A new oncology and renal department will come to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) backed by $59 million from the B.C. government.
This comes as the B.C. government approves a business plan for the two-floor building expansion.
“The action we’re taking today will bring better patient-centred care to the East Kootenays,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
“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.”
Once complete, the hospital’s oncology and renal departments will relocate into a new dedicated building, with the first storey dedicated to all renal modalities and the second to provide oncology services.
“This upgraded and expanded facility will better meet the needs of East Kootenay residents with more healthcare services available closer to home,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“We’re working urgently to deliver the critical health infrastructure people need now and for many years to come.”
Kootenay East Regional Hospital District chair David Wilks says the board is pleased to see more options for residents to get cancer and kidney disease treatment closer to home.
“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 Wilks.
“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.”
B.C. officials say the expansion addresses the need to expand the over-subscribed department with plans to meet 20-year growth projections.
“This will give a lot more opportunities for a lot more people to access these services at one time,” said Wilks.
“We are getting extremely crowded at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital and this will provide its provide its own standalone building and free up space for more things to come that EKRH badly needs.”
The expansion will increase the number of renal hemodialysis stations, oncology systemic therapy chairs, and exam and consultation rooms.
Construction on the new building is expected to start in May 2026, with the department’s opening slated for early 2029.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
