Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Ashley Legassic

NICOLA VALLEY HOSPITAL

BC Health Minister unveils expanded emergency department for Merritt

Jun 10, 2019 | 11:34 AM

MERRITT, B.C. — The expanded and redeveloped emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital is aiming for equality and inclusion.

BC Health Minister Adrian Dix was in Merritt Monday (June 10) to unveil the completed 5,380-square-foot department.

“Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre plays a critical role for local residents needing care as well as those travelling through on busy area highways,” said Dix in a news release. “Our government is proud to support this new, larger and modern emergency department, which is enhancing critical care for people and will support the region for years to come.

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At 500 square metres, the new emergency department is roughly four times larger and features expanded trauma and treatment areas. According to the news release from the province, it will also provide increased privacy, better infection control measures, a medication room, confidential triage area, and a covered ambulance bay with a dedicated entrance.

Doors to the new department opened last October, but work finalized this past March.

There are also two new rainbow crosswalks, recently installed on-site as part of the final stages of the emergency department’s entrance. The second is inside the hospital. The idea was originally raised by Merritt Secondary students last spring.

The hospital is also now home to art by revered artist Clint George of the Okanagan Nation. The piece symbolizes the five area indigenous bands — Shackan Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Coldwater Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, and Lower Nicola Indian Band.

“This artwork is striking and resonates how this hospital, its staff and Interior Health are committed to the delivering culturally appropriate care. Together with the rainbow crossings, the redeveloped site underscores how everyone who enters the health-care system is to be treated with equal respect, and how public health care has a clear role to foster a more inclusive society,” said Dix.

The cost of the emergency department project is roughly $6.5 million, which was shared by the provincial government, Interior Health and Thompson Region Hospital District.