Thread by @jennierussell_

Exclusive: We obtained new details on the COVID-19 field hospitals the Alberta government has been planning.

An internal govt draft document, dated Nov. 28, details plans to create 750 beds -- 375 each in Edmonton and Calgary. (Thread)

cbc.ca/news/canada/ed… #ableg #cdnpoli

Yesterday, @davidwcochrane revealed the Alberta government had asked the feds + Red Cross for field hospitals.

Premier @jkenney called that "responsible planning" for a "potential extreme scenario." He said it didn't show his govt's response is failing.

cbc.ca/news/canada/ca…

On Nov. 24, Kenney announced a 2nd state of public health emergency and new restrictions - "the minimum restrictions needed right now to safeguard our health-care system."

On that same day, the document shows, health officials toured potential sites for field hospitals.

These field hospitals would be for patients with mild to moderate #COVID19AB symptoms. Staffing would be a major hurdle to getting the hospitals operational -- and the document references how the govt is exploring calling in the military to assist.

There is also the challenge of securing the infrastructure and supplies for the hospitals. The document lays out three options:

The proposed sites weren't designed for this. None have adequate toilet, shower, or handwashing facilities. Food, housekeeping, and laundry would have to be worked out.

Plus:

Long-time critical care doc @noelgibney described the provincial government approach like this:

“It is a little bit like somebody driving towards a cliff and instead of applying the brakes, going over and then phoning 9-1-1 as they're heading to the bottom." #ableg #cdnpoli

The document recommends a "phased approach" that would create roughly half the desired beds by late January at the latest.

We will see what happens next. But this document underscores the severity of Alberta's crisis -- and provides a sobering sign of where officials believe the trajectory of infections could be headed. (End)

#ableg #cdnpoli