New ‘Health Hub’ brings many services under one roof

EDMONTON – The city’s newest ‘health hub’ is now open, bringing multiple healthcare services under one roof. Located in the city’s northeast, the Edmonton Community Health Hub North is made possible through a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Edmonton North Primary Care Network (PCN).

The 7,400-sq.m facility brings primary care, mental health services, specialty services and home care all under one roof, enabling AHS and PCN teams to collaborate and support patients, clients and healthcare staff across the Edmonton area. This fall and winter, the site will also host an influenza immunization clinic. The PCN expects around 12,000 in-person visits annually at the health hub.

Hours of operation vary depending on the service. More than 100 PCN staff and approximately 400 AHS staff will have workspace at the building, a former retail site that underwent a $24-million renovation over the past 18 months to turn it into a healthcare hub.

“We’re dedicated to investing in healthcare services, where people need them now and into the future. When we look to the future of healthcare in this zone, we know the Health Hub represents a bright part of that future,” said Carol Anderson, AHS chief zone officer, Edmonton Zone.

Dr. Diana Hong (pictured), board chair of the Edmonton North PCN, says the health hub is designed to meet the complex health needs of local and area residents.

“We recognize that, in order to meet those needs, we have to be creative and make sure our approach meets patients where they are,” says Dr. Hong. “This collaboration is about recognizing the power we have when we work together to care for our patients and clients.”

In the months ahead, the health hub will add a community art wall on the outside of the building, a teaching kitchen and dedicated ceremonial space inside.

The Edmonton North Primary Care Network supports the health and wellness of patients whose family physician is a member of the PCN. Both primary care and speciality care services are provided at its centralized locations in north Edmonton, in addition to supporting family physicians in their clinics.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

For additional information, see https://youtu.be/kwvkF23pre0.