'Blow it up and sell pieces off': Stakeholders react to UCP plan to revamp Alberta health-care system
CTV
If Alberta politicians are going to revamp administration of health care in the province, Alberta physicians want a seat at the table when the changes are being discussed and designed.
If Alberta politicians are going to revamp administration of health care in the province, Alberta physicians want a seat at the table when the changes are being discussed and designed.
That was the message Wednesday from Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks, who expressed concern that a major provincial restructuring could leave those most in need of its services vulnerable.
"It is crucial to approach this restructuring responsibly and carefully to ensure these changes do not have adverse impacts on patient care or lead to longer wait times and poorer access for Albertans," Parks wrote in a media release.
"As these new functional organizations are being established, our primary concern is continuity of care for the people of Alberta. We must make sure that patients can navigate this new system seamlessly, without disruptions."
Parks said the way to preserve continuity in the health-care system was to include input from healthcare professionals every step of the way.
"I have told government that physician co-design is vital," Parks said, "and the AMA has a role to play in guiding the path forward. Our health-care system is already in a fragile state. The consistent message I have been hearing from physicians across Alberta is that any changes made in our system must involve input from experts on the front lines – the physicians and allied health care workers who are dedicated to patient care."
In an interview with CTV News, Parks expressed hope that the province would take a collaborative approach to restructuring.
