Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Council concerned about Government health care actions
Posted 9 hours ago
Dear Editor,
The Central Alberta Council on Aging has grave concerns about recent government actions on Health Care in our area. The publication of an Alberta Health Services Medical Staff newsletter dated March 31 outlining Health Facility closures and downgrades, has created another negative milestone in the Alberta Government’s management of Health Care.
After the Progressive Conservatives first took power in 1971, the Heritage Trust Fund was used to build hospitals in many smaller communities in the Province. Communities have grown to depend on these facilities which have over time been changed to meet the needs of the population surrounding them. They have been supported by the communities with fund raising and volunteering. They have provided security for the elderly and ill and a stable source of employment in the community.
It is no surprise that the Alberta Health Services newsletter, made public on May 14 2009, has caused a wave of concern by Albertans. The newsletter which was sent to medical staff on March 31 2009 makes references to a capital master plan for the former David Thompson Health Region. It says hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be turned into “urgent care centers”. Long term Care Facilities in Bentley, Trochu, and Breton will be “exited”. (removed from DTHR funding by some means)
Following on the heels of financial efficiency audit reports, budget challenges and closure of operating rooms, the complete reorganisation of Alberta Health Care in our Province has added to the concerns and has increased the anxiety of many Albertans.
The system is in administrative limbo. All present managers will be asked to reapply for their positions, and the announcement that one hundred Alberta Health Services administrative employees will lose their positions adds to the uncertainty and loss of morale.
When asked in question period, Thursday May 14 Minister Liepert in a somewhat defensive tone told members of the opposition that the list of Hospitals and Health Centers set for closure or downsizing in a number of Central Alberta communities was an idea developed by the former David Thompson Health Board and that the idea was rejected by the Province’s new Alberta Health Services board.
When asked why the Alberta Health Services document was dated March 31, 2009 Liepert hesitated but said that people should not worry. “There is nothing that I’m aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province,” he said. “And if at some point in time there is, we have committed to any community that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there would be prior engagement with that community.”
Premier Stelmach did not add much to clarify the issue when he addressed the press. He said the Health Services Board will tour rural Alberta this summer and consider changes to how medical care is delivered. His large majority in the legislature and the uncooperative manner of the Health Minister has made receiving adequate answers to questions in the legislature very difficult. Concerned Albertans must insist their MLAs act in caucus to ensure their Health Care needs are met.
The larger urban centers are not immune to the outfall of reduced Rural Health, as the overflow will surely impact the already stressed resources of the cities. The government owes affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening, and we the citizens must make our MLAs accountable. Remember, the Third Way was defeated by aroused citizens demanding MLA action in caucus. It can be done again.
Sam Denhaan, President
Central Alberta Council on Aging
Posted 9 hours ago
Dear Editor,
The Central Alberta Council on Aging has grave concerns about recent government actions on Health Care in our area. The publication of an Alberta Health Services Medical Staff newsletter dated March 31 outlining Health Facility closures and downgrades, has created another negative milestone in the Alberta Government’s management of Health Care.
After the Progressive Conservatives first took power in 1971, the Heritage Trust Fund was used to build hospitals in many smaller communities in the Province. Communities have grown to depend on these facilities which have over time been changed to meet the needs of the population surrounding them. They have been supported by the communities with fund raising and volunteering. They have provided security for the elderly and ill and a stable source of employment in the community.
It is no surprise that the Alberta Health Services newsletter, made public on May 14 2009, has caused a wave of concern by Albertans. The newsletter which was sent to medical staff on March 31 2009 makes references to a capital master plan for the former David Thompson Health Region. It says hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be turned into “urgent care centers”. Long term Care Facilities in Bentley, Trochu, and Breton will be “exited”. (removed from DTHR funding by some means)
Following on the heels of financial efficiency audit reports, budget challenges and closure of operating rooms, the complete reorganisation of Alberta Health Care in our Province has added to the concerns and has increased the anxiety of many Albertans.
The system is in administrative limbo. All present managers will be asked to reapply for their positions, and the announcement that one hundred Alberta Health Services administrative employees will lose their positions adds to the uncertainty and loss of morale.
When asked in question period, Thursday May 14 Minister Liepert in a somewhat defensive tone told members of the opposition that the list of Hospitals and Health Centers set for closure or downsizing in a number of Central Alberta communities was an idea developed by the former David Thompson Health Board and that the idea was rejected by the Province’s new Alberta Health Services board.
When asked why the Alberta Health Services document was dated March 31, 2009 Liepert hesitated but said that people should not worry. “There is nothing that I’m aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province,” he said. “And if at some point in time there is, we have committed to any community that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there would be prior engagement with that community.”
Premier Stelmach did not add much to clarify the issue when he addressed the press. He said the Health Services Board will tour rural Alberta this summer and consider changes to how medical care is delivered. His large majority in the legislature and the uncooperative manner of the Health Minister has made receiving adequate answers to questions in the legislature very difficult. Concerned Albertans must insist their MLAs act in caucus to ensure their Health Care needs are met.
The larger urban centers are not immune to the outfall of reduced Rural Health, as the overflow will surely impact the already stressed resources of the cities. The government owes affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening, and we the citizens must make our MLAs accountable. Remember, the Third Way was defeated by aroused citizens demanding MLA action in caucus. It can be done again.
Sam Denhaan, President
Central Alberta Council on Aging
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Red Deer Advocate
Alberta Friends of Medicare is warning that a plan exists to downgrade 10 Central Alberta hospitals by eliminating their ability to provide emergency care.
A leaked newsletter from David Thompson Regional Medical Staff Organization summarizes the plan — which has not been approved by Alberta Health Services board — that would see Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna hospitals converted to urgent care centres that would only provide care for those in non-life threatening situations.
Health Centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed and funding to long-term care facilities in Bentley, Trochu and Breton would end.
The newsletter mentions a capital master plan that forecasts the physical building needs of the DTHR to 2035.
The plan includes new urgent care centres for east Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.
Ken Collier of Red Deer, president of the Alberta Friends of Medicare board, said the plan may have been developed by the former David Thompson Health Region, but apparently “it’s still a live document.”
“The date on it (newsletter) is April 16, 2009. That’s pretty recent,” said Collier on Thursday.
Residents in those communities are going to be “shocked and upset” because the facilities were built in part by donations from the communities and there’s been no opportunity for public input, he said.
“You don’t get public discussion about it. You don’t get hearings. You have a bunch of officials sitting behind closed doors deciding to do this,” Collier said.
Local Tory MLAs insist the outdated plan was neither approved by Alberta Health Services or the former David Thompson Health Region.
“The Friends of Medicare want to make political points by putting fear into Central Alberta residents,” said Lacombe-Stettler MLA Ray Prins.
“They’re talking about Rimbey, Ponoka and Lacombe. Those are my three towns with three large hospitals.
“Rimbey has a brand-new hospital. They spent over $20 million there. Lacombe is running at over 100 per cent capacity. And Ponoka is a very busy hospital.”
