May 13, 2024
WETASKIWIN — Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Seasons Wetaskiwin are temporarily increasing the number of Type B Continuing Care Home (formerly designated supportive living) beds effective May 13.
Ten temporary beds will be added in Seasons Wetaskiwin to support patients who no longer need acute care services and can be transitioned to more appropriate sites of care. Those waiting in community settings, such as their home or lodge, who require a higher level of care may also be placed into these temporary spaces.
“This additional capacity in Wetaskiwin will help ensure the right services and supports are in place to serve the people of the County of Wetaskiwin, allowing patients to remain as close to home as possible,” says Rick Wilson, MLA for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin.
The 10 spaces will remain operational for a 12-month period, during which time they will help maintain capacity in acute care at sites throughout the AHS Central Zone.
“Having the option to move patients who no longer need acute care into a level of care more suited to their needs will allow us to free up beds for local patients who need emergency medical care. It will also support those who are waiting in their own home to be admitted to a continuing care bed,” says Lori Sparrow, Senior Operating Officer Community and Seniors Health for AHS Central Zone.
Patients and their families will be supported in moving to these temporary spaces where they will receive the same level of care and support as any other continuing care client does. Every effort will be made to place patients awaiting continuing care as close to home as possible. Residents remaining in the temporary spaces will be relocated to alternative continuing care spaces prior to the end of the 12-month contract period to allow for the decommissioning of the temporary spaces.
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.
