Reaction varies on budget
660News Staff Feb 24, 2011 18:56:18 PM
The budget has brought on many opinions from critics.
University of Calgary Political Scientist Doreen Barrie tells 660News the budget is okay, but it was thrown together like an after thought.
"Well they don't have to worry about the long run because Stelmach is not going to be around and neither is Snelgrove. It doesn't really matter, I mean they have to bring down the budget, but given that there's going to be a new leader and a new leader may have a different agenda, this budget is meaningless."
Liberal leader David Swann tells 660News he's disappointed the government isn't doing enough to cut expenditures from the budget and reduce the provincial deficit.
He says there are a number of ways the government could have slashed spending.
"They're very much overspending in carbon capture and storage. We would eliminate a billion dollars out of that budget, we would downsize government from 24 ministries to 17 and reduce their budgets in public relations, hospitality, bonuses."
Swann says the government has gotten away with spending cash like it was monopoly money for way too long.
The leader of the Wildrose Party says the budget tabled by the province's Tory government doesn't do enough to cut spending.
Danielle Smith says counting on the government's rainy-day fund to bail it out until higher oilsands revenues kick in leaves the province at risk for greater cuts down the road.
According to the Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, the budget is too little, too late.
Scott Henning says, the government spent too much money over the past few years and now the budget isn't strong enough to pull the province out of the 3.4 billion dollar deficit.
"We're concerned it doesn't go far enough, the sustainability grant is great, but it doesn't last that long when you're taking chunks out of it, in the 4-5 billion dollar a year mark."
He says if the government doesn't cut spending, it would be hard to get back into the black by the projected date of 2014.
Richard Truscott, with the Alberta Director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says the budget is lacking in certain areas.
"The budget was certainly heavy on politics but really light on policy and you know, there really wasn't a lot to support the growth and prosperity for small business. We didn't see any new initiatives on red tape, we didn't see anything in terms of a long term savings plan for the province."
He adds, on the bright side there is better control on operating expenses in this budget.
And David Eggen with Friends of Medicare tells 660News that although 15 billion dollars has been allotted to the health department, he still has concerns over the lack of long term care facilities.
"What I'm more concerned about is the insistence of this government is to continue building more seniors lodges through private contractors instead of long term care facilities like we need."
Eggen says it is valuable public money that is hard to come by and private contracting of services ends up costing more.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Edmonton Journal Throne Speech coverage
By Jodie Sinnema, Edmonton Journal February 23, 2011 •Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute is expected to benefit from the province's new cancer-care strategy.Photograph by: Larry Wong, The Journal, File, Edmonton JournalThe province will introduce a new cancer-care strategy and to deal with on mental health and addictions to better address the health needs of Albertans, Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell said in Tuesday's throne speech.
But the strategies, as well as already announced seniors beds and new hospitals, aren't new ideas and suggest the government is floundering for a better health plan after years of mismanagement, critics say.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down, and now they're letting go of the wheel so you have these vague promises -most of them are recycled announcements -that have been around before. And quite frankly, how can we trust them?" said David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
In the throne speech, the government promised to roll out its mentalhealth strategy this spring, following a disastrous fall that saw provincewide problems in hospital emergencies, with long waits causing deaths, strokes and severe illness.
News stories about those problems spurred the government to introduce new emergency protocols and surgical blitzes to reduce wait times.
A new cancer-care strategy is also expected this fall.
"We will launch a co-ordinated provincial cancer strategy to reduce the incidence of cancer, increase access to cancer treatment across Alberta, and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease," Ethell said on the opening day of the spring session.
Last summer, dollars for cancer care were so limited and the supply of medical oncologists specializing in gastrointestinal cancer cases was so short, the Cross Cancer Institute was forced to offer chemotherapy only to patients for whom the treatment offered hope of recovery.
Patients like Ann Reynar, with no chance of a cure for Stage 4 colon cancer, were put on a lower priority for treatment. Reynar died while waiting for pain-reducing chemotherapy.
The province subsequently boosted cancer care in Alberta in December by launching $67 million in renovations at Edmonton's cancer centre to create a bigger pharmacy, a new radiation vault and more space for patients who currently receive chemotherapy treatment in waiting rooms and hallways because of a space crunch.
Another $141 million is being spent to build 64 more treatment beds and a massive addition to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. More radiation centres are opening in Red Deer and Grande Prairie.
A new provincial cancer strategy won't fulfil former premier Ralph Klein's 2005 dream to pump $1 billion into new cancer facilities and establish Alberta as a world leader in research and treatment, said Dr. David Swann, leader of the Alberta Liberals
"They have lost that option," Swann said. "(It's) awfully important that we get on with a cancer strategy that will actually meet the needs of Albertans."
"The cancer plan was promised over five years ago by Ralph Klein," said NDP Leader Brian Mason.
Though the throne speech promised the province will open 1,000 more continuing care or assisted living beds this year, those beds don't provide the complex medical care needed by seniors, Mason said.
"There is no mention of long-term care beds and even the number of assisted living beds they promised fall far short of the 14,000 needed in the next 10 years," he said.
