May 31, 2024
LEDUC – Patients at the Leduc Community Hospital (LCH) now have more privacy and comfort for their IV therapy treatments in a new clinic space.
In a staff-led initiative, the healthcare team reorganized hospital equipment and repurposed an existing area in the hospital to create the new dedicated space. It is equipped with new IV therapy chairs funded by the Leduc Community Hospital Foundation.
In addition, the team streamlined patient flow so patients now come to one location and are seen by one team. Previously, patients with more complex IV therapy needs were seen by a different team in a separate unit.
“I’m very pleased to see the new IV clinic space open because it means that the people of Leduc and surrounding areas will have access to the specialized care they need in a comfortable and private environment,” says Brandon Lunty, Leduc-Beaumont MLA. “This is another great example of the work we are doing to ensure we have a people-focused and innovative healthcare system in place for all Albertans.”
IV therapy is a way to give fluids, medicine or blood products directly into the bloodstream through a patient’s vein. It helps treat health issues such as anemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), low blood platelets, infections and dehydration due to hyperemesis (severe vomiting in pregnancy).
For some people living with a chronic illness, IV therapy is the only way to get the medication they need — and the need for this treatment is expected to grow. Between 10 and 20 people come to the hospital daily, Monday to Friday, for IV therapy, with more than 3,400 treatments performed last year. Leduc’s clinic is on track to exceed that number this year.
“I’m thrilled to see the clinic space come together,” says hospital site director Besy Candray. “Moving the IV therapy clinic to the new space will also help ease congestion in the emergency department. Overall, it’s going to be much better for patients and staff.”
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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
