New health centre in Stoney Nakoda Nation aims to bring services 'under one roof'
CEO of the Stoney Health Services says bigger space was needed
After 18 months of construction, the newly renovated Stoney Health Centre officially opened its doors on Wednesday in Mini Thnî, ready to provide increased access to health services for the people of Stoney Nakoda First Nation.
The project has seen the health centre, which is run by Stoney Health Services, nearly double in size, from nine thousand to almost 18 thousand square feet.
Stoney Health Services CEO Aaron Khan said the expansion was needed to serve the community. He noted that because of a lack of space, the agency had been operating out of 13 different satellite locations.
"This project is very vital … so we can run all our programs and services under one roof," said Khan.
"So the communications between the different health-care professionals and the physicians is going to be much more streamlined and our clients will get the best service."
The centralization of services now means patients won't have to travel as far for treatment in some cases.
Additions to the centre include new examination and IV treatment rooms, X-ray and lab services, as well as dental and eye clinics.
Khan said plans to open a community dialysis room and a long-term continuing care centre in the community are also in the works.
Chiniki Coun. Jordie Mark said the opening of the new facility is an important moment for all the nations of Stoney Nakoda.
"It doesn't matter if you're Chiniki, Goodstoney or Bearspaw, it 's here for everybody and that's the best thing in my opinion," said Mark.
"I'm proud to be part of the leadership group that allowed this to happen."
The $15-million project began last April, and was led by A&E Architectural and Engineering Group.
Architect Keith Nunas said he wanted to honour the original buildings' design throughout the renovation.
"[The old building] was starting to get a bit rundown, it was built in the early 90s, but it's a beautiful building," said Nunas.
Nunas said the circular design of the building represents a medicine wheel. He wanted that particular shape to feel like an embrace for those coming to the centre.
"I always like to think of it as being a heart for the community."
Stoney Health Services also runs a newly opened treatment centre, a women's shelter, and various youth, nutrition and mental health programs.
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With files from Terri Trembath