The Government of Alberta has provided almost $10 million for a project at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre aimed at providing better access to surgeries. The project will build a new operating room to support the surgical program and upgrade the medical device reprocessing department, additional recovery rooms, and patient support areas. 

“We’re committed to building a stronger health system for all Albertans. Better, more modern health facilities across rural Alberta will ensure quality care into the future. Expanding this facility will mean more surgeries closer to home for residents in Rocky Mountain House and central Alberta,” said Alberta Minister of Health, Tyler Shandro. 

Currently, there is one operating room at the Rocky Mountain Hospital where around 150 procedures are completed each month. With the additional room, the Health Centre will have the capacity to perform double the amount of surgeries that are currently happening. 

“Rural communities help make our province grow and thrive. The Rocky Mountain House Health Centre plays an important role in the well-being of this community and the surrounding area, and investments like this one will make sure that the facility can deliver safe, efficient surgical care for years to come,” said Alberta Minister of Environment and Parks and MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. 

The improvements are expected to help alleviate the pressure on Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre so that patients can be treated closer to home. 

“We at the Rocky Mountain House and Area Health Services Foundation are very excited about this announcement. Our foundation strives to support initiatives that enhance the care and procedures patients receive at the health centre. We have been blessed with the generosity of our community members over the years and look forward to engaging with them in this initiative to increase care close to home,” said Chair of Rocky Mountain House and Area Health Services Foundation, Phyllis Loewen. 

The project is expected to be completed in early 2022.