iN PHOTOS: New ER opens at Penticton hospital; part of $312M reno

The largest phase of the renovation at the Penticton Regional Hospital’s emergency room has been completed and the new facility is now open to the public.

The construction of a new emergency room is part of the David E. Kampe Tower Project, which offers patients a new and modern emergency department that comes with more privacy, and gives frontline health-care workers better working conditions, according to a release issued by the Ministry of Health today, Dec. 21.

“We know the community is eager for this expansive project to be complete, and we’re proud to now be able to offer an enhanced and expanded emergency department to meet the growing needs of the region," Health Minister Adrian Dix said in the release.

The most recent renovation, which also includes a new hospital pharmacy, is part of the second phase of the tower project. 

READ MORE: Initial improvements completed at Penticton Regional Hospital's ER

The first phase of the David E. Kampe Tower project was a six storey addition and parkade which opened in April 2019.

The combined cost of both phases was $312.5 million, which was covered by the provincial government, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District, South Okanagan-Similkameen Medical Foundation and Interior Health.

“This renovation was complex… Maintaining emergency care, while renovating the department, is a credit to all the teams involved and I want to commend everyone involved in this project for their dedication,” Interior Health president and CEO Susan Brown said in the release.

The upgrade offers more space for patients of all kinds. There is a minor treatment area, a space dedicated for people receiving private consultation for mental health and substance use treatment and more exam bays. There is also a new team care station which includes a medication room, kitchen area, offices and utility rooms.

READ MORE: How health care will improve once new Penticton hospital tower opens next month

There is also a new entrance for ambulances, as well as a new holding and canopy area to make patient transfers safer and more private.

All that’s left is minor renovations which are expected to be completed early in 2022.

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