The new provincial budget includes $3 million in startup funding and ongoing funding to cover operational costs for the interim cardiac catheterization lab at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
Health Minister and Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange made the announcement on Monday.
“Every Albertan should have access to the health care services they need close to home. Albertans living in the Red Deer area have long advocated for a cardiac catheterization lab and I am pleased to support a project that we know will help save lives," said LaGrange, in a statement.
The $1.8-billion Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project includes two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs, but last October, the province and the foundation announced the cath lab would be fast-tracked.
By prioritizing the development of an interim cath lab, patients will have access to critical services about three years earlier than expected. The interim lab is expected to be operational in early 2027.
“Developing this lab will allow us to treat more cardiac patients closer to home and support them in their recovery. Enhancing our cardiac services will also support our efforts to recruit and retain the talented professionals needed to care for our region’s patients," said Janice Stewart, chief zone officer, Alberta Health Services Central Zone.
A cardiac catheterization lab is a dedicated space where specialized teams can carry out diagnostic tests that examine and evaluate heart function to aid in the diagnosis of cardiac health concerns and treatment of coronary artery disease. The lab will be equipped with specialized imaging equipment to allow for cardiac procedures primarily including ablation, angiogram and angioplasty.
The interim cath lab will be located within the existing hospital in a space currently being used as a physician’s lounge. Preliminary design plans are already in place and construction is expected to begin by fall 2025.
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation has committed to funding the capital cost of the project, which is expected to be about $22 million.
The foundation’s work is made possible by the generosity of donors, supporters and champions across the region. To support the development of the interim cath lab, the foundation announced a $10-million donation from the John Donald family.
“I am pleased to support the development of cardiac services in Central Alberta, something we’ve long advocated for. This initiative will provide essential care to our community and ensure that more lives are saved closer to home," said John Donald.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Donald and Lacey families, whose support is bringing life-saving cardiac care closer to home for the benefit of all Central Albertans. Together with all our health care partners, their commitment to advancing health care will make a lasting impact on countless lives for years to come," added foundation CEO Manon Therriault.
