More surgeries closer to home in Rocky Mountain House
The Alberta government has announced an almost $10-million project aimed at expanding access to surgeries at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre and providing better access to surgeries close to home.
According to government officials, the project will build a new operating room to support the surgical program and upgrade the medical device reprocessing department, where reusable medical devices are cleaned and sterilized. The construction is also part of the Alberta Surgical Initiative, which aims to provide surgeries to all patients within wait times recommended by medical experts.
“We’re committed to building a stronger health system for all Albertans,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health, in a press release Friday. “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.”
There is currently one operating room at the Rocky Mountain House hospital, where about 150 procedures are completed each month, including about 60 general and gynecological surgeries, 90 endoscopies, plus hernia repairs, carpal tunnel repairs and other minor procedures.