09/11/2024
NEWS RELEASE
Regional Partnership Supports Physician Services in Kneehill County
In a collaborative effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare services in the region, Kneehill County and the urban municipalities of Three Hills, Trochu, Acme, and Linden are proud to announce the launch of a three-year rent stabilization program for the Kneehill Medical Clinic. This initiative, which has been developed in partnership with local physicians, aims to address the financial challenges facing medical professionals in the area.
The program, approved by all participating municipalities, will see a combined annual contribution of $90,000 to cover the base rent of the Kneehill Medical Clinic. Alleviating the cost of rent helps lower the total overhead costs of running the Clinic, enhancing the Clinic’s ability to attract and retain physicians, which is critical for maintaining robust healthcare services in the region.
Each municipality’s contribution to the program has been calculated using a formula based on 70% population and 30% assessment, resulting in the following annual commitments:
• Acme: $4,306
• Kneehill County: $50,807
• Linden: $5,368
• Three Hills: $22,589
• Trochu: $6,930
The joint initiative is a testament to the region’s commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all residents. The program’s specific goals include increasing the number of physicians at the Clinic, expanding the patient panel by 1,000 patients, and supporting the ongoing staffing of emergency and
hospital operations at the Three Hills Hospital.
The Three Hills Hospital is a critical component of the region’s healthcare infrastructure, providing essential medical services and contributing to the area's economic vitality. By supporting the Kneehill Medical Clinic through this rent stabilization program, the municipalities and physicians believe they can enhance the hospital’s sustainability and its ability to serve the community.
The program, which will replace the current incentive structure for new physicians, will be subject to an annual review to assess its effectiveness. All participating municipalities have confirmed their
commitment to the program, and the Kneehill Medical Clinic has expressed its support and willingness to proceed under the terms of the new agreement.
The collaboration between the municipalities and local physicians represents a significant step forward in securing the future of healthcare services in Kneehill County and its urban centers.
Pictured (left to right): Village of Acme Mayor Bruce McLeod, Kneehill County Reeve Ken King, Dr. Olga Efimova, Dr. Anish Chari, Dr. Luke Savage, Village of Linden Mayor Kelly Klassen, Town of Trochu Mayor Barry Kletke, Dr. Erin Calhoun, Dr. Adina McBain, Town of Three Hills Deputy Mayor Byrne Lammle.