New health facilities and hospitals in Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Sherwood Park were also mentioned in the speech. But Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, said there was no mention of how the province will staff them.
A new orthopedic centre in Edmonton has opened with no additional capacity or staff. Newly constructed hospital wards in Calgary have no nurses.
"We continue to have supply shortages of virtually all of the skilled health professionals, and in fact the entry level caregiver occupations," Ballerman said.
Diana Gibson, research director of the Parkland Institute, fears that shortage could worsen after Thursday's budget, when she believes the province will offer no funding increases to post-secondary institutions. That will mean more cuts to medical training spots, Gibson said.
jsinnema@edmontonjournal.com twitter.com/jodiesinnema
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
But the strategies, as well as already announced seniors beds and new hospitals, aren't new ideas and suggest the government is floundering for a better health plan after years of mismanagement, critics say.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down, and now they're letting go of the wheel so you have these vague promises -most of them are recycled announcements -that have been around before. And quite frankly, how can we trust them?" said David Eggen, executive director of Friends of Medicare.
In the throne speech, the government promised to roll out its mentalhealth strategy this spring, following a disastrous fall that saw provincewide problems in hospital emergencies, with long waits causing deaths, strokes and severe illness.
News stories about those problems spurred the government to introduce new emergency protocols and surgical blitzes to reduce wait times.
A new cancer-care strategy is also expected this fall.
"We will launch a co-ordinated provincial cancer strategy to reduce the incidence of cancer, increase access to cancer treatment across Alberta, and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease," Ethell said on the opening day of the spring session.
Last summer, dollars for cancer care were so limited and the supply of medical oncologists specializing in gastrointestinal cancer cases was so short, the Cross Cancer Institute was forced to offer chemotherapy only to patients for whom the treatment offered hope of recovery.
Patients like Ann Reynar, with no chance of a cure for Stage 4 colon cancer, were put on a lower priority for treatment. Reynar died while waiting for pain-reducing chemotherapy.
The province subsequently boosted cancer care in Alberta in December by launching $67 million in renovations at Edmonton's cancer centre to create a bigger pharmacy, a new radiation vault and more space for patients who currently receive chemotherapy treatment in waiting rooms and hallways because of a space crunch.
Another $141 million is being spent to build 64 more treatment beds and a massive addition to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. More radiation centres are opening in Red Deer and Grande Prairie.
A new provincial cancer strategy won't fulfil former premier Ralph Klein's 2005 dream to pump $1 billion into new cancer facilities and establish Alberta as a world leader in research and treatment, said Dr. David Swann, leader of the Alberta Liberals
"They have lost that option," Swann said. "(It's) awfully important that we get on with a cancer strategy that will actually meet the needs of Albertans."
"The cancer plan was promised over five years ago by Ralph Klein," said NDP Leader Brian Mason.
Though the throne speech promised the province will open 1,000 more continuing care or assisted living beds this year, those beds don't provide the complex medical care needed by seniors, Mason said.
"There is no mention of long-term care beds and even the number of assisted living beds they promised fall far short of the 14,000 needed in the next 10 years," he said.
New health facilities and hospitals in Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Sherwood Park were also mentioned in the speech. But Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, said there was no mention of how the province will staff them.
A new orthopedic centre in Edmonton has opened with no additional capacity or staff. Newly constructed hospital wards in Calgary have no nurses.
"We continue to have supply shortages of virtually all of the skilled health professionals, and in fact the entry level caregiver occupations," Ballerman said.
Diana Gibson, research director of the Parkland Institute, fears that shortage could worsen after Thursday's budget, when she believes the province will offer no funding increases to post-secondary institutions. That will mean more cuts to medical training spots, Gibson said.
jsinnema@edmontonjournal.com twitter.com/jodiesinnema
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Canada National News Advertiser
One year after a provincial budget that saw a 17% (1.3 billion dollar) increase to Alberta’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, Friends of Medicare is calling for a review of whether those monies have been spent in the most efficient and effective manner.
“This government has focused on the politics of healthcare rather than improving health outcomes”, said David Eggen, Executive Director for Friends of Medicare. “Public money is hard to come by, so we must ensure it is spent in the most efficient way possible.”
Friends of Medicare’s is concerned that this government’s increasing its reliance on private contracts to deliver public health services in this province. Private contracts can result in increased costs, less transparent in their spending, and can result in less reliable and secure delivery of essential services.
“We are spending millions on private contracts there is no transparent mechanism to demonstrate whether we are getting the best bang for our public dollar,” says Eggen. “Why throw good money after bad, like we saw with the private Health Resource Center in Calgary”?
Friends of Medicare is calling for a comprehensive systems audit of private health contracts for public money to determine if these arrangements are the most efficient use of public resources. “Building capacity in our health system should mean more front line workers, not more private contracts and high paid administrators,” says Eggen.
“This government has focused on the politics of healthcare rather than improving health outcomes”, said David Eggen, Executive Director for Friends of Medicare. “Public money is hard to come by, so we must ensure it is spent in the most efficient way possible.”
