PRPA Enables Greater Access to Specialized Medical Services for North Coast Residents

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 24, 2025

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The new Visiting Specialist Clinic at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital is significantly expanding access to specialized healthcare for North Coast residents. With $108,000 in support from the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) Community Investment Fund, the facility is fully equipped with medical and IT equipment that provides visiting doctors with the tools and support they need to conveniently and efficiently hold in-person clinics for local patients requiring a wide range of specialized services.

Since opening in 2025, the Visiting Specialist Clinic has welcomed 20 individual specialists offering 10 different specialties, including cardiology, neurology, rheumatology, pediatrics, plastics, urology, geriatric outreach, and ear, nose, and throat. A total of 34 in-person clinics have been hosted in the renovated fourth floor space, with more than 1,400 patients registered thus far. Nearly two dozen additional specialty clinics are already scheduled into early 2026, far exceeding initial projections for participation in the Visiting Specialist program.

“The creation of this dedicated clinic enables Northern Health to attract more talented specialists to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital, and it supports the recruitment of long-term physicians and other healthcare professionals to our community. The partnership with the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund has made this possible,” said Franklin Kutuadu, Health Services Administrator, Prince Rupert.

“By optimizing this space to suit the needs of top tier specialists, this critical investment is improving access for the nearly 20,000 people living in Prince Rupert, Port Edward, and surrounding Indigenous communities. Providing this level of care locally is vital to strengthening and growing our region,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Since its inception, PRPA’s Community Investment Fund has committed over $1 million to local healthcare projects benefiting:

Prince Rupert Regional Hospital

• Maternity Ward Renovation – $125,000
• Enhanced Laparoscopic Towers – $256,050
• Bed Replacement Project – $150,000
• Cancer Care Unit upgrade – $100,000
• Diagnostic Ultrasound Machine upgrade – $72,500
• X-Ray Machine Replacement – $69,750
• Orthopedic Surgical Equipment – $60,500
• Laparoscopic Surgical Tower – $60,000
• In-patient Bathtub upgrade – $45,500
• Palliative Care upgrades – $36,500
• Cancer Screening Scope Guide – $35,260

 Acropolis Manor

• Wall Wrap Project – $18,130
• Door Wrap Project – $15,000