Progress continues on a new intensive care unit (ICU) and major electric upgrades to East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) in Cranbrook.

The new building structure for the ICU and electrical equipment is complete and the walls and windows have been installed. The exterior brickwork is well underway and will be complete in June, learned Kootenay East Regional Hospital District (KERHD) directors this morning.

The interior walls are now framed and work to finish the walls and floors is in progress. The Steepleview link, which will connect this addition to the existing hospital, has been framed and will be closed in during May, with finishing work continuing through the summer, Interior Health (IH) and East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH) representatives related.

The major electrical and mechanical equipment is all on site and set in place. The crews are working on completing the installation and commissioning the new service and distribution system in late summer. The connection of the existing hospital to the new system will continue through the fall.

Work will continue on site from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer, and the public can expect 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.

Pediatric Redevelopment

Last October, Interior Health announced the creation of a new pediatric unit for the hospital which would be based in the current ICU space once the new ICU is completed. The estimated cost of this redevelopment is approximately $750,000 with detailed design work expected to start this fall.

Currently, pediatric and maternity/neo-natal services are located on separate floors of the hospital. While the full scope of the project providing renovated spaces for pediatrics is yet to be complete, planning has started with a goal to create an enhanced environment for these young patients, their families, and the staff and physicians providing care. The new pediatric unit will be adjacent to the existing maternity/neo-natal unit, bringing all of these services into one area of EKRH.

ICU Equipment Campaign

Thanks to the donations received from area auxiliaries ($450,000 from the Cranbrook Health Care Auxiliary, $90,000 from the Kimberley Health Care Auxiliary, and $50,000 from the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary), efforts to raise funds for new ICU equipment are steadily moving closer to the $1 million total goal.

EKFH continues to focus its efforts on this important work and will provide ongoing updates on the incredible support from communities across the region. Interior Health would like to thank all of those organizations and individuals who are supporting the excellent care our physicians and staff are providing at the regional hospital in Cranbrook.

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.

Lead image: EKRH Steepleview link to existing hospital as of May 1. Interior Health image

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