The Government of Alberta is investing $54 million over three years to renovate and upgrade 33 hospital pharmacies at 20 sites in 11 communities across the province which includes one in Red Deer.  

“The Alberta government is committed to making sure all patients and staff interacting with hospital pharmacies feel safe. The enhanced standards better protect patients, and these renovations and facility upgrades will help our hospitals and health care centres, which are so important to helping Albertans in their time of greatest need, meet the highest standards for safety and quality,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health.  

Communities that will have pharmacies renovated and upgraded include Bonnyville, Calgary, Camrose, Canmore, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and St. Albert. 

Infrastructure changes at the pharmacies will include:  

  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades such as air handlers, heat exchangers, and exhaust fans that allow for minimum filtration requirements and maintain a minimum number of air exchanges per area. 

  • Particle contamination control through appropriate cleanroom materials. 

  • Publicly-accessible areas and cleanroom separation to minimize contamination. 

  • Rooms that can accommodate equipment and exhaust systems to filter the air (for hazardous compounding).