Interior Health has decided to privatize and relocate its laundry services, but they are not going to a private company in the lower mainland.
Private operator Ecotex will build a facility in Kelowna to handle the work.
17 jobs will be lost in Nelson as some of the wider regional laundry service is done at Kootenay Lake Hospital.
IH’s  Donna Lommer said the move will save $35 million over the 20-year contract which is important given the capital demands on the health authority.
IH says keeping the laundry service in Kelowna will save on freight costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
