Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley says if her government is re-elcted they will have 2,000 more long-term care beds.

Notley, at a campaign stop in Lethbridge says the beds benefits not only seniors, but also those who take care of them.

“Albertans can count on me to defend and protect patient care,” said Notley. “Building 2000 new long-term care beds will improve seniors care, help families and give our health providers the support they deserve.”

“My plan will ensure that the nurses, doctors and all healthcare professionals that provide these critical services are well supported because they have one of the most important jobs there is - taking care of our loved ones.”

A press release says the 2,000 new long-term care beds provide benefits to both patients and their caregivers by:

Reducing crowding in emergency rooms which helps ER nurses and ER team.

Helping to improve the responsiveness of our paramedics.

Reducing wait times.

Ensuring people who need long-term care are being treated in the proper facility.

Allowing nurses and other staff to focus on patients who should be treated in hospital.

Ensuring long-term care nurses and caregivers get the space and resources they need to care for long-term care patients.

The proposed $170-million strategic investment ensures the 2,000 new long-term care beds will be added over the next five years and that the beds already added under her government are kept operational.

Since forming government, more than 2,100 long term care and dementia beds have already been added, the seniors’ benefit was protected and increased, and Alberta’s first permanent seniors’ advocate was appointed.

 

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