Alberta announces funding for new children’s hospital in Edmonton

The Alberta Government has announced funding for a new “stand-alone” Stollery Children’s Hospital (SCH) in Edmonton.

Health Minister Jason Copping, made the announcement at the Stollery hospital Thursday afternoon, saying $3 million over three years is part of the 2023 budget plan.

The SCH has the second most bed in a children’s hospital in Canada, behind the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

There are 300,000 children visits to the hospital per year. Of those visits, there are nearly 55,000 emergency room visits and more than 12,000 surgeries.

“Every parent who has ever had to take a child to a children’s hospital knows how valuable facilities like the Stollery are. Children’s health care needs are unique, and a world-class, pediatric, stand-alone hospital for the Stollery will allow it to continue to be one of the leading children’s hospitals in the country,” said Copping.

The new funding will allow for more beds in private rooms, more space for kids to be with their families, and better teaching space and technologies that will enhance quality care for kids.

“We are excited to continue to work with government toward the goal of building a new Stollery Children’s Hospital that is purpose-built for kids and their families, that puts mental and physical health under one roof, and that is set up to give future generations of Albertans the best chance at a long and healthy life,” said Mike House, president and CEO of SCH Foundation in a statement.

Of the patients the hospital sees each year, roughly 40 per cent are from outside Edmonton.