NDP says Calgary hospitals are crumbling after years of neglect

CALGARY- More alarming numbers for Albertans Friday, with the opposition sounding the alarm on Calgary’s crumbling hospitals.

The NDP claiming years of neglect has left three facilities in desperate need of repair.

NDP leader Rachel Notley says more than $100 million worth of maintenance has fallen through the crack and she places blame squarely on the lap of the PC party.

“It’s patients like Bob McLennan who feel it on the frontlines,” Notley said.

McLennan is 65 years old and suffering from terminal cancer.

“I’m in and out of here all the time.”

He says the frustration of crumbling infrastructure is the last thing he needs.

“Some of the elevators aren’t working, you’re trying to get up to the 9th floor and you’re packed in like sardines,” McLennan said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Some of the elevators aren't working, you're trying to get up to the 9th floor and you're packed in like sardines," McLennan said.

That’s just one example from a long list of overdue upgrades, including fire sprinklers, asbestos removal and ventilation systems.

“If you don’t fix the roof, the roof collapses and then the whole place stops working,”  said Notley Friday.

She says well over $100 million worth of upkeep is being neglected for three Calgary hospitals including the Rockyview, Peter Lougheed and Foothills.

Foothills is said to be the worst and some patients there aren’t surprised.

“If you go in, you don’t have to go very far down the halls to see battered stuff and things that are in disrepair,” said Crawford Thorn, at patient at the Foothills.

The NDP leader points the finger at the PC party.

“This government has avoided doing this kind of important work because it doesn’t make for good press conferences and good photo ops,” Notley said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This government has avoided doing this kind of important work because it doesn't make for good press conferences and good photo ops," Notley said.

But a spokesperson for Alberta Health rejects claims of neglect and playing popular politics.

“We never accept or tolerate any situation that would threaten safety or quality. Any critical issue gets addressed immediately,” Steven Buick from Alberta Health said.

While the upgrades may not be critical, patients have expressed their concern.

Some have suggested delaying repairs only leaves taxpayers on the hook for a bigger bill later on.

“You can go only so long where the dollar repairs become hundred dollar repairs,” McLennan said.