The province has approved a new two-storey building to house expanded renal and oncology services at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.
The $59 million project will contain all renal services on the first floor, while the second floor will provide spaces that support an increase in oncology services.
"The action we're taking today will bring better patient-centred care to the East Kootenays," said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, in a press release. "This expansion means patients and families can soon benefit from care and services closer to home. I'm grateful for our partnership with Interior Health and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District for this investment in the region that will serve residents for years to come."
The expansion increases the number of renal hemodialysis stations, oncology systemic therapy chairs, and exam and consultation rooms, as well as a new 12-stall patients' parking lot with a public entrance directly to oncology and renal services.
"On behalf of the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District, we give our support for the development of new and expanded oncology and renal departments at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital," said David Wilks, the Mayor of Sparwood and the chair of the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District Board.
"These services will play a crucial role in meeting the health-care needs of our community and provide enhanced access to the oncology and renal care they need closer to home."
The business case for the project was submitted to the health ministry a year ago. Interior Health issued a request for proposal in latae December, which will close on Jan. 31, 2025.
Contracts will be awarded by March 2025, with design and build procurement expected to begin by July. Shovels will be in the ground by May 2026 and project completion by January 2029.
"The new enhanced oncology and renal spaces will be thoughtfully designed to provide a culturally safe, confidential and inclusive environment for patients and their families," said Susan Brown, President and CEO of Interior Health. "These improvements will result in expanded patient-care areas, state-of-the-art equipment and a modern work environment for staff and physicians."
The East Kootenay Foundation for Health is also spearheading a $1 million fundraising campaign that will go towards furniture and patient supports as part of the expansion of those services.
"The East Kootenay Foundation for Health is looking forward to being part of this new expansion for cancer and kidney care," said Brenna Hong, executive director of the East Kootenay Foundation for Health. "We are hopeful that this new build will alleviate some of the travel required for East Kootenay residents. It is important that we build for the future and have care close to home, as we all know cancer and kidney disease are not going away."
Noticeably absent is any commitment to providing infrastructure for radiation therapy services, as local officials have been lobbying the Ministry of Health to include the necessary infrastructure into the basement of the new building.
Kelowna is the closest BC Cancer centre that offers radiation therapy services, while closer health care facilities Alberta, such as Lethbridge and Calgary, are all but unavailable to BC-based patients.
