Doors to officially open on new community health centre

New facility will bring community-based services under one roof

LACOMBE — A new Alberta Health Services (AHS) community health centre opens next week, bringing many community-based health services under one roof.

Over the coming days, a wide array of public health, addiction and mental health services will move from their current locations to the new Lacombe Community Health Centre, 4580 46 St.

“Congratulations on this new health facility that will strengthen health services in and around Lacombe,” says Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s Minister of Health.

“Projects like this ensure patients and families get the best care possible, and focus on community-based prevention and early intervention services. All this helps keep people healthy and improves their quality of life – and also helps reduce demands on the health system. Thanks to Alberta Health Services and the Lacombe Community Health Centre for their dedication and hard work.”

Programs will begin moving to the new location in a phased approach next week in order to minimize disruption for patients.

Community health programs – such as immunization clinics, pre- and post-natal support, home care and children’s rehabilitation services – will be closed Dec. 9 at the Provincial Building as staff and equipment are moved. Programs will resume operation Dec. 11 at the new centre.

Addiction and mental health services – including seniors outreach nurses, adult and youth addiction services, and adult and youth therapy – will close their office in Parkland Place on Dec. 10 in order to move, and will reopen in the new space on Dec. 12.

“Bringing our community healthcare providers under one roof will be a great benefit for patients and staff, allowing for easier collaboration to provide the best care possible,” says Kimberley Sommerville, Lacombe and Bentley Area Manager for AHS Central Zone. “This new, larger space also provides us room to grow in the future, which will help ensure we are able to continue to meet the needs of our community in the long term.”

Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer for AHS Central Zone, adds consolidating and streamlining these services will enhance local, community-based care.

“Our goal is to help residents be healthy and stay healthy – and this new community health centre will help us do just that,” Stewart says, adding the new centre provides additional space for improved patient privacy, better accessibility and room for future growth.

As health services are relocated, the City will repurpose space in the Provincial Building.

“I am delighted to help celebrate the grand opening of the new Lacombe Community Health Centre,” says Mayor Grant Creasey. “This modern facility is the culmination of years of planning, and enables better healthcare outcomes for Lacombe area residents. It provides families and seniors with greater access to the medical care and supports they need, all under one roof.”

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.