Work is underway to expand kidney disease services at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge with a $22 million investment in renal dialysis facilities.

The three-year project will modernize and expand the renal dialysis unit to improve programs for southern Albertans with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, the government announced July 14.

“Our ongoing work at Chinook Regional Hospital will improve renal care programs, boost access to dialysis treatment and increase capacity while expanding hours of service,” said Martin Long, minister of infrastructure.

The expansion will feature 28 hemodialysis stations plus two airborne isolation rooms for a total of 30 treatment stations. The project also includes four new examination rooms and additional spaces for family consultations, training and support services.

Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2026 and will support about 124 jobs in construction and trades.

Matt Jones, minister of primary and preventative health services, said the investment will expand renal dialysis services by increasing capacity, improving efficiency and enhancing the patient experience.

The hospital recently completed renovations to operating facilities through the Alberta Surgical Initiative, which upgraded two existing operating rooms and created five new inpatient beds. The work, finished under its projected $14.8 million budget, is projected to increase surgical capacity by about 780 procedures per year.

The government is also providing $5 million to advance plans for enhanced cardiac and intensive care services in southern Alberta, including a cardiac catheterization lab and 34 new beds in Lethbridge.