Lethbridge (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced a major investment in cardiac and critical care services at Chinook Regional Hospital, with design work for the project set to begin this month.
The province is committing $320 million to redevelop the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab and expand its intensive care and cardiac care facilities. Construction is expected to get underway in October 2027.
Chinook Regional Hospital serves Lethbridge as well as communities across southern Alberta and provides emergency treatment, specialised services and critical care to patients from across the region.
ICU and Cardiac Care Capacity to Increase
As part of the redevelopment, the hospital will receive a redesigned cardiac catheterization lab along with additional shelled space that will allow the capacity of its intensive care unit (ICU) and cardiac care unit (CCU) to more than double.
The ICU is expected to grow from 16 to 26 beds, while the CCU will expand substantially from four to 28 beds. Once the project is completed, the two units will have a combined capacity of 54 beds.
The provincial government said the investment is intended to improve access to specialised cardiac treatment for residents in southern Alberta and reduce the need for patients to travel elsewhere for advanced care.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the hospital is an important healthcare centre for the region and that upgrading its facilities will help meet the needs of patients requiring specialised treatment.
Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said the expansion is aimed at increasing healthcare capacity and ensuring Albertans can receive necessary treatment closer to home.
Investment Expected to Benefit Southern Alberta
For residents of Lethbridge and surrounding communities, Chinook Regional Hospital serves as a major access point for emergency and specialised medical services. Officials said the expanded cardiac facilities will provide greater local access to advanced treatment.
Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf described the investment as a significant development for families across the region and credited local supporters for their contribution towards improving cardiac services.
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation also welcomed the project, highlighting the collaboration between the provincial government, healthcare professionals, infrastructure teams, donors and community organisations.
Foundation president and CEO Crystal Elliott said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations and communities work towards a common healthcare goal.
The Alberta government said the investment forms part of its broader effort to expand healthcare infrastructure in response to population growth. Once completed, the Chinook Regional Hospital project is expected to provide increased cardiac and critical-care capacity for patients across southern Alberta for years to come.