Changes would not be done without community consultation, he said.
“If anything like this was to be happen, if it were to happen, the first to be consulted are community leaders, mayors, councillors and the MLA,” said Prins, who said he had not heard of the DTHR plan prior to Thursday.
But the province has talked about making changes to rural health care.
According to Alberta Health and Wellness’s Vision 2020 plan, released in December, the government is looking at “enhancing services in short stay, non-hospital facilities and other clinic-type arrangements as an alternative to hospitalization” in relation to rural health care.
Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski said the province is still reviewing its health care options.
“Nothing has been decided. Providing health care in rural Alberta is obviously a priority for this government. We’ll just see in which direction Alberta Health Services decides to go.”
At the legislature, Health Minister Ron Liepert declined to say whether the plan has been approved by the government or to confirm whether such changes are in the works.
New Democrat Leader Brian Mason said the proposed rural hospital changes cited in the letter, and word earlier this month that elective surgeries are to be reduced at hospitals throughout the province, are reasons for concern. Mason said the government owes it to the public to be more open about its health-care plans.
“It looks to me that they do have plans to substantially cut back our health-care system, especially in rural Alberta,” he said. “They haven’t told the public. We depend on leaks now from doctors and health-care professionals to find out what the government is doing because they keep their plans hidden.”
—with files from The Canadian Press
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
A leaked newsletter from David Thompson Regional Medical Staff Organization summarizes the plan — which has not been approved by Alberta Health Services board — that would see Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna hospitals converted to urgent care centres that would only provide care for those in non-life threatening situations.
Health Centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed and funding to long-term care facilities in Bentley, Trochu and Breton would end.
The newsletter mentions a capital master plan that forecasts the physical building needs of the DTHR to 2035.
The plan includes new urgent care centres for east Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.
Ken Collier of Red Deer, president of the Alberta Friends of Medicare board, said the plan may have been developed by the former David Thompson Health Region, but apparently “it’s still a live document.”
“The date on it (newsletter) is April 16, 2009. That’s pretty recent,” said Collier on Thursday.
Residents in those communities are going to be “shocked and upset” because the facilities were built in part by donations from the communities and there’s been no opportunity for public input, he said.
“You don’t get public discussion about it. You don’t get hearings. You have a bunch of officials sitting behind closed doors deciding to do this,” Collier said.
Local Tory MLAs insist the outdated plan was neither approved by Alberta Health Services or the former David Thompson Health Region.
“The Friends of Medicare want to make political points by putting fear into Central Alberta residents,” said Lacombe-Stettler MLA Ray Prins.
“They’re talking about Rimbey, Ponoka and Lacombe. Those are my three towns with three large hospitals.
“Rimbey has a brand-new hospital. They spent over $20 million there. Lacombe is running at over 100 per cent capacity. And Ponoka is a very busy hospital.”
Changes would not be done without community consultation, he said.
“If anything like this was to be happen, if it were to happen, the first to be consulted are community leaders, mayors, councillors and the MLA,” said Prins, who said he had not heard of the DTHR plan prior to Thursday.
But the province has talked about making changes to rural health care.
According to Alberta Health and Wellness’s Vision 2020 plan, released in December, the government is looking at “enhancing services in short stay, non-hospital facilities and other clinic-type arrangements as an alternative to hospitalization” in relation to rural health care.
Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski said the province is still reviewing its health care options.
“Nothing has been decided. Providing health care in rural Alberta is obviously a priority for this government. We’ll just see in which direction Alberta Health Services decides to go.”
At the legislature, Health Minister Ron Liepert declined to say whether the plan has been approved by the government or to confirm whether such changes are in the works.
New Democrat Leader Brian Mason said the proposed rural hospital changes cited in the letter, and word earlier this month that elective surgeries are to be reduced at hospitals throughout the province, are reasons for concern. Mason said the government owes it to the public to be more open about its health-care plans.
“It looks to me that they do have plans to substantially cut back our health-care system, especially in rural Alberta,” he said. “They haven’t told the public. We depend on leaks now from doctors and health-care professionals to find out what the government is doing because they keep their plans hidden.”
—with files from The Canadian Press
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Leaked document sparks health concerns
A leaked Alberta Health Services document recommending downgrades and closures of a number of health facilities in the former David Thompson health region put rural centres in southern Alberta on edge Thursday. The internal document — obtained by the Friends of Medicare (FOM) — references a Capital Master Plan for the former health region, which has not been approved by the Alberta Health Services (AHS) board. The Medical Staff Newsletter, dated March 31, 2009, outlined a proposal for 10 central Alberta hospitals be downgraded to “urgent care centres” and another five health facilities to be closed.FOM executive director David Eggen Thursday called on Health Minister Ron Liepert to release plans for other rural facilities, noting the Albertans have been waiting for this information for months. “You’ve got to figure if they have a plan like this for David Thompson, they’ll be doing similar exercises through other rural areas,” said Eggen.“If this is not going to happen, then let people know because there has been rumours and confusion for the last eight months about rural hospital centralization.”Liepert pledged late Thursday that the province will consult with rural communities before closing or changing any of their medical facilities. The Town of Bow Island may get clarification on the status of their hospital in less than two weeks.“We’ve been asked to meet with the MLAs and the minister,” said Mayor Alan Hyland. “We haven’t heard anything. There’s been no subject matter or anything like that.” Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Len Mitzel was unavailable for comment, but a receptionist at the legislature office confirmed a meeting has been scheduled for May 27 with the hospital, Liepert and local MLAs.The meeting is more than what the communities believed to be in greatest jeopardy have received.Hanna’s mayor, Mary Collins, learned through the media that her hospital is listed as one of the facilities recommended to be downgraded.That news follows a visit last week from an AHS representative who announced use of their dialysis machine would be discontinued May 25. Patients have been told they will have to travel an hour to and from Drumheller.“Don’t just come in and tell us you’re closing it down. We need to understand why and the lady who came to deliver that news of course had no authority to release any information,” said Collins. “All we know is it’s going and they are going to send our patients via taxi from Hanna to Drumheller if they have no one to drive them.”Hanna taxi drivers are not all trained in emergency first aid response, the very minimum which should be expected when transporting a patient, she said.Further downgrades to their facility will put a strain on the aging community, said Collins, who has attended four 100th birthday parties in Hanna over the last 18 months. The hospital has five doctors and “an awful lot of money is pulled out of this little town,” to support STARS air ambulances. “Once again it’s a strike against the small, rural centres,” said Collins. “I’m trying to attract people to Hanna, how am I going to do that? We don’t all want to live in the city. It’s a lifestyle choice and we like it, that’s why we’re here.”Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre and Three Hills were also recommended to become urgent care centres. Health centres in Trochu and Castor were marked for closure. Long-term care centres in Bentley, Trochu and Breton were marked for closure.Urgent care centres are expected to treat patients with non-life-threatening health concerns that require same-day treatment. People with life-threatening conditions still need to travel to hospitals with emergency departments.The FOM also claims it has reason to believe AHS will be announcing significant budget cuts in July. Eggen says it’s time Albertans start hearing these announcements straight from the source.“We’d like to have some disclosure. If Mr. Liepert wants to improve the health system, I think the first thing he could do is improve communication because he keeps us in the dark and it’s chaos.”–With files from The Canadian Press
