May 17, 2021
PINCHER CREEK — More than $3.1 million will be spent on new CT outpatient services, including space and a new CT scanner, at the Pincher Creek Health Centre. The computerized tomography (CT) scanner will provide predominantly elective scans for many patients in Pincher Creek and the surrounding area. Patients will be served locally, reducing travel times, wait times and improving patient outcomes. The project is expected to begin in the coming months; more detailed timelines will be shared once the work is underway.
“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 Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “This project helps make that a reality, and is part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and services across Alberta.”
“This is an important investment for our community,” says Don Anderberg, Mayor of Pincher Creek. “Those patients waiting for elective scans from Pincher Creek and surrounding communities will be able to stay close to home and their families to get this important service.”
A further $6.6 million of government funding has recently supported other upgrades at the health centre, including elevator repairs, lighting upgrades, a new nurse call system, chiller replacement, Connect Care system upgrades as well as upgrades to security, paging and water distribution systems.
“We are pleased to have these funds going into the health-care system,” says Roger Reid, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod. “Investments like these in rural Alberta are an important part in ensuring Albertans have access to health-care facilities that are safe and secure; places that provide high-quality care when they or their loved ones are sick or injured.”
The government’s $50-million commitment to the Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program supports AHS to complete infrastructure projects over the next three years at rural sites such as the Pincher Creek Health Centre.
“Projects like these help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients stay well,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO of AHS. “So it is vital we keep our health-care infrastructure current and up to date.”
“Rural sites like Pincher Creek Health Centre are an important part in the delivery of health care in the province,” says Dr. Gavin Parker, Pincher Creek community medical director and the board chair for the Rural Health Professions Action Plan. “Investments in rural sites is crucial to ensure all Albertans have access to healthcare, no matter where they are.”
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.
