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We must continue funding upgrades to the Stettler Hospital

With significant cuts to Alberta Health Service’s budget impacting every aspect of the health care system in the province

Dear Editor,

With significant cuts to Alberta Health Service’s budget impacting every aspect of the health care system in the province, the Stettler hospital is taking a dynamic approach to secure funding for the town’s hospital.

As mentioned in your recent article, the 18-month fundraising campaign seeks to improve upon existing facilities. With donations from numerous sources, including one-time donations such as legacy bequeaths, the entire region is actively participating in maintaining crucial care to those in need. The importance of maintaining well-equipped and up to date infrastructure within the hospital is fundamental to the development within the town.

The hospital increases economic activity within Stettler by providing “anchor jobs” for individuals located both within and outside of the city limits. This institution provides benefits to the people of Stettler and surrounding communities by drawing health care professionals into the region.

The presence of the hospital also provides and elevated skill set and level of human capital within Stettler and surrounding areas. Stettler is becoming increasingly important to surrounding rural areas, which can be noted upon with the increase in funding from these nearby regions.

With a growing dependency upon rural centers such as Stettler to the rest of rural Alberta, ensuring critical services remain updated is essential to the surrounding population. The continuation of funding for the improvement of the hospital will prove to be essential to manage the medical needs of the people of Stettler and surrounding areas.

Sincerely,

Micki Baydack

Edmonton