Sask., Alberta health ministers meet in Lloydminster to discuss bi-provincial healthcare delivery
Lloydminster, AB/SK – In a significant move towards strengthening health-care collaboration between provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta ministers and their respective MLAs visited Lloydminster on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
The Honourable Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan Minister of Health, was joined by The Honourable Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, along with the Honourable Colleen Young, MLA for Lloydminster. Representing Alberta was the Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health, and Garth Rowswell, MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright. Mayor Gerald Aalbers and members of Council were in attendance to share their perspectives from the local level as the tri-party meeting focused on critical health initiatives and strategies aimed at improving health services in the Lloydminster region.
A review of the 2021 bi-provincial memorandum of understanding (MOU) was at the forefront of discussions. The ministers evaluated current service levels, recent investments, factors driving progress and issues impeding the effectiveness of the MOU in advancing local healthcare priorities.
Expansion and rehabilitation projects at Lloydminster Hospital, which serves a catchment area of approximately 180,000 people, were key points of discussion. Local officials are asking for an updated facility needs assessment and a long-term capital plan. These plans and other long-term initiatives extending beyond 2025 aim to ensure Lloydminster’s health-care infrastructure meets the growing needs of its population and provides high-quality care.
Throughout discussions, both Saskatchewan and Alberta reiterated their commitment to continuous improvement and sustainable development of health-care services in Lloydminster. To help ensure the Lloydminster region’s needs are met, the Bi-Provincial Health Committee, as part of the MOU, has now requested to hold quarterly meetings. All parties involved emphasized the importance of working jointly to maximize the impact of investments and deliver the best possible healthcare outcomes for the community.
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“Saskatchewan remains committed to working with Alberta and the City of Lloydminster on improving health care services for the people of Lloydminster. We had a great in-person discussion in Lloydminster this week with Mayor Aalbers, members of City Council, and Alberta Health Minister LaGrange, and committed to doing so more frequently to further advance the important work already underway.” The Honourable Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan Minister of Health |
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“Investing in health care services for rural and regional communities, including Lloydminster, is a high priority for our government. Engaging with local communities and their representatives is an important part of this work, and we greatly appreciate having had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Aalbers, members of City Council, and Alberta Health Minister LaGrange in Lloydminster this week.” The Honourable Tim McLeod Saskatchewan Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health |
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“Lloydminster residents expect and deserve high-quality, accessible health care services regardless of provincial borders. We are listening to residents and health care providers and, together with our Saskatchewan partners, we will continue to seek improvements to service delivery and access to information to support positive health outcomes.” The Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Alberta Minister of Health |
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“On behalf of the Lloydminster region, I want to thank the ministers for their visit and ongoing commitment to improving healthcare services in the region. Tuesday’s discussions are a testament to our shared dedication to enhancing the well-being of our residents and surrounding communities. By working together, we can achieve significant progress and ensure that Lloydminster continues to thrive.” His Worship Gerald Aalbers, Mayor, City of Lloydminster |
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The Lloydminster Hospital services a catchment area of approximately 180,000 people.
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The bi-provincial memorandum of understanding was renewed in July 2021.
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The Bi-Provincial memorandum of understanding is operationalized through a service agreement between Alberta Health Services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority that supports health services planning and delivery, including shared approaches to new infrastructure projects, continuing care funding, mental health services, and the dialysis expansion and relocation
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In December 2020, Alberta changed its laws to allow healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan access to patient files.
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City of Lloydminster
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Fax: 780-871-8345
Email: info@lloydminster.ca