History
The Vision of our founding members made Medicare a reality in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and Canada. They recognized that by working together and pooling resources they could accomplish things that they could not do alone.
The past history of the Prince Albert Health Centre is endowed with dedicated efforts of people of Prince Albert and area people who believed in practical and desirable methods of providing health services. Among the archives of the Health Centre are Board minutes, letters, personal notes and newspaper clippings that enrich the story of the center from its beginning to the present day.
During the provincial Medicare Dispute, on June 2nd, 1962, the vision began with a Health Association incorporated under the Co-operative Act of Saskatchewan.
The Holmes Block, corner of 8th St. and 2nd Ave, Prince Albert was renovated to house four doctors. Patient services began on July 3rd, 1962. Dr. Orville Hjertaas and Dr. Allen Adelman provided services. The first patient was Mr. Fayerman Sr. Assisting the physicians was Vera LeDrew R.N. who stayed with the center for 14 years.
Officially on July 24, 1962 the Medicare dispute was settled.
The 1963 and 1964 years were a flurry of activity. The bigger vision was unfolding as excavations began at 110 8th St. East and the newly named Prince Albert Co-operative Health Centre was coming into being. Officially the opening of the centre was June 20th, 1964.
The archives provided the trivia information that the secretaries made the grand sum of $150.00 a month, the parking spots were $3.00 per month and the first personnel policies were drafted.
In November of 1964, Canwood Clinic opened with Dr. Ed Blenkinsop. This dedicated physician served the community with medical and pharmaceutical care for forty years until his retirement in 1994.
By May of 1965 there were thirteen Co-operative Health Centres in Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, the first facility closure occurred in December of 1965. This trend continued until in 2012 there are only four centres who continue to provide services.
Committed to the enhancement of services, in 1965 the first Visioning Workshop was held with the Board, Physicians and Staff attending. These Visioning Workshops have continued over the years bringing forth many new ideas on ways and methods of enhancing the delivery of health care dependent on the perceived needs and wants of the community and centre members.
The Health Centre organized and presented many workshops and education sessions over the years for both staff and clients. As community needs are assessed, more workshops are organized and presented.
Support groups that were presented initially at the centre: Prenatal Classes for Unwed Mothers, Parents without Partners, Compassionate Friends, Chronic Fatigue, Live Well with Chronic Conditions, Live Well with Chronic Pain, Alzheimer’s Support Group and Grief and Loss are a few of the groups.
Expansion had always been a part of the vision and in 1968 a second story was completed. Ten years later, in October of 1978, a third expansion occurred adding another ground level and basement area. Interior redesigning and reassigning space has continued in the ensuing years as new programs and needs are recognized and implemented. Our latest project being the completion of a new parking lot for staff and 8 free parking stalls for client parking.
There were many ‘‘firsts’’ that the centre can take pride in. In 1973, transportation for clients in need was funded by the Volunteer Program, and an outreach program with a surgical nurse at Waskesiu National Park was provided for the summer months.
In the 55 plus years the Co-operative Health Centre has been in existence, there have been many changes to the physical building and to the staff who provide services. The centre has continued to be in the forefront of changing needs to provide optimum care. The Health Centre will continue in providing high quality care in partnership with the community respecting the Vision, Values and Mission they have embraced over the many years.