Renovated pediatric psychiatry area opens at RIH

NEWS/ HEALTH — Youth in crisis will have access to enhanced patient care with the opening of the newly renovated pediatric psychiatry area at Royal Inland Hospital.

The renovation of the unit, located within the larger pediatrics unit at RIH, included integrating two existing psychiatric inpatient rooms, a consultation area and the staff room. The space now houses two inpatient rooms, a private consultation/observation room and a comfortable youth lounge area. There is also a new counselling area, a dedicated washroom, a nurses’ station, and a nearby shower room to serve all patients on the pediatrics unit.

The existing outdoor recreational area on a patio off the pediatrics unit was also renovated to create a more welcoming space for children, youth and their families.

“Our youth are among our most vulnerable patients, and it’s important that they are cared for in an environment that is comfortable, welcoming and, most importantly, safe,” said Health Minister Terry Lake.

The project cost $850,000, shared between Interior Health and the Thompson Regional Hospital District. A $20,000 grant from the RBC Foundation to the RIH Foundation went toward furnishing the new space.

The pediatric psychiatry unit will serve patients and families in the Kamloops area as well as throughout the Thompson, Nicola and Cariboo regions from Merritt to Williams Lake, and Lillooet to Chase.

“This renovation was designed to better meet the needs of both general pediatric and child psychiatry patients at Royal Inland,” said Interior Health Board chair Norm Embree. “Our commitment is to quality, safe patient care for all, and I’m happy to see this project come to fruition.”

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart, and Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar were among those taking part in the opening.