Fort Saskatchewan residents are celebrating the completion of their new $87 million dollar hospital.
The Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital will replace the current health care centre which is 47 years old, a building Health Minister Fred Horne calls inadequate for today’s health care needs.
“There is need for a better link to primary care in this area, with a lot of people moving in, that’s a top priority,” explains Horne.
The new building is three times the size of the old one and will offer 32 acute-care beds and 24-hour emergency services.
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This hospital is a long time coming since being announced in 2005. It was originally supposed to open in 2009 but had a few set-backs along the way.
“From 2008 on, we’re on time we’re on budget. It’s about triple the size of the old hospital, they’re going to be able to integrate the health unit and AADAC and mental health services right under one facility, it’s good news,” says Minister of Infrastructure Jeff Johnson.
President of Alberta Health Services, Dr. Chris Eagle, says the new hospital offers a wider range of health services for local residents.
“For instance, the facility will house the community’s first CT scanner, which will allow more people to access high-quality diagnostic services close to home.”
The building was constructed to be environmentally friendly and highly energy efficient.
The hospital officially opens to the public in April, but will be hosting community tours next week.
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