Foundation investment enhances local healthcare
New unit at Brooks Health Centre supported by $750,000 investment
The Brooks and District Health Foundation’s commitment to invest $750,000 with Alberta Health Services (AHS) has come to fruition as the Brooks Health Centre now houses 14 additional beds.
The investment, dedicated to supporting the community’s greatest healthcare needs, was used to add nine long-term care (LTC) beds and five beds that support palliative care which may also serve as convalescent care.
“The City of Brooks is filled with community members who understand the importance of keeping a vibrant healthcare system in rural areas,” says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, MLA Brooks - Medicine Hat. “Their generosity, along with the foundation’s stewardship, are greatly appreciated. These additional beds mean more spaces for residents of Brooks and the larger area to get the health care they need, closer to home.”
“Thank you to the foundation and all the residents who contributed to this significant investment which continues the enhancement of healthcare in this community, both today and into the future,” says Alberta Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange. “With your continued support, we are able to expand access to care and help keep patients closer to home.”
In addition to the foundation’s investment, AHS committed ongoing operational dollars to ensure appropriate staffing to accommodate additional patients.
“We are grateful to the health foundation for their partnership and ongoing commitment to support services and revitalization of the Brooks Health Centre,” says Linda Iwasiw, AHS Chief Zone Officer, South Zone. “We appreciate the ongoing efforts and dedication of all the healthcare professionals that continue to provide patient-focused care to the residents of Brooks.”
AHS and the health foundation work together closely to ensure money raised by the Brooks community stays within the community.
“Our commitment to supporting the community’s greatest healthcare need has been well served with the addition of the new beds at the Brooks Health Centre,” says Diane Declercq, Chair of the Brooks and District Health Foundation. “We are grateful for the ongoing support from our community, which entrusts us to continue investing in accessible, local healthcare enhancements in partnership with AHS.”
The Brooks Health Centre is now home to five palliative and convalescent care beds, a total of 24 LTC beds including the addition of the nine LTC beds, 28 acute care beds, nine sub-acute beds and 10 beds in the emergency department. There are also three labour and delivery suites at the facility.