The provincial government is encouraging Albertans to participate in an online survey on the refocusing of the province’s health-care system.
In a media release this week, Alberta’s government claimed it is “refocusing the health care system to improve health outcomes for Albertans and empower health care workers to deliver quality care across the province.”
To date, more than 8,000 doctors, nurses and health care professionals have participated in the initial round of engagement sessions. Between Nov. 9 and Nov. 17, Alberta’s government hosted five separate telephone town hall sessions with Alberta Health Services staff and mental health and addiction service providers. Front-line staff asked more than 140 questions, mostly around continuity of patient care during the transition and beyond.
As a next step, Albertans are being asked to fill out an online survey so the government can gather deeper insights into the challenges, obstacles and successes experienced by both health-care staff and Albertans within the current system.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that the issues in the health-care system need to be addressed,” said Adriana LaGrange, minister of health and Red Deer-North MLA.
“Input from health-care professionals, patients and every Albertan is vital in creating a refocused health-care system that provides Albertans timely and accessible care. The ideas, solutions and first-hand experiences shared by those on the front lines are invaluable.”
More information sessions and town halls, both in person and online, will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
Dan Williams, minister of mental health and addiction, said refocusing Alberta’s health care means a greater focus on mental health and addiction.
“We believe that every Albertan deserves an opportunity to pursue recovery. The feedback of Albertans and our community partners will be critically important in making this possible,” said Williams.
Jason Nixon, minister of seniors communities and social services, said it’s “critically important” to speak with the individuals who care directly for Albertans as the government refocuses the province’s health-care system.
“These town halls will help us stay focused on our goal: to move to a modern, more responsive and effective health care system,” said Nixon, who is Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA.
For more information, visit www.alberta.ca/shape-the-way.
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