Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s government is partnering with Covenant Health to develop a new health centre in Airdrie that will expand access to urgent, primary, surgical and maternity care for residents of the rapidly growing community.
The Airdrie Covenant Health Centre will bring together two major facilities: an Urgent Care and Birthing Centre and a Primary, Surgical and Ambulatory Care Centre. The project is intended to provide residents of Airdrie and surrounding communities with more health services closer to home.
Airdrie’s population has grown from about 30,000 to more than 90,000 over the past two decades. The new centre is being developed in response to that growth and the increasing demand for health services in Airdrie, northern Calgary and nearby communities.
The Urgent Care and Birthing Centre will treat non-life-threatening urgent health concerns and provide maternal and birthing services. It is expected to support approximately 1,000 deliveries and more than 30,000 urgent care visits each year.
The attached Primary, Surgical and Ambulatory Care Centre will provide additional capacity for approximately 10,000 surgical procedures annually, further expanding access to procedures and specialized care.
Partnership to expand local health services
Alberta’s government will support construction and land acquisition for the new Urgent Care and Birthing Centre, while Covenant Health will develop the adjoining Primary and Ambulatory Care Centre.
The organizations will work with the provincial ministries responsible for Hospital and Surgical Health Services and Infrastructure to coordinate services according to current and projected demand in the region.
Premier Danielle Smith said the investment is intended to ensure that Airdrie’s health-care infrastructure keeps pace with its population growth.
The project will also serve as the first phase of Airdrie’s planned Covenant Wellness Community, a broader model designed to bring multiple health and wellness services together in one location.
Covenant Health President and CEO Patrick Dumelie said the approach is intended to make it easier for patients to access different forms of care without having to navigate between separate services.
Centre expected to open in 2031
The provincial government says the project represents part of its broader effort to increase health-care capacity in Alberta’s growing communities.
Airdrie Mayor Heather Spearman welcomed the announcement, describing the project as an investment in the city’s residents and future health-care needs.
The Airdrie Covenant Health Centre is expected to open in 2031, providing expanded urgent care, maternity, surgical and ambulatory services to Airdrie and surrounding communities.
