By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

New AHS report calls for cardiac catheterization in Red Deer

Oct 3, 2018 | 11:14 AM

RED DEER – Alberta Health Services has released two reports today on the state of healthcare in Red Deer and central Alberta, including a highly-anticipated report calling for a cardiac catheterization lab at Red Deer Regional Hospital.

AHS officials say the Central Zone Healthcare Plan captures the current state of healthcare in central Alberta, explains why change is needed and provides a blueprint to guide the system forward  five, 10 and 15 years into the future. Engagement sessions with local stakeholders began in fall 2016.

“We know that we have to look at healthcare differently in order to improve quality and safety, while at the same time, ensuring publicly funded healthcare remains sustainable for future generations,” Kerry Bales, Chief Operating Officer, AHS Central Zone says in a media release.

AHS says the Central Zone Healthcare Plan promotes wellness, improves how services work together, and provides direction for current and future health services, specifically for residents of Central Zone. And when residents do need to visit the hospital, Bales says the goal is to treat them as effectively as possible to get them home sooner.

Also released Wednesday, the Interventional Cardiac Services Needs Assessment and Options Analysis focuses on cardiac care needs across the province. Officials say the analysis sets the foundation for enhanced cardiac care services in Red Deer.

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Work continues on an update to the 2015 Capital Needs Assessment done for Red Deer Regional Hospital. AHS says current demands on the hospital are being examined to determine the potential for service growth and shifting appropriate services to the community and identify the areas of highest need.

Both the updated needs assessment and the Interventional Cardiac Services Needs Assessment and Options Analysis make recommendations regarding enhancements to cardiac services in Red Deer, including cardiac catheterization.

“A cardiac catheterization lab in Red Deer would reduce the need for some patients to be transported to Calgary or Edmonton to receive that care,” says Dr. Daniel Edgcumbe, AHS Central Zone Medical Director. “Establishing such a service is a complex process that requires supporting infrastructure including physical space, bed capacity, community supports and the development of new clinical pathways. 

“We are committed to working with Government, physicians and staff in Red Deer to put these foundational elements in place to move toward making this service available, as part of a comprehensive strategy for improving heart health throughout central Alberta.”

Alberta Budget 2018 included $1 million for “Red Deer Health Capital Planning.” These funds are being used to advance the business case for redevelopment at Red Dee Regional, which will provide more detail and costs of the required infrastructure needs.

Completion of this business case is the first step towards planning for redevelopment, and AHS is now working with Alberta Infrastructure on a business case.

“We believe our voices and those of our community have been heard and that the right steps are being taken to enhance care in Red Deer. There is still much work to be done, but Government’s investment in developing a business case is a critical and necessary part of planning,” says Dr. Kym Jim, a leading advocate for improved cardiac care. “We look forward to continued collaboration with local AHS leadership as we help to shape the future of healthcare services in not only Red Deer, but across the Central Zone.

“We eagerly await hearing from AHS and Government as to their timeline for the delivery of enhanced cardiac care and cardiac catheterization to Central Alberta.”

“I’m encouraged to see progress regarding the Central Zone Healthcare Plan,” says Robert Bilton, Chair of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

“In the near future our healthcare system requires change, change in ways that our collective voices have helped shape. That type of collaboration and transparent planning is what will help us realize the required critical and imminent expansion of services, including a cardiac cath lab, here in Red Deer.”

(With file from AHS media release)