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HEALTH: Province to invest $300 million in seven new facilities and $168 million in U of A
        (AlbertaIndex, January 31, Thursday) --- The Alberta government said it is investing $300 million in 600 new beds and more than 200 replacement beds in seven new care centres across the province, and another $168 million in health-related facilities at the University of Alberta. The investments will help address increasing pressure on the province’s health care system.
        Calgary Health Region and Capital Health will each receive $125 million in capital funding for high priority long-term care projects. East Central Health and David Thompson Regional Health Authority will receive funding of $40 million and $10 million, respectively, to expand long-term care capacity.
       
The addition of these long-term care spaces is part of Alberta’s long-term capital plan, a 20-year strategy for public infrastructure that anticipates and addresses longer-term needs of a changing and growing province.

Premier Ed Stelmach said: “The new long-term care beds will also ease pressure on our acute care hospital system by ensuring Albertans have better and timelier access to the most appropriate placement.”

Health and Wellness Minister Dave Hancock said: “This significant new funding for long-term care, in conjunction with our province’s strategy to retain and recruit health professionals, speaks to government’s commitment to improve access to health services. We remain committed to our ‘aging in place’ policy of providing continuing care services where Albertans want to receive them with ongoing investment and services in home care and supportive living. However, government also recognizes that there is an immediate need to develop additional long-term care capacity to support Albertans with the highest needs.”

Earlier, the government had announced it will help build “cutting-edge” pharmaceutical labs and health research facilities to the University of Alberta (U of A) as part of a $168-million funding.

The investment will include $33.8 million to build the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, helping to draw world class-faculty and providing the potential for future enrollment capacity of at least 100 additional students, and $55.4 million for developing health-related science and research facilities.

Connected by pedway to the Edmonton Clinic, these facilities will help further the university’s vision to integrate health sciences and strengthen links to the clinic’s practical training opportunities.

The new funding will also support upgrades including deep-water sewers, cooling plants, heating plant and electrical distribution ($59 million); HUB Mall domed roof replacement ($9.4 million); Tory Building mechanical systems replacement ($7 million); General Services Building upgrade ($2.5 million); and Biological Sciences Building upgrade and modernization ($1.1 million).

“We’re committed to investing in Alberta’s post-secondary education system,” said Premier Stelmach. “This funding will help develop new state-of the art labs and equipment, health-related research facilities, overall building upgrades, and significant maintenance at the U of A. This ensures high-quality education and the potential for enhanced access to programs today and into the future.”

“This investment provides a good mix of renovation, expansion, and increased technology to enhance the educational experience,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology.

University of Alberta President, Indira Samarasekera, said the funding will have a lasting impact on the university.

“The University of Alberta sincerely thanks the Alberta government for this visionary and strategic investment. As a result of their support, our strengths and reputation will further elevate the university and our province to a new level of ground-breaking discoveries and recognition in health care. Most of all, the new funding presents the opportunity to bring out the very best in our students and researchers, and allows us to continue to serve our province with world-class graduates.”

“With more, better educated health professionals, Albertans will benefit from state-of-the-art care now and in the future,” said Minister Hancock. “This investment in health research will also grow Edmonton’s life sciences knowledge-based economy, assuring our province's continued prosperity.”


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