CALGARY – Nearly one month after being hospitalized, Alberta Health Services says that former Premier Ralph Klein will soon be released and moved into a continuing care facility.
Klein was admitted to hospital in Calgary in September to be treated for issues associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and aphasia, both previously disclosed conditions.
“It’s related to a lifetime of smoking. It’s a chronic lung condition that at times makes it difficult to breathe,” Klein’s friend and former political right-hand-man said at the time.
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Aphasia is a form of progressive dementia which Klein was diagnosed with this spring.
In a statement released by AHS on Monday, it was revealed that Klein is to be moved to a continuing-care facility where he can continue to get help with his health issues.
“It is hoped that after this transition period, Mr. Klein can return home,” the release read.
Also included in the release was a statement from Klein’s wife Colleen:
“On behalf of the Klein family, Colleen Klein again wishes to express her heartfelt thanks to Alberta Health Services, and specifically the wonderful staff at the Rockyview General Hospital, for the outstanding care he received during his hospitalization.”
Klein has made few public appearances in recent months and friends say sometimes he has trouble putting names to faces and occasionally slurs his speech.
Klein was premier of Alberta from 1992 to 2006.
With files from The Canadian Press
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