Southern Alberta cardiac care and intensive care services being built up by UCP government

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said March 2, 2026, her government will be spending $59 million over the next three years to improve health care for southern Albertans.

The province is investing $59 million over three years to improve cardiac care and intensive care in southern Alberta.

This government funding will be directed to both Lethbridge’s Chinook Regional Hospital and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Premier Danielle Smith said the plan is just the next step her government is taking to fix Alberta’s health-care system.

“Since we first announced our plans to refocus health care in late 2023, we have been expanding capacity cutting waste and sending more resources to the front line where they matter most.”

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Smith says cardiac care is especially important for doctors and administrators.

“Any illness involving the heart is a race against time,” Smith said. “The very last thing a patient needs is a long journey to a bigger, far away centre for treatment or diagnostic testing.

“We want to deliver faster interventions for Albertans in this situation and other situations of acute medical need.”

Smith said Chinook Regional Hospital serves more than 150,000 people living in Lethbridge and surrounding areas.

“It’s been clear to our government that more capacity is needed both here in Lethbridge and throughout the region. That’s why we previously announced funding for a catheterization lab here at Chinook Regional Hospital and to begin planning for a Medicine Hat urgent care centre,” she said.

Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner said communities are continuing to expand and these investments are crucial for Albertans.

“Budget 2026 is built around clear priorities, improving health care, supporting education and strengthening Alberta’s economy for the long term,” he said.

Horner said the next phase of the project means Albertans will get the specialized care they need closer to home.

“Expanding intensive care and diagnostic capacity in both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat strengthens the entire regional system.”