MLA Michelle Mungall questions reno delays at Kootenay Lake Hospital
By Erin Perkins
Constant delays for the Kootenay Lake Hospital ER Redevelopment Project had Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall questioning Minister of Health Michael de Jong in the provincial legislature earlier this month.
The $15.3 million renovations, which includes expansion of the Emergency Room and diagnostic imaging department with a new CT scanner suite, began with an announcement in April 2009 and was scheduled for completion in spring 2012.
Earlier this month Interior Health (IH) postponed the official opening of the ER for a fourth time after flooring issues, which became apparent in January, could not be resolved without a complete replacement in most of the new emergency department and the corridors in the diagnostic imaging area.
Other delays were caused by deficiencies in the painting, millwork and mechanical systems. According to an IH press release, all those deficiencies have now been addressed.
The flooring, however, has yet to be resolved.
“To have made such a major mistake in terms of the flooring…. People are asking questions in my community. I think they’re fair questions, and this is one of the questions that they’re asking. Is this something that was avoidable? If so, who’s responsible?” asked Mungall in the legislature according to a press release.
“You know, if there was one delay, I don’t think anybody in my community would ask this question, but there have been several delays. What is that going to mean for Kootenay Lake Hospital?
What is that going to mean for the community, and what can we anticipate next? Will we get a ribbon-cutting ceremony this fall, or will there be another day?”
According to Ingrid Hampf, Kootenay Boundary acute area director, after random testing of the flooring in the ER and diagnostic imaging corridor, issues with concrete moisture content and the water based adhesive used to secure the flooring arose.
“Attempts were made to address the deficiencies, but by April it was apparent the flooring material had to be replaced,” said Hampf in an emailed interview with The Nelson Daily.
She said the flooring replacement costs will be “addressed by the existing contract and funding already dedicated to this project”.
At this time there is no estimated cost for the replacement. Right now IH is working with the contractor to develop a plan and timeline for the flooring replacement.
No work has began yet.
“At this point it’s too early to estimate when work will be completed,” said Hampf.
She said they are still hoping for a fall grand opening but can’t say which day or month that will happen.
As for patients and staff, it is business as usual despite the delays, she said.
“There has been no impact to care provided to patients as the existing emergency department is open and staff and physicians are doing an excellent job of providing care,” said Hampf.
“The new CT scanner suite is open and CT service will continue. The necessary work to replace the floor in the DI (diagnostic imaging) corridor will be done during off hours.”
“Interior Health appreciates everyone is eagerly anticipating the completion of this project,” said Hampf. “Given this new emergency department will serve residents for years to come, everyone involved is dedicated to making sure we have everything done right before we open.”
The project, which was contracted out to Yellowridge Construction Ltd., will increase the floor space in the Kootenay Lake Hospital emergency department from 291 square metres (3,132 square feet) to 924 square metres (9,946 square feet) to meet projected demands on the facilities.
Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources including $8.3 million from the province and IH, $5.5 million from the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District and $1.5 million from the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation.
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