New investments in Olds facility to reduce risk of infections for patients

Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program funding to upgrade equipment at Olds Hospital and Care Centre

OLDS — More than $1 million in upgrades will further ensure that medical devices used at the local Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility are cleaned and sterilized properly — a process known as medical device reprocessing, which reduces the risk of infections. The project is expected to begin in the coming months; more detailed timelines will be shared once the work is underway.

A further $3.3 million of government funding is currently being spent on other ongoing upgrades at the health centre, including parking lot resurfacing, replacement of a cooling unit, roof repairs and a new nurse call system. 

“No matter where you live in the province, it’s important that your healthcare needs can be met as close to home as possible,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “These projects help make that a reality, and are part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and capital across Alberta.”

“We are pleased to have these funds going into the healthcare system,” says Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. “Investments like these are an important part in ensuring Albertans have access to healthcare facilities that are safe and secure; places that provide high-quality care when they or their loved ones are sick or injured.”   

The government’s $50-million commitment to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program supports AHS to complete infrastructure projects over the next three years at rural sites.

“Projects like these help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients stay well,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS. “So it is vital we keep our healthcare infrastructure current and up to date.”

With the Budget 2021 Capital Plan, the Government of Alberta has committed $343 million over the next three years to the Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP) for infrastructure at health facilities across the province. AHS, in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health, is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality healthcare to all Albertans.

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.