A new "temporary" ward opened up in the hallway near the emergency department in the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) to accommodate high patient volumes, said Interior Health in October 2024. The ward remains in operation at the time of publication in December. 

The area located near the Emergency Department is referred to colloquially as 'Centennial Estates' by Kelowna General Hospital staff, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions from the health region. 

The hallway is being used as a medicine ward for admitted patients who cannot be accommodated in the regular units, due to a lack of space. 

"Once patient volumes subside, these overflow areas will no longer be utilized and operations will return to normal," said Interior Health in a statement to Black Press on Oct. 9. 

"During periods of higher patient volumes, KGH may use surge areas such as the space outside the emergency department," said Interior Health.

Hospital employees told Black Press that the area is disruptive to patients, visitors and staff as it impacts movement through the hospital. Staff expressed frustration as the hallway-based ward impedes their ability to provide care to patients. 

The nurses and doctors said the hallway is not a suitable place to deliver care due to high foot traffic, a lack of privacy and inadequate space for medical equipment. 

The health region, however, said that patients being cared for in the hallway are having their "care needs" met. 

Centennial Estates is located between the Emergency Department and the X-ray and CT scanners. Patients, staff and visitors must pass through the hallway-based ward where people are lying in beds and receiving care to access other areas of the hospital.

The area is intended to be used as a short-term solution but hospital staff, including nurses and doctors, say that there is no end in sight for 'Centennial Estates'.