Teck Resources Ltd. has made a $2.5 million contribution toward the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation’s new emergency department. The new Teck Emergency Department will feature the installation of innovative antimicrobial copper surfaces and equipment to help protect patients and healthcare workers.
When complete, the newly renovated emergency department will offer expanded care and enhanced patient outcomes in one of the busiest emergency departments in British Columbia’s Interior region. The facility upgrades will result in reduced wait times for access to treatment for people when they need it most. Teck’s donation will also facilitate innovation within the department, including antimicrobial copper surfaces and equipment that reduce the spread of infectious disease.
“Through our Copper and Health program, Teck is helping to make communities safer through the use of antimicrobial copper in public spaces,” President and CEO Don Lindsay said. “Royal Inland Hospital provides care in the same region as our Highland Valley Copper operation and we’re very proud to make this important contribution supporting the health and well-being of health care workers, patients and the public for years to come.”
Copper has unique antimicrobial properties and is proven effective in eliminating up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria within two hours of contact. When installed in high-touch, high-traffic locations, copper can help reduce the spread of infectious disease. Research has shown that every year patients in Canada contract infections in healthcare settings and copper’s antimicrobial properties are a proven tool to help minimize this risk.
This donation builds on more than 25 years of support to Royal Inland Hospital Foundation by Teck and its employees at Teck Highland Valley Copper Operations. This support is also the latest in a series of contributions made to hospitals across British Columbia such as St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, which include installation of antimicrobial copper surfaces as part of Teck’s Copper & Health program.
The redevelopment of the Royal Inland Hospital emergency department is a part of Interior Health’s Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower Phase 2 renovations. Construction of the new Teck Emergency Department begins in July and will take place in phases, with the department remaining open to patients for the duration of the project. Phase 2 renovations are scheduled to be complete in 2026.
