Fort Saskatchewan’s hospital is getting a $12.5 million upgrade to its surgical unit.

The upgrade will increase capacity by almost 50 per cent, supporting more than 3,000 additional procedures annually, the Alberta government announced last Thursday, Oct. 8.

Renovations are set to begin soon, to be completed by 2029. The hospital will remain operational throughout this period, with surgeries continuing, and work carefully phased to minimize disruptions to patients and care, officials add.

The Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital was approved in 2005, though work did not start until 2008 and the new hospital did not open until 2012 at a cost of $87 million.

Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital currently performs ophthalmology, gynecology, general surgery and endoscopy procedures.

Renovations include expanded day surgery space, relocated outpatient and IV therapy services, and upgrades to the Medical Device Reprocessing Area.

“As Fort Saskatchewan and the surrounding region continue to grow, so does the need for high-quality health care close to home,” says local MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk.

“These upgrades will allow more local residents to receive surgery in their own community, reducing wait times and helping families access the care they need without having to travel elsewhere for treatment.”