Interior Health is replacing the CT scanners at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail and Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, according to details heard at the Jan. 22 meeting of the West Kootenay Boundary Hospital District board.
A big feature of the new scanners is reduced radiation – the machines can take better quality images with less radiation. The scanners also have enhanced cardiac exam capabilities and artificial intelligence software. The new scanners will replace machines that are over 10 years old.
The project at KBRH will cost about $3.7 million. Interior Health is asking the West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital District (WKBRHD) to contribute $1.5 million, as part of its 2025-26 capital funding request. The project includes renovations to upgrade the area to meet current radiation and ergonomic safety standards.
The KLH project will cost $4.25 million and also includes building renovations. Interior Health (IH) is asking for $1.7 million from WKBRHD.
Todd Mastel, corporate director of business operations, also presented the rest of IH’s 2025-26 capital funding requests.The total budget for the year is $14.06 million, with IH requesting that the hospital district contribute $5.62 million. Last year, the district contributed two million, and the year prior it was $7.3 million.
The capital funding request is divided into five categories: construction projects over $100,000, construction projects under $100,000, IH-wide digital health services, equipment over $100,000, and equipment under $100,000.
New staff
Lannon de Best, executive director of clinical operations, had good news on recruitment: Interior Health has hired 569 new staff in the Kootenay Boundary region.
De Best said it’s encouraging to see that many full-time, part-time, and casual clinical and support services staff choosing careers in the region. De Best also highlighted that staffing in the New Denver emergency department has stabilized, thanks to the initiative of Mayor Leonard Casley. Services are continuing in a much more reliable way, said de Best.
The hospital board will invite Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Kootenay Central MLA Brittny Anderson, and Kootenay Monashee MLA Steve Morissette to attend a future WKBRHD board meeting.
