Major renovations are in store for the Creston Valley Hospital’s emergency room, with a tender for construction services released yesterday, said the Interior Health Authority (IHA) in a press release.
The cost of the project is expected to total about $650,000, made possible by bequeathals from the estates of Jessie Julia Hopper, Don and Dariel Anne Korczynski, and Blanche Oleskiw, currently held by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH).
“EKFH is proud to have played a role in the stewardship of these legacy gifts,” said EKFH executive director Donna Grainger. “These individuals and families have truly left an indelible mark in the quality of health care available at the Creston hospital.”
The goal of the redesign, said the IHA press release, is to improve patient privacy and flow, at the same time increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the space.
“Both physicians and nurses have been very involved in the planning process and we are very excited to see the project moving forward to the construction stage,” said Creston Valley Hospital site manager Carolyn Hawton.
The renovation will create a new triage and registration room, a central nursing station and a “fast-track area for minor treatment of less acute patients.”
“We are so grateful for the strong community support for health care in our Creston community,” said Town of Creston Mayor Ron Toyota. “It’s the generosity of our people that makes our community a great place to live.”
The tender will close this month, with construction expected to begin in January. The project should be complete in the spring of 2016.
“The renovations to the Creston emergency department will focus on improvements that will ensure patient-centred care and enhance the working environment for staff,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “These upgrades are particularly meaningful for Creston community because of the generous donations from the estates of local residents.”
“Creston Valley Hospital plays a vital role in providing acute health care to residents in this part of the East Kootenay region,” said IHA board chair Erwin Malzer. “We are very pleased to see this project moving forward and grateful for the donations that made it possible.”