IH Issues Tender for EKRH ICU/Electrical Project

Submitted by EKFH on 27-02-2014

CRANBROOK – Interior Health took another big step towards East Kootenay Regional Hospital’s new intensive care unit and upgraded electrical system today when it released the tender for a general contractor for the project.

“I’m pleased to see a project that is so important for the people of the East Kootenay moving forward,” said Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett. “This project will give physicians and staff an expanded and updated workplace that will support the excellent care they are already providing to patients.”

“This project remains on schedule. The successful completion of the design phase and the release of this tender reflect the years of dedicated efforts by our elected officials, physicians, staff and administrators in moving this project forward. I’d like to thank everyone who paved the way for Interior Health to reach this important project milestone,” said Interior Health board chair Norman Embree.

The new ICU will replace the current four-bed unit at the hospital and feature two additional high-acuity beds, which will help relieve pressure on the intensive care unit. The more detailed integrated design process for the ICU is now complete and includes a 787 square-metre (approximately 8,470 square-feet) addition on the northeast side of the existing hospital. While focusing on an enhanced care environment for patients – such as integrated family spaces and maximized natural light – the design of the new ICU will also take into account the needs of physicians and staff.

The project also includes a significant electrical upgrade at the facility. The new electrical system will provide power to the entire hospital and optimize system performance. The electrical infrastructure will be located in the basement of the new addition.

The estimated total project cost is $20 million. The Province is funding approximately $11.93 million, the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District is contributing $7.95 million, and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health is contributing $120,000.

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to breaking ground on this project and having a new ICU available for patients and their families,” said KERHD Board Chair John Kettle.

“The Foundation is extremely excited to be a part of this project and it’s rewarding to see our communities and partners from across the region stepping forward to support these important improvements,” said Donna Grainger, Executive Director for the Foundation.

Interior Health anticipates awarding the contract in early April. Construction will begin later in the spring, with construction completion anticipated for mid-2016.

Interested suppliers and subcontractors can view the list of general contractors who are pre-qualified to bid on this project on the Interior Health public website (http://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/BusinessCentre/Construction/Pages/C…).
Electrical contractors have been pre-qualified for this project.