A Calgary facility that offers respite and end-of-life care to children is set to reopen after a surge in patients at the nearby pediatric hospital saw its staff redeployed for more than a month. The South Health Campus adult acute care hospital in Calgary is seen on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
CALGARY – A Calgary facility that offers respite and end-of-life care to children is set to reopen after staff were redeployed for more than a month to help with a surge in patients at the nearby pediatric hospital.
Dr. Jennifer Macpherson, who’s the facility medical director at Alberta Children’s Hospital, says Rotary Flames House could start admitting patients as early as today.
Alberta Health Services closed the facility in early December and sent staff to help at the children’s hospital.
No respite care was available for children during that time, but patients who needed palliative care were treated at the hospital.
Children’s hospitals across Canada have seen a surge in patients in recent months, including those affected by COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
Health officials say the need for additional patient beds and services in Calgary is trending downward, so staff from Rotary Flames House can return to their regular roles.
“We understand this temporary pause in respite services was concerning and difficult for our clients and families,” Alberta Health Services said in a statement.
“These are extraordinary times, and we thank Albertans in advance for their support and understanding.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2023.