Friends of Medicare’s is concerned that this government’s increasing its reliance on private contracts to deliver public health services in this province. Private contracts can result in increased costs, less transparent in their spending, and can result in less reliable and secure delivery of essential services.
“We are spending millions on private contracts there is no transparent mechanism to demonstrate whether we are getting the best bang for our public dollar,” says Eggen. “Why throw good money after bad, like we saw with the private Health Resource Center in Calgary”?
Friends of Medicare is calling for a comprehensive systems audit of private health contracts for public money to determine if these arrangements are the most efficient use of public resources. “Building capacity in our health system should mean more front line workers, not more private contracts and high paid administrators,” says Eggen.
They drove our health system into the ditch and now they let go of the steering wheel!
News Alberta
Alta. to launch cancer strategy
By FRANK LANDRY, Legislature Bureau
Last Updated: February 22, 2011 6:00pm
Throne speech
Focus: Alta's economy Read the throne speech The Tory government is expected to launch a provincial cancer strategy in the coming months.
It was one of several health-related plans in Tuesday's throne speech, which laid out in broad strokes the government's agenda for the coming months.
The idea is to reduce incidents of cancer, increase access to cancer treatment and improve the quality of life for those who have cancer, officials said.
"The strategy will address immediate and future needs for prevention, detection and treatment of cancer," Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell read.
The Tories are also promising to open another 1,000 continuing care spaces this year, proclaim the Alberta Health Act and appoint a health advocate. Also in the works is a "comprehensive" addiction and mental health strategy.
Liberal Leader David Swann was critical of the government's health plans.
"There's no evidence this government has a credible to plan to fix health care," he said. "That's the most critical issue facing Albertans. The crisis continues."
Dave Eggen, with Friends of Medicare, said he's not optimistic much will get done, with the Tories preparing to elect a new leader in the coming months.
"The instability of this government belies any vague promises that might come out of this throne speech," Eggen told reporters.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down, and now they've let go of the wheel, with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles.
"Whatever they come up with, who's going to carry it out? Who's going to follow through?
Elsewhere, infrastructure also remains on the government priority list. Nearly 90% of Anthony Henday Drive is expected to be complete by this fall. Work on a public-private partnership to finish the last phase is also slated to begin this year.
In Calgary, the southeast section of Stoney Trail will open to traffic in the fall of 2013.
"Infrastructure is a critical foundation for our province's future," Ethell read.
"It is an economic enabler and a driver of competitiveness and it helps support the quality of life Albertans enjoy."
frank.landry@sunmedia.ca
Alta. to launch cancer strategy
By FRANK LANDRY, Legislature Bureau
Last Updated: February 22, 2011 6:00pm
Throne speech
Focus: Alta's economy Read the throne speech The Tory government is expected to launch a provincial cancer strategy in the coming months.
It was one of several health-related plans in Tuesday's throne speech, which laid out in broad strokes the government's agenda for the coming months.
The idea is to reduce incidents of cancer, increase access to cancer treatment and improve the quality of life for those who have cancer, officials said.
"The strategy will address immediate and future needs for prevention, detection and treatment of cancer," Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell read.
The Tories are also promising to open another 1,000 continuing care spaces this year, proclaim the Alberta Health Act and appoint a health advocate. Also in the works is a "comprehensive" addiction and mental health strategy.
Liberal Leader David Swann was critical of the government's health plans.
"There's no evidence this government has a credible to plan to fix health care," he said. "That's the most critical issue facing Albertans. The crisis continues."
Dave Eggen, with Friends of Medicare, said he's not optimistic much will get done, with the Tories preparing to elect a new leader in the coming months.
"The instability of this government belies any vague promises that might come out of this throne speech," Eggen told reporters.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down, and now they've let go of the wheel, with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles.
"Whatever they come up with, who's going to carry it out? Who's going to follow through?
Elsewhere, infrastructure also remains on the government priority list. Nearly 90% of Anthony Henday Drive is expected to be complete by this fall. Work on a public-private partnership to finish the last phase is also slated to begin this year.
In Calgary, the southeast section of Stoney Trail will open to traffic in the fall of 2013.
"Infrastructure is a critical foundation for our province's future," Ethell read.
"It is an economic enabler and a driver of competitiveness and it helps support the quality of life Albertans enjoy."
frank.landry@sunmedia.ca
Opposition leaders react to throne speech
6:37 pm
_QR77 Newsroom
2/22/2011
Opposition parties are wondering where the governing Tories are headed after hearing Tuesday's throne speech.
Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith thinks the premier and top ministers are missing in action.
"This government's going to get nothing done, they're all completely distracted by their own internal leadership battles. I think its going to be up to the opposition to work together to put forward the agenda for Albertans," explains Smith.
NDP leader Brian Mason goes so far as to suggest that's it's a hail mary from a party with one foot in the grave. Mason believes the speech shows that the Tories are looking back, and not to the future.
"Give at least a few positive things that you want to do, don't simply re-list the promises that you failed to keep. That is what this throne speech amounts to, it is a list of failed promises. This throne speech is in fact maybe the last will and testament of this government," explains Mason.
