TERRACE — The Ksyen Regional Hospital, which replaced the aging Mills Memorial Hospital in November 2024, reached a significant clinical milestone on February 6, 2026. It was reported that elective knee replacement surgeries have successfully begun at the facility, marking the first time such specialized elective care has been available in Terrace.
Expanding Orthopedic Services
The introduction of elective orthopedic surgeries is a major step forward for local healthcare, allowing residents to receive specialized care without the need for travel to Prince George or Vancouver.
- Knee Replacements: Elective procedures officially commenced in mid-October 2025 in a suite specifically designed for orthopedic operations.
- Recruitment: Northern Health has successfully recruited three orthopedic surgeons to the facility, with two currently active on the provincial surgical waitlist as of early 2026.
- Future Additions: Clinical leads anticipate adding hip replacements and shoulder surgeries later in the year as the program matures.
The Trauma Designation Challenge
Despite these surgical gains, the hospital’s pursuit of a Level 4 trauma designation remains stalled due to critical staffing shortages. While the state-of-the-art facility features two trauma bays and advanced diagnostic imaging, it does not yet have the 24-hour staffing required for the designation.
The Staffing Gap:
- 24/7 Requirements: Achieving Level 4 status requires surgeons, nurses, and support services to be available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
- The “Four-to-One” Rule: Northern Health indicated that for every 24-hour position, four full-time staff members are effectively required to ensure coverage across all shifts, vacations, and sick leave.
- Current Status: Until these specialized positions are filled, patients requiring the highest level of trauma care will continue to be stabilized locally and then flown out of the region.
Looking Ahead
Achieving the trauma designation was a primary lobbying point for regional governments during the hospital’s $634.6 million redevelopment. While elective orthopedic care provides immediate relief for waitlists, the ultimate goal remains a fully certified trauma center that can provide immediate resuscitation and intensive care to residents of the Northwest.
