Edmonton's Healthcare Crisis: Decades Without a New Hospital

Edmonton, a dynamic city experiencing rapid population growth, is grappling with a severe healthcare challenge: the lack of a new hospital in decades. The last adult hospital built in the city was the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, which opened in 19881. To put this into perspective, data indicates that Edmonton's population has been steadily increasing since the early 20th century. In 1901, the population was a mere 2,626; by 2021, it had surpassed one million2. This consistent growth trend underscores the increasing demand for healthcare services in the city. In 2012, Edmonton had a population of approximately 817,4983. By 2023, it had surged to 1.1 million, a significant 5.13% year-over-year increase and a 12.6% rise over five years4. This rapid population growth has placed immense strain on the city's existing healthcare infrastructure, leading to overcrowded hospitals and long wait times in emergency rooms.

A History of Neglect

The current healthcare crisis isn't a recent phenomenon; it's rooted in a history of neglecting Edmonton's healthcare infrastructure. The Edmonton General Hospital, which opened in 1896, underwent a significant expansion in 1951 to accommodate the growing population5. However, after the Grey Nuns Hospital opened in 1988, no new hospitals have been built in the city, despite the continuous population growth. This decades-long lack of investment in new hospital facilities has contributed to the current strain on the healthcare system and highlights the urgent need for increased capacity.

ER Wait Times: A Symptom of a Larger Problem

Edmonton's emergency rooms are bearing the brunt of this healthcare gap. While wait times fluctuate depending on the hospital and the severity of the case, some hospitals face alarmingly long wait times. For instance, the University of Alberta Hospital has an average ER wait time of 5 hours and 15 minutes6. Similarly, the Misericordia Community Hospital has an average wait time of 4 hours and 11 minutes, while the Royal Alexandra Hospital has an average wait time of 5 hours and 45 minutes6. These long wait times not only cause distress and discomfort for patients but can also have serious consequences for those with critical conditions.

Hospital

Wait Time

Northeast Community Health Centre

3 hr 53 min

Misericordia Community Hospital

4 hr 11 min

Stollery Children's Hospital

4 hr 8 min

Royal Alexandra Hospital

5 hr 45 min

University of Alberta Hospital

5 hr 15 min

Strathcona Community Hospital

5 hr 7 min

Sturgeon Community Hospital

7 hr 12 min

While some hospitals, like Devon General Hospital and Leduc Community Hospital, have shorter maximum wait times of 4.4 hours, these facilities may not have the capacity or specialized services to handle all types of emergencies7. This disparity in wait times and services, coupled with the long wait times at major hospitals, highlights the urgent need for increased healthcare capacity in Edmonton1.

The long ER wait times are a direct consequence of the lack of sufficient hospital capacity, a problem further exacerbated by the UCP's decision to cancel the South Edmonton Hospital, which we will discuss in the next section.

The UCP's Decision: A Political Play with Dire Consequences

Adding to the frustration is the provincial government's decision to cancel the construction of a new South Edmonton Hospital. This project, initially announced in 2017, would have added 491 much-needed beds to the Edmonton region8. The hospital was expected to be completed by 20301. However, after the 2023 election, the UCP government, led by Danielle Smith, decided to "pause" the project, citing rising costs and the need for a "more comprehensive look" at how to serve Edmontonians9. This decision, perceived by many as politically motivated, especially given the lack of UCP seats in Edmonton, has drawn sharp criticism from healthcare advocates, municipal leaders, and the opposition NDP9.

This move is particularly concerning given the UCP government's claims of prioritizing healthcare10. However, their actions, including the cancellation of the South Edmonton Hospital, contradict their stated priorities and raise questions about their commitment to the well-being of Edmontonians.

Furthermore, while halting the construction of the South Edmonton Hospital, the UCP government continues to invest in other healthcare infrastructure projects, such as the standalone Stollery Children's Hospital11. This selective investment raises concerns about the government's priorities and whether they are adequately addressing the most pressing healthcare needs in the city.

The cancellation of the South Edmonton Hospital has not only exacerbated the existing healthcare capacity issues but has also resulted in a significant waste of taxpayer money. Approximately $69 million had already been spent on the project before it was scrapped1. This is not the first instance of the UCP government wasting taxpayer money on cancelled healthcare projects. The "superlab" project, initiated by the previous NDP government, was also cancelled by the UCP, resulting in millions of dollars in sunk costs12. This pattern of poor fiscal management in healthcare raises serious concerns about the UCP's ability to effectively manage public funds and deliver essential services.

