The Government of Alberta announced the opening of the new Norwood West building at the Gene Zwozdesky Centre.
The opening of the new Norwood West building increases the continuing care capacity by 29 beds for a total of 234. The additional capacity will help address pressures on the health system by reducing the demand for emergency department visits, inpatient acute care services in hospitals and continuing care placements.
“We continue working to ensure that Albertans can access the health care they need, when and where they need it. I’m very pleased to see the Norwood West building open because it means that more Edmontonians will have access to the level of care they require. This is good news that will only get better when the entire project is completed,” said Premier Danielle Smith.
Now that the Norwood West building is open, work will begin on renovating the Norwood East building, formerly the Angus McGugan Pavilion, which will further increase the total number of beds to 350.
Budget 2023 invests almost $90.6 million over three years to complete further work required at the Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood, including:
- renovating the Norwood East building to accommodate 116 hospice and complex continuing care beds
- demolishing the North Pavilion and old Comprehensive Home Option of Integrated Care for the Elderly (CHOICE) Program day centre
- constructing a stand-alone parking structure for community emergency medical service (EMS) vehicles and renal dialysis vans
“We are proud to help deliver on our long-term plan to alleviate pressure on the health care system. Building vital infrastructure to increase capacity in continuing care is an important step in providing Albertans the care they need, when and where they need it,” said Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure.
The 38,000-square-metre Gene Zwozdesky Centre will feature a fully accessible green roof, dental clinic, hemodialysis satellite unit, new ambulatory clinics and an expanded CHOICE Program.
“Our commitment to continuing care is to ensure seniors and vulnerable Albertans have access to the care and supports they need right in their communities. With the completion of the Norwood West building, people with complex care needs will enjoy better living spaces, in familiar surroundings, with in-house health services. This is great news for Edmonton, as it paves the way for convenient, high-quality care close to home,” said Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.
CapitalCare, which has proven expertise in providing continuing and palliative care, will operate the Gene Zwozdesky Centre. Together, CapitalCare, AHS and Covenant Health will each deliver programs from their respective portfolios at this location.
“We are delighted to welcome residents to their beautiful new home and patients to the modern services at the Gene Zwozdesky Centre. These innovative spaces will assist us in providing quality care and quality of life to the diverse population we serve in continuing care and in our community programs,” said Aileen Wong, chief operating officer, CapitalCare.
Featured image: (Alberta Infrastructure)
