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Stock photo. Construction will soon begin for an expansion of the emergency department at the Raymond Health Centre. (Photo: Pattison Media)

Upgrades to Raymond emergency department start next week

Jun 6, 2025 | 2:15 PM

Southern Albertans will soon be able to attend a modernized and expanded emergency department (ED).

The Alberta Government has announced that construction is set to begin next week at the Raymond Health Centre’s ED

“The project, funded through the Alberta government’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program, will expand and modernize the ED while leaving room for future expansion as the community grows. A new [diagnostic imaging] space opening later this year will create a more efficient layout and allow for the installation of new X-ray technology,” reads a news release from Alberta Health Services (AHS).

The renovation is set to increase the department’s footprint by 80 per cent, create room for more beds, improve patient flow and enhance patient privacy and safety.

Crews will also modernize the health centre’s mechanical and electrical systems, install a new phlebotomy room in the lab and plan for a future expansion of the existing lab.

A spokesperson with AHS told LNN that they are not currently planning to add any additional staff.

Starting on June 11, a temporary emergency department will open in another wing of the health centre prior to the closure of the current ED.

AHS says no closures will be needed to facilitate the move.

“To create the temporary spaces, capacity at the health centre will be temporarily reduced to nine beds from 12 in acute care, and to five beds from seven in the ED,” says AHS.

Throughout the project, lab and DI services will remain open.

Those seeking non-emergency care during the construction period can attend the ambulatory care clinics in Coaldale and Picture Butte.

Emergency care remains available at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge or the health centres in Cardston and Milk River.

A report from earlier this week found that patients at the Raymond Health Centre’s ED waited an average of 42 minutes to get an initial assessment by a physician, and that their total length of stay was around two hours. That is around the middle of the pack for South Zone emergency departments.

READ MORE: South Zone emergency rooms have lower wait times, but Chinook Hospital tops regional list

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