A leaked Alberta Health Services document recommending downgrades and closures of a number of health facilities in the former David Thompson health region put rural centres in southern Alberta on edge Thursday. The internal document — obtained by the Friends of Medicare (FOM) — references a Capital Master Plan for the former health region, which has not been approved by the Alberta Health Services (AHS) board. The Medical Staff Newsletter, dated March 31, 2009, outlined a proposal for 10 central Alberta hospitals be downgraded to “urgent care centres” and another five health facilities to be closed.FOM executive director David Eggen Thursday called on Health Minister Ron Liepert to release plans for other rural facilities, noting the Albertans have been waiting for this information for months. “You’ve got to figure if they have a plan like this for David Thompson, they’ll be doing similar exercises through other rural areas,” said Eggen.“If this is not going to happen, then let people know because there has been rumours and confusion for the last eight months about rural hospital centralization.”Liepert pledged late Thursday that the province will consult with rural communities before closing or changing any of their medical facilities. The Town of Bow Island may get clarification on the status of their hospital in less than two weeks.“We’ve been asked to meet with the MLAs and the minister,” said Mayor Alan Hyland. “We haven’t heard anything. There’s been no subject matter or anything like that.” Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Len Mitzel was unavailable for comment, but a receptionist at the legislature office confirmed a meeting has been scheduled for May 27 with the hospital, Liepert and local MLAs.The meeting is more than what the communities believed to be in greatest jeopardy have received.Hanna’s mayor, Mary Collins, learned through the media that her hospital is listed as one of the facilities recommended to be downgraded.That news follows a visit last week from an AHS representative who announced use of their dialysis machine would be discontinued May 25. Patients have been told they will have to travel an hour to and from Drumheller.“Don’t just come in and tell us you’re closing it down. We need to understand why and the lady who came to deliver that news of course had no authority to release any information,” said Collins. “All we know is it’s going and they are going to send our patients via taxi from Hanna to Drumheller if they have no one to drive them.”Hanna taxi drivers are not all trained in emergency first aid response, the very minimum which should be expected when transporting a patient, she said.Further downgrades to their facility will put a strain on the aging community, said Collins, who has attended four 100th birthday parties in Hanna over the last 18 months. The hospital has five doctors and “an awful lot of money is pulled out of this little town,” to support STARS air ambulances. “Once again it’s a strike against the small, rural centres,” said Collins. “I’m trying to attract people to Hanna, how am I going to do that? We don’t all want to live in the city. It’s a lifestyle choice and we like it, that’s why we’re here.”Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre and Three Hills were also recommended to become urgent care centres. Health centres in Trochu and Castor were marked for closure. Long-term care centres in Bentley, Trochu and Breton were marked for closure.Urgent care centres are expected to treat patients with non-life-threatening health concerns that require same-day treatment. People with life-threatening conditions still need to travel to hospitals with emergency departments.The FOM also claims it has reason to believe AHS will be announcing significant budget cuts in July. Eggen says it’s time Albertans start hearing these announcements straight from the source.“We’d like to have some disclosure. If Mr. Liepert wants to improve the health system, I think the first thing he could do is improve communication because he keeps us in the dark and it’s chaos.”–With files from The Canadian Press
Show us the plan
Critics demand more transparency from provincial Tories on health care changes
By KERRY DIOTTE, LEGISLATURE BUREAU CHIEF
Last Updated: 16th May 2009, 4:04am
The provincial government has to be more open and transparent on future changes to health care, says Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann.
The ruling Tories were on the hot seat all week over accusations that cuts to the health-care system could be deeper than anticipated as newly formed superboard Alberta Health Services tussles to cover a $500-million deficit.
Critics lambasted the government this week when news leaked that elective surgeries are being cut by 15% at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and that there had been documented discussions about closing or downgrading hospitals and other medical facilities in central Alberta.
Swann yesterday told Sun Media: "More and more people are asking me, 'What is the plan?' It's difficult to know when a government is so secretive about health," he said.
"The minister indicated in the House that he wasn't going to tell us the plan because we'd just criticize it."
Alberta Health Services CEO, Dr. Stephen Duckett, has indicated he'll travel the province this summer to get feedback from Albertans on health care.
Swann said he's doing something similar - a leader's tour of the province beginning in June. He'll hold town hall meetings and expects a lot of feedback Friends of Medicare spokesman Dave Eggen said the government hasn't been open and transparent on health care.
"There's no transparency," Eggen said. "It's like a brick wall. Albertans want to know what's going on. Come clean and tell us what's going on and we'd be happy to work with the government in a constructive way."
A spokesman for Health Minister Ron Liepert said his boss has been very upfront about streamlining and improving health care while trying to keep spending under control.
"Since the minister took over, he's been very open and transparent," said Howard May, who listed numerous things Liepert has announced including, transferring ambulance services from municipalities to the province, a health action plan within 30 days of being appointed and new strategies on pharmaceuticals and long-term care.
KERRY.DIOTTE@SUNMEDIA.CA
Critics demand more transparency from provincial Tories on health care changes
By KERRY DIOTTE, LEGISLATURE BUREAU CHIEF
Last Updated: 16th May 2009, 4:04am
The provincial government has to be more open and transparent on future changes to health care, says Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann.
The ruling Tories were on the hot seat all week over accusations that cuts to the health-care system could be deeper than anticipated as newly formed superboard Alberta Health Services tussles to cover a $500-million deficit.
Critics lambasted the government this week when news leaked that elective surgeries are being cut by 15% at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and that there had been documented discussions about closing or downgrading hospitals and other medical facilities in central Alberta.
Swann yesterday told Sun Media: "More and more people are asking me, 'What is the plan?' It's difficult to know when a government is so secretive about health," he said.
"The minister indicated in the House that he wasn't going to tell us the plan because we'd just criticize it."
Alberta Health Services CEO, Dr. Stephen Duckett, has indicated he'll travel the province this summer to get feedback from Albertans on health care.
Swann said he's doing something similar - a leader's tour of the province beginning in June. He'll hold town hall meetings and expects a lot of feedback Friends of Medicare spokesman Dave Eggen said the government hasn't been open and transparent on health care.
"There's no transparency," Eggen said. "It's like a brick wall. Albertans want to know what's going on. Come clean and tell us what's going on and we'd be happy to work with the government in a constructive way."
A spokesman for Health Minister Ron Liepert said his boss has been very upfront about streamlining and improving health care while trying to keep spending under control.
"Since the minister took over, he's been very open and transparent," said Howard May, who listed numerous things Liepert has announced including, transferring ambulance services from municipalities to the province, a health action plan within 30 days of being appointed and new strategies on pharmaceuticals and long-term care.
