Alberta’s provincial budget for 2015 is allotting $2.2 billion for health infrastructure, including large investments in Edmonton- and Calgary-area healthcare facilities. A total of $652 million will help address maintenance needs at healthcare facilities across the province.
The province’s five-year capital plan has allotted $17 million to expand the surgical suite in Stollery Children’s Hospital, located in Edmonton. It has also planned to invest $50 million to redevelop and expand the hospital’s critical care units.
“The Stollery Children’s Hospital is vital to meeting the healthcare needs of children and families, not only in the Edmonton region, but from across Alberta and western Canada,” said Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health, in a press release. “With services at the hospital in higher demand than ever, we’re making investments that will help to improve access and reduce stress on families who are already dealing with the most difficult circumstances imaginable.”
Also receiving a large investment is a new Calgary Cancer Centre that will cater to patients that require better cancer care in Calgary and the surrounding regions. The new facility will receive $830 million over five years for its construction, which is slated for the northeast corner of the Foothills Medical Centre campus.
“Our government is committed to providing the best possible cancer care for Albertans and their families, and the investments we’re making under this year’s budget reflect that priority,” said Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta, in a press release. “This investment strengthens health care for Albertans, and it’s happening at the right time, while construction costs are low and while we’re focused on taking care of each other during tough times.”
The new facility will replace the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and will provide more inpatient beds and additional patient services. It is currently in its planning stages, with construction slated to begin in 2017. It is projected to open its doors by 2024.
The province will also provide investments to other healthcare facilities in Alberta, including Kaye Edmonton Clinic, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Misericordia Hospital, Edson Healthcare Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, High Prairie Health Complex, Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Northern Lights Regional Hospital, Peter Lougheed Centre and South Health Campus.
