Pre-demolition work underway this month at care centre wing

LLOYDMINSTER — Work is now underway to prepare for the demolition early next year of the vacated south wing at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre.

Hazardous materials will be removed from the wing of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility later this month, and other preparation work will continue over the next several months. There will be no risk to the health of residents or staff in other areas of the facility as this work is carried out.

The 55-bed long-term care wing was closed in 2015, with residents moving to the 60-bed Lloydminster Continuing Care Centre. Fifty long-term care beds remain on newer wings of the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre.

After discussions with the community last June about renovation and refurbishing costs, there was a better understanding that upgrading the south wing to meet current health standards for continuing care would be cost prohibitive.

“Alberta Health Services wants to thank the community for participating in previous engagement sessions to discuss the future of the old wing at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre,” says Kerry Bales, Chief Zone Officer, AHS Central Zone.

“The feedback we received helped guide decisions on how we continue to plan for ensuring the continuing care needs of the community are met now and into the future.”

Last year, 44 additional supportive living spaces opened at the Pioneer Lodge.

AHS is also enhancing continuing care resources in the community through services such as the Home First Quick response program, which provides in-home care and supports to seniors with complex needs.

“We know the population is aging and that there will be additional needs for continuing care in the future,” says Bales. “We will work with the community and our partners to ensure those needs are met through either physical infrastructure or service programs.”

Dates for the demolition will be shared with the community once they are determined.

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.