KERRY.DIOTTE@SUNMEDIA.CA
Thursday, May 14, 2009
CTV Calgary
Friends of Medicare calls for health officials to come clean
ctvedmonton.ca
Friends of Medicare said they have obtained a document from Alberta Health Services that outlines a plan to close some health centres and long term care facilities across the province.
The group said the document was a medical staff newsletter from Alberta Health Services dated back to March 31st of this year, and outlines the intention to close health centres and long term care facilities, and the re-assignment of hospitals to urgent care centres.
According to the memo, the following facilities would be closed or downgraded:
Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills, and Hanna would be downgraded to urgent care centres.
Long term care centres at Bentley, Trochu, and Breton will be closed.
Health centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed.
Ken Collier, chair of the Friends of Medicare Board, said residents in the area have been asking the government about the future of certain health facilities for months.
"The government owes these affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening," said Collier.
According to a provincial review commissioned by Alberta Health and Wellness, the merging of services in rural areas would be pursued, but very little information has been given as to how these mergers might take place.
"Certainly, there must be similar plans in place for other regions in the province. Albertans want to see the plan for the health facility that serves their community," said David Eggen, executive director for Friends of Medicare.
Eggen said no one wants to suddenly discover their hospital is scheduled for closure.
Friends of Medicare also said they have learned that Alberta Health Services will be announcing significant budget cuts in July.
Health Minister Ron Liepert initially tried to discredit the document, but later said that changes are being considered across Alberta to reduce health costs and make the system more efficient.
"Before there is any change to the facilities in these communities, the community will be consulted and it will be discussed," he said.
Liepert said Alberta Health Services has already started to look at the system and officials are set to visit the communities throughout the province this summer.
He said no final decisions about any health facilities have been made and that the Friends of Medicare were fear-mongering.
On Wednesday, the United Nurses of Alberta said more health cuts could be in the future for our province.
Surgeons at the Royal Alexandra Hospital were directed by Alberta Health Services to postpone non-urgent procedures by 15 per cent as of Tuesday. And the United Nurses of Alberta thinks the cuts won't stop there.
"I don't think this is limited to the the Royal Alexandra, I wouldn't be surprised if it was extended provincewide," said Heather Smith with the United Nurses of Alberta.
But that prediction was disputed by Alberta Health Services spokesperson Rob Stevenson.
"There doesn't seem to be any indication this will move to another facility," he said.
A heated debate broke out at the Legislative Assembly Wednesday where Alberta's Health Minister, Ron Liepert, answered some tough questions.
"Why have you again failed Albertans leaving them to wait in pain and darkness because you have cancelled their surgeries?" NDP Leader Brian Mason asked Liepert.
Liepert responded by stating," for the first time in many years we are going to live in within a budget and that's what Alberta (Health) Services is going to do," he said.
Certain surgeries, such as hips, knees and cataract procedures, will now be postponed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital after Alberta Health Services ordered the cut Tuesday.
With files from the Canadian Press
Friends of Medicare calls for health officials to come clean
ctvedmonton.ca
Friends of Medicare said they have obtained a document from Alberta Health Services that outlines a plan to close some health centres and long term care facilities across the province.
The group said the document was a medical staff newsletter from Alberta Health Services dated back to March 31st of this year, and outlines the intention to close health centres and long term care facilities, and the re-assignment of hospitals to urgent care centres.
According to the memo, the following facilities would be closed or downgraded:
Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills, and Hanna would be downgraded to urgent care centres.
Long term care centres at Bentley, Trochu, and Breton will be closed.
Health centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed.
Ken Collier, chair of the Friends of Medicare Board, said residents in the area have been asking the government about the future of certain health facilities for months.
"The government owes these affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening," said Collier.
According to a provincial review commissioned by Alberta Health and Wellness, the merging of services in rural areas would be pursued, but very little information has been given as to how these mergers might take place.
"Certainly, there must be similar plans in place for other regions in the province. Albertans want to see the plan for the health facility that serves their community," said David Eggen, executive director for Friends of Medicare.
Eggen said no one wants to suddenly discover their hospital is scheduled for closure.
Friends of Medicare also said they have learned that Alberta Health Services will be announcing significant budget cuts in July.
Health Minister Ron Liepert initially tried to discredit the document, but later said that changes are being considered across Alberta to reduce health costs and make the system more efficient.
"Before there is any change to the facilities in these communities, the community will be consulted and it will be discussed," he said.
Liepert said Alberta Health Services has already started to look at the system and officials are set to visit the communities throughout the province this summer.
He said no final decisions about any health facilities have been made and that the Friends of Medicare were fear-mongering.
On Wednesday, the United Nurses of Alberta said more health cuts could be in the future for our province.
Surgeons at the Royal Alexandra Hospital were directed by Alberta Health Services to postpone non-urgent procedures by 15 per cent as of Tuesday. And the United Nurses of Alberta thinks the cuts won't stop there.
"I don't think this is limited to the the Royal Alexandra, I wouldn't be surprised if it was extended provincewide," said Heather Smith with the United Nurses of Alberta.
But that prediction was disputed by Alberta Health Services spokesperson Rob Stevenson.
"There doesn't seem to be any indication this will move to another facility," he said.
A heated debate broke out at the Legislative Assembly Wednesday where Alberta's Health Minister, Ron Liepert, answered some tough questions.
"Why have you again failed Albertans leaving them to wait in pain and darkness because you have cancelled their surgeries?" NDP Leader Brian Mason asked Liepert.
Liepert responded by stating," for the first time in many years we are going to live in within a budget and that's what Alberta (Health) Services is going to do," he said.
Certain surgeries, such as hips, knees and cataract procedures, will now be postponed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital after Alberta Health Services ordered the cut Tuesday.
With files from the Canadian Press
Alberta to consult with rural communities before closing any health facilities
32 minutes ago
EDMONTON — Alberta will consult with people in rural communities before closing or changing any of their medical facilities, Health Minister Ron Liepert says.
Liepert's pledge Thursday was sparked by a leaked Alberta Health Services medical staff newsletter that outlined a proposal to downgrade 10 hospitals in central Alberta to urgent care centres.
The March 31 letter, released by Friends of Medicare, also mentioned closing three long-term care facilities.
Liepert tried to discredit the letter, calling it outdated, but later acknowledged that changes are being considered across the province to reduce health costs and make the system more efficient.
"Before there is any change to the facilities in these communities, the community will be consulted and it will be discussed," he said.
Liepert said Alberta Health Services has already begun looking at the system and officials will visit communities throughout the province this summer. He said members of the legislature will be involved in the process.
Liepert was adamant that no final decisions about any health facilities have been made and accused the Opposition and the Friends of Medicare of fear-mongering.
"There is nothing that I'm aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province," he said.
"If at some point in time there is, we have committed that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there will be prior engagement with that community."
The newsletter outlines a plan to downgrade hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna to urgent care centres.
Long-term care facilities cited for closure in the document are located in Bentley, Trochu and Breton.
The six-week-old letter notes that the proposal had not yet been approved by the new Alberta Health Services superboard.
