Through a $23.4-million investment, Alberta’s government is developing a new hemodialysis unit at Chinook Regional Hospital to expand local dialysis capacity by more than 25 per cent, strengthen specialized kidney services and improve access to care for patients across southern Alberta. This investment will help the health system respond to growing demand while ensuring more patients can receive the care they need in their own community.

“Expanding dialysis services in Lethbridge means more patients can access life-sustaining treatment closer to home, with families having reduced travel time and able to spend more time together while ensuring care is available when and where it is needed.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services

The expansion also includes the dedicated Kidney Care Clinic that will provide education, training and support for patients receiving home dialysis and supporting organ donation and transplantation. By expanding access to home-based therapies, more Albertans will have flexible treatment options that fit their lives while helping reduce reliance on hospital-based care.

“The new renal program will allow more patients to receive treatment where they live, providing greater convenience and helping people stay connected to their families. It strengthens a critical service that many Albertans depend on multiple times each week and ensures we can keep pace with growing demand.”

Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

“For patients who require dialysis, receiving care closer to home can make an enormous difference. I am proud that this expansion will provide more families in Lethbridge and southern Alberta with reliable access to life-sustaining treatment, greater flexibility and more choice in their care.”

Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East

The new hemodialysis unit and Kidney Care Clinic are part of Alberta’s broader investments to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand access to care across southern Alberta. Additional investments include $59 million over three years to enhance cardiac services at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, as well as $74 million over three years to develop a new health centre in Cardston. Together, these initiatives will help ensure patients receive high-quality, timely care closer to home.

“The expanded Kidney Care Clinic provide a modern, welcoming environment while offering more care options, including home dialysis therapies, so patients can receive the right care in the setting that best fits their lives.”

Scott Holland, executive director, Alberta Kidney Care (South)

Quick facts

  • The new hemodialysis unit at Chinook Regional Hospital will expand access to life-saving kidney care.
    • Treatment stations are increasing from 24 to 30.
    • Weekly treatment capacity will increase by 25 per cent.
    • The expanded unit will support up to 180 patients each week.
  • The dedicated Kidney Care Clinic expands treatment options and includes:
    •  four clinical rooms
    • five treatment areas
    • support for home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis programs
  • Cases of advanced kidney disease have risen by 20 per cent over the past five years.
  • Alberta is a national leader in home dialysis, with 33 per cent of patients starting home dialysis within three months of beginning treatment.
    • This is the highest rate in Canada, exceeding the national average of 23 per cent.

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