Big changes are coming to the way health care is delivered in Alberta.

The UCP government is dismantling AHS and scattering its responsibilities among a number of new organizations.

Premier Danielle Smith outlined her reasons for the changes.

"Albertans deserve access to the health care they need, when and where they need it. Healthcare workers move mountains for their patients every day. For too many years, Alberta's healthcare system has been too complex and uncoordinated, leading to unacceptable wait times and poorer health outcomes for Albertans. It's time to change that. It's time to put Albertans first in every healthcare decision and give our frontline experts the right space to properly care for Albertans. This is why we are refocusing the health system to provide better care for generations of Albertans to come."

The government is creating four organizations to be in charge of primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction care.

According to a news release from the government, the primary focus of Alberta Health Services will be acute care and continuing care. 

Other AHS services will be accountable to the new organizations.

"I look forward to working with the new AHS board members who will bring expertise and fresh perspective to the table as we work towards a structure that supports the health workforce and improves access to care. Alberta Health Services will continue to have a key role in delivering acute care services, with a renewed patient emphasis on shorter wait times and higher quality of care," Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health.

The new AHS board members include:

  • Dr. Lyle Oberg 
  • Sandy Edmonstone 
  • Paul George Haggis 
  • Andre Tremblay 
  • Evan Romanow 
  • Cynthia Farmer 
  • Additional member to be named

Legislation will start being introduced in the spring and the make-over is expected to take 18 months to two years.

It's expected to cost $85 million.

 

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