Dave Eggen of Friends of Medicare and New Democrat Leader Brian Mason said Albertans shouldn't have to rely on leaked documents to get information about the health-care system they depend on.
Mason said the proposed rural hospital changes cited in the letter, and word that elective surgeries are being reduced at least one urban hospital, are reasons for concern. Some doctors have reported than some cancer operations have been delayed.
Mason said the government owes it to the public to be more open about its health-care plans.
"It looks to me that they do have plans to substantially cut back our health-care system, especially in rural Alberta," he said.
"They haven't told the public. We depend on leaks now from doctors and health-care professionals to find out what the government is doing because they keep their plans hidden."
Premier Ed Stelmach reiterated that his government must do what it can to control rising health-care costs, especially when faced with the world economic downturn that has taken a big chunk out of Alberta's revenues.
Stelmach said Alberta already spends more per person on health-care than any other province.
The government must find out where its health dollars are going and where changes can be made to make the system more efficient, he said, adding that he expects similar documents will be leaked to the media in the coming months.
"We are going to have a lot more of that, people positioning themselves, because this is a very sensitive topic," Stelmach said.
"It has been in the past, and it will be in the future. We have a huge task ahead of ourselves."
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
32 minutes ago
EDMONTON — Alberta will consult with people in rural communities before closing or changing any of their medical facilities, Health Minister Ron Liepert says.
Liepert's pledge Thursday was sparked by a leaked Alberta Health Services medical staff newsletter that outlined a proposal to downgrade 10 hospitals in central Alberta to urgent care centres.
The March 31 letter, released by Friends of Medicare, also mentioned closing three long-term care facilities.
Liepert tried to discredit the letter, calling it outdated, but later acknowledged that changes are being considered across the province to reduce health costs and make the system more efficient.
"Before there is any change to the facilities in these communities, the community will be consulted and it will be discussed," he said.
Liepert said Alberta Health Services has already begun looking at the system and officials will visit communities throughout the province this summer. He said members of the legislature will be involved in the process.
Liepert was adamant that no final decisions about any health facilities have been made and accused the Opposition and the Friends of Medicare of fear-mongering.
"There is nothing that I'm aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province," he said.
"If at some point in time there is, we have committed that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there will be prior engagement with that community."
The newsletter outlines a plan to downgrade hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna to urgent care centres.
Long-term care facilities cited for closure in the document are located in Bentley, Trochu and Breton.
The six-week-old letter notes that the proposal had not yet been approved by the new Alberta Health Services superboard.
Dave Eggen of Friends of Medicare and New Democrat Leader Brian Mason said Albertans shouldn't have to rely on leaked documents to get information about the health-care system they depend on.
Mason said the proposed rural hospital changes cited in the letter, and word that elective surgeries are being reduced at least one urban hospital, are reasons for concern. Some doctors have reported than some cancer operations have been delayed.
Mason said the government owes it to the public to be more open about its health-care plans.
"It looks to me that they do have plans to substantially cut back our health-care system, especially in rural Alberta," he said.
"They haven't told the public. We depend on leaks now from doctors and health-care professionals to find out what the government is doing because they keep their plans hidden."
Premier Ed Stelmach reiterated that his government must do what it can to control rising health-care costs, especially when faced with the world economic downturn that has taken a big chunk out of Alberta's revenues.
Stelmach said Alberta already spends more per person on health-care than any other province.
The government must find out where its health dollars are going and where changes can be made to make the system more efficient, he said, adding that he expects similar documents will be leaked to the media in the coming months.
"We are going to have a lot more of that, people positioning themselves, because this is a very sensitive topic," Stelmach said.
"It has been in the past, and it will be in the future. We have a huge task ahead of ourselves."
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Province denies it's set to downgrade 10 rural hospitals
Last Updated: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:38 PM MT Comments16Recommend10
CBC News
A list of hospitals and health centres set for closure or downsizing in a number of central Alberta communities was an idea from the former David Thompson Health Board that was rejected by the province's new so-called superboard, the government said Thursday.
The list was contained in a document released Thursday by the public health care advocacy group Friends of Medicare.
But Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert said people should not worry.
"There is nothing that I'm aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province," he said. "And if at some point in time there is, we have committed to any community that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there would be prior engagement with that community."
The document in question is a newsletter sent to medical staff in March 2009. It makes references to a capital master plan for the former David Thompson Health Region and says hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be turned into "urgent care centres".
According to the province, urgent care centres treat people with "unexpected but not life-threatening health concerns that require same-day treatment." People with life-threatening conditions still need to travel to hospitals with emergency departments.
Long-term-care centres in Bentley and Breton and Castor's health centre would close under the plan. Trochu would lose both its long-term-care centre and its health centre.
The Alberta government needs to be open about its plans, Friends of Medicare executive director David Eggen said.
"These are quite substantial towns in the heartland of Alberta and people deserve to know what the future of their hospital and health facility is," he said. "If you turn the key and lock the door on a facility, you don't get any more final than that,… not just for a health facility but for a town, too."
Eggen said he believes there must be similar plans in place for other regions of Alberta.
But Liepert said people need to stop listening to the "fearmongering" of the media and the opposition.
The David Thompson Health Region was one of nine health regions that were cut when the province created a single "superboard" called Alberta Health Services in May 2008.
Alberta Health Services is believed to be facing an estimated $500-million deficit. Friends of Medicare believes the board will be announcing "significant" budget cuts in July.
Last Updated: Thursday, May 14, 2009 5:38 PM MT Comments16Recommend10
CBC News
A list of hospitals and health centres set for closure or downsizing in a number of central Alberta communities was an idea from the former David Thompson Health Board that was rejected by the province's new so-called superboard, the government said Thursday.
The list was contained in a document released Thursday by the public health care advocacy group Friends of Medicare.
But Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert said people should not worry.
"There is nothing that I'm aware of relative to any change in status of any of the facilities around the province," he said. "And if at some point in time there is, we have committed to any community that where there will be a change in the status of their facility, there would be prior engagement with that community."
The document in question is a newsletter sent to medical staff in March 2009. It makes references to a capital master plan for the former David Thompson Health Region and says hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be turned into "urgent care centres".
According to the province, urgent care centres treat people with "unexpected but not life-threatening health concerns that require same-day treatment." People with life-threatening conditions still need to travel to hospitals with emergency departments.
Long-term-care centres in Bentley and Breton and Castor's health centre would close under the plan. Trochu would lose both its long-term-care centre and its health centre.
The Alberta government needs to be open about its plans, Friends of Medicare executive director David Eggen said.
"These are quite substantial towns in the heartland of Alberta and people deserve to know what the future of their hospital and health facility is," he said. "If you turn the key and lock the door on a facility, you don't get any more final than that,… not just for a health facility but for a town, too."
Eggen said he believes there must be similar plans in place for other regions of Alberta.
But Liepert said people need to stop listening to the "fearmongering" of the media and the opposition.
The David Thompson Health Region was one of nine health regions that were cut when the province created a single "superboard" called Alberta Health Services in May 2008.
