The participants of the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation are going to find themselves in new digs this spring.
The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region in moving these programs, along with risk management and cardiac education, to the Alfred Jenkins Field House.
"The location would be quite ideal for continuing the rehab program and expanding on it, which would be the more important part," said Connie Lee, director of primary health care for the region.
At the moment the programs, operated by nurse Jas Coutu and exercise therapist Robin Gyoerick, are based in the Margo Fournier Centre.
"We're very much hoping that it will be in April when they move over," Lee said.
After the move, the programs will operate in the gym at the field house.
Initially, it was thought there could be permanent space set up for the programs including offices, however there currently isn't room. City administration met with officials from the health region to review the requirements for moving the complete program.
Along with proximity to the hospital that makes it easy to access for staff, the soccer centre has many advantages, said Lee.
There is lots of room for expansion, a walking track, the possibility of a pool, and if urgent care is needed, it is right next door to the hospital, she said.
"There is lots of room for parking. Even if the program expands, parking won't be an issue."
The best part is the potential for program participants to continue along their path of healthy living, said Lee.
"The biggest advantage that I see, is that opportunity for graduates of the program to continue on with positive lifestyle changes because of the other activities that are there and the other supports."
Currently, the cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs serve about 65 people a week over three sessions on three days a week.
