StettlerLocal.com June 23, 2021 @ 2:25pm
A massive renovation project at the Stettler Hospital Complex came one more step to completion today as a delegation of officials including MLA Nate Horner, Health Minister Tyler Shandro, Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls, County of Stettler Reeve Larry Clark, members of AHS, Stettler Health Services Foundation, and the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre, marked the completion of the renovations of the Stettler Hospital ER department this morning.
Phase 1 of the $9.3 million project was the renovation of the Gift Shop, modified cafeteria, construction of a new pharmacy, and modification of several areas such as X-ray and administrative offices in preparation for changes to the Emergency Department.
Phase 2 of the project was the two new labour and delivery suites constructed to give patients more privacy and allow mothers to remain in one space from labour to postpartum care.
The 3rd phase focused on the Emergency Department with the doors finally opening to patients on Monday.
Minister Shandro remarked the "bigger, brighter and safer" emergency department for patients and families was something for the community to be proud of. Some of the changes he noted were a larger patient capacity going from three treatment chairs and six stretchers, to five chairs and nine stretchers with two of those stretchers being bariatric stretchers. The improved department will also have a confidential physician consult room, a 2 stretcher trauma bay as well as better overall flow and security.
In addition to the 9.3 million dollars in government funding for the renovation project, the Stettler Hospital Services Foundation will be putting forward $400,000 for new equipment and furnishings at the renovated facility. Money raised through the organization’s many fundraising efforts, as well as additional donations by local citizens and businesses, will go towards the new Emergency Department equipment
“The collaborative effort of AHS, Provincial Government & the Health Foundation is truly something to be celebrated.” -MLA Horner
Site Manager Diane Palmer says that hospital staff and volunteers are thrilled at the overall improvements to the facility.
Chief Zone Officer of AHS Central Zone, Janice Stewart, briefly spoke about the uncertainty of the continuation of the project during COVID. She notes there were a few times when it seemed that construction might have to be delayed to keep within AHS guidelines, but that with the efforts and dedication of the Hospital Staff and construction company they were able to continue.
“Years from now, you will be able to look back and remember that the new Emergency Department reopened as we started to take our first steps to normalcy.” - Janice Stewart, AHS Chief Zone Officer Central Zone
Stettler Health Services Foundation's representative, Leona Thorogood, spoke about the excitement in the project being completed. She stated the importance to the foundation that the healthcare of the community remain a priority. Since its creation in 1999, Stettler Hospital Foundation has donated $3.6 million dollars to the hospital.
“This opening today makes me proud to be a member of a community that steps up and delivers.” Leona Thorogood, Stettler Health Services Foundation
Images provided by AHS