EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services says it has fired a senior staff member over the Calgary Flames swine flu vaccine controversy.

The board, which reports directly to the Alberta government, won’t name who has been dismissed, but says it was wrong to give the hockey players and their families preferential treatment.

Members of the Calgary Flames NHL team were given swine flu shots at a special clinic last Friday as thousands of people waited in line for the vaccine or were turned away.

The revelation angered many people who have criticized Alberta’s swine flu vaccine rollout, which was plagued by long lineups before it was shut down Saturday.

Ken Hughes, the board’s chairman, says an investigation continues and could lead to further disciplinary action against other staff.

Hughes says people should receive health services based on medical priority.