This release was issued under a previous government.

The facility will feature 24 acute care beds and 76 continuing care beds, which is an addition of 26 continuing care beds to existing capacity in the community. Almost 6,500 square metres has been added to the plan for the new healthcare centre, for a total of 21,878 square metres.

“Finalizing the plans for the new healthcare centre is exciting news for Edson and area residents,” said Fred Horne, Minister of Health. “Details on the services that will be provided were developed after extensive consultation with area health professionals. The new facility reflects local priorities - including more continuing care spaces and the addition of a renal dialysis program. We need to make the health system fit Albertans, instead of fitting people into the system.”

The new budget for the project is $186 million, up from the original $108 million. Funding will come from the existing provincial budget. The increase reflects design improvements related to recent changes in guidelines and standards, the enhanced scope of services that will be available at the new facility, and cost escalation.  

“I am pleased that we have the funding in place and we now know what is needed to make this hospital work for the community,” said Wayne Drysdale, Infrastructure Minister. “I am confident that we can stay on schedule and complete construction of this important project in 2015.”

Finalized details include project scope, construction schedule and an enhanced budget. The new Edson Healthcare Centre will include:

  • an emergency department;
  • acute care;
  • outpatient services;
  • renal dialysis unit;
  • surgical services;
  • primary health care services;
  • diagnostic imaging and laboratory services;
  • physician clinic space; and
  • continuing care.

The Edson Healthcare Centre is expected to open to the public in the winter of 2015. As more detailed work is undertaken to plan the clinical commissioning of the facility, opening dates may be adjusted to ensure the safety of staff and patients.

“The new Edson Healthcare Centre will improve access to leading edge health care for Albertans in the area,” said Stephen Lockwood, Chair, Alberta Health Services Board. “Consolidating and expanding programs and services in one location will also benefit our patients, their families, and the entire community.

Backgrounder

Edson Healthcare Centre quick facts

  • The new Edson Healthcare Centre will include a wide range of health services including acute care, continuing care, primary health care and community health programs. The 21,878 square metre project will replace the existing healthcare centre and continuing care facility.
  • By adding approximately 6,500 square metres to the original plan, the healthcare centre will support integrated, accessible patient and family-centered care.
  • The new healthcare centre will feature 24 acute care beds.
  • In order for more seniors to remain in or near their own communities, 26 more continuing care spaces have been added to the project for a total of 76.
  • The facility will feature a six-station renal dialysis unit and a new medical device reprocessing unit to sterilize operating room equipment.
  • In addition to clinic space inside the new facility, physician clinic space will also be located adjacent to the healthcare centre and connected through pedway access.
  • The new healthcare centre will meet current standards for hospital facilities and infection control that call for single patient rooms with their own bathrooms and sinks and larger, separated areas to sterilize equipment.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Jeannie Smith
Press Secretary
Minister of Infrastructure
780-422-6267
780-554-5030 (cell)

John Muir
Communications
Alberta Health
780-422-7951
587-983-7127 (cell)

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.