Edmonton healthcare facilities understaffed

The list of healthcare projects in Edmonton is growing, but so are concerns about how the facilities will be staffed.

The city has built a number of health facilities recently and are set to open at least a half dozen more. But even some of those already open cannot find enough staff.

The East Edmonton Health Clinic opened in June. But the urgent care and family practice units remain closed and unstaffed.

David Eggen, with the lobby group Friends of Medicare, said it's an example of the province failing to live up to its commitments.

"There it is, standing like an empty edificea mockery really of the plan that was originally put forward," Eggen said.

About 80 people were turned away from the East Edmonton health clinic in July, he said, while many more stayed away when wordgot outthat it was only partially open.

The government has another half dozen projects set to open in the Edmonton area in the next couple of years.

In November a new orthopedic surgery centre will open next to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, but only half of the 52 beds will available.

And earlier this month, the government said it was delaying constructionof the $57-million Strathcona Community Hospital in Sherwood Park.

Itwas slated to be finished by late 2009, but Alberta Health Services announce it will be done in two phases with the first to be completedin 2012.

Meanwhile, a mobile kidney dialysis unitfor patients inruralAlberta sits idle asstaff cannot be found to operate it.

"The Conservatives want to give the appearance that they are investing in our public medicare system and without any substance," Eggen said. "It's very disappointing."

The government said it's all part of what it calls "building for the future."

"We'll continue to invest in infrastructure and continue to hire more staff train more nurses, we are well on track to meeting our commitment during the campaign," Premier Ed Stelmach told the CBC.