The Rocky Health Foundation board of directors has offered support of up to $750,000.00 to purchase multiple pieces of equipment for the new state of the art Operating Room being built onto the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre.

The project was announced by the Government of Alberta on Sept. 10, 2021.

“We are blessed to have a robust OR/Endo program in our community,” says Site Manager, Shirley Hope. “We are over the moon about the opportunity to have a new OR in the near future.”

Initially, the building was to include a procedure room but in consultation with the project team and commitment from the Foundation, the project was upgraded to a new OR, including pre and post-surgery care.

The current OR was opened in 1972, but has been able to maintain service through the years. Officials say this has been, in thanks, to many committed healthcare workers over the years, and with the support of generous donations from the community.

The current OR, meantime, will remain in place as a room used for minor OR procedures and endoscopy.

“The new OR will offer community members increased opportunity to receive care close to home,” said Chair, Phyllis Loewen. “This initiative not only benefits patients but our community as a whole. Our goal is to ensure our OR team have all the most up to date technology and equipment to serve our community members.”

Construction on the new building will begin in the spring, with equipment installation scheduled for the spring of 2023.