Lunch-hour rally and barbecue for Alberta Hospital Edmonton today
EDMONTON – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees will hold a rally near Alberta Hospital Edmonton today in an effort to secure the redevelopment of Alberta Hospital Edmonton, and stop the closing of the geriatric unit.
Who: Alberta Hospital Edmonton employees and public supporters
What: Rally and barbecue
Where: 1904-167 Avenue, Edmonton
When: Today – rally from noon to 1 p.m., BBQ begins at 10:30 a.m.
Why: To protect and secure the future of Alberta Hospital Edmonton
The rally will begin at noon at the Edmonton Pirates Rugby club at 1904-167 Ave, south west of Alberta Hospital Edmonton. Volunteers will open the doors to the club at 10:30 a.m. for supporters to take in a free barbecue.
“Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky has proven he is capable of listening to Albertans, now he needs to show that his commitment to Alberta Hospital Edmonton is more than just lip service,” said AUPE President Guy Smith.
“The government has delayed its capital plan for health care facilities, which means we still have an opportunity to secure funding for the future of Alberta Hospital Edmonton, and we’re going to take it,” he said.
The Alberta Hospital campaign is also continuing to pressure the government to reverse course on plans to convert long-term care beds in west Edmonton into acute psychiatric care beds in order to close the geriatric unit at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.
The bed conversion project requires $5 million or more, while a March 2010 showed the geriatric unit at Alberta Hospital Edmonton requires only $1.4 million in repairs.
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For more information:
Guy Smith, President, AUPE, 780-930-3301 or 780-265-2294 (cellular telephone)
David Climenhaga, Communications Director, AUPE, 780-930-3311 or 780-717-2943 (cellular telephone)