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Nelson's new ER to finally open

Well behind schedule, the ribbon will finally be cut on the new emergency department at Kootenay Lake Hospital on Wednesday.
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Kootenay Lake Hospital.

Well behind schedule, the ribbon will finally be cut on the new emergency department at Kootenay Lake Hospital on Wednesday.

Part of the $15.3 million Kootenay Lake Hospital redevelopment project, was initially slated to be opened last November. Delays pushed it off until this past spring, but more problems with systems and the flooring added more months to project.

Wednesday’s official opening will include representatives from Interior Health, the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation and area politicians.

Renovations to the first floor include an upgraded and expanded emergency department. The emergency department will triple in size from 291 square metres to 924 square metres to ensure that the projected increase in demand is met. Upgrades also included a renovation to add a CT scanner suite which became operational earlier this year..

Funding for the redevelopment of Kootenay Lake Hospital includes $8.3 million from the province and Interior Health, $5.5 million from West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District, and $1.5 million raised through the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation for the CT scanner.