David Eggen with Friends of Medicare calls the speech a series of vague promises.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down and now they've let go of the wheel with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles. Whatever they might come up with, who's going to carry it out, who's gonna follow through?" explains Eggen.
Eggen says there's nothing new in terms of health care, calling the information simply "re-announcements."
Liberal leader David Swann has low expectations for the upcoming session at the Legislature.
Swann says some of the material simply amounts to busy work.
"Interesting to bring forward by a primary bill on improving markets. I'm not sure why a bill is necessary to our marketability across the world," explains Swann.
The Tories are putting forward a bill to push Alberta products in Asia. Right now, about 85% of our exports go to the U.S., and the Conservatives feel that's too much reliance on one customer.
Opposition leaders will have more chances to hammer away at the Conservatives when the budget is read on Thursday.
6:37 pm
_QR77 Newsroom
2/22/2011
Opposition parties are wondering where the governing Tories are headed after hearing Tuesday's throne speech.
Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith thinks the premier and top ministers are missing in action.
"This government's going to get nothing done, they're all completely distracted by their own internal leadership battles. I think its going to be up to the opposition to work together to put forward the agenda for Albertans," explains Smith.
NDP leader Brian Mason goes so far as to suggest that's it's a hail mary from a party with one foot in the grave. Mason believes the speech shows that the Tories are looking back, and not to the future.
"Give at least a few positive things that you want to do, don't simply re-list the promises that you failed to keep. That is what this throne speech amounts to, it is a list of failed promises. This throne speech is in fact maybe the last will and testament of this government," explains Mason.
David Eggen with Friends of Medicare calls the speech a series of vague promises.
"This is the same government that turned our health system upside down and now they've let go of the wheel with people resigning and internal leadership squabbles. Whatever they might come up with, who's going to carry it out, who's gonna follow through?" explains Eggen.
Eggen says there's nothing new in terms of health care, calling the information simply "re-announcements."
Liberal leader David Swann has low expectations for the upcoming session at the Legislature.
Swann says some of the material simply amounts to busy work.
"Interesting to bring forward by a primary bill on improving markets. I'm not sure why a bill is necessary to our marketability across the world," explains Swann.
The Tories are putting forward a bill to push Alberta products in Asia. Right now, about 85% of our exports go to the U.S., and the Conservatives feel that's too much reliance on one customer.
Opposition leaders will have more chances to hammer away at the Conservatives when the budget is read on Thursday.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hear footsteps Dr Day?
Dr. Day will get his, just like North African Dictators!
Bring on insurance
By Brian Day, Calgary Herald February 17, 2011
Re: "Private health insurance ensures you pay -lots," Naomi Lakritz, Opinion, Feb. 17.
Naomi Lakritz has fallen victim to the Friends of Medicare's propaganda machine. She should not feel badly -Ralph Klein suffered from the same affliction. Putting forth the U.S. system as the alternative to Canada's is their stale strategy, but Lakritz has fallen into the trap.
When the World Health Organization ranked all health systems, Canada's came in 30th, while the U.S. was 37th. If Calgary had the 30th-ranked hockey team, and was a top spender, would they look to the 37th team (that spent even more) as a model, or at the top two or three teams that spent the same or less?
Canada is the only developed country that outlaws private insurance and funding for care. A study that compared Canada with 29 European countries that have universal care, and hybrid public-private systems, ranked us 23rd in performance and last in value for money.
Canada's de facto monopoly in the funding and delivery of medical care means thousands of Albertans are suffering in pain and deteriorating on waiting lists as they wait for necessary care. I operate on up to five Albertans a week as they flee draconian laws that prevent citizens from buying private insurance, or spending their own aftertax dollars on their own health care.
Lakritz is correct that the U.S. model is not for us, but to ignore the experience of countries with universal care and mixed systems that outperform us in every way, and to argue for the status quo, is silly.
Brian Day, MD, Vancouver
Brian Day is medical director of the for-profit Cambie Surgery Centre.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
Bring on insurance
By Brian Day, Calgary Herald February 17, 2011
Re: "Private health insurance ensures you pay -lots," Naomi Lakritz, Opinion, Feb. 17.
Naomi Lakritz has fallen victim to the Friends of Medicare's propaganda machine. She should not feel badly -Ralph Klein suffered from the same affliction. Putting forth the U.S. system as the alternative to Canada's is their stale strategy, but Lakritz has fallen into the trap.
When the World Health Organization ranked all health systems, Canada's came in 30th, while the U.S. was 37th. If Calgary had the 30th-ranked hockey team, and was a top spender, would they look to the 37th team (that spent even more) as a model, or at the top two or three teams that spent the same or less?
Canada is the only developed country that outlaws private insurance and funding for care. A study that compared Canada with 29 European countries that have universal care, and hybrid public-private systems, ranked us 23rd in performance and last in value for money.
Canada's de facto monopoly in the funding and delivery of medical care means thousands of Albertans are suffering in pain and deteriorating on waiting lists as they wait for necessary care. I operate on up to five Albertans a week as they flee draconian laws that prevent citizens from buying private insurance, or spending their own aftertax dollars on their own health care.
