Building cardiac care in southern Alberta

March 02, 2026 Media inquiries

Alberta’s government, through Budget 2026, is investing $59 million to advance cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta.

If passed, Budget 2026 delivers a $59-million, three-year investment to advance cardiac care in Lethbridge with a new catheterization lab and expand intensive care and diagnostic capacity at Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital to meet growing demand in southern Alberta. This funding moves the South Zone Cardiac and Intensive Care Expansion project from the planning stage toward construction, marking a significant step forward in strengthening specialized care for patients across the region.

Once complete, the expansion is expected to significantly increase intensive care capacity in southern Alberta. Subject to final design and construction outcomes, up to 54 intensive care beds are anticipated at Chinook Regional Hospital and 18 at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. The cardiac catheterization lab in Lethbridge is expected to serve approximately 1,500 to 1,700 patients annually once fully operational.

“Expanding cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta strengthens the entire provincial health system. This investment supports long-term capacity in the South Zone and ensures specialized services continue to grow alongside the region. The infrastructure that is built will serve families and communities in the region for decades to come.”

Danielle Smith, Premier