A new emergency department was officially opened at Oliver's South Okanagan General Hospital Friday morning.

Health Minister Adrian Dix pulled the wraps off the $970,000 renovation.

"Our government has invested in an upgraded emergency department at SOGH so that the people living in this community can receive quality health-care services when they need it," said Dix. "I saw first-hand the need to upgrade the emergency department after touring the hospital in the fall of 2017 and am pleased that health-care workers can continue to provide exemplary care to local residents in the improved space that they deserve."

Upgrades include a new waiting and triage area, a quiet room for families, and a separate emergency department entrance.

Admitting and administration services were relocated, and a new team-care station will enhance working conditions for staff. A private area for physicians enables them to consult with specialists as required.

Patients are expected to begin using the new facilities next week.

"People who come to the emergency department are often arriving when they are most vulnerable. These renovations will not only give patients and their families more privacy, but the new entrance also provides clear and direct access to immediate care when it's needed most," said Interior Health board chair? Doug Cochrane.

Petra Veintimilla, chair of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District, said the project provides a more patient-friendly emergency department.

"This type of bright, patient-friendly space enhances both the care of patients and working conditions for staff," added Carey Bornn, executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation.

The province contributed 60 per cent of the project costs, the hospital district funded 40 per cent, and work was bolstered by a further $280,000 commitment from the medical foundation.