Lloydminster residents have expressed the need for a new hospital for some time. Premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe, however, say there’s no timeline on making that hope a reality, yet.
The premiers convened in the Border City on June 18 for meetings when the subject of health care was addressed by members of the media.
“In the case of Lloydminster, we are constantly looking, alongside the province of Alberta, as to where our next investments are from a health care, acute care and hospital bed perspective,” said Moe at the Lloyd Ex.
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Alberta’s stance
Smith said the process for funding health care in Lloydminster is unique.
“I believe the hospital system, as well as the school system, fall under Saskatchewan authority. We have a cost-sharing arrangement for our percentage,” said Smith. “I think we pay about 60 per cent of the cost.”
An assessment is underway in Alberta to see where new acute care beds should be placed. Part of that work is moving patients out of hospital beds when they should be in other care.
“We need to have more home care, more long-term care, more mental health and addiction spaces,” said Smith. “Those are the spaces we’re trying to build first.”
Smith also said it’s about making sure patients are “In the right place, getting treated the right way,” before building more acute care space.
Saskatchewan’s stance
“I think both provinces have the ability to invest in health care. (This is) due to the relative strength of the economies that we have,” he said, noting Saskatchewan has built 25 health-care facilities in recent years.
Both premiers stated collaboration is key, pointing to Lloydminster’s unique situation as a city straddling two provinces.
“Mayor (Gerald) Aalbers has been a tremendous advocate on all things Lloydminster. He often refers to the Lloydminster Charter and will suggest changes he would like to see in that charter,” said Moe, adding work is ongoing.
“Where they need to be located, what is the age of the infrastructure and all of that is going through that process,” he said.
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