Architects and clinical leads used evidence and research to develop an inpatient room at Quw’utsun Valley Hospital that is designed to reduce patient falls and staff injuries. L-R are members of the Project’s Nuts’a’maat Alliance: Kyle Basilius, Principal, Parkin Architects; Corry Pettigrew, Clinical and Support Services Lead, Island Health; and Melinda Lobo, Senior Associate, Parkin Architects. Photo courtesy of islandhealth.ca
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project – recently named Quw’utsun Valley Hospital / Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw – has been selected as the Gold Level winner of the 2026 Touchstone Award from the Center for Health Design. Touchstone Awards recognize exceptional achievement in applying Evidence-Based Design (EBD) principles.
Evidence-Based Design uses credible research to help guide decisions that improve patient outcomes, staff experiences and system sustainability.
The project was recognized for its alignment of vision, goals and objectives with EBD principles, strong research foundations and robust plans for future post‑occupancy evaluation and knowledge sharing.
“This award is meaningful because it recognizes more than good intentions. It recognizes measurable impact. At Quw’utsun Valley Hospital, evidence-based design shaped how we approached patient safety, staff well-being, infection prevention and operational safety through standardization in tangible ways. What truly defines this project, however, is the collaboration behind it. The trust built with Island Health, local Nations, clinicians and patient partners created a hospital that reflects the values and identity of the Cowichan community. We are proud to accept this award on behalf of the Nuts’a’maat Alliance and are committed to sharing what we learn so this work continues to improve care environments across Canada,” said Kyle Basilius, Principal at Parkin Architects.
The Touchstone Award was formally presented at the International Summit & Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design & Construction on March 10, 2026. Parkin Architects accepted the award on behalf of the Nuts’a’maat Alliance, which includes Island Health, EllisDon Corporation, Parkin Architects, Infrastructure BC and BC Infrastructure Benefits.
Source: IslandHealth.ca