Lakritz is correct that the U.S. model is not for us, but to ignore the experience of countries with universal care and mixed systems that outperform us in every way, and to argue for the status quo, is silly.
Brian Day, MD, Vancouver
Brian Day is medical director of the for-profit Cambie Surgery Centre.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
Health Coucil meeting hears an earful Wednesday, 02 February 2011 00:00 Gillian Slade
Heath Advisory Council chairman Ken Sauer addresses a public meeting at the library on Tuesday evening about health care. -- NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
A public meeting about the state of Alberta's health care system had some people on Tuesday night expressing dissatisfaction about delays in getting answers with one person calling it a "third world environment."
"I'm shocked at how Alberta's health care system has decayed," said Barry in the audience. Although born in Medicine Hat he has worked overseas and recently returned to live here. "After seven months we still don't have a family doctor."
The evening sponsored by the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council was an opportunity for Ken Sauer, chair of the council, to report on previously raised concerns and offer the answers or responses received from Alberta Health Services (AHS).
A request had been made for AHS to have a representative attend the meeting and personally respond to the public. They declined.
There are still problems for patients who are taken to Calgary by air or ground ambulance and then discharged there.
"Yesterday we heard there are still people suddenly discharged in Calgary without giving their families adequate warning that they will need to collect them," said Sauer.
There has not been a solution to the proposal to fund helicopter medevacs either.
Concern about the centralisation of health services is continuing to cause dissatisfaction among patients and business people. Sauer said an explanation of how local businesses can use the AHS website to see what they could tender on will be explained.
The centralising of food services continues to create dissatisfaction. AHS at one time said 90 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied but the council discovered that was not the case. An update on the situation is expected soon.
A number of new board members had to be appointed after Dr. Stephen Duckett's departure. There is no longer any Southern Alberta representation on the board.
The lack of movement on the proposed detox centre raised some questions. Chief of Police Andy McGrogan said 85 to 95 percent of crimes the police force is dealing with are alcohol or drug related, explained Sauer.
"The original proposal was for Medicine Hat Regional Hospital's expansion to include a detox centre," said Jan Bunney, chair of the local chapter of Friends of Medicare.
Exactly who is currently going to fund it and when it will open is not known.
A request for proposals for a hospice to provide 10 beds in a home environment closed on Jan. 15. The three proposals submitted are currently being evaluated and an announcement is expected around March 15, said Sauer.
There have not been any geriatricians hired to replace those who left more than a year ago after a dispute with Alberta Health Services.
Paul Nederveen of Friends of Medicare wanted to know who is in charge of recommending Medicine Hat to specialists and family doctors.
Les Pearson said he would like to see specialists from Calgary come to Medicine Hat to see patients on specific days rather than numerous patients travelling to Calgary. Sauer said this option would also address the problem of patients or their drivers having to take one or more days off work to go to Calgary.
The public also expressed concerns about Health Link Alberta with some patients being on hold for 20 to 45 minutes.
"When I finally did get through the service was really good," said Janice from the audience.
Sauer said the protocol was for calls to be answered within two minutes.
For those without a family doctor there are concerns about the varying levels of service at walk-in clinics.
Dennis Perrier called for doctors to be put on salaries rather than a fee for service structure.
"They're not business men, they are doctors."
Members of the council serve on a voluntary basis, receive no payment for their services and are only reimbursed for travel costs to attend a meeting in another town or city
Heath Advisory Council chairman Ken Sauer addresses a public meeting at the library on Tuesday evening about health care. -- NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
GILLIAN SLADE
gslade@medicinehatnews.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
A public meeting about the state of Alberta's health care system had some people on Tuesday night expressing dissatisfaction about delays in getting answers with one person calling it a "third world environment."
"I'm shocked at how Alberta's health care system has decayed," said Barry in the audience. Although born in Medicine Hat he has worked overseas and recently returned to live here. "After seven months we still don't have a family doctor."
The evening sponsored by the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council was an opportunity for Ken Sauer, chair of the council, to report on previously raised concerns and offer the answers or responses received from Alberta Health Services (AHS).
A request had been made for AHS to have a representative attend the meeting and personally respond to the public. They declined.
There are still problems for patients who are taken to Calgary by air or ground ambulance and then discharged there.
"Yesterday we heard there are still people suddenly discharged in Calgary without giving their families adequate warning that they will need to collect them," said Sauer.
There has not been a solution to the proposal to fund helicopter medevacs either.
Concern about the centralisation of health services is continuing to cause dissatisfaction among patients and business people. Sauer said an explanation of how local businesses can use the AHS website to see what they could tender on will be explained.
The centralising of food services continues to create dissatisfaction. AHS at one time said 90 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied but the council discovered that was not the case. An update on the situation is expected soon.
A number of new board members had to be appointed after Dr. Stephen Duckett's departure. There is no longer any Southern Alberta representation on the board.
The lack of movement on the proposed detox centre raised some questions. Chief of Police Andy McGrogan said 85 to 95 percent of crimes the police force is dealing with are alcohol or drug related, explained Sauer.
