Chinook Regional Hospital Expansion provides greater health care delivery to southern Alberta

People in Lethbridge and area have increased access to outpatient services, specialized care and emergency services with the grand opening of the hospital’s new wing and renovated Emergency Department.

“Delivering patient-centred, quality health care to Albertans is a priority of this government. Residents of the Lethbridge area will greatly benefit from this addition, which includes a new wing and greater access to critical care, outpatient surgeries and specialized treatments. I am pleased to be here in the community to help celebrate today’s grand opening.”

Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health

The $135-million redevelopment adds a new five-storey wing to the hospital and includes expansions to several departments, including Day Surgery and Neonatal Intensive Care. The wing also includes a new Ceremonial Room, for the use of people of various faiths. The room is ventilated to allow burning of sacred plants in First Nations ceremonies.

The redevelopment includes a $9-million renovation to the Emergency Department. There is now 30 per cent more floor space available for additional treatment rooms, specialized rooms for eye injuries and gynecology, and a rapid assessment waiting room.

“The Chinook Regional Hospital expansion shows government’s commitment to providing Albertans with quality health care in modern facilities. The hospital upgrades and new addition were designed specifically to meet the medical service needs of Lethbridge and area families today and far into the future.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Infrastructure

“AHS continues to build and renew facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality health care to all Albertans. The Chinook Regional Hospital redevelopment is one such project and we trust this investment will help us better serve residents of Lethbridge and area for many years to come. I wish to thank the southern Alberta community, as well as Chinook Regional Hospital staff, physicians and volunteers, for their patience over the past three years.”

Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO, Alberta Health Services

“The City of Lethbridge is growing. As we inch closer to a population of 100,000 it is vital to have the health care facilities that can support this growth. I commend the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services for being forward thinking. The expansion of Chinook Regional Hospital will enhance health care for residents and families not just today but well into the future.”

Chris Spearman, Mayor of Lethbridge

Quick facts

The redevelopment adds a five-storey wing of 19,000 square metres. The new wing includes expansions to several departments:
- Day Surgery
- Cardio-Respiratory
- Outpatient Services
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Spiritual Care
- Other support areas
The renovated Emergency Department is approximately 1,460 square metres, with 30 per cent more floor space and seven added treatment spaces.
- The new Emergency Department will have 12 acute treatment rooms, eight rapid assessment treatment spaces, two psychiatric secure rooms, two large trauma rooms, and two negative-pressure isolation rooms.
- There are two specialized treatment rooms for eye injuries and gynecology.
- There are two waiting rooms, a main waiting room and a rapid assessment waiting room.
- A new entry has been created on the north side of the building.
- This is the first renovation for the Emergency Department since 1988.