More than $200,000 invested in Ponoka Centennial Centre

May 30, 2016

Upgrades and repairs improve care for Mental Health and Brain Injury patients

PONOKA — More than $200,000 has been invested in roof repairs at the Ponoka Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury.

Alberta Health Services (AHS), in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health, is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality health care to all Albertans. AHS currently has about 520 maintenance projects underway throughout the province.

“These investments are an important part of helping our patients stay well,” says Kerry Bales, Chief Zone Officer, Central Zone, AHS. “It is also vital we keep our health care infrastructure up to date and well maintained.”

Funding for these projects came from the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP). In recent years, an additional $400,000 in IMP funding has been invested in other projects at the Ponoka Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury, including repairs to the steam humidification system, doors, electrical panels, staff call system, outdoor awnings, shower room and flooring replacement.

“No matter where you live in the province, it’s important that your health care needs can be met as close to home as possible,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “These projects help make that a reality, 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