Alberta Hospital Edmonton celebrates major milestone – 90 years of serving Albertans

EDMONTON – For 90 years, Alberta Hospital Edmonton has provided quality care for Albertans with mental health and addiction issues, continually evolving and adapting to ensure those who need care, get care.

Health Minister Fred Horne and local health care leaders will today celebrate the milestone at the north-east Edmonton facility, a site that has undergone significant change in the past 90 years.

When the hospital first opened in 1923, it was on the outskirts of Edmonton and looked after just 47 patients. Today, the site has 345 beds with almost 1,000 health and support staff, as well as physicians providing acute, adult, rehabilitation, forensic, outpatient and vocational programs to Albertans.

“Alberta Hospital Edmonton's tradition of excellence as a leading provider of specialized mental health services is well known in our province and across Canada,” said Minister Horne. “Today we celebrate the many achievements of staff over the last 90 years and say thank you for their dedication to serving countless patients, their families and communities.”

AHS President and CEO Dr. Chris Eagle says the 90th anniversary of Alberta Hospital Edmonton is a significant milestone in the history of psychiatric medicine in Alberta.

“Mental Health diagnosis and treatment continues to evolve and Alberta Hospital Edmonton will continue to provide access to leading-edge assessment, treatment and supports for those with addiction and mental health issues in Alberta.”

Alberta Hospital Edmonton is a unique facility that at one time had its own fire hall. The site has evolved over the last nine decades from one dormitory surrounded by farm buildings to a national and international leader in the research, diagnosis and treatment.

The hospital has been the origin of many of the current community mental health programs operating in Edmonton and other parts of the province. It also offers vocational programming with an on-site woodworking shop and greenhouse, and the “Works” Car Wash that is also accessible to the public.

Recent additions to the site include a new Food Services building and two new 20-bed inpatient units.

The hospital’s 90th birthday was celebrated with staff, physicians, patients and families participating in guided tours, events, and a sale of artwork produced by the “Out of the Shadows Artists Collective”.

• News release

- 30 -