MLA Dave Hanson says complaints are common from the public on wait times at the St. Therese-St. Paul Health Care Centre. The Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills MLA says he’s done some looking into the problem, and says that spillover from the hospitals psychiatric ward is an issue
“The bottom line of what it comes down to is that we are a psychiatric hub for north-eastern Alberta.”
Hanson says that part of the problem is placement of psychiatric patients in the emergency ward, tying up beds that could be used by those seeking treatment. Hanson is scheduled to meet with Provincial Health Minister Sarah Hoffman on April 12th, and he’s looking to get some support for more beds to ease up the congestion.
“The feedback I got from the doctors is that if we got a few more beds opened up that it would help. Just basically a little bit more support, if we’re going to be designated a psychiatric hub, we need some more support from Alberta Health Services.”
Hanson has high hopes for support, citing the success of the Lac La Biche dialysis unit being funded as cause for consideration.