Upgrades ensure quicker access to safe, secure healthcare

September 21, 2023

DRAYTON VALLEY —  More than $650,000 in redevelopment work at the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre will improve patient flow and speed up the triage process for patients presenting to the emergency department.

Renovations to the hospital’s triage space and admitting desk are now complete, providing staff with better sight lines to monitor patients in the waiting room. Patient privacy and security have also been enhanced with the installation of additional cameras and secure doors. Removal of the previous admitting desk and the laying of new floor throughout the space is expected to be complete by early next month.

Funding for the project comes from the Alberta government’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program. 

“These improvements to the emergency department will improve the quality of care for people in and around Drayton Valley,” says Andrew Boitchenko, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon. “The Alberta government’s commitment to this important project will ensure those who need emergency services receive the best care possible in a modern space that keeps them healthy and safe.”

A further $2.2 million of government funding is currently supporting active facility upgrade projects at the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre, including reconfiguration of the emergency department and elevator modernization. A government-funded roof upgrade project has been recently completed at $875,000.

“It is critical that patients and staff feel welcome and safe when they come to an emergency department, so I’m pleased these renovations will help create an environment where people can be comfortable while being seen as quickly as possible,” says Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer in the Central Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS). 

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. 
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.