February 24, 2023
OLDS — Work is underway on a $2-million medical device reprocessing (MDR) upgrade at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre. MDR ensures medical devices are cleaned and sterilized properly, reducing the risk and spread of infections caused by viruses and other threats to staff and patients.
The project will include renovations to improve workflow as well as equipment upgrades. Work on the MDR renovations is expected to be completed this summer.
“All Albertans, no matter where they live, need and deserve access to our world-class health system, and they need it close to where they live,” says Jason Copping, Minister of Health. “These projects help make that a reality and part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and services across Alberta.”
Funding for the project comes from the Government of Alberta’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.
“We are pleased to have these funds going into the healthcare system,” says Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. “Investments like these are an important part in ensuring Albertans have access to healthcare facilities that are safe and secure; places that provide high-quality care when they or their loved ones are sick or injured.”
A further $5.5 million of government funding is currently being spent on other ongoing upgrades at the health centre, including parking lot resurfacing, replacement of a cooling unit, roof repairs and a new nurse call system.
“The Olds Hospital and Care Centre plays a key role in the community’s well-being,” says Mauro Chies, interim Alberta Health Services (AHS) President and CEO. “It is vital we keep our healthcare infrastructure up-to-date, and projects like this help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients receive quality care in the best environments.”
AHS, in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health, is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality healthcare to all Albertans. AHS currently has about 540 maintenance projects underway throughout the province.
,p>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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
