More than $730,000 invested in local healthcare

January 18, 2016

COALDALE — More than $730,000 has been invested at the Coaldale Health Centre to build a new two-bay ambulance garage, as well as to complete two other projects.

The new garage provides additional space for local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crews and ambulances.

Among project at the health centre, $65,000 was spent on repairs to the water inlet piping, which ensures patients and staff can access clean potable water, and more than $25,000 was spent on a new oxygen manifold that supports medical equipment used by staff.

“Projects like these help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients stay well,” says Linda Iwasiw, Interim Chief Zone Officer, in the South Zone of Alberta Health Services. “It is also vital we keep our healthcare infrastructure up to date.”

Some funding for these projects came from the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP). In recent years, additional IMP funding has been invested in other projects at the Coaldale Health Care Centre, including replacement of a cooling tower, fire pump and medical air systems. As well, roof repairs were done and the nurse call system was upgraded.

“Albertans need the right care, in the right place, at the right time, delivered by the right individuals with the right information,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “Projects like the Coaldale Health Centre help keep that care close to home, and are part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and capital across Alberta.”

Each year, AHS submits a list of IMP priority renovation, repair or upgrade projects for the next three years to Alberta Health and Alberta Infrastructure to ensure the projects meet program criteria. Projects are ranked in priority from those that must be done immediately to ensure safety and health of patients and staff, to non-urgent projects that need to be addressed over time.

Taking into account the diverse needs of Albertans, AHS is strategically investing in the health system to support patients and communities to stay healthy and manage illness effectively.
AHS maintains more than 450 facilities throughout the province, including hospitals, clinics, continuing care facilities, mental health facilities and community health sites.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Jason Morton
AHS Communications
403-943-1861