Alberta Health Services is believed to be facing an estimated $500-million deficit. Friends of Medicare believes the board will be announcing "significant" budget cuts in July.
Rural Alberta could lose hospitals, group warns
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.comMay 14, 2009
EDMONTON — Ten hospitals in central Alberta will be downgraded to urgent care centres if the government follows a master plan laid out in a medical staff newsletter, Friends of Medicare said Thursday.
Long-term care facilities and general health centres will also be closed, according to a March 31 newsletter to medical staff from Alberta Health Services, obtained by the public-health-care advocacy group.
“The government owes these affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening,” Friends of Medicare board chairman Ken Collier said in a press release.
According to the health region’s memo, and a referenced Capital Master Plan for the area that was approved by the former David Thomson health region before it was collapsed but not yet by the new Alberta Health Services superboard, the following could happen:
— Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be downgraded to urgent care centres;
— Long-term care centres in Bentley, Trochu and Breton would be closed;
— Health centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed.
“People in these communities have been asking about the plans for their health facilities for months,” Collier said.
David Eggen, executive director for Friends of Medicare, said other parts of the province will face similar plans and closures.
“No one wants to wake up one day this summer and find out their hospital is scheduled for closure,” Eggen said in a statement.
The Capital Master Plan for the David Thompson Health Region mirrors suggestions made in a government-commissioned report to close or downgrade smaller rural hospitals when communities have access to bigger hospitals close by.
The Provincial Service Optimization Review gave little information about what facilities could be hit. Just a few weeks ago, another internal memo surfaced showing Alberta Health Services planned a hiring freeze in the Capital region, which would put a stop to recruitment of medical specialists. Soon after, Health Minister Ron Liepert said that memo was outdated and the information inaccurate.
If the government delivers the same response to the documents obtained by the Friends of Medicare, Eggen said, then he'd like to know what they actually intend to do. "What is the plan? Can they assure the people of Innisfail that they're not going to downgrade their hospital, or the people of Coronation that they're not going to close their hospital?"
The March 31 memo also mentions plans to build new urgent care centres in Sylvan Lake and East Red Deer. The number of acute care beds in the area will go up to 995, an increase of 303 beds. The number of long-term care beds will almost double from 2,600 from 1,400.
With files from Trish Audette
jsinnema@thejournal.canwest.com
By Jodie Sinnema, edmontonjournal.comMay 14, 2009
EDMONTON — Ten hospitals in central Alberta will be downgraded to urgent care centres if the government follows a master plan laid out in a medical staff newsletter, Friends of Medicare said Thursday.
Long-term care facilities and general health centres will also be closed, according to a March 31 newsletter to medical staff from Alberta Health Services, obtained by the public-health-care advocacy group.
“The government owes these affected areas a clear explanation as to what is happening,” Friends of Medicare board chairman Ken Collier said in a press release.
According to the health region’s memo, and a referenced Capital Master Plan for the area that was approved by the former David Thomson health region before it was collapsed but not yet by the new Alberta Health Services superboard, the following could happen:
— Hospitals in Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail, Castor, Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills and Hanna would be downgraded to urgent care centres;
— Long-term care centres in Bentley, Trochu and Breton would be closed;
— Health centres in Trochu and Castor would be closed.
“People in these communities have been asking about the plans for their health facilities for months,” Collier said.
David Eggen, executive director for Friends of Medicare, said other parts of the province will face similar plans and closures.
“No one wants to wake up one day this summer and find out their hospital is scheduled for closure,” Eggen said in a statement.
The Capital Master Plan for the David Thompson Health Region mirrors suggestions made in a government-commissioned report to close or downgrade smaller rural hospitals when communities have access to bigger hospitals close by.
The Provincial Service Optimization Review gave little information about what facilities could be hit. Just a few weeks ago, another internal memo surfaced showing Alberta Health Services planned a hiring freeze in the Capital region, which would put a stop to recruitment of medical specialists. Soon after, Health Minister Ron Liepert said that memo was outdated and the information inaccurate.
If the government delivers the same response to the documents obtained by the Friends of Medicare, Eggen said, then he'd like to know what they actually intend to do. "What is the plan? Can they assure the people of Innisfail that they're not going to downgrade their hospital, or the people of Coronation that they're not going to close their hospital?"
The March 31 memo also mentions plans to build new urgent care centres in Sylvan Lake and East Red Deer. The number of acute care beds in the area will go up to 995, an increase of 303 beds. The number of long-term care beds will almost double from 2,600 from 1,400.
With files from Trish Audette
jsinnema@thejournal.canwest.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Health care protestors take to the legislature
Updated: Sat May. 09 2009 19:03:50ctvedmonton.ca
Over 1,000 supporters of Friends of Medicare took to the Legislature Saturday, protesting a wide range of health care issues.
The demonstrators said they are concerned with recent changes made to the province's health care system. The 2009 budget delisted chiropractic services and sex change operations, and added a new pharmacare plan that charges senior citizens premiums for drug coverage.
Hundreds of protesters sent messages in drug bottles destined for both Health Minister Ron Liepert, and to the premier's office. Many participants said they're worried Alberta is moving to a two-tiered system that is inaccessible for many people.
"If it's not public, it becomes private and private can cost an arm and a leg... I don't have the money in my bank account and when I come here, I like to know that the government and the people behind the government are here to support me through the hard times," says protester Branden Morris.
Friends of Medicare submitted a petition to opposition parties with more than 13,000 signatures, calling on the government to stop current and planned changes to the health care system.
-With files from Kevin Armstrong
Over 1,000 supporters of Friends of Medicare took to the Legislature Saturday, protesting a wide range of health care issues.
The demonstrators said they are concerned with recent changes made to the province's health care system. The 2009 budget delisted chiropractic services and sex change operations, and added a new pharmacare plan that charges senior citizens premiums for drug coverage.
Hundreds of protesters sent messages in drug bottles destined for both Health Minister Ron Liepert, and to the premier's office. Many participants said they're worried Alberta is moving to a two-tiered system that is inaccessible for many people.
"If it's not public, it becomes private and private can cost an arm and a leg... I don't have the money in my bank account and when I come here, I like to know that the government and the people behind the government are here to support me through the hard times," says protester Branden Morris.
Friends of Medicare submitted a petition to opposition parties with more than 13,000 signatures, calling on the government to stop current and planned changes to the health care system.
-With files from Kevin Armstrong
Monday, May 11, 2009
Need any more reason to be angry?
On Saturday, there was a demonstration at the Alberta legislature against a proposal by the provincial government that would see seniors pay a portion of their prescription drugs costs according to their means. Organized by the Friends of Medicare, there were two telling features to the protest: The turnout was pathetic and the sense of entitlement was absolute. Those who bothered to gather -- speakers and protestors alike--believe they have the right to all the health care they desire at someone else's expense, no questions asked.