"The original proposal was for Medicine Hat Regional Hospital's expansion to include a detox centre," said Jan Bunney, chair of the local chapter of Friends of Medicare.
Exactly who is currently going to fund it and when it will open is not known.
A request for proposals for a hospice to provide 10 beds in a home environment closed on Jan. 15. The three proposals submitted are currently being evaluated and an announcement is expected around March 15, said Sauer.
There have not been any geriatricians hired to replace those who left more than a year ago after a dispute with Alberta Health Services.
Paul Nederveen of Friends of Medicare wanted to know who is in charge of recommending Medicine Hat to specialists and family doctors.
Les Pearson said he would like to see specialists from Calgary come to Medicine Hat to see patients on specific days rather than numerous patients travelling to Calgary. Sauer said this option would also address the problem of patients or their drivers having to take one or more days off work to go to Calgary.
The public also expressed concerns about Health Link Alberta with some patients being on hold for 20 to 45 minutes.
"When I finally did get through the service was really good," said Janice from the audience.
Sauer said the protocol was for calls to be answered within two minutes.
For those without a family doctor there are concerns about the varying levels of service at walk-in clinics.
Dennis Perrier called for doctors to be put on salaries rather than a fee for service structure.
"They're not business men, they are doctors."
Members of the council serve on a voluntary basis, receive no payment for their services and are only reimbursed for travel costs to attend a meeting in another town or city
ctvedmonton.ca
Health officials say their numbers show a 20 to 30 per cent improvement in Edmonton's emergency rooms, yet the numbers officials are making public show the system is still far from hitting targets.
Officials say their numbers show an improvement, but those stats are not ready for "public consumption" yet. And the numbers officials are making public show the system still needs to meet targets.
On Monday, Alberta Health Services said 239 of the promised 360 hospital beds are now open in Edmonton and Calgary. The province previously announced it plans to have all 360 beds open by the end of March.
The beds include transition unit beds, hospice beds, medical assessment units, detoxification and mental health beds.
Of the 360 beds, 121 include transition beds, which will serve those waiting to be transferred to a continuing care facility.
The new beds allow for more room on inpatient units for patients who are waiting for admission to the ER.
"[I] can tell you that at many sites we are seeing an improvement of anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent," said Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky.
But those figures don't match the numbers shown on the Alberta Health Services' website. Its weekly stats for Edmonton ERs show the number of patients being admitted to hospital within eight hours sits at 26 per cent at the Royal Alexandra Hospital last week, which is only a slight improvement over the 23 per cent figure when the transition beds were first announced last November.
"Improvements that have taken place over the last six months and over the last two months since the protocols came in place," said Zwozdesky.
CTV New also compared the ER numbers to when the protocols first came in back in December, and even with the new beds now on line, the recent figures show the number of patients getting admitted within the target time has dropped by four percentage points.
And when CTV asked the health minister about the conflict in numbers, he responded: "They are just not updated yet."
The health minister insisted the numbers he received on Sunday and Monday, show an improvement of 20 to 30 per cent.
Later in the day, the health ministry informed CTV the significant improvements the health minister referred to were stats taken at 5:30 a.m. Monday.
"They have to be careful to not exaggerate improvements before they happen because we have been through the ringer on health care for the last two years and Albertans are not easily fooled," said David Eggen with Friends of Medicare.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
Health officials say their numbers show a 20 to 30 per cent improvement in Edmonton's emergency rooms, yet the numbers officials are making public show the system is still far from hitting targets.
Officials say their numbers show an improvement, but those stats are not ready for "public consumption" yet. And the numbers officials are making public show the system still needs to meet targets.
On Monday, Alberta Health Services said 239 of the promised 360 hospital beds are now open in Edmonton and Calgary. The province previously announced it plans to have all 360 beds open by the end of March.
The beds include transition unit beds, hospice beds, medical assessment units, detoxification and mental health beds.
Of the 360 beds, 121 include transition beds, which will serve those waiting to be transferred to a continuing care facility.
The new beds allow for more room on inpatient units for patients who are waiting for admission to the ER.
"[I] can tell you that at many sites we are seeing an improvement of anywhere from 20 to 30 per cent," said Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky.
But those figures don't match the numbers shown on the Alberta Health Services' website. Its weekly stats for Edmonton ERs show the number of patients being admitted to hospital within eight hours sits at 26 per cent at the Royal Alexandra Hospital last week, which is only a slight improvement over the 23 per cent figure when the transition beds were first announced last November.
"Improvements that have taken place over the last six months and over the last two months since the protocols came in place," said Zwozdesky.
CTV New also compared the ER numbers to when the protocols first came in back in December, and even with the new beds now on line, the recent figures show the number of patients getting admitted within the target time has dropped by four percentage points.
And when CTV asked the health minister about the conflict in numbers, he responded: "They are just not updated yet."
The health minister insisted the numbers he received on Sunday and Monday, show an improvement of 20 to 30 per cent.
Later in the day, the health ministry informed CTV the significant improvements the health minister referred to were stats taken at 5:30 a.m. Monday.
