KALISPELL — Kalispell Regional Medical Center (KRMC) has been tapped as one of two locations selected to serve the region in the event of a drastic coronavirus (COVID-19) case spike.
KRNC officials say they were selected by the Montana's COVID-19 task force.
The alternative temporary facility -- which will be built out on the vacant third floor of Montana Children’s Hospital -- will be constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under a mission assignment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Funding for this project comes from FEMA with no cost to the hospital.
The makeshift hospital prepares the area for a potential second wave of COVID-19 infections later this year, which could stress Montana’s hospitals.
Construction of the structure will start mid-to late May and will last two to three weeks. There will be no impact to the staff and patients while construction is on-going.