The Alberta government is looking to evaluate and address the needs of rural hospitals to help put pressure off urban health-care facilities.
Budget 2025’s new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will provide $15 million for project planning. It will help determine the needs of rural hospitals, plan solutions and services required to maximize each facility’s potential, the province said in a news release on Monday.
“Rural Albertans should be able to access the health care services they need close to home,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.
“The new Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will ensure we are continuing to make data-driven decisions, and that resources are being appropriately deployed to address the areas with the greatest need.”
The first phase of planning under the Rural Hospital Enhancement Program will evaluate 20 facilities across the province, including:
- Athabasca Healthcare Centre;
- Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre;
- Slave Lake Healthcare Centre;
- Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre;
- Barrhead Healthcare Centre;
- Drumheller Health Centre;
- St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Vegreville and more.
LaGrange says these centres were selected based on age, population needs, available services in the area, demographics and expected population.
The province says these efforts will help alleviate pressure on larger hospitals and support the well-being of Albertans living outside major cities.
“Our government recognizes the importance of rural communities and the need to support their growth and prosperity,” LaGrange said.
More than 18 per cent of Albertans live in rural and remote communities, according to the province. The province’s rural population is expected to grow from 20 per cent between 2023 and 2051.
The evaluations will be done later this spring. Project plans for each facility will be completed in the fall with design and construction funding next year.