"They have to be careful to not exaggerate improvements before they happen because we have been through the ringer on health care for the last two years and Albertans are not easily fooled," said David Eggen with Friends of Medicare.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
EDMONTON — The “financial health and viability” of doctors’ practices are threatened unless they get a new contract by the end of March, according to the Alberta Medical Association.
In a strongly worded letter sent last week to members, the association’s president, Dr. Patrick White, warned that community doctors could lose as much as $35,000 a year if the government allows programs to lapse that were part of the group’s previous deal.
White said he is meeting this week with Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky and will be pushing the province to keep paying for the programs it already has in place.
“The sooner (Zwozdesky) makes a commitment to maintain them, the better,” White said. “This is, after all, a challenge to the integrity and unity of the medical profession!”
The group’s eight-year deal with the province ends March 31. It includes programs designed to attract and retain doctors and help them run their practices.
Over the last three years of the agreement, doctors’ fees have increased 14.5 per cent. White wrote that the starting point for negotiations has always been a continuation of the previous deal.
“This type of support and respect has been what has under-pinned a generally positive relationship between organized medicine and the Alberta government.”
White said the government is asking for concessions from doctors that it’s not asking from any other group, including teachers, nurses, civil servants and MLAs themselves.
Unlike nurses, doctors negotiate directly with Alberta Health, not Alberta Health Services.
Zwozdesky would not comment on the negotiations and a department spokesman said they don’t want to interfere by talking to the media.
The minister did agree that talks with doctors were at a sensitive point, but he doubted the current contract impasse would affect patients now or in the future.
“I certainly hope there won’t be any calamity caused by this round of negotiations,” Zwozdesky said.
“But (the public) should have some confidence knowing these negotiation processes do work, and generally speaking they work out well for all sides concerned.”
Alberta Health Services has put a great deal of resources into the creation of primary care networks, where a family doctor works closely with other caregivers to co-ordinate services for patients.
David Eggen, president of the Friends of Medicare, said the government risks undoing that work if it undercuts family doctors now.
“The government shouldn’t be trying to squeeze one group out of the equation,” Eggen said Saturday from Medicine Hat, where he was speaking as part of a public tour with former Tory MLA Raj Sherman.
Dr. Rick Ward, the past-president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians, said the province’s stance is “startling and very concerning” to all doctors and could have serious repercussions to an already struggling health-care system.
“The dark cloud for me is ... the potential dismantling of programs which had been starting to improve access and strengthen family medicine,” Ward said.
White said in his letter that he’s aware the association may be seen as “negotiating in the media.” But he said talking privately to Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services has produced few results.
If the government drops its support programs, White says the move will cost all physicians and leave more than 50 AMA employees out of work.
He also said the government is risking its credibility with physicians in Alberta and around the country.
With files from the Calgary Herald
In a strongly worded letter sent last week to members, the association’s president, Dr. Patrick White, warned that community doctors could lose as much as $35,000 a year if the government allows programs to lapse that were part of the group’s previous deal.
White said he is meeting this week with Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky and will be pushing the province to keep paying for the programs it already has in place.
“The sooner (Zwozdesky) makes a commitment to maintain them, the better,” White said. “This is, after all, a challenge to the integrity and unity of the medical profession!”
The group’s eight-year deal with the province ends March 31. It includes programs designed to attract and retain doctors and help them run their practices.
Over the last three years of the agreement, doctors’ fees have increased 14.5 per cent. White wrote that the starting point for negotiations has always been a continuation of the previous deal.
“This type of support and respect has been what has under-pinned a generally positive relationship between organized medicine and the Alberta government.”
White said the government is asking for concessions from doctors that it’s not asking from any other group, including teachers, nurses, civil servants and MLAs themselves.
Unlike nurses, doctors negotiate directly with Alberta Health, not Alberta Health Services.
Zwozdesky would not comment on the negotiations and a department spokesman said they don’t want to interfere by talking to the media.
The minister did agree that talks with doctors were at a sensitive point, but he doubted the current contract impasse would affect patients now or in the future.
“I certainly hope there won’t be any calamity caused by this round of negotiations,” Zwozdesky said.
“But (the public) should have some confidence knowing these negotiation processes do work, and generally speaking they work out well for all sides concerned.”
Alberta Health Services has put a great deal of resources into the creation of primary care networks, where a family doctor works closely with other caregivers to co-ordinate services for patients.
David Eggen, president of the Friends of Medicare, said the government risks undoing that work if it undercuts family doctors now.
“The government shouldn’t be trying to squeeze one group out of the equation,” Eggen said Saturday from Medicine Hat, where he was speaking as part of a public tour with former Tory MLA Raj Sherman.
Dr. Rick Ward, the past-president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians, said the province’s stance is “startling and very concerning” to all doctors and could have serious repercussions to an already struggling health-care system.
“The dark cloud for me is ... the potential dismantling of programs which had been starting to improve access and strengthen family medicine,” Ward said.
White said in his letter that he’s aware the association may be seen as “negotiating in the media.” But he said talking privately to Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services has produced few results.
