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ICU starting to take shape
A new intensive care unit for patients across the region is starting to take shape at East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.
The installation of the building substructure is well underway and proceeding on schedule. All footings for the new structure are now complete and the base walls are approximately 30 per cent complete. The majority of underground drainage and sewer connections are also now in place. The basement floor is scheduled to be completed in August, and the ground floor and roof structures will be done in the fall.
In September, work will begin on installing temporary generators and utility feeds for the electrical upgrades that are part of these major improvements to the regional hospital. New permanent generators will arrive in December.
Work will continue on site from approximately 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the summer.
There will be periodic interruptions to normal traffic patterns during construction. Interior Health is working with the contractor to minimize these impacts and appreciates the ongoing patience of local residents and visitors to the hospital as these major improvements to our regional facility move forward.
The estimated total project cost is $20 million. The province is funding $11.93 million, the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District is contributing $7.95 million, and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health is contributing $120,000.
The new ICU unit will replace the current four-bed unit and feature two additional high-acuity beds, which will help relieve pressure on the intensive care unit. The integrated design includes a 787 square-metre (approximately 8,470 square-feet) addition on the northeast side of the existing hospital. The size and design of the new ICU will provide better flow through the unit for physicians and staff, as well as providing additional privacy. The enhanced care environment for patients will feature integrated family spaces and maximized natural light.
The project also includes a significant electrical upgrade at the facility. The new electrical system will improve the power supply to the entire hospital, optimize the electrical system performance and allow capacity to expand for future power needs. The electrical infrastructure will be located in the basement of the new addition.
Lark Projects Ltd. is the contractor overseeing the project, with full project completion anticipated for mid-2016.
Interior Health
