Alberta Health Services will focus only on acute care after the restructuring. (Oasisamuel/Dreamstime)

By Eli J. Ridder, David Opinko

HEALTH CARE

Alberta proposes bill to revamp health care system, advocate says consultation needed

May 14, 2024 | 5:28 PM

The Alberta government on Tuesday took a major step towards its planned restructuring of the province’s health care system by formally proposing the Health Statutes Amendment Act in the legislature.

If Bill 22 is passed, the legislation would create an integrated system with four sector-based provincial health agencies, a plan the government revealed earlier this year.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange said her United Conservative government will focus on primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health and addictions.

Recovery Alberta, which would handle mental health and addictions services, is set to launch this summer, while the other three should be established in the fall.

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“We are taking another step toward improving health care by updating legislation and enabling the governance and oversight required to refocus the health system,” LaGrange said.

Adriana LaGrange speaks during an event in 2021. (Courtesy: Government of Alberta)

“The critical improvements to transparency and accountability will help support the successful refocusing of the health care system to one that is responsive, effective and reflects the needs and priorities of Albertans today and for future generations.”

The health minister would be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the entire health care system.

Each of the four agencies would also have their own sector minister.

Mental health and addictions minister Dan Williams will serve as the sector minister for Recovery Alberta.

Williams said enhanced oversight will help the government to better direct resources to the front lines, improve patient care, and support health professionals.

“Mental health and addiction have been growing issues within our society and need to be prioritized within our health care system,” Williams said.

“Amid an addiction crisis, a refocused health system will allow for mental health and addiction services to get the attention, oversight and focus they need,” he added.

When the transition happens this fall, Alberta Health Services will focus on providing acute care services.

Dr. Paul Parks, head of the Alberta Medical Association, said it was important the province consults with frontline workers ahead of the transition this year.

“If they don’t engage the people that are going to deliver the care in these organizations and don’t get the input from the frontlines, it will definitely be doomed to fail,” Parks told CHAT News.

“The primary focus has to be making sure that this works for the patients and that the patients can get care seamlessly throughout the province regardless of what org is delivering it,” he added.

“Hopefully, we can give input and provide direction that would be good for patients and health care workers or this will be a very costly and dangerous organization change.”