Three local estate donations are now a lasting health care legacy as Interior Health has completed major renovations to the Creston Valley Hospital and Health Centre emergency department.

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 $650,000 project, which will benefit area residents for years to come.

“The emergency department in Creston provides vital service to residents of the area, averaging more than 14,000 visits each year,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “I’m pleased to see patients, staff and physicians now have access to a significantly improved space thanks to the donations of these local family estates.”

The redesigned ED includes a new triage and registration room, renovated central nursing station, and redeveloped fast-track area for minor treatment of less acute patients. It offers improved patient privacy and flow, while also increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the space.

“This emergency department will be a lasting testament to the three donor families and reflects the broader passion Creston-area residents have for their health care services,” said Interior Health Board Chair Erwin Malzer. “Patients, staff and physicians will all benefit from the improvements made possible by these generous donations.”

The emergency will be open for patient care at 2 p.m. today (April 14). Residents should note that they should use the new dedicated emergency department entrance if they require emergency care. Access to other services remains through the main entrance. Signage at the site has been updated.

“I enjoyed being able to tour our Emergency Department facility today and a special thanks to the donors, Interior Health and our community for these improvements,” said Town of Creston Mayor Ron Toyota.

Money from the estate-funded project was held in trust by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH).

“EKFH is pleased to see the completion of the Creston ER Revitalization Project. We have been honoured to play a role in stewarding these legacy gifts, which have truly improved the quality of health care available at the Creston Hospital,” said Wes Rogers, EKFH Board Chair.

“We began planning what the ideal emergency department would be three years ago. As I walk through the space today and see the plan become a reality, I am very excited,” said Creston Valley Hospital Site Manager Carolyn Hawton.  “I want to thank our staff and physicians for their input, feedback and patience throughout this process – they were instrumental in creating a space that will better meet the needs of Creston Valley patients for years to come.”

Over the last five years, the province has invested approximately $1.15 million in capital improvements and equipment for health care services in Creston.

Lead image: Joined by Interior Health physicians and staff and community representatives, donor family estate representatives cut the ribbon to officially re-open Creston Valley Hospital emergency department today. Interior Health photo

Interior Health

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