Summary

• A temporary mobile CT unit is supporting continued patient access during the construction of a new CT scanner room at Kootenay Lake Hospital
• Upgrades to the medical imaging department will improve diagnostic services and patient care in the Kootenays
• The Province is investing more than $2.5 million toward the $4.25-million project to strengthen health-care services in the region

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Construction has begun on renovations to the CT scanner room at Kootenay Lake Hospital to prepare for a replacement.

To maintain uninterrupted patient care during construction, a temporary mobile CT unit has been installed in front of the hospital.

“Having access to quality health care close to home matters to all of us here in the Kootenays,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “I'm pleased to see this project moving forward while patients continue to receive CT services, locally. This investment will help ensure families in our region have access to the modern diagnostic care they need, now and into the future.”

Improving important health services for people in the Kootenays

Once renovations are complete, the new CT scanner and upgraded medical imaging department will improve patient care, help provide faster diagnoses, and increase capacity by more than 25% with approximately 9,000 CT scans performed, annually.

The mobile CT unit arrived on June 27, 2026. It’s expected that starting in August, patient CT scan appointments will be scheduled in the unit, which is wheelchair and stretcher accessible.

Patients coming for medical imaging appointments should continue to check in at the medical imaging reception desk inside Kootenay Lake Hospital before proceeding to the mobile CT unit. To support access during construction, temporary changes are in place at the hospital. Accessible parking spaces have been added to the parking lot, and the BC Transit bus stop has been moved to the right of the main entrance.

Upgrades to the medical imaging department include flooring, ceiling and millwork improvements, new doors and a new partition. Renovations are expected to be completed and the new CT scanner installed in December 2026.

Investing in modern health care for the Kootenays

The Province is providing more than $2.5 million toward this $4.25-million project, with the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District contributing $1.7 million.

Investing in the future of health care

Since 2017, the Province has provided $14 billion to upgrade and build 30 new health-care facilities, including hospitals, as well as 37 long-term care facilities and four cancer centres to support people in British Columbia. This new CT scanner in Nelson is part of the Province’s broader commitment to strengthen the health-care system and ensure people have access to the care they need.

Quotes:

Josie Osborne, Minister of Health –

“People in Nelson and surrounding communities deserve timely, high-quality care close to home. By investing in a new CT scanner at Kootenay Lake Hospital, we’re strengthening diagnostic imaging services so patients can get the answers and care they need, when they need it, for years to come.”

Sylvia Weir, president and CEO, Interior Health –

“The advancements in medical imaging since the last CT scanner was installed at Kootenay Lake Hospital are remarkable. The new CT scanner offers advanced imaging capabilities and shorter exam times, meaning we can do more exams, and more complex exams, in the same amount of time. This will help reduce patient wait times and, in most cases, avoid the need to transfer patients to other service areas for imaging.”

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

“Our board is proud to support this project, which will strengthen local health care in our rural and remote communities. By investing in modern diagnostic equipment and the spaces needed to house them, we’re helping ensure that people can continue to receive the care they rely on close to home.”  

Learn More:

• To learn more information about Kootenay Lake Hospital, visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/locations/kootenay-lake-hospital
• For more information about health capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/capital-projects