Posted on: April 15, 2024 Beaumont is planning solutions to enhance health care for residents, from considering incentives for health care services to partnering with neighbouring communities. Beaumont’s Health Services Action Plan, presented to City Council in April, details how the City will address gaps in areas such as after-hours services, urgent care, and family doctors with capacity for new patients. The gaps were identified in a Community Health Needs Assessment, prepared by MNP in collaboration with the City of Beaumont and Alberta Health Services, that examined the current state of health care services for Beaumont residents and recommended actions to address existing issues and meet future needs. “These are innovative, yet practical, solutions to make sure our community has the health care residents need now and as our community grows,” said Mayor Bill Daneluik. “The City is already working to put some of these actions into place this year and Council will consider further actions that require resources during budget deliberations.” The plan lists 16 actions, such as working to attract a medical clinic with walk-in capacity or nurse practitioners to the community. Other actions include: Explore incentivizing existing and new health care providers to offer specific services needed in Beaumont. Offering family practice residents a grant to help with student loan repayment if they remain in the community for a set time. Creating an online service map so residents can more easily find health care options within 15 kilometres of Beaumont. Exploring a regional mobile health unit to support residents aging in place. The plan also includes ongoing work with neighbouring communities, Alberta Health, and organizations to look at solutions for gaps in urgent and semi-urgent care. “Beaumont is the third-fastest growing community in the province, with a population on track to double in the next 20 years. Nearby communities are also growing and our health services care for those neighbours, too,” said Daneluik. “We’ll need to be able to support the growing region. Enhancing health care services here and focusing on primary care for the region will take pressure off over-capacity emergency rooms at the Grey Nuns and Leduc Community hospitals and improve outcomes for residents throughout the area.” Media contact:Mike BerezowskyDirector, Communications780-243-0458mike.berezowsky@beaumont.ab.ca