April 27, 2021
Following a competitive RFP process and evaluation, K-Bro Linen Systems has been selected to provide laundry services for AHS province-wide.
Sixty eight percent of laundry services in Alberta are already provided by private providers. Fully contracting out laundry services province-wide will generate significant ongoing operating savings over the life of the contract. In addition, an estimated cost of $100 million capital dollars to build a replacement laundry system can now be avoided.
“The hundreds of millions of dollars in cost avoidance and savings will be reinvested into top health care priorities including reducing wait times and improving mental health services,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “The former government’s opposition to contracting with a company to wash laundry would have cost taxpayers over $100 million. Fortunately, that will not happen under this government.”
“K-Bro Linen Systems has a proven track record of providing high-quality laundry services,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, AHS. “AHS is looking forward to working with them to ensure the long-term sustainability of laundry service in our province.”
In October, 2020, AHS issued an RFP seeking responses from third party providers interested in assuming responsibility for the provision of high-quality and sustainable laundry services across Alberta.
This transition will impact approximately 428 full time, part time and casual employees and AHS is committed to working with affected staff and their unions throughout this process. AHS anticipates there will be some opportunities for employment with the new vendor(s).
AHS will begin working with K-Bro Linen Systems on a transition plan to determine when they will begin providing laundry services in the remaining portion of the province.
