If passed, Budget 2026 delivers a $59-million, three-year investment to advance cardiac care in Lethbridge with a new catheterization lab and expand intensive care and diagnostic capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital to meet growing demand in southern Alberta. This funding moves the South Zone Cardiac and Intensive Care Expansion project from the planning stage toward construction, marking a significant step forward in strengthening specialized care for patients across the region.
Once complete, the expansion is expected to significantly increase intensive care capacity in southern Alberta. Subject to final design and construction outcomes, up to 54 intensive care beds are anticipated at Chinook Regional Hospital and 18 at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The cardiac catheterization lab in Lethbridge is expected to serve approximately 1,500 to 1,700 patients annually once fully operational.
“Expanding cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta strengthens the entire provincial health system. This investment supports long-term capacity in the South Zone and ensures specialized services continue to grow alongside the region. The infrastructure that is built will serve families and communities in the region for decades to come.”
“Strengthening cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta ensures more patients have specialized care closer to home, supporting better patient outcomes in the process.”
Currently, more than 1,300 patients are transferred out of southern Alberta to Calgary to receive cardiac services. A new cardiac catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital will improve access to life-saving cardiac care and enhance the region’s ability to treat patients with complex and critical needs, allowing more Albertans to receive care closer to home.
“Budget 2026 represents a historic investment in health care, strengthening specialized services and expanding capacity where Albertans need it most. Investments like this mean shorter wait times, care closer to home and better outcomes for families across southern Alberta.”
“This investment is about building the right infrastructure, in the right places. Expanding cardiac and intensive care capacity in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat helps ensure patients can access life-saving care closer to home, now and into the future.”
In April 2025, Alberta’s government announced funding to advance planning and functional programming for the Lethbridge cardiac catheterization lab. Budget 2026 builds on that work by moving the project into its next phase, supporting continued planning and early construction to maintain momentum.
“This investment will give peace of mind to families in Lethbridge, ensuring loved ones can receive the critical care they need, right here at home, when they need it most.”
“Lethbridge and Medicine Hat play a vital role as regional centres supporting rural and remote communities across the South Zone. Investing in cardiac and intensive care capacity at these sites strengthens regional infrastructure and helps ensure the broader health system remains stable and sustainable.”
“This budget is a major step for southern Alberta – advancing a cardiac catheterization laboratory at Chinook Regional Hospital and expanding ICU capacity in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, bringing lifesaving care closer to home.”
By strengthening cardiac, intensive care and diagnostic capacity in southern Alberta, Budget 2026 will enable more patients to receive timely, specialized care closer to home. This investment reflects our commitment to building a patient-focused health system that delivers the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Quick facts
- Budget 2026 invests $59 million over three years to advance planning and construction for expanded cardiac services and intensive care capacity in southern Alberta.
- Budget 2025 provided $5 million to advance planning and functional programming for expanded cardiac services and intensive care capacity in southern Alberta, including a cardiac catheterization lab in Lethbridge.
Related news
- Enhancing cardiac services in southern Alberta (April 3, 2025)
- Expanding cardiac services in southern Alberta (Oct. 22, 2024)
- Expanding cardiac care at Chinook Regional Hospital (April 12, 2023)