The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project – recently named Quw’utsun Valley Hospital – 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.
“Receiving the Gold Touchstone Award affirms the values that guide Island Health. Quw’utsun Valley Hospital / Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw reflects our commitment to putting people first. With safety at the centre, this project supports high quality care for patients and families and strengthens the wellbeing and experience of our healthcare teams. This thoughtful, forward-looking design will help build a sustainable system and make a meaningful difference for patients, staff, volunteers and the communities we are honoured to serve,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health board chair.
Designed by Parkin Architects, 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. EllisDon is general contractor.
The hospital is designed to improve quality, safety and patient experience while making daily operations more efficient. Inpatient rooms at Quw’utsun Valley Hospital will be safer by design. Architects and clinical leads used evidence and research to develop an inpatient room that is designed to reduce patient falls and staff injuries.
“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,” said Kyle Basilius, principal, Parkin Architects.
