Actioning accessibility in health care

As a health-care provider, VCH is fully committed to improving the accessibility of its sites, programs and services.

VCH has developed a plan to increase accessibility and identify, remove and prevent barriers, which is aligned with the Government of B.C.’s Accessible British Columbia Act which, beginning in 2023, took effect in over 750 organizations, including B.C. government agencies, school districts and independent schools, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and more. 

The Accessible British Columbia Act was established to enhance inclusion for people who have a physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or cognitive impairment—whether permanent, temporary or episodic—and to remove barriers to the full and equal participation of all people.

VCH also established an accessibility committee and a process for receiving public feedback on both the accessibility plan and potential barriers to accessing programs and services.

Tablet on a white table displaying a document with a blue background and text saying "Removing Barriers: Opening Doors"

In 2024, VCH developed a plan to increase accessibility and identify, remove and prevent barriers, which is aligned with the Government of B.C.’s Accessible British Columbia Act. The public is invited to review the plan and share their input.

View the accessibility plan
A hallway in a hospital with handrails alongside the walls

The new Paul Myers Tower at Lions Gate Hospital was built with accessibility in mind, using the principles of universal design.

A handrail was installed in the new Paul Myers Tower at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver.

For 75 years, G.F. Strong has been leading the way in rehabilitation and accessibility

The team at the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre has cared for more than 500 patients from across B.C. this year and supports more than 21,000 visits annually. Since 1949, G.F. Strong has helped thousands of people live their fullest lives. VCH and G.F. Strong are proud to support the continued advancement of medical science and patient-centered care for people with acquired brain injury, neuromusculoskeletal and spinal cord injury.

“Our 75-year journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of our staff and medical staff, clients and partners,” said Michelle de Moor, Vice-President – Vancouver Acute, VCH. “Clients and their care providers are the inspiration behind every innovation or program development at G.F. Strong and our teams remain dedicated to transforming lives and creating a brighter future for everyone.”

  • Adapted gaming

    In 2023, launched an Adapted Gaming program for over 70 clients to explore gaming, to help foster social connections, independence and rehabilitation.

  • Lung transplant rehabilitation

    In the past five years, 51 patients have received pre-rehabilitation care, and 131 lung transplant recipients have received post-transplant rehabilitation.

  • Sexual health rehabilitation

    In the past 18 years, provided care for 6,519 clients and, alongside the Vancouver Sperm Retrieval Clinic, resulting in 125 new babies.

Watch the 75th anniversary of G.F. Strong video

Current and former staff and medical staff gather to mark the 75th anniversary of G.F. Strong. The centre also celebrated the 50-year anniversary of its sexual health rehabilitation program in 2025. Over the past 18 years, the program has provided care for 6,500 clients and their partners.

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre celebrates 75 years