If the government drops its support programs, White says the move will cost all physicians and leave more than 50 AMA employees out of work.
He also said the government is risking its credibility with physicians in Alberta and around the country.
With files from the Calgary Herald
Alberta health care management 'in jeopardy'
Poll says bones of system sound
By Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald February 21, 2011 Comments (12)
Stable leadership must be brought to Alberta's beleaguered health-care system if the province wants to restore the faith of a wary public, according some health-policy experts.
A recently released Environics Research Group poll of 1,012 Albertans found the majority of Albertans believe quality health care will be there when they need it.
But 63 per cent said they believe health care is in a state of crisis, while six in 10 people believe inefficient management is to blame.
The poll is considered accurate to within 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
"The statistics show Albertans believe the public system is in jeopardy, with the current administration and the government, but the bones of the system are sound," said Friends of Medicare spokesman David Eggen.
"We're at a turning point, and not necessarily for the good," Eggen told the Herald.
Health Quality Council of Alberta CEO Dr. John Cowell wasn't surprised by the poll.
The council's latest annual satisfaction survey shows that most Albertans are pleased with the quality of health-care once they are treated, but they express frustration over gaining access to a family doctor, a specialist or medical procedure, said Cowell.
He said considerable work must be done on the health bureaucracy to improve patient experiences and thus restore their faith in the system.
And that will only happen if Alberta's health-care leaders stop being replaced.
"We can't keep reorganizing the system. The system has got to be allowed to stabilize," said Cowell.
He said there have been five health ministers since 2003 and around 15 changeovers in that time as the province moved to consolidate regional health boards into one health super board.
By maintaining health-care leadership, there's a "continuity of perspective" among decision-makers.
It also creates an environment where all players within the system can begin to work together to start streamlining the system so that patients can access what they need faster.
Medical technology must also be updates so that test results and patient charts can be transferred throughout the system with the speed people are accustomed to in their private lives, Cowell said.
While the public may have dubious feelings about Alberta's $15-billion a year health system, many health-care professionals say they're beginning to see signs of improvement.
After the departure of Alberta Health Services top boss Stephen Duckett and several AHS board members, there was unfortunately a sense of paralysis among decision-makers, said Dr. Rick Ward, one of the lead physicians at the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network.
But with the announcement of several new AHS board members and the move to increase hiring and open more hospital beds, many nurses are feeling considerably more positive about the system as a whole, said United Nurses of Alberta president Heather Smith.
"There's a sense steps are being taken. We will continue to have issues until we address the overall capacity, and that's dependent on hiring people and opening beds," said Smith.
"But there's more hope in future improvements than there was four months ago."
smcginnis@CalgaryHerald.Com
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
Poll says bones of system sound
By Sarah McGinnis, Calgary Herald February 21, 2011 Comments (12)
Stable leadership must be brought to Alberta's beleaguered health-care system if the province wants to restore the faith of a wary public, according some health-policy experts.
A recently released Environics Research Group poll of 1,012 Albertans found the majority of Albertans believe quality health care will be there when they need it.
But 63 per cent said they believe health care is in a state of crisis, while six in 10 people believe inefficient management is to blame.
The poll is considered accurate to within 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
"The statistics show Albertans believe the public system is in jeopardy, with the current administration and the government, but the bones of the system are sound," said Friends of Medicare spokesman David Eggen.
"We're at a turning point, and not necessarily for the good," Eggen told the Herald.
Health Quality Council of Alberta CEO Dr. John Cowell wasn't surprised by the poll.
The council's latest annual satisfaction survey shows that most Albertans are pleased with the quality of health-care once they are treated, but they express frustration over gaining access to a family doctor, a specialist or medical procedure, said Cowell.
He said considerable work must be done on the health bureaucracy to improve patient experiences and thus restore their faith in the system.
And that will only happen if Alberta's health-care leaders stop being replaced.
"We can't keep reorganizing the system. The system has got to be allowed to stabilize," said Cowell.
He said there have been five health ministers since 2003 and around 15 changeovers in that time as the province moved to consolidate regional health boards into one health super board.
By maintaining health-care leadership, there's a "continuity of perspective" among decision-makers.
It also creates an environment where all players within the system can begin to work together to start streamlining the system so that patients can access what they need faster.
Medical technology must also be updates so that test results and patient charts can be transferred throughout the system with the speed people are accustomed to in their private lives, Cowell said.
While the public may have dubious feelings about Alberta's $15-billion a year health system, many health-care professionals say they're beginning to see signs of improvement.
After the departure of Alberta Health Services top boss Stephen Duckett and several AHS board members, there was unfortunately a sense of paralysis among decision-makers, said Dr. Rick Ward, one of the lead physicians at the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network.
But with the announcement of several new AHS board members and the move to increase hiring and open more hospital beds, many nurses are feeling considerably more positive about the system as a whole, said United Nurses of Alberta president Heather Smith.
"There's a sense steps are being taken. We will continue to have issues until we address the overall capacity, and that's dependent on hiring people and opening beds," said Smith.
"But there's more hope in future improvements than there was four months ago."
smcginnis@CalgaryHerald.Com
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
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