The new La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre is an approved Government of Alberta capital project and will be operated by Covenant Health upon opening. It will provide integrated health services for the 9,200 people living in the area.
With community needs at the forefront of its design, the new facility will allow more babies to be born closer to home and urgent, non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses will be diagnosed and treated locally.
Timelines
Construction is underway, with the facility expected to open in 2027.
Services
The new facility will house key services to ensure timely, accessible care for the La Crete community.
Advanced ambulatory care (urgent care)
The centre will offer 24/7 care to patients with urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Advanced ambulatory care service is intended to meet the needs of patients with unscheduled health needs, particularly when care is required within 24 hours. These include sudden illness or injury that normally could be cared for in a doctor's office but require immediate attention.
Examples of when to use this service:
- earaches
- fever, elevated temperature in young children
- minor allergic reactions
- minor cuts and burns
- minor fractures, strains and sprains
- removal of foreign material (e.g. from eyes, ears)
A procedure room with specialized equipment will also support minor procedures such as sutures, wound care, casting and other minor procedures under conscious sedation.
Maternity care
Registered midwives will provide 24/7 labour, delivery and post-partum care for low-risk patients. There will be three private birthing rooms on-site.
Public health
In addition to the current public health services, the new centre will also offer expanded pre- and post-natal care, including a lactation consultant to support mothers and babies.
On-site intravenous (IV) and blood transfusions
Patients will be able to receive IV therapy and blood transfusions in a dedicated space.
Lab for transfusions
A laboratory dedicated to timely blood testing and storage will be located on-site.
Diagnostic imaging
The centre will offer diagnostic imaging services, including ultrasounds and X-rays.
Emergency medical services (EMS)
24/7 EMS care will continue to be available in La Crete. There will be space for:
- a two-vehicle ambulance bay
- EMS supplies and equipment storage
- an office
- a washroom
- decontamination shower
On-site and nearby on-call rooms for EMS personnel will allow for timely emergency care.
Addiction and mental health
The centre will include dedicated space for clinicians to care for patients with mental health concerns.
Home care
Home care assessment, support and equipment will continue to be available so patients can stay in their homes while receiving compassionate care.
Design features
The new facility is on track to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver designation, a globally recognized framework for sustainable building design, construction and operation.
The La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre and Continuing Care Centre will be connected by a pedway.
Funding
As a part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the provincial government committed $79 million to plan, develop and build the La Crete Maternity and Community Health Centre.
Renderings and site plan
Partners
