Alberta Health Services – News Release
November 1, 2024
10 temporary continuing care beds added in Vermilion
VERMILION – Continuing care transition beds are being temporarily added in town today to better support patients who no longer need acute care (hospital) services but require care in a more appropriate setting.
Alberta Health Services (AHS), in collaboration with the Vermilion and District Housing Foundation, have temporarily converted 10 Type B continuing care beds (formerly known as designated supportive living Level 3) at Vermilion Valley Lodge to Continuing Care Home Type B beds (formerly known as designated supportive living Level 4).
This conversion of 10 chronically vacant spaces at Vermilion Valley Lodge will help AHS respond to acute care capacity pressures across its Central Zone and enable healthcare teams to better support both patients who no longer need acute care services, and residents from community settings who require additional care supports.
“This temporary change will help ensure the right services and supports are in place to serve the people of the County of Vermilion River, enabling patients to remain as close to home as possible,” says Garth Rowswell, MLA Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright.
“Moving patients who no longer need acute care into a continuing care setting frees up beds for patients who need them the most,” adds Lori Sparrow, Senior Operating Officer Community and Seniors Health in AHS Central Zone. “It also ensures the most efficient use of acute care and continuing care beds in Vermilion, while having no impact on the residents who currently reside in continuing care at Vermilion Valley Lodge.”
These spaces will remain operational for a 12-month period, with residents in the temporary spaces to be relocated to alternative continuing care spaces prior to the end of the contract period. This move ensures the right care in the right place for clients, prioritizing acute care beds, expediting transitions for residents whose medical needs have stabilized, and freeing up acute care beds for critically ill patients requiring immediate attention.
By implementing these strategies, AHS aims to enhance the quality of life for residents, improve hospital efficiency, and contribute positively to the Vermilion community and surrounding areas.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow
