Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.

Sylvan Lake council backs Red Deer hospital expansion

Aug 29, 2017 | 12:55 PM

The Town of Sylvan Lake is putting its name behind hospital expansion in Red Deer.
 
Town council approved a pair of letters Monday, one to the City of Red Deer and another to the province, showing their support for the “required” expansion of Alberta’s fourth busiest hospital.
 
The letters are in response to a motion from Red Deer city councillor Ken Johnston calling on the province to reinstate Red Deer Regional Hospital to the capital priorities list as identified in 2015.
 
Sylvan Lake Mayor Sean McIntyre says council’s show of support is due to the two communities’ significant link as it relates to healthcare.
 
“The health services approved for Sylvan Lake — first of all, we’re very grateful for — but it’s important to note that it does not include emergency services. We get those from the Red Deer Regional Hospital in addition to important services like cardiac and maternal child services,” McIntyre says.
 
“In order for advanced ambulatory care in Sylvan Lake to service our residents, we also need to make sure those other needs are being met, especially the emergency services.”
 
The mayor is uncertain if he’ll be able to attend the rally being held in Red Deer on September 10, but acknowledges it is on his radar.
 
The rally will run from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Memorial Centre.