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Continuing care beds reopening at Galahad Care Centre

After being closed for nearly a year, 15 supportive living level 4 (SL4) beds are reopening this month at the Galahad Care Centre.
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(Metro Creative photo)

After being closed for nearly a year, 15 supportive living level 4 (SL4) beds are reopening this month at the Galahad Care Centre.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says that residents will soon be returning to the centre after continuing care services at the facility were shutdown in June, 2021.

“In response to pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic in early waves, coupled with significant staffing challenges, AHS temporarily closed services at the site and relocated residents and nursing staff to other facilities,” stated AHS in a press release.

Originally designated as a long-term care facility, AHS previously announced the beds at the site would transition to SL4 upon reopening, as it says this level of care is “more closely aligned to the needs of residents.”

Health Minister Jason Copping credits Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely with working with AHS on the reopening of the centre and the AHS team for their recruitment efforts.

“Alberta’s government will continue to stand by our seniors as we invest $3.7 billion in continuing care and open 1,515 new spaces this year,” said Copping in the release.

“Camrose residents have spoken out strongly for a return of services to the Galahad Long Term Care Centre,” said Lovely. “I’m glad to see that after two years of engagement and efforts, the AHS team has been successful in attracting the necessary talent to re-open this facility.

“I’m hopeful we can continue to attract healthcare workers to our community to make Camrose an excellent place to live, work, and age in place.”

AHS said the new level of care also aligns with their long-term plans to address continuing care needs in the area. Forecasting models used by AHS show an increased need for designated supportive living options in the Galahad area.

“AHS has remained committed to reopening these important care spaces, and we are very grateful for the patience of our residents, their families, and our staff while we worked to make this happen,” said Janice Stewart, chief zone officer, central zone.

“Our teams have worked diligently to recruit a number of LPNs and Health Care Aides. That, combined with a reduction of COVID-19 cases and associated healthcare system pressures have provided the resources needed to safely resume services in Galahad.”

Residents who want to return to the Galahad Care Centre will be supported in doing so, including those who require LTC. Residents wishing to remain in their current location, or to move into a LTC space in another facility will also be supported in doing so.

READ MORE: Rural central Alberta bed closures expected to end soon