The Health Quality Council of Alberta says patient safety could be at risk if Edmonton’s City Centre Airport is closed without further consultation.
On Thursday, the HQCA unveiled 18 recommendations members feel should be addressed before medevac services are relocated to the Edmonton International Airport.
"The recommendations identify patient safety issues associated with the partial closure of the City Centre Airport, as well as issues that should be addressed prior to full closure," said HQCA CEO Dr. John Cowell.
Premier Ed Stelmach called for the review last fall.
Among the recommendations are the creation of a transition committee and an evaluation of the impact of traffic lights on transport times.
"If you’re a heart patient five, 10, 15 minutes extra makes a difference," said Ward 7 city councillor Tony Caterina, who has long opposed the airport’s closure. "Certainly for me this confirms the fact that it was a premature decision."
In 2009 council voted in favour of a phased closure of the airport, a decision that met stiff opposition from pro-airport groups.
Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said he’s impressed with the thoroughness of the HQCA’s report and several of the recommendations have already been addressed.
"In some instances they’ve validated some of the work that Alberta Health Services already has underway," Zwozdesky said.
However, he cautioned that implementing all of the recommendations would take time, and money.
"There are some significant potential cost implications there," Zwozdesky said.
One of two runways at the airport has already been shut down, with the second to follow at an undetermined date.
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