Whitehorse General Hospital expands capacity with eight new beds

This is a joint news release between Yukon Hospitals and the Government of Yukon.

Yukon Hospitals is expanding capacity at Whitehorse General Hospital with the addition of eight new inpatient beds. Set to open to patients in early July, these beds will help reduce hospital pressures so Yukoners get the best care, every time. This brings the number of inpatient beds at Whitehorse General Hospital from 71 to 79.

The beds are in the previous Secure Medical Unit space, which has been renovated into a new extension of the current Dandelion Medical Unit.

The renovated space includes six private rooms, each with a washroom, and one double occupancy room which can be converted to a private bariatric capable room. The scope of renovations include:

• new layout and design to convert the space to be part of the Dandelion Medical Unit; and
• new fixtures, flooring, windows, patient lifts, beds and other furnishings.

The space has been designed to be friendly and welcoming. It includes artwork from award-winning Dene multimedia artist, Vashti Etzel, and Northern Tutchone, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun artist Justien Senoa Wood.

The Secure Medical Unit was previously a controlled environment for patients with a mental health diagnosis to receive medical care. It was retired in 2025 with the opening of the Fireweed Mental Wellness Unit.

Planning is also underway for the next phase of expansion of Whitehorse General Hospital, which will further increase bed capacity. After planning is finished, construction is expected to be a multi-year process.