The Impact: More Than Just Long Waits

The lack of a new hospital in Edmonton has far-reaching consequences. It not only leads to longer ER wait times and overcrowded facilities but also impacts the quality of care, staff morale, and the city's overall economy. Overcrowded hospitals can increase the risk of medical errors and infections, while also putting a strain on healthcare workers, potentially leading to burnout and staff shortages10.

Moreover, the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure can deter businesses and skilled workers from relocating to Edmonton, hindering economic growth and development13. When healthcare services are insufficient, it creates a negative perception of the city's ability to provide for its residents, potentially impacting investment decisions and the attraction of skilled professionals. The cancellation of the South Edmonton Hospital sends a negative message about the province's commitment to investing in essential public services, which could have long-term repercussions for the city's attractiveness to investors and residents alike.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

Edmonton's healthcare system is facing a critical juncture. The city's rapidly growing population, coupled with the cancellation of a crucial hospital project, has created a crisis demanding immediate attention. The historical context of neglecting healthcare infrastructure further emphasizes the urgency of the situation. The provincial government must prioritize the needs of Edmontonians and invest in expanding healthcare capacity to ensure that residents have access to timely and quality care. This includes revisiting the South Edmonton Hospital project, addressing staffing shortages, and working collaboratively with healthcare providers and municipal leaders to find sustainable solutions to this pressing issue.

The evidence presented in this article paints a clear picture: Edmonton desperately needs increased healthcare capacity. The UCP government's decision to cancel the South Edmonton Hospital, despite claiming to prioritize healthcare, has exacerbated the existing crisis and resulted in a significant waste of taxpayer money. This neglect not only affects the well-being of Edmontonians but also threatens the city's economic future.

It is crucial for Edmontonians to hold their elected officials accountable and demand action to address this healthcare crisis. Contact your MLA, participate in public consultations, and support organizations advocating for improved healthcare in Edmonton. The health and well-being of Edmontonians, as well as the city's economic prosperity, depend on it.

Works cited

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2. Demographics of Edmonton - Wikipedia, accessed January 16, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Edmonton

3. 2012 Municipal Census Results | City of Edmonton, accessed January 16, 2025, https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/facts_figures/2012-municipal-census-results

4. Edmonton - Population - Alberta Regional Dashboard, accessed January 16, 2025, https://regionaldashboard.alberta.ca/region/edmonton/population/

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6. Estimated Emergency Department Wait Times - Alberta Health Services, accessed January 16, 2025, https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/waittimes/Page14230.aspx

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8. The South Edmonton Hospital - Alberta's NDP, accessed January 16, 2025, https://www.albertandp.ca/south-edmonton-hospital

9. 7 years ago, the NDP announced the location of a South Edmonton Hospital; thanks to the UCP, it will probably never be built - Alberta Politics, accessed January 16, 2025, https://albertapolitics.ca/2024/05/7-years-ago-the-ndp-announced-the-location-of-a-south-edmonton-hospital-thanks-to-the-ucp-it-will-probably-never-be-built/

10. Alberta government mothballing south Edmonton hospital 'senseless': health advocates, accessed January 16, 2025, https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/alberta-government-mothballing-south-edmonton-hospital-senseless-health-advocates-1.6791974

11. Alberta plans $20 million for Stollery Children's Hospital - Construction Connect Canada, accessed January 16, 2025, https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/government/2024/02/alberta-plans-20-million-for-stollery-childrens-hospital

12. Don't be fooled by UCP doorknockers bragging they have committed $634MM to the new South Edmonton Hospital. It was put in motion by the NDP in 2017 and has been backburnered since the UCP have been in power. Now they are funding it in time for election season while the city bed deficit grows. - Reddit, accessed January 16, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Edmonton/comments/13f2zce/dont_be_fooled_by_ucp_doorknockers_bragging_they/

13. Alberta pauses south Edmonton hospital project, accessed January 16, 2025, https://edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2024/02/28/alberta-pauses-south-edmonton-hospital-project/