Alta. moves rural health template away from hospital design to guidance on small communities' care needs

In 2016, the Alberta government unveiled a $3-million proposal to come up with a blueprint for hospital buildings in rural communities. However, the provincial health minister changed tack, saying the template she envisions for rural care is less about physical structures and more about providing small communities with a care plan that suits their particular needs. The provincial government is now working with rural communities to identify alternative solutions that don't require a large capital expense. Alberta Health Services leaders claims they've convinced communities to consider alternative ways to meet their health needs rather than building expensive hospitals. In some communities, such as Airdrie and Sylvan Lake, this has meant introducing new services or expanded hours in existing facilities. In some cases, the province moved ahead with upgrades, renovations or maintenance projects.