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By Curtis Galbraith

Beaupre disappointed in province’s change in hospital plans

Jan 9, 2018 | 6:19 AM

The Reeve of the County of Grande Prairie says it is disappointing to hear the province has decided to do away with having a template for the design of new rural hospitals.

An Edmonton Journal report says the province did away with the idea because it was difficult to find one model that fits the needs of different communities.

Leanne Beaupre says a lot of people have been putting a lot of work into getting a new hospital for Beaverlodge.

“We coordinated with the community as well as Alberta Health Services to get work done that took us a month to do that others across the province had a whole year to do. Basically, it was the business case for the Beaverlodge Hospital and we did provide that back to Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services (and) to the Minister of Health. We were assured that the Beaverlodge Hospital does need replacement.”

She is hoping to set up a meeting between herself, people from the Town of Beaverlodge and Health Minister Sarah Hoffman.

“And actually talk to her about what their plans are. She has, as well as Dr. Verna Yiu (President and CEO) from Alberta Health Services, has indicated that the hospital needs replacement. Yes, I understand that there is an issue as far as funding, but in the same breath, they were quick to jump on announcing a new hospital in southwest Edmonton.”

Beaupre says the hospital in Beaverlodge, along with the one in Spirit River, are important to the future success of the new hospital in Grande Prairie.

“The hospital is going to play a major part in a regional approach, where you’ll be in the (Grande Prairie) Regional Hospital for a short period until you can be moved to another location so that you’d be able to recover or respite or rehabilitate in your home community.”

Beaupre is hoping this does not put the future of a possible new hospital in Beaverlodge in jeopardy. She adds every Health Minister that has been part of the last two governments has agreed the Beaverlodge Hospital needs to be replaced.  

by Curtis Galbraith