Alberta’s government is committed to providing the highest quality of health care services for all Albertans, no matter where they live in the province.
To ensure Albertans can get the care they need close to home, the government is investing almost $15.5 million to improve access to health care services in rural and remote communities. This investment will support the construction of a new dialysis unit in Lloydminster, the construction of the Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slave Lake, and will enhance kidney care services for residents of Grande Prairie and its surrounding area.
“We are committed to supporting capital projects in every corner of the province. Rural Albertans deserve access to high-quality health care services, and this program has been designed to ensure facilities can service the needs of their communities.”
The projects in Slave Lake and Lloydminster are funded through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, which funds strategic capital projects at rural health facilities to help ensure Albertans can access the health care services they need as close to home as possible.
The program is supporting 44 projects in 39 communities, including construction of the new dialysis unit in Lloydminster. Alberta’s government is investing $6.2 million in the project, which is expected to be complete in late fall 2025. The new location will operate six stations initially, with the ability to add more as the demand increases. The unit will operate Monday through Saturday to accommodate the needs of hemodialysis patients, who typically receive three four-hour treatments each week.
“Our investment in rural health facilities demonstrates our strong commitment to delivering equitable health care for all Albertans. This funding will strengthen local communities by improving access to essential services, bringing quality care closer to home.”
Alberta’s government has also provided $6.8 million through the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program for the recently completed Brian Rosche Ambulance Station in Slave Lake – a 990-square-metre facility designed to better accommodate local staff and ambulances. The facility, named in honour of the late Brian Rosche, a dedicated community leader and former Municipal District of Lesser Slave River No. 124 councillor, includes accommodation for nine crew members, a training and multi-purpose room, kitchen, living spaces, and space for nine ambulances in the garage. These enhancements will help ensure staff are supported to deliver prompt, effective and high-quality emergency medical care.
“Mr. Rosche’s unwavering commitment to advancing health care in the region, including his advocacy for a new EMS facility, has been deeply valued by the community. We are grateful for his legacy and excited for the positive impact this facility will have on our community.”
“This facility is a crucial addition to our health care infrastructure and will enhance our ability to respond to emergencies in the Slave Lake area. It’s also a fitting tribute to Brian Rosche’s dedication to advancing health care in our region.”
Enhancing kidney care services in Grande Prairie
In addition to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, Alberta’s government is investing in major capital projects to meet the health care needs of Albertans living in rural communities.
Alberta’s government is providing $2.42 million to enhance and consolidate kidney care services for Grande Prairie and area residents. The funding will help the Queen Elizabeth II Ambulatory Care Centre expand its hemodialysis unit to provide care for up to 24 patients a day in the future.
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation is providing $1.5 million to support the project. The space will be named the Sargent Family Kidney Care Centre, honouring the Sargent family’s significant donation to the foundation for this project.
“Improving access to kidney care services will significantly impact our community in a positive way. We are proud to support this initiative and grateful to the Sargent Family Foundation for their dedication to extended kidney care in Grande Prairie and the Peace Region.”
Quick facts
- Budget 2024 includes $65 million over two years for the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.
- The Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program is intended to support the renovation of rural health facilities and to help purchase and install new equipment.
- Since its inception in 2021, the program has invested $115 million across the province.