April 13, 2022
GALAHAD – Residents will soon be returning to the Galahad Care Centre, following the resumption of continuing care services at the site by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Fifteen supportive living level 4 (SL4) beds are officially reopening this month, following a temporary pause of continuing care services at the facility in June 2021. In response to pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic in early waves, coupled with significant staffing challenges, AHS temporarily closed services at the site and relocated residents and nursing staff to other facilities.
“Alberta’s seniors deserve the very best quality of life as they age through care,” says Health Minister Jason Copping. “Thank you to Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely for working with AHS on the reopening of the Galahad Care Centre and to the AHS team for their recruitment efforts. Alberta’s government will continue to stand by our seniors as we invest $3.7 billion in continuing care and open 1,515 new spaces this year.”
“Camrose residents have spoken out strongly for a return of services to the Galahad Long Term Care Centre,” says Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose Constituency. “I’m glad to see that after two years of engagement and efforts, the AHS team has been successful in attracting the necessary talent to re-open this facility. I’m hopeful we can continue to attract healthcare workers to our community to make Camrose constituency an excellent place to live, work, and age in place.”
Originally designated as a long-term care facility, AHS previously announced the beds at the site would transition to SL4 upon reopening, as this level of care is more closely aligned to the needs of residents.
It also brings a new level of care to the community for the first time and aligns with AHS’ long-term plans to address Continuing Care needs in the area now and in the future. Forecasting models used by AHS show an increased need for designated supportive living options in the Galahad area.
“AHS has remained committed to reopening these important care spaces, and we are very grateful for the patience of our residents, their families, and our staff while we worked to make this happen,” says Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer, Central Zone. “Our teams have worked diligently to recruit a number of LPNs and Health Care Aides. That, combined with a reduction of COVID-19 cases and associated healthcare system pressures have provided the resources needed to safely resume services in Galahad.”
Designated supportive living care teams can be led by Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), who safely and appropriately provide care for residents.
Residents who want to return to the Galahad Care Centre will be supported in doing so, including those who require LTC. Residents wishing to remain in their current location, or to move into a LTC space in another facility will also be supported in doing so.
AHS will continue with a number of talent attraction strategies in Galahad including utilizing our rural talent pipeline supported with a candidate management system, local community spotlights, outreach to post-secondary partners, and working with community committees such as RhPAP and the Flagstaff Community Health Services Working Group to attract and keep staff.
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.
