Residents of Creston and area will soon benefit from major renovations to the Creston Valley Hospital and Health Centre emergency department as a result of three estate donations. A tender for construction services was released today to select a qualified contractor to undertake this important project.

Generous bequeathals from the Estate of Jessie Julia Hopper, the Estate of Don and Dariel Anne Korczynski, and the Estate of Blanche Oleskiw allowed Interior Health to move forward with this project.

“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. We are very pleased to see this project moving forward and grateful for the donations that made it possible,” said Interior Health Board Chair Erwin Malzer.

The goals of the emergency department redesign are to improve patient privacy and flow, while also increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the space. Changes to the ED include a new triage and registration room, renovated central nursing station, and redeveloped 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.”

Monies from the estate-funded project are held in trust by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH). The cost of the project will total approximately $650,000.

“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 tender will close in November and the successful proponent is expected to begin construction in January. The project is anticipated to be complete in the spring of 2016.

“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.

Interior Health

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