EDMONTON – After years of controversy and delays, the Strathcona Community Hospital will soon open. The building has been turned over to Alberta Health Services, which is now preparing Phase 1.
But some are worried it won’t be enough to fill the need of the growing community.
“If that facility was open, and I was to have a massive heart attack, they certainly would not be taking me to the Sherwood Park Hospital,” said Strathcona County Councillor, Dave Anderson.
Alberta Health Services indicates the hospital will have a 24/7 emergency department, among other amenities.
“We’re actually very excited about this facility,” said Dr. David Mador with AHS. “We think it’s going to serve the citizens of this county extremely well.”
Strathcona County’s mayor toured the facility last week, and is pleased with the progress made.
Tuesday’s presentation comes nearly a year after Strathcona County residents learned Phase 2 of the hospital would not go ahead. The government indicated in last year’s budget that there wasn’t the money, nor the need.
That means: no obstetrics, no day surgeries, and no beds for patients needing 24 hour care.
“For those patients that require advanced care, requiring admission, they would have to be transferred to a facility that has in-patient facilities,” explained Mador. “However, we do have the capability for looking after patients overnight for those patents that need some stabilization and monitoring.”
The hospital is expected to ease some of the pressure the system faces. just how big of an impact it will have remains up for debate.
“This facility is not what’s in the best interest of Strathcona County,” argued Anderson. “Will it be a helper? Absoluetly. Will people be able to seek treatment there? Absoluely. But then let’s call it what it is. Let’s call it a Medicentre.”
With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News
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