McKee congratulates local health-care activists

Press release –

McKee Congratulates Invermere Community’s Success at Acquiring a New ER.

Residents of the Invermere district performed magnificently in their successful quest to upgrade the local hospital’s emergency room, says BC Liberal Candidate Mark McKee.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the District of Invermere and surrounding area and everyone that was involved in successfully getting the grant to upgrade the ER,” he said.

Last weekend, the BC Liberal government announced a long-awaited $4.3 million redevelopment project for the Invermere and District Hospital that includes a new emergency department to improve access to high-quality emergency medical care.

The resident population of the Invermere health service area is about 9,600 and is expected to increase to nearly 11,000 by 2025. A popular recreation destination, the population can swell to 40,000. Treating residents and visitors alike, the Invermere emergency department has seen an increase in visits of six to eight per cent annually.

The project will expand and redevelop the emergency room to make best use of existing space, doubling its size from 245 square metres (2,600 square feet) to 546 square metres (5,800 square feet). This will increase the number of treatment bays from six to 12, and includes a new separate ambulance entrance.

“Everyone did a great job in raising the level of awareness and proving the need for major improvements,” Mr. McKee said of the community’s campaign to acquire funding for the expansion. “I know the area will be well-served by this expanded facility for many years to come. The community did a great job and everyone deserves the credit.

April 6, 2009

Mark McKee
BC Liberal Candidate