Alberta Health Services (AHS) and a local physicians group have released a joint statement expressing long-term commitment to the surgical program at the Rocky Mountain House Health Care Centre.
Calling it “a vital resource for central Alberta”, the letter outlines concrete steps AHS will be taking to shore up the program.
The statement follows a Sept. 24 open letter signed by 16 local physicians which outlined perceived, urgent issues with how the current surgical program was operating.
Since then, the two sides say they have met, and are committed to resolving any issues.
The statement reads in part:
“Our conversations have underscored a shared desire to see the surgical program in Rocky Mountain House grow and serve the needs of the patients from the community and surrounding area.”
Short-term efforts include the hiring of a full time general surgeon as soon as possible, says AHS, with outreach to interested candidates underway.
The previous surgeon, Dr. Dawnelle Topstad resigned from her post this past summer.
Additionally, the statement says that recruitment efforts are underway to recruit a general practitioner with anesthesia training, and for a physician with obstetrical surgical skills who can support c-sections.
The statement also addresses complaints from the physicians group that says AHS policies are hindering the ability for local health professionals to properly access the newly-completed operating room.
“AHS and Rocky Mountain House physicians all commit to transparency, accountability, and local consultation with any future changes to the surgical program to ensure local patients continue to receive the care they need while also utilizing the hospital’s talent and OR space to help address wait times for other patients who can travel to the site for surgery.”
Jessica Moncrieff, site manager of the Rocky Regional Health Centre poses in the new OR. (Jordan Rein/94.5 Rewind Radio)
While recruiting at least one general surgeon is the goal, the statement says it is open to the possibility of two part-time surgeons.
AHS says it is in agreement with the local physicians that the program will allow for at least three days of general surgery per week.
In addition to the ongoing physician recruitment, AHS says it also continues to recruit for additional nursing staff while working to retain existing talent.
The additional staff, as well as retainment effort will allow more beds to become available at the hospital that were previously closed due to staffing issues, the statement says.
“I am pleased that Alberta Heath Services has heard our community’s concerns and reassured Rocky Mountain House that they remain fully committed to preserving the surgical program currently available at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre,” says Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon.
While recruitment work is happening, AHS says redevelopment work at the hospital site will allow it to run more endoscopies and surgeries, freeing up the new OR suite.
The new operating room was completed April 2024.
The Rocky Mountain House Health Centre has been open since 1971.
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