Home »
ICU project proceeding well
A new intensive care unit (ICU) for patients across the region is now rising above the excavated area at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.
The building structure is proceeding well and the roof slab has just been completed. Masonry and steel work has started, in addition to the construction of walls and interior partitions, reports Interior Health.
Roofing will begin later this month.
On the outside of the new addition, site work continues including preparation for foundations for the new emergency generators and other mechanical and electrical equipment. Installation of this major equipment will begin early in the 2015.
Work will continue on site from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the winter and will steadily be more focused on the interior of the new structure.
There will be periodic interruptions to normal traffic patterns during construction. Interior Health is working with the project contractor to minimize these impacts and appreciates the ongoing patience of local residents and visitors to the hospital as these major improvements to EKRH move forward.
Project background
The approximate total project cost of the redevelopment project at EKRH is $20 million. Funding is provided by the province, Kootenay East Regional Hospital District and East Kootenay Foundation for Health, which is contributing towards the clinical equipment.
The new ICU unit will replace the current four-bed unit and feature two additional high-acuity beds, which will address current and future needs. The integrated design includes a 787 square-metre (approximately 8,470 square-feet) addition on the northeast side of the existing hospital. The size and design of the new ICU will provide for an improved work environment for physicians and staff, and added privacy for patients and their visitors. . The enhanced care environment for patients will feature integrated family spaces and maximized natural light.
The project also includes a significant electrical upgrade at the facility. The new electrical system will improve the power supply to the entire hospital, optimize the electrical system performance and allow capacity to expand for future power needs. The electrical infrastructure will be located in the basement of the new addition.
Lark Projects Ltd. is the contractor overseeing the project, with full project completion anticipated for mid-2016.
Interior Health
