For Immediate Release | October 6, 2014
CRANBROOK – A significant commitment from the East Kootenay Foundation for Health for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital ICU/Electrical Redevelopment Project, along with cooperative efforts between Ministry of Health, Kootenay East Regional Hospital District and Interior Health are paving the way for a new renovated space for the existing pediatric unit at EKRH.
The Foundation has committed to raise funds for equipment for the hospital’s new intensive care unit, currently under construction. This commitment frees up a portionof Ministry and KERHD funding for the project that will now be used to renovate the old ICU area into which the existing pediatric unit will move.
“Quality health care is about great partnerships and workingtogether to make improvements for patients,” says Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “This renovated space for our youngest patients reflects an ongoing commitment from government, the local Foundation, the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District and Interior Health to getting things done to improve health care in our region.”
Currently, pediatric and maternity/neo-natal services arelocated 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 forthese young patients, their families, and the staff and physicians providing care. The new pediatric unit willbe adjacent to the existing maternity/neo-natal unit, bringing all of these services into one area of EKRH.
“There was already a great deal of excitement for our new intensive care unit in Cranbrook and this space renovation project will build on that. Interior Health is thrilled to have such dedicated partners supporting the work our physicians and staff are doing at East Kootenay Regional Hospital,” says Interior Health board chair Norman Embree.
The Foundation will officially launch its new ICU equipment campaign in the weeks ahead.
“East Kootenay Foundation for Health is proud to work in collaboration with Interior Health to bring the best in quality health care and services to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. The opportunity to consider a fundraising campaign to purchase essential equipment for the ICU that can allow Ministry and KEHRD to reallocate funds for pediatric and nursery improvements is incredible. I’m pleased to announce that the EKFH Board of Directors has unanimously approved that a major capital campaign for ICU equipment will be the Foundation’s focus for the next 15 to 17 months,” says Brian Clifford, Foundation Chair.
KERHD approved the reallocation of a portion of its ICU/electrical project funding at a special meeting Oct. 3.
“This is a win-win for everyone. Re-allocating existing fundsto enhance pediatric services by creating a dedicated unit for the treatment and care of children and babies at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital will further enhance the quality of care in our region,” saysKootenay East Regional Hospital District Board Chair John Kettle. “We commend the East Kootenay Foundation for Health for committing to raise the funds needed to offset the cost of this change in scope and thank Interior Health for the innovative approach they’ve taken on this project.”
Wendy Booth, Director Area F, Regional District of East Kootenay 