Province announces planned upgrades of southern Alberta health-care facilities

By Gillian Slade Southern Alberta Newspapers on March 19, 2021.

The provincial government announced upgrades to several health care facilities in Alberta Health Services’ South zone this week.

Brooks Health Centre will receive $1.6 million to upgrade its medical device reprocessing area. Cardston Health Centre plans to renovate and upgrade its medical device reprocessing area with $1.5 million in funding. Taber Health Centre will receive $250,000 to improve its emergency department triage area, and Crowsnest Pass Health Centre will also upgrade its medical device reprocessing centre with $1.5 million.

Funding for the projects is through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Fund.

Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, says the funding announcement demonstrates the provincial government’s understanding of the value of investing in the health needs of rural communities.

Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika, says the government is committed to supporting economic recovery and providing high-quality health services.

“My constituents have been asking me and the Ministry of Health to invest in rural Alberta. I am grateful Alberta’s government listened,” said Schow.

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro says the renovation projects are necessary to modernize small rural facilities so they are able to offer the best and safest health-care services.

“Alberta’s government remains committed to rural health care and the rural hospitals so many Albertans rely on every day,” Shandro said in a press release.

The release stated the projects are expected to happen over the next three years.

Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO of AHS, says in the release that the projects and upkeep of facilities are important to provide quality care to patients and for the “long-term sustainability of our facilities and the services we provide throughout Alberta.”

Dr. Gavin Parker, physician in Pincher Creek and the board chair for the Rural Health Professions Action Plan, says he understands firsthand the challenges of providing health care in rural areas.

“… I am proud to stand with rural communities in Alberta to celebrate this investment by the Government of Alberta in the revitalization of rural health-care infrastructure,” said Parker.

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