Sponsors worked for weeks to drive up attendance. Public union locals around the province offered their members free bus trips to the capital for the march. (Public-sector unionists are always in favour of more government health care, not because they are especially concerned about the treatment of those unable to afford private care, but because public care means more public workers, which means more dues and bigger salaries and expense accounts for union bosses.)
Still, the highest guess pegged attendance at no more than 1,000. Most estimates were considerably lower.
The usual agitators couldn't whip up the usual passion among the usual constituencies. That's a good thing. When not even many seniors, union members and special-interest cause-pleaders can be convinced to turn up and demand more tax dollars, you know there isn't much support for organizers' complaints.
Starting in July of next year, Alberta seniors will pay a premium based on their income of as much as $63.50 a month to cover the cost of their medications under the provincial drug plan. There will also be a deductible of $15 per prescription. However, single seniors making less than $24,000 (and couples making under $40,000) annually will have the full cost of their drugs covered.
This means, on average, seniors will be paying less than 10% of the cost of their medications, although the percentage paid by wealthier seniors could be as high as 30%.
Still, even that was too much for the protesters who insisted on "health care security for all" and claimed -- as friends of state-monopoly health always do-- that the move was part of a conspiracy to make way for two-tiered, American-style health care. With seniors having to pay part of their prescription costs, the sinister theory goes, there will be a market created for private insurance to cover the balance.
But that's a fear that has no substance. The added costs will amount to around $20-million a year combined for all the province's seniors. For most, the additional costs will be less than the price of private insurance premiums to cover the difference. And not even all of those who might come out ahead with supplemental private insurance will choose to buy. The potential market is too small -- private insurance salesmen will hardly be lining up outside Alberta seniors' doors.
But even if this were part of some grand plan to subvert medicare, so what?
Why should anyone feel themselves entitled to a social benefit simply by virtue of age (or gender or race or any other immutable genetic factor)? Why is it the obligation of everyone else in society to carry other members who are capable of paying their own way?
Indignant seniors writing letters to Alberta papers have asked, "Have we not earned our place in society by supporting the tax systems during all of our working days? Are we not due consideration as our incomes become smaller in retirement?"
But the new Alberta system does consider reduced incomes. And to answer the first question last: No, no one who can pay their own way deserves a free ride at the expense of others. That applies to those under 65 as much as those over 65, and for all social programs, not just health care
The idea that we are entitled to unlimited health care at someone else's expense is prevalent among all age groups. Until we can disabuse ourselves of the notion that we are owed benefits at no cost to ourselves, our safety net will be unsustainable.
Sponsors worked for weeks to drive up attendance. Public union locals around the province offered their members free bus trips to the capital for the march. (Public-sector unionists are always in favour of more government health care, not because they are especially concerned about the treatment of those unable to afford private care, but because public care means more public workers, which means more dues and bigger salaries and expense accounts for union bosses.)
Still, the highest guess pegged attendance at no more than 1,000. Most estimates were considerably lower.
The usual agitators couldn't whip up the usual passion among the usual constituencies. That's a good thing. When not even many seniors, union members and special-interest cause-pleaders can be convinced to turn up and demand more tax dollars, you know there isn't much support for organizers' complaints.
Starting in July of next year, Alberta seniors will pay a premium based on their income of as much as $63.50 a month to cover the cost of their medications under the provincial drug plan. There will also be a deductible of $15 per prescription. However, single seniors making less than $24,000 (and couples making under $40,000) annually will have the full cost of their drugs covered.
This means, on average, seniors will be paying less than 10% of the cost of their medications, although the percentage paid by wealthier seniors could be as high as 30%.
Still, even that was too much for the protesters who insisted on "health care security for all" and claimed -- as friends of state-monopoly health always do-- that the move was part of a conspiracy to make way for two-tiered, American-style health care. With seniors having to pay part of their prescription costs, the sinister theory goes, there will be a market created for private insurance to cover the balance.
But that's a fear that has no substance. The added costs will amount to around $20-million a year combined for all the province's seniors. For most, the additional costs will be less than the price of private insurance premiums to cover the difference. And not even all of those who might come out ahead with supplemental private insurance will choose to buy. The potential market is too small -- private insurance salesmen will hardly be lining up outside Alberta seniors' doors.
But even if this were part of some grand plan to subvert medicare, so what?
Why should anyone feel themselves entitled to a social benefit simply by virtue of age (or gender or race or any other immutable genetic factor)? Why is it the obligation of everyone else in society to carry other members who are capable of paying their own way?
Indignant seniors writing letters to Alberta papers have asked, "Have we not earned our place in society by supporting the tax systems during all of our working days? Are we not due consideration as our incomes become smaller in retirement?"
But the new Alberta system does consider reduced incomes. And to answer the first question last: No, no one who can pay their own way deserves a free ride at the expense of others. That applies to those under 65 as much as those over 65, and for all social programs, not just health care
The idea that we are entitled to unlimited health care at someone else's expense is prevalent among all age groups. Until we can disabuse ourselves of the notion that we are owed benefits at no cost to ourselves, our safety net will be unsustainable.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Situation critical
Health-care advocates are sounding the siren call to fight what they call the privatization of Alberta's public system.
Hundreds of angry protesters - mostly seniors - rallied outside the Alberta legislature yesterday. They called down the government's moves to introduce a controversial drug plan and rely more heavily on the private sector for long-term care, among other things. The rally was organized by lobby group Friends of Medicare.
"We've got to get in the faces of our MLAs," said Noel Somerville, who chairs the seniors taskforce for the lobby Public Interest Alberta.
"Governments don't change because they see the light. They change because they feel the heat."
Somerville, who addressed the crowd, said advocates can already claim a partial victory after Health Minister Ron Liepert rewrote a drug plan presented in December.
Most Alberta seniors will pay a monthly premium starting July 1, 2010 - as much as $63.50 based on income. There will be a deductible of $15 per prescription - reduced from $25. Individual seniors making less than $24,000 annually will pay nothing for their drugs.
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Under the original plan, some seniors would have paid as much as $7,500 annually for drugs.
Somerville said he thinks the government is just creating room for insurers to cover more health-care costs.
It's a step toward a "third way"-style system - resurrected from former premier Ralph Klein - that involves a big role for private business in delivering health care, he said.
"What they're offering is a really expensive drug plan," said Somerville.
And the money saved by having some seniors pay a bigger share for drugs?
"That's half the amount they paid in bonuses to the top civil servants who dreamed this up in the first place," he said.
Serge Richer, a 75-year-old protester, said he and his 75-year-old wife live off pensions and wonder where they'll find more cash for increased costs.
"There are people who are going to feel it much more than we do, but we will. All seniors will," he said.
In announcing his plan, Liepert said an oncoming wave of aging baby boomers means the government will not be able to afford the current level of publicly funded care.
Somerville also took aim at another part of Liepert's December plan - allowing seniors to pay for extra services at care homes, freezing the number of publicly funded long-term care beds and jettisoning rules on per-day fees.
"They say (public health care) is not sustainable. They should say 'We're not prepared to sustain it', " said Somerville. "We want (individuals) to sustain it, and they don't care if it costs more."
