Latest news with #AlbertaHealthServices
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Measles alert issued after confirmed case at Alberta Children's Hospital
A confirmed case of measles at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary has prompted a warning from Alberta Health Services. The provincial health organization says someone confirmed to have measles was at the hos pital's emergency department while infectious. AHS issued a public alert on Monday warning anyone who had been in the hospital's ER between 10:08 a.m. and 2:14 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 may have been exposed. Anyone who attended the location during those times, was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine may be at risk for developing measles. AHS is asking those impacted to self-monitor their systems and review their immunization records. 'Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air,' AHS warned. Symptoms of measles include: A fever of 38.3° C or higher; A cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. If symptoms of measles develop, you're asked to stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting any health-care facility or provider, including a family physician clinic or pharmacy.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Ponoka hospital road closure first step in $15.3-million expansion
A hospital in Ponoka, Alta. has closed a road for construction, marking the start of a projected three-year, $15.3-million expansion and upgrade to the facility. Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre closed off 59 Street at 59 Avenue last week for what a news release said should be two to three weeks as part of an ongoing construction project. While pedestrians and motorists are advised to steer clear of the road, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said it won't disrupt access to the hospital itself. Construction crews are connecting underground water utilities in preparation for an expansion to the hospital's surgical department. Funded by the Alberta government, the hospital is also building an addition onto the northwest corner of the hospital. This will become the home to a 'modernized' medical device reprocessing department. AHS said the project comes at a time when their 'current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries and improving patient flow.' Communications director Brendan Procé told CTV News Edmonton that the work done at Ponoka will give residents 'improved access to surgical services.' Procé confirmed the work should be finished in 2028.
CBC
3 hours ago
- Health
- CBC
Measles exposure alert issued for Alberta Children's Hospital emergency room
Alberta Health Services has issued a measles exposure alert for the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary after a person with a confirmed case of measles visited the hospital's emergency department while infectious. The exposure period is between 10:08 a.m. and 2:14 p.m. on July 13. If you were in the emergency department at that time, and you were born after 1969, and you've had fewer than two documented doses of measles vaccine, health officials warn that you may be at risk for developing measles and should self-monitor for symptoms. "Measles is an extremely contagious disease and the virus spreads easily through the air," AHS said in a statement. Symptoms of measles include: Fever of 38.3 C or higher; and Cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and A rash that appears three to seven days after fever starts, usually beginning behind the ears and on the face and spreading down to the body and then to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours. On darker skin colours, it can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, or it might be hard to see. "Complications of measles can include ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain, premature delivery, and rarely death," AHS said in the statement. "Persons who are pregnant, less than five years of age, or have weakened immune systems are at greatest risk." If you do develop symptoms of measles, you are advised to stay home and call the province's measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before visiting a hospital, doctor's office or pharmacy. Alberta has seen 1,454 cases of measles so far this year, the most since 1979.
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Water advisory lifted for Trestle Creek Golf Resort Beach
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has lifted the water quality advisory that was issued on June 19 for Trestle Creek Golf Resort Beach on Trestle Creek. The golf resort is located about 90 kilometres west of Edmonton. AHS said the water quality has returned to an acceptable level, and the health risk is low for usage of the beach for recreational purposes.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Healthcare, Highway 28, and local challenges discussed at MLA townhall in Cold Lake
upgrades to the state of rural health care. 'This kind of meeting is my way of being able to connect with people,' Cyr told attendees at the start, setting the tone for a two-hour conversation. Among the key highlights was the announcement of a new Urgent Care Centre coming to Cold Lake, something Cyr called 'a huge win' that will help 'to take pressure off our emergency room' by shifting non-emergency cases elsewhere. He explained that local physicians played a vital role in identifying systemic barriers like childcare and housing, which are impacting rural doctor retention. He also pointed to the upcoming opening of the Stepping Stone Women's Shelter, saying, 'We've got some traumas in the region, and I really want to make sure women have a place to go.' Councillors and residents raised concerns over Highway 28, and Cyr acknowledged the pressure, saying, 'Bonnyville's Main Street is being done . . . We're looking at actual construction by the fall.' He added that passing lanes between Bonnyville and Smoky Lake are also moving forward. The meeting turned toward health care, where several attendees expressed frustration with long wait times, lack of walk-in options, and the centralized control of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Cyr said the province is now working to return more decision-making power to local hospitals, stating, 'When we lost the ability to make decisions here locally, that is a real impact.' Other topics A major point of discussion was Bill 22, a policy affecting Crown grazing leases. Cyr admitted it wasn't handled properly. 'We don't always get it right, and we need to do a better job of consulting.' He said the bill has since been paused after significant pushback from ranchers. Accessibility issues were also top of mind for local residents. A resident asked for better access to dental care for adults with disabilities. Cyr acknowledged the concerns, saying, 'The billings aren't high enough for those AISH recipients . . . which is very problematic.' Former pharmacist and current City councillor Bob Mattice raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines no longer being available at local pharmacies, which Cyr said he would take back to the legislature. 'Anything that takes pressure off of our front lines is a win for Albertans.' Questions were also asked about the province's decentralization plan, which could move government services out of Edmonton. Cyr tempered expectations, saying, 'I'm not sure we're ever going to get a full ministry here . . . But there are a lot of services that can be offered outside of Edmonton.' Safety, housing and utilities Community safety was a key topic, with one resident expressing frustration. 'I live 10 minutes out of town. Constant break-ins, people driving up our driveway. The RCMP is not working fine,' stated the resident. In response, Cyr shifted blame from the police to the justice system, saying, 'Our RCMP are arresting people. Our courts are letting them go. It's likely six people doing 80 per cent of the crime. If we put those six people behind bars, we solve most of our problems.' Housing affordability for seniors also sparked strong concerns. One resident pointed out the rising rent at Points West Living, saying, 'That letter from AHS saying rent could go to $2,900 contradicts legislation. The consumer Price Index (CPI) this year is only 2.8 per cent. One senior is paying $2,660, she only receives $2,600 a month. How do seniors manage?' Cyr responded, stating, 'Send something to my office, and I'll have our administrator look into it.' He emphasized that local input is essential to improving health care and housing decisions. Utility costs raised concerns about rural fairness. City of Cold Lake councillour Vicky Lefebvre asked, 'We pay way more out here. What can the government do to make this fair?' Cyr acknowledged the issue, saying, 'We're getting twice the utility bills of Edmonton. Transmission fees are pooled, but distribution fees are regional. I want to see distribution fees pooled province-wide.' Concerns about a rising homeless population were also raised by several residents. Cyr noted that Cold Lake and St. Paul are 'hot spots,' regarding homelessness. He highlighted mobile navigation centers and recovery models from Edmonton and Calgary as potential solutions. Cyr also mentioned a new facility coming to the region. 'Métis Crossing (Healing Waters Recovery Community near Métis Crossing) is the closest recovery center coming up. What we need to do is put people through recovery, not ignore them.' The town hall ended with Cyr urging residents to stay engaged, send concerns to his office, and participate in Alberta's evolving future. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. 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