The Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre Urgent Care has made some improvements after a generous donation from the Sheep River Health Trust.

Andrea Mitchell, Executive Director for the Sheep River Health Trust, says there were some much needed upgrades required since its opening in 2004.

"Our town has changed a lot over the years, and it sees about 70 patients a day, 2,000 patients a month, over 25,000 patients a year, so it was in need of some updating," she said.

Mitchell says the main problem that needed to be addressed was the privacy and dignity of patients.

"The space between triage and registration didn't create a sense of patient privacy. Anyone in that area could really hear what they were talking about. That created some concerns for staff and patients, and we heard that a lot coming back in feedback," she said.

Mitchell adds the changes have brought positive feedback from staff and patients.

"We've heard from patients and the staff how much a difference its made. Especially for the triage nurse. Many patients have said how less stressful it is for them to come and feel like they can talk about concerns to a nurse, and not feel that there's other people hearing, as well," she said.

The Sheep River Health Trust made a donation in the amount of $60,000 to fund the renovation, which started in October. The public portion was opened in early November, with a few minor changes, such as moving administration offices, still ongoing.

The renovation moved the triage, waiting room and registration into areas that are more suited to offer patient privacy.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com