“It’s not over until first brick is laid,” says Keay

Chris Clegg

Mixed messages from the Alberta government and Peace Country Health have members of the High Prairie Community Health Council frustrated in regard to the proposed new High Prairie Hospital. CHC members met June 13 and most were very upset with the news that space for cancer treatment and renal dialysis would not be included in the new hospital. George Keay, CHC member and hospital committee member planning the new hospital, says he received a copy of a letter from Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Dave Hancock written to PCH chair Marvin Moore (see entire letter on this page). “There was no evidence of support from the Alberta Cancer Board for a new cancer clinic in High Prairie, no evidence of support from the Northern Alberta Renal Program for a renal dialysis clinic in High Prairie, and no evidence of a need for a new EMS station,” reads part of Hancock’s letter. “Additional funding for these additions to the project could, therefore, not be supported.” The letter with the news, which was written May 11, was never made public by anyone from PCH until a copy was requested and subsequently released to South Peace News June 15. CHC members wanted to know why they were not told of this important news by PCH but received no answer. Keay says it’s estimated the cost to include both treatment centers and a few other things, is about $6.2 million. Keay also estimates the cancer and dialysis treatment space alone is estimated at about $140,000. He says he phoned Lesser Slave Lake MLA Pearl Calahasen to try and get things back on track. “I got a reply Friday and there is a meeting set up with Hancock, Pearl and Moore (among others),” says Keay. Keay is not ready to concede the fight for cancer treatment space and the renal dialysis unit. “It’s not over until the first brick is laid,” he says. Keay says he argued for both components when the hospital was first being planned about four years ago. “We were promised this money – not on paper,” says Keay. “I want to know where it went.” CHC member Myrtle Cook summed up the thoughts of most CHC members as the meeting ended. “I don’t think we should roll over and take what they give us,” says Cook. A public meeting was held by PCH June 18 in High Prairie to discuss plans for the hospital. It was too late for reports in this week’s South Peace News but a full report will be published next week.

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