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The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation in partnership with the provincial government is expediting the delivery of cardiac services in the Central Alberta region.
The $1.8-billion Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre redevelopment project is expected to be completed by 2031 and includes two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs.
If passed, Budget 2025 will provide $3 million in startup funding and ongoing funding to cover the operational costs for an interim cardiac catheterization lab at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
“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 Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
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 cardiac catheterization lab will be located within the existing Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre 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.
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- Red Deer Hospital redevelopment project underway
- Red Deer Hospital expansion to receive $557 million in three-year Capital Plan
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation has committed to funding the capital cost of the project, which is expected to be about $22 million.
In October 2024, the foundation announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to fast-track the opening of a cardiac catheterization lab.
“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,” said Manon Therriault, chief executive officer of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. “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.”
The foundation’s work is possible by the generosity of donors, supporters, and champions across the region. To support the development of the interim cardiac catheterization 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, Red Deer Regional Health Foundation donor.
The interim cardiac catheterization lab is expected to be operational in early 2027.
**With information provided by the Government of Alberta
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