Enhancing cardiac services in southern Alberta
Alberta’s government is committed to expanding access to cardiac services so that Albertans can get the care they need, when and where they need it. That is why Budget 2025 provides $5 million to advance plans for enhanced cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta, including a cardiac catheterization lab in Lethbridge and expanded intensive care units in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
Last fall, Alberta’s government announced Lethbridge’s cardiac catheterization lab progression to functional programming, accelerating timelines by up to one year. Budget 2025 provides funding for detailed planning to prepare the cardiac catheterization lab for construction funding in a future budget.
“Increasing cardiac and ICU capacity is critical, especially in areas where residents are currently travelling significant distances to receive care. These projects include a cardiac catheterization lab, which will improve health outcomes for residents and, ultimately, save lives.” — Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health
“Building these cardiac and intensive care facilities will help strengthen communities in southern Alberta. On top of creating jobs during construction, this work will literally save lives and enhance the overall quality of care for patients. I look forward to these important projects moving ahead as soon as possible.” — Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure
In addition to a new cardiac catheterization lab at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Budget 2025 supports plans to redevelop and expand intensive care units and diagnostic capabilities at both the Lethbridge hospital and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Pending the completion of the planning process, it’s anticipated that about eight new beds will be added at the Medicine Hat hospital and about 34 beds will be added at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. These new beds will have the ability to be ICU or lower-acuity beds, depending on hospital needs at any given time.
“Expanding intensive care services in Medicine Hat represents the Alberta government’s strong commitment to health care. As the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, I know this will address the health care needs of southern Alberta communities.” — Justin Wright, parliamentary secretary for rural health
Quick facts
In 2024, Alberta Health Services submitted a needs assessment for cardiac services in southern Alberta that recommended the construction of new intensive care units at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and the development of interventional cardiac services in Lethbridge.
The project was accelerated to functional programming in fall 2024.
he cardiac catheterization lab at Chinook Regional Hospital will help an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 patients per year once it is fully operational.