Construction has begun on renovations to the CT scanner room at Nelson’s Kootenay Lake Hospital as part of a $4.25-million project to replace the hospital’s existing scanner.
The province said in a news release that a temporary mobile unit has been installed outside the hospital to maintain uninterrupted patient care during the renovation.
The mobile unit arrived June 27. Patients will begin receiving scheduled CT scans there in August.
Patients with medical imaging appointments will continue to check in at the hospital’s medical imaging reception before being directed to the unit.
The province said temporary changes have also been made around the hospital to support access during construction, including relocated accessible parking spaces and a temporary BC Transit bus stop to the right of the main entrance.
Upgrades to the medical imaging department include new flooring, ceiling and millwork, along with new doors and a new partition.
Renovations are expected to be completed and the new CT scanner installed in December 2026.
According to the province, the replacement scanner will increase CT imaging capacity by more than 25 per cent, allowing about 9,000 scans to be performed each year.
“The advancements in medical imaging since the last CT scanner was installed at Kootenay Lake Hospital are remarkable. The new CT scanner offers advanced imaging capabilities and shorter exam times, meaning we can do more exams, and more complex exams, in the same amount of time,” said Sylvia Weir, president and CEO of Interior Health.
“This will help reduce patient wait times and, in most cases, avoid the need to transfer patients to other service areas for imaging.”
The provincial government is contributing more than $2.5 million to the project, while the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District is contributing $1.7 million.
Want to get your business noticed? Have you considered advertising through your local radio station? Speak to one of our sales agents and find out how radio advertising can boost your business today. Call 250-365-7600 or email Vista Radio.
