Interior Health moves to next phase of EK Regional Hospital ICU/Electrical Design

KERHD Chair John Kettle and representatives from Interior Health reveal the conceptual drawings for the new ICU project during a recent KERHD Board meeting.

Interior Health has completed the initial design phase for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s new intensive care unit and upgraded electrical system, and was pleased to share preliminary design drawings with the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District during a meeting today.

"An incredible amount of dedication and effort went into to making this project a reality and it is rewarding for the community to have the opportunity to get a look at what the new intensive care unit will actually look like once complete," said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “The new ICU will not only increase capacity, but the design will incorporate a number of features that will benefit patients, their families and staff at the hospital.”

“The excitement on these projects always builds when people have a chance to see what the end result will be,” said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree. “This is an important project that will support the excellent work our critical care team in Cranbrook is doing for patients in the region.”

The new ICU will replace the current four-bed unit at the hospital and feature two additional high-acuity beds, which will help relieve pressure on the intensive care unit. Work now turns to a more detailed integrated design process for the ICU that will include a 787 square-metre addition on the south side of the existing hospital. While focusing on an enhanced care environment for patients — such as integrated family spaces and maximized natural light — the design of the new ICU will also take into account the needs of physicians and staff.

The estimated total project cost is $20 million. The Province is funding approximately $12 million and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District is contributing $8 million.

“For some time now the KERHD Board has been working together with Interior Health and MLA Bill Bennett to pursue a new ICU for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. We consider this to be another critical piece to ensure quality and professional health care to all areas of our region. This is one of our proudest moments and we thank everyone who made the new ICU a reality,” said KERHD Board Chair John Kettle.

The project also includes a significant electrical upgrade at the facility. The new electrical system will provide power to the entire hospital and optimize system performance. The electrical infrastructure will be located in the basement of the new addition.

Following the design process, Interior Health will issue a tender for a general contractor early in the New Year.

Actual construction is expected to start in the spring of next year, with construction completion anticipated in mid-2016.