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KAMLOOPS, B.C. – Interior Health recently marked the completion of the acute treatment area in the Teck Emergency Department (ED) of the Royal Inland Hospital (RIH).

The newly opened area represents a significant step in the multi-year Royal Inland Hospital Phase 2 Renovation – Tender Package No. 1StatusPost-BidValue$417MLocation311 Columbia St, Kamloops BCSectorPublic – State/ProvincialTypeMedical · Addition · Renovation · New Construction · LEED CertificationData as of July 10, 2026, a release reads.

This area is a specialized section of the emergency department designed for patients requiring urgent attention, close observation and rapid access to tests and treatments.

The upgraded area features an improved layout to support flow of patients coming through the area as well as enhanced patient monitoring capabilities. It also incorporates features to improve safety, comfort and privacy for patients, families and caregivers, the release adds.

It includes eight examination rooms, a waiting area, two care team stations, a medication room and a family room connected to the previously completed mental health and substance use space.

Existing treatment spaces have also been upgraded from curtained bays to fully enclosed rooms with walls, hand hygiene sinks and sliding doors.

Renovation efforts at the hospital are now moving into the final stage of the RIH Patient Care Tower Project, which will expand the trauma and resuscitation zone of the Teck ED. This will include two additional trauma bays and two new resuscitation rooms, a first for the site. The new space will be open to patients in spring 2027.

The RIH Patient Care Tower project is a major redevelopment initiative that includes the already completed 107-bed Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Patient Care Tower, opened in 2022, as well as extensive renovations to existing hospital spaces, the release continues.

Once complete, the emergency department will be approximately 68 per cent larger, increasing from 47 to 73 treatment spaces.

The $490.28 million project is funded by the Province of British Columbia, Thompson Regional Hospital District and Royal Inland Hospital Foundation. The Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Le7 te Melámen Health Society and Two Rivers Métis Society have also contributed in various ways to this project.