Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley pledges to create a doctor training clinic in Lethbridge during a campaign stop in the city on May 8, 2023. (Photo: Alberta NDP)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

NDP pledges doctor teaching clinic in Lethbridge if elected

May 9, 2023 | 11:16 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Alberta NDP has announced a campaign commitment to bolster healthcare if elected.

During a stop in Lethbridge on Monday evening, leader Rachel Notley said she would work to create a new Lethbridge Teaching Clinic.

She explained that it would allow an additional seven medical students and 20 family medicine residents to train in the city.

“We’re fixing the healthcare crisis the UCP created in Lethbridge,” said Notley. “We respect doctors and healthcare providers, and we will create a culture of collaboration. You deserve medical care in your community. You deserve a better future for your families.”

A press release from the NDP states that the clinic would include a Family Health Team, comprised of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and obstetric care.

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Lethbridge-West NDP candidate Shannon Phillips states that the teaching facility is a long-term strategy to stabilize and grow the local healthcare sector.

“We know doctors trained in the Lethbridge region are more likely to build connections and work in the community long-term,” said Phillips. “The UCP has created chaos in healthcare that has driven away doctors, leaving 40,000 residents without access to care. Enough is enough. Instead of fighting with doctors, we’ll recruit them.”

According to the NDP, the cost to build the Lethbridge Teaching Clinic would be approximately $10 million with an annual operating cost of $18 million.

The Government of Alberta, under the UCP, has already approved up to $1 million to explore the potential creation of a new doctor training centre.

The NDP also pledged to consult with the Blood Tribe on establishing an Indigenous Centre of Excellence in Primary Care. The party states that it would include culturally-appropriate care.

The Alberta provincial election is set to be held on May 29.