Interim Cardiac Catheterization Lab Announcement

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and anticipated donor support, cardiac catheterization will be available at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre (RDRHC) sooner than expected.

That was the announcement on October 18 (RDRHF Announces Cath Lab Opening 5 Years Ahead of Schedule (rdrhfoundation.com)) when the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation and Alberta Health Services (AHS) shared the news that they’ve signed an MOU to support construction of a temporary cardiac cath lab which is expected to be complete within 24-30 months.

This will establish cardiac catheterization ahead of the RDRHC Redevelopment Project, which will see two permanent labs constructed. The two permanent labs will be constructed back-to-back and work together jointly, while the temporary one will be standalone.

To create a home for the temporary cardiac cath lab, the existing physicians lounge at the hospital will be converted. Space will then be repurposed elsewhere in the facility to ensure physicians continue to have a quiet space to get away from the demands of the day.

Preliminary design plans are already in place for the interim cardiac cath lab and through the MOU, the Foundation will be providing the financial support for the essential architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades.

Once the two permanent cardiac cath labs are completed through the Redevelopment Project, the interim cardiac cath lab will be transformed into a Vascular and Neurology lab.

By establishing an interim cardiac catheterization laboratory, AHS will be able to provide a new cardiac service to patients at RDRHC years sooner, which will help reduce the need for patients to travel to other facilities. This will also support our ongoing efforts to recruit and retain the talented healthcare professionals needed to provide care every day to our patients. We are continuing our efforts to expand the support services available to compliment the cardiac cath lab, including recruitment of additional cardiologists, and planning for more comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation.