 Further confirmation that an expansion is on the way for the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital came as part of the provincial government's Thursday budget speech.--NEWS FILE PHOTO |
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Thursday's provincial budget included confirmation of funding to expand the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, enhance primary healthcare, additional funding for seniors' continuing care facilities and programs for mental health and addictions services.
The hospital expansion project will proceed, said Health Minister Fred Horne.
"I was glad to hear that," said Ken Sauer, chair of Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council. "We have heard that before but because it was named again I am feeling quite confident that the expansion is going ahead."
The minister said there were three areas of funding importance.
"When the premier appointed me I established three priorities — primary healthcare, continuing care and mental health," said Horne. "I said I wanted to focus on getting those working better for Albertans and this budget gives me some resources (for) that."
Services for those with addictions and in need of mental health programs will have $25 million in funding.
Primary Care Network grants will continue and that is good news for Hatters, said Sauer. The funding was to run out by the end of March 2012.
Horne says he and the government are committed to enhancing the Primary Care Network which currently stands at 40. Part of the funding allows for physicians to hire additional staff to enhance their services.
Albertans will also be able to go to their pharmacist to have a prescription renewed and $5 million was allocated for that project.
"It will free up time for physicians," said Horne.
For an enhanced Home Care program there will be an additional $25 million. Horne says this will address his concerns about seniors having to spend time in hospital when enhanced services at home is what they need.
"This has to be a priority for the government and it looks as though they're recognizing that," said Sauer.
Chiropractic care was previously available for seniors in the province and then withdrawn. Horne says he's brought it back with $7 million allotted through Blue Cross.
Family Care Clinics providing an alternative to the emergency department will be introduced in three locations in the province initially and that does not include Medicine Hat yet, said Sauer.
Friends of Medicare says after turning the health-care system on its head for several years the government finally realized the issue was too sensitive to ignore this time.
"It's like trying to put the pieces back together after chaos," said David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare. "The election looms over this budget and precludes any real ability for innovation. Who knows who the next government will be?"
