July 21, 2021
WEATASKIWIN — Approximately $6 million will be spent on upgrades and renovations to the Emergency Department (ED) and Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) unit at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre thanks to the Alberta’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program (RHFRP).
The MDR renovations further ensure that medical devices used at the health centre are cleaned and sterilized properly, reducing the risk and spread of infections caused by viruses and other threats to staff and patients.
The Emergency Department upgrades include a complete redesign and renovation to enhance patient and staff experience and safety. Both projects are expected to begin in the coming months and more detailed timelines will be shared once the projects are underway.
“Albertans, no matter where they live in the province, need to know that health care is available and as close to home as possible,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “This funding will help make that a reality, and is part of the government’s commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and the delivery of high-quality health care across Alberta.”
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, such as the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre.
“The Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre plays an important role in the well-being of this community,” says Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations and MLA for Maskwacîs-Wetaskiwin. “This investment will ensure residents continue to receive high-quality care for many years to come.”
A further $5.6 million of government funding has recently supported other upgrades at the local hospital and care centre including replacing the roof, waterlines, installing a new nurse call system, chiller repairs, repair of damage to outside of building, emergency generator and resurfacing the parking lot.
“Projects like these help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients receive quality care in the best environments,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS. “So it is vital we keep our health care infrastructure current and up to date.”
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.
