Island Health’s New Regional Powerhouse, Cowichan District Hospital, Adopts Steriwave to Lead Vancouver Island in Surgical Innovation 

Ondine Biomedical Inc. today announced that Cowichan District Hospital, a facility within the Island Health Authority in British Columbia, is adopting Steriwave® nasal photodisinfection as a standard component of pre-surgical protocols for its orthopedic patients to protect them from the growing risk of multidrug resistance.  

The adoption of this cutting-edge technology comes as Cowichan Hospital undergoes a massive transformation and prepares for the historic opening of its new CAD$1.4 billion, 607,000-square-foot campus—three times the size of its current facility. The expansion nearly doubles the number of operating rooms, from four to seven, signaling Cowichan’s emergence as a premier destination for complex orthopedic surgeries and joint replacements. 

By integrating Ondine Biomedical’s Steriwave system, Cowichan Hospital is providing its orthopedic patients with a “gold standard” of infection prevention. Steriwave uses a non-invasive, five-minute light-activated process to eliminate pathogens in the nose—a primary reservoir for bacteria that cause surgical site infections (SSIs). Unlike traditional antibiotics, Steriwave is effective immediately and does not contribute to the “superbug” crisis. For a hospital rapidly scaling surgical capacity to meet the needs of a growing population, this innovation is a critical safeguard. Adopters of the technology, such as the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust in the UK, have seen hip and knee SSIs plummet by as much as 71%. 

A Future-Forward Medical Hub 

Carolyn Cross, CEO of Ondine Biomedical Inc., commented:  

“Cowichan is migrating from community hospital to a regional leader in innovation and we are proud to be part of that evolution. As this facility triples in size to become one of the most significant medical centers in British Columbia, the clinical team is ensuring that patient safety keeps pace with that growth. We are honored to support the Cowichan Valley in helping to protect patients and families from the growing threat of drug-resistant infections with our rapid and painless photodisinfection procedure.” 

The adoption of Steriwave at the new Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw facility underscores the hospital’s commitment to “future-proofing” healthcare in the region, as it expands its emergency department to over 36 treatment spaces, becomes B.C.’s first fully electric and “Salmon-Safe” certified hospital, and increases the number of surgical procedure rooms by 200% to help reduce wait times for Vancouver Island residents. 

About Cowichan Hospital & Island Health 

Cowichan Hospital, operated by Island Health, is the primary acute care facility for the Cowichan Valley. With the completion of its new regional campus in 2026/2027, it will stand as one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in Canada, serving as a critical hub for surgical excellence, emergency care, and Indigenous health services.