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Renovations begin for regional hospital NICU
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) project at East Kootenay Regional Hospital is set to take a significant step forward with an expansion and renovation project that began March 24.
As renovations get underway, the NICU will experience a temporary space adjustment, relocating to the pediatrics area within the unit while construction is taking place. The maternity and pediatric units will also undergo temporary space modifications. Patients may experience some disruptions or increased activity in the area of the NICU and the pediatrics unit while renovations are underway.
Enhancements to the neonatal intensive care unit include new partitions, card access doors, ceilings, flooring, lighting and fixtures, along with a new secure medication room, a quiet feeding room, five workstations and a dictation area.
Additional equipment includes a video/intercom system, an infant abduction prevention system and hand hygiene sinks, Interior Health reported this morning (March 26).
Upon completion, the renovations at EKRH will significantly improve the quality of care provided to newborns and their families, ensuring a more nurturing environment. Renovations are anticipated to be complete in January 2026.
“We are very excited to be expanding our nursery space within the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. Our staff have been training for much of the past year to be able to provide safe care to these precious babies of the East Kootenay,” said Lindsay Hetu, executive director – clinical operations, East Kootenay.
“We look forward to being able to keep families closer to home with this renovation. I would like to thank all the staff, physicians, the East Kootenay Regional Hospital District, The East Kootenay Foundation for Health, the Cranbrook Ladies Auxiliary, our communities and the Ministry of Health for making this possible.”
The NICU renovation project is valued at $3.16 million. This was funded primarily by the East Kootenay Foundation for Health through the Warm Embrace campaign throughout 2023 and 2024. The province through Interior Health funded $816,000 for this project while the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District also contributed $544,000.
e-KNOW file photo