Meanwhile, Jan Lukas Buterman, a transsexual male speaking at the protest, said he feared cancelling funding for gender re-assignment surgeries is the first of many more cuts.
"If they can cut funding for gender reassignment surgery 100%, what's next?" asked Buterman.
RICHARD.LIEBRECHT@SUNMEDIA.CA
Hundreds of angry protesters - mostly seniors - rallied outside the Alberta legislature yesterday. They called down the government's moves to introduce a controversial drug plan and rely more heavily on the private sector for long-term care, among other things. The rally was organized by lobby group Friends of Medicare.
"We've got to get in the faces of our MLAs," said Noel Somerville, who chairs the seniors taskforce for the lobby Public Interest Alberta.
"Governments don't change because they see the light. They change because they feel the heat."
Somerville, who addressed the crowd, said advocates can already claim a partial victory after Health Minister Ron Liepert rewrote a drug plan presented in December.
Most Alberta seniors will pay a monthly premium starting July 1, 2010 - as much as $63.50 based on income. There will be a deductible of $15 per prescription - reduced from $25. Individual seniors making less than $24,000 annually will pay nothing for their drugs.
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Under the original plan, some seniors would have paid as much as $7,500 annually for drugs.
Somerville said he thinks the government is just creating room for insurers to cover more health-care costs.
It's a step toward a "third way"-style system - resurrected from former premier Ralph Klein - that involves a big role for private business in delivering health care, he said.
"What they're offering is a really expensive drug plan," said Somerville.
And the money saved by having some seniors pay a bigger share for drugs?
"That's half the amount they paid in bonuses to the top civil servants who dreamed this up in the first place," he said.
Serge Richer, a 75-year-old protester, said he and his 75-year-old wife live off pensions and wonder where they'll find more cash for increased costs.
"There are people who are going to feel it much more than we do, but we will. All seniors will," he said.
In announcing his plan, Liepert said an oncoming wave of aging baby boomers means the government will not be able to afford the current level of publicly funded care.
Somerville also took aim at another part of Liepert's December plan - allowing seniors to pay for extra services at care homes, freezing the number of publicly funded long-term care beds and jettisoning rules on per-day fees.
"They say (public health care) is not sustainable. They should say 'We're not prepared to sustain it', " said Somerville. "We want (individuals) to sustain it, and they don't care if it costs more."
Meanwhile, Jan Lukas Buterman, a transsexual male speaking at the protest, said he feared cancelling funding for gender re-assignment surgeries is the first of many more cuts.
"If they can cut funding for gender reassignment surgery 100%, what's next?" asked Buterman.
RICHARD.LIEBRECHT@SUNMEDIA.CA
Friday, May 1, 2009
Closed to Critics
Opposition shut out of drug-plan announcement
By KERRY DIOTTE, LEGISLATURE BUREAU CHIEF
Opposition politicians are fuming, saying they were given the bum's rush by being barred from an Alberta Health news conference to announce changes to seniors' drug coverage.
"If there was ever any doubt, today's actions have cast it aside - this is indeed the most secretive government in Canada," NDP Leader Brian Mason said, after not being allowed into Government House yesterday for Health Minister Ron Liepert's news conference.
The former home of the lieutenant-governor is now used for meetings and receptions.
Mason said he was riled because "it's a public building" and barring politicians for such events is "unprecedented."
Mason said a security guard told him the minister requested he be kept out.
Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann and Grit MLA Bridget Pastoor also complained they were barred.
Swann said the action belied the government's frequent claim that it is "open and transparent."
When Pastoor raised the issue in the legislature, Liepert was unapologetic, saying it wasn't a public meeting and was meant only for journalists.
"The last time I checked, that particular member was not a member of the news media," Liepert said.
A Liberal caucus spokesman said it's common practice for representatives of all three parties to attend the news conferences of their opponents.
Liepert said the new seniors' drug plan offers greater fairness to middle-income seniors than one suggested in December, but admitted some people would still complain.
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"Is everybody going to be happy with the plan? Absolutely not," Liepert said. "But we listened to seniors and responded to their concerns."
Mason criticized the new plan that will kick in July 1, 2010 because it contains a $15 deductible fee for most seniors.
"The Progressive Conservatives are attempting to undermine our public health-care system and are stepping up their attack on seniors," said Mason.
Friends of Medicare spokesman Dave Eggen was equally irate. "It sets an unfortunate precedent of means testing to deliver health care and all Albertans should be very concerned about that," said Eggen.
The new drug plan means seniors earning $24,000 or less will pay no premium or deductible.
Single seniors earning more will pay monthly premiums ranging from $31.75 to $63.50 and 20% of each prescription's cost to a maximum of $15.
Currently, seniors pay 30% of the price of a prescription to a maximum of $25.
The health minister says the cost to the government of the rejigged plan will be negligible compared to the current one and the one proposed in December.
By KERRY DIOTTE, LEGISLATURE BUREAU CHIEF
Opposition politicians are fuming, saying they were given the bum's rush by being barred from an Alberta Health news conference to announce changes to seniors' drug coverage.
"If there was ever any doubt, today's actions have cast it aside - this is indeed the most secretive government in Canada," NDP Leader Brian Mason said, after not being allowed into Government House yesterday for Health Minister Ron Liepert's news conference.
The former home of the lieutenant-governor is now used for meetings and receptions.
Mason said he was riled because "it's a public building" and barring politicians for such events is "unprecedented."
Mason said a security guard told him the minister requested he be kept out.
Liberal Leader Dr. David Swann and Grit MLA Bridget Pastoor also complained they were barred.
Swann said the action belied the government's frequent claim that it is "open and transparent."
When Pastoor raised the issue in the legislature, Liepert was unapologetic, saying it wasn't a public meeting and was meant only for journalists.
"The last time I checked, that particular member was not a member of the news media," Liepert said.
A Liberal caucus spokesman said it's common practice for representatives of all three parties to attend the news conferences of their opponents.
Liepert said the new seniors' drug plan offers greater fairness to middle-income seniors than one suggested in December, but admitted some people would still complain.
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"Is everybody going to be happy with the plan? Absolutely not," Liepert said. "But we listened to seniors and responded to their concerns."
Mason criticized the new plan that will kick in July 1, 2010 because it contains a $15 deductible fee for most seniors.
"The Progressive Conservatives are attempting to undermine our public health-care system and are stepping up their attack on seniors," said Mason.
Friends of Medicare spokesman Dave Eggen was equally irate. "It sets an unfortunate precedent of means testing to deliver health care and all Albertans should be very concerned about that," said Eggen.
The new drug plan means seniors earning $24,000 or less will pay no premium or deductible.
Single seniors earning more will pay monthly premiums ranging from $31.75 to $63.50 and 20% of each prescription's cost to a maximum of $15.
Currently, seniors pay 30% of the price of a prescription to a maximum of $25.
The health minister says the cost to the government of the rejigged plan will be negligible compared to the current one and the one proposed in December.
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