Construction is underway at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) for a new ambulatory care clinic and expanded pharmacy.

“Our government recognized the critical importance of upgrading KBRH so people in the West Kootenay-Boundary area could get better care, so it’s exciting to see work get started on the next phase of this project,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This investment builds on upgrades already completed at the hospital, which includes a new emergency department.”

The pharmacy will be tripled in size, improving patient privacy with new consultation rooms. The ambulatory care unit will be expanded to create improved outpatient exam rooms and telehealth services. Ambulatory care includes outpatient procedures such as endoscopies, cystoscopies and other minor procedures.

Renovations will also be made to KBRH’s physiotherapy and health information management departments.

“These hospital improvements are a top priority for our government, and it’s great that construction is underway on this next step,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “Overall, these changes will enhance patient care and improve conditions for health-care workers.”

The project will create 156 direct jobs and 58 indirect jobs. Construction is expected to be complete in 2023.

The total cost of the pharmacy and ambulatory care project at KBRH is $38.8 million, with the provincial government contributing $23.3 million and West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District contributing $15.5 million.

Quotes:

Doug Cochrane, board chair, Interior Health –

“The ongoing work at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail will provide a welcoming, modern care environment for everyone who lives in the region. Patients, families and health-care professionals will benefit as this work moves ahead, and its positive impact will be felt in the lives of many people across the region for years to come.”

Suzan Hewat, chair, West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District –

“This redevelopment has been a high priority for our board since it began, and we are thrilled to see work underway on the next phase. These enhancements go a long way in modernizing Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, which will benefit patients across the region.”

Quick Facts:

• KBRH emergency department redevelopment began in fall 2018 and includes a two-storey addition to the existing building; updated and expanded trauma bays, exam and procedure rooms, and an airborne isolation and secure room, all of which opened in September 2020.
• KBRH opened in 1954 and offers a variety of health-care services, including 24-hour emergency and trauma services, a level two laboratory, acute and obstetrical care, psychiatry and oncology.

Learn More:

For photos, visit: https://flic.kr/p/2kCStq6