A total of $7.5 million will be spent on renovations at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre according to Alberta Health Services.

Currently, work is underway on a $2-million medical device reprocessing (MDR) upgrade at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre. MDR ensures medical devices are cleaned and sterilized properly, reducing the risk and spread of infections caused by viruses and other threats to staff and patients.

The project will include renovations to improve workflow as well as equipment upgrades. Work on the MDR renovations is expected to be completed this summer.

“All Albertans, no matter where they live, need and deserve access to our world-class health system, and they need it close to where they live,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health. “These projects help make that a reality and part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and services across Alberta.

A further $5.5 million of government funding is currently being spent on other ongoing upgrades at the health centre, including parking lot resurfacing, replacement of a cooling unit, roof repairs and a new nurse call system.

“The Olds Hospital and Care Centre plays a key role in the community’s well-being,” added Mauro Chies, interim Alberta Health Services (AHS) President and CEO. “It is vital we keep our healthcare infrastructure up-to-date, and projects like this help maintain our facilities and ensure our patients receive quality care in the best environments.”

AHS, in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health, is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality healthcare to all Albertans. AHS currently has about 540 maintenance projects underway throughout the province.

Funding for the project comes from the Government of Alberta’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com