more information or interviews, contact:

Jason Howe
Public Affairs Director
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873

jason.howe[at]fraserhealth.ca
www.smhfoundation.com