This release was issued under a previous government.
Improved access to outpatient services, specialized care and emergency services will be available to Lethbridge and area residents as a result of the Alberta government’s approval of plans for the Chinook Regional Hospital redevelopment project.
“Our government is committed to providing Albertans timely access to the health care they need,” said Premier Alison Redford. “Through our Health Capital Plan, this major redevelopment project at the Chinook Regional Hospital helps to fulfill this commitment by meeting the health priorities of local residents. Better access to health care means an improved quality of life for each Albertan.”
The new budget for the project is $127.8 million, up from the original $112.7 million, an increase of 13.4 per cent. The extra funding will come from the existing provincial budget.
“Finalizing the redevelopment plans for the Chinook Regional Hospital is exciting news for Lethbridge and area residents,” said Fred Horne, Minister of Health. “Details on the services that should be provided were developed after extensive consultation with area health professionals. The hospital expansion will provide room for the addition of beds as Lethbridge grows.”
Finalized details include project scope, construction schedule and an enhanced budget. The 22,500 square-metre redevelopment project will now include:
- a 19,000 square-metre, five-storey wing for services including day surgery, a renal program (roughed-in space for future development), cardio-respiratory services, maternal newborn services including labour and delivery suites and neonatal intensive care, and a pre-operative assessment clinic;
- roughed-in space for 64 inpatient beds to accommodate future expansion;
- an expanded emergency department;
- ambulatory (outpatient) care; and
- an expanded day procedures department.
Construction of a separate $30-million parkade and heliport has been completed.
“I am pleased that work continues on this expanded project,” said Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Infrastructure. “With planning finalized, I am confident we will complete construction on time.”
The redeveloped hospital will open to the public in the summer of 2015. As more detailed work is undertaken to plan the clinical commissioning of the facility, opening dates may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff and patients.
“Albertans have told us they want a patient-focused, quality health system that provides them and their families with access to the programs and services they need,” said Stephen Lockwood, AHS Board Chair. “This expansion will help AHS deliver quality care for residents of Lethbridge and southern Alberta.”
Backgrounder
Chinook Regional Hospital redevelopment quick facts
- The project will feature a major redevelopment and addition to the existing hospital. The health service needs of the growing population in Lethbridge and the surrounding area will be met by consolidating services and programs to the site.
- The redevelopment includes a five-storey addition of approximately 19,000 square metres. The top two levels of the new addition will include roughed-in space for future development of inpatient units.
- Approximately 3,500 square metres will be renovated within the existing hospital.
- There will be some building system upgrades and some site development.
- The redevelopment project will include:
- an adult outpatient department;
- cardio-respiratory services;
- day procedures;
- day surgery;
- emergency services;
- maternal newborn services including labour and delivery suites, and NICU;
- an inpatient unit (roughed-in space for future development);
- a renal program (roughed-in space for future development);
- a pre-operative assessment clinic.
- The redeveloped hospital will open to the public in the summer of 2015. As more detailed work is undertaken to plan the clinical commissioning of the facility, opening dates may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff and patients.
- Design images are available at http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/5816.asp
Media inquiries may be directed to:
|
Jeannie Smith |
Paul Michna |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.