Calgary (National Times): Work is underway to expand services for Albertans with chronic kidney disease at Chinook Regional Hospital, with the completion of upgrades to surgical facilities.
Alberta’s government is committed to expanding access to renal services so that Albertans can get the care they need, when and where they need it. That is why the province is investing $22 million over three years to modernize and expand the renal dialysis unit at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. This investment will improve programs for southern Albertans with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease who depend on life-saving dialysis.
“Our ongoing work at Chinook Regional Hospital will improve renal care programs, boost access to dialysis treatment and increase capacity while expanding hours of service. Earlier this year, we finished our Alberta Surgical Initiative project at the same hospital, which expands surgical capacity for Lethbridge and area residents while demonstrating our government’s commitment to expanding health care services for southern Albertans.”Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure
Once complete, the renal dialysis expansion will introduce a new unit designed to address over-capacity issues faced by the current unit. This upgrade will feature 28 hemodialysis stations, along with two airborne isolation rooms, for a total of 30 treatment stations. The project will also include the construction of four new examination rooms, along with additional spaces for family consultations, training and other support services.
“Every Albertan deserves timely care close to home. This investment will expand renal dialysis services in southern Alberta by increasing capacity, improving efficiency and enhancing the patient experience for those needing life-saving treatment.”Matt Jones, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services
Renovations to the hospital’s operating facilities through the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI) capital program were finished earlier this year. This included upgrading and expanding two existing operating rooms and creating five new inpatient beds. The added space is projected to increase surgical procedure capacity by about 780 procedures per year.
Alberta’s government is also providing $5 million to advance plans for enhanced cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta, including a cardiac catheterization lab and 34 new beds in Lethbridge. These new beds will have the ability to be ICU or lower-acuity beds, depending on hospital needs at any given time.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
