A 12-point priority list has been delivered to the consultant leading the health assessment survey for Lloydminster.
But when the report is published, the community must push to get policy makers to act, says Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council.
“The community at large has not rallied and said, “Hey we can’t sit on this study -let’s move it on.”
Richer delivered the 12-point list to the consultant during a virtual presentation.
He believes the community must “create pressure” even when the report is published to get Alberta and Saskatchewan to act on the health needs of Lloydminster and area.
“The community has to ask and demand – look at the report. Get a hold of the report and ask for results.”
The findings of previous health assessments in 1995 and 2013 remain outstanding including things like increased supports for mental health.
The list which will go to the SHA and AHS includes:
- Mental health stabilization beds
- Chemotherapy spaces
- Continuing and special care spaces (this will free up bed spaces used at the hospital for long-term-care)
- Permanent MRI
- Pediatric ward
- Recruitment and retention of staff
- More operating rooms (Lloydminster Hospital has 2.5 operating theatres)
- Upgrade special care unit to full Intensive Care Unit – Saskatchewan placed Lloydminster on lowest priority tier 3, missing Federal Government funding on this issue post COVID.
- Cross border medical file information transfer
- Support and advocate for palliative care and hospice located outside Lloydminster Hospital
- Restore spiritual space in Lloydminster Hospital
- Hospital Renovation/expansion
The full Health Care Priority short form v2.11 2023 is included with this story.
Cornerstone Planning Group from Vancouver is the consultant gathering the data. The Health Assessment Survey should be completed by the end of the year, says Richer.
