Thank you Sheep River Community for your support.
The Sheep River Health Trust thanks its communities for supporting health services and equipment that are needed for its growing population.
"We thank you for your ongoing support", says Site Manager, Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre, Anne MacKay. She observes "a special rural community spirit". "We have infrequent complaints, and when we do get them, it is constructive criticism on how something could be done better. This is indicative of the communities ongoing support for the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre."
Support is particularly needed in a rural area that is experiencing population growth beyond imagination. When the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre was built five years ago, the facility was felt to be adequate until 2020 say officials. "It is 2009 and the Centre is bulging", says Ms. Mackay. There has been a noticeable increase in urgent care visits in the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre in the first quarter of 2009 with more than 6,000 residents needing medical attention. This is an increase of 20.8% in four years.
Black Diamond health services needs are also growing. With a different population, there are different demands. In acute care, where there are 15 beds in the Oilfields General Hospital, there are often 17 patients being treated.
"For home care, there has been a real increase in acuity as well as volume says Manager of Continuing Care Dorothy Martin. Since May, 2007 home care clients have increased by 39.7%.This figure supports the focus on increased Home Care as stated recently by the Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert.
In the past year community organizations, corporations and private donors have given more than $87,387, to support its communities' health equipment and services in the Sheep River Health Trust area. We are hopeful that this generous support will continue.