To the supporters of Alberta Hospital Edmonton:
On August 14, 2009, Alberta Health Services announced that it was going to close 246 acute psychiatric care beds at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. By raising your voice and speaking out – by signing a petition, attending a town hall meeting, joining a rally, or writing your MLA – you made a difference and saved badly needed psychiatric hospital beds at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
Unfortunately, the government has scrapped long-standing plans to redevelop Alberta Hospital Edmonton, even though a number of buildings at Alberta Hospital Edmonton need to be updated to maintain the quality of the programs provided today. Without redevelopment, we will inevitably have to fight to save these beds again. That is why our petition – signed by 30,000 Albertans – specifically urged the government “to redevelop Alberta Hospital as necessary to maintain all service and programs.”
One consequence of the decision not to redevelop is the government’s plan to move more than 100 geriatric psychiatry patients into beds that were built to serve long-term care patients. We’re fighting back against that plan as it reduces the availability of general long-term care beds for seniors and fragments the core of mental health professionals at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
We all know that Alberta Hospital Edmonton is a necessity to the provision of quality mental health care in our province, serving communities in Edmonton and every corner of the province. It’s time for the government to recognize that fact and make a commitment to redevelop Alberta Hospital Edmonton so it can serve the next generation of Alberta’s families and communities.
You can make Alberta Hospital Edmonton a priority by sending a letter to your MLA with our easy online tool, which you can access from the SaveAlbertaHospital.com homepage, or by clicking here.
If you really want to make an impact, download our in-depth research report, available on our SaveAlbertaHospital.com homepage or by clicking here, and schedule an in-person meeting with your MLA.
If you need assistance with this effort, you can always contact us by e-mail. We would be glad to help your efforts. My deepest thanks go out to all you for your continued support of this cause.
Sincerely,
Guy Smith
President, AUPE