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Alberta Health Services has pledged $2 million towards expanding cardiac care at Chinook Regional Hospital, April 12, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Province investing $2 million for expanded cardiac services at Chinook Regional Hospital

Apr 12, 2023 | 10:34 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new expansion is coming to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, it will invest $2 million in for an expansion of cardiac services at the hospital. AHS said this new expansion is part of a plan to provide an improved services for patients in the Lethbridge area.

Minister of Health Jason Copping said, “We are making real progress to deal with the challenges facing our health care system. These targeted investments in Lethbridge and throughout southern Alberta – including this new plan for enhanced cardiac services – show our government is taking action so all Albertans will have the health care they need, when and where they need it.”

AHS said its cardiac services plan focuses on six priority areas:

  • Cardiac catheterization lab
  • Clinical cardiology
  • Cardiac imaging
  • Cardiac device services
  • Cardiac ambulatory diagnostics and procedures
  • Prevention

AHS President and CEO Mauro Chies said, “Alberta Health Services is pleased to receive the funding to advance the planning for enhanced cardiac care in south zone. Once fully operational, the new catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital will help an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 patients a year to remain within their home community for this type of care.”

In addition to the upgrades in cardiac services, the plan builds on other improvements for southern Alberta that were announced in the 2023 budget.

This includes $11 million over three years for the renal dialysis unit at the Chinook Regional Hospital, and money towards new projects in Bassano and Cardston.

READ MORE: Lethbridge NDP candidates commit $20 million to cardiac expansions at Chinook Regional Hospital

Read more: Alberta budget includes $23 billion for infrastructure