Misericordia Hospital must be replaced, health minister says

Health Minister Fred Horne says that Edmonton needs a new facilityto replace the aging Misericordia Hospital in the citys west end.

The fact is Edmonton is going to need a new hospital, Horne said on Tuesday.

We know that, its going to have to come sooner rather than later.

• Aging Misericordia Hospital falling apart, say staff, patients

Last week, staff spoke out about problems with the 45-year old facility which include leaky pipes, broken elevators and makeshift ICUs.

Horne says that the province currently gives Covenant Health funding to maintain the building each year -- about $15 million last year.

He couldnt say if the province will announce money for a new hospital when the provincial budget is released on March 6.

Horne says that health care infrastructure needs are currently at $5 billion.