Interior Health postpones unveiling of Kootenay Lake Hospital ER Redevelopment project until fall
By Nelson Daily Staff
Interior Health has decided to postpone the expected spring opening of the Kootenay Lake Hospital (KLH) ER Redevelopment project after routine inspections revealed deficiencies with painting, millwork and mechanical systems.
Interior Health said while these deficiencies have now been addressed, a concern has recently developed regarding the flooring installed in the Emergency Department and the corridors within the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) area.
“Issues with the flooring were first noticed in January,” Interior Health Communications Officer Jennifer Inglis said in a written release.
“Upon further investigation and attempts to address the issue, it has now become apparent that complete replacement of the flooring material in most of the new Emergency area and DI corridors will be required.”
Inglis said Interior Health is working with the contractor to ensure flooring replacement takes place as quickly as possible.
However, in order to guarantee the flooring can withstand the expected heavy traffic and meet the needs of the department for years to come, opening of the new emergency department has been re-scheduled to the fall.
As for the re-flooring required in the DI area, this will be done during the evening and weekends to ensure CT services continue uninterrupted.
The CT suite itself is not impacted as it is specialty flooring which was installed separately.
“Interior Health would like to recognize the patience and support residents of Nelson and area have shown, as well as the staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital,” Inglis said.
“We appreciate that these delays are frustrating for everyone and we want to assure residents we are committed to moving forward as quickly as possible to complete this remedial work while ensuring the emergency department meets all standards for safe, quality health care delivery.”
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