The provincial government has announced plans to host dozens of in-person engagement sessions starting next month to gather input and comments on the future of Alberta’s multi-billion dollar health-care system.
And as part of the process, residents are being invited to suggest possible locations for the sessions, with an online survey being used to compile the suggested locales.
With Albertans of all ages absolutely reliant on a properly functioning and well-managed health care system, gathering input from the community-at-large makes good sense.
Whether the comments and suggestions collected through this latest process will lead to meaningful, long-term results remains to be seen.
For her part, Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange says the initiative will allow the government to gather insights into the successes, challenges and strengths of the current health-care system.
“Engaging with health-care professionals, patients and all Albertans is a vital pillar in our government’s effort to refocus the health care system,” said LaGrange.
“The input, experiences and feedback we gather will help create a more effective and efficient health-care system that is accessible to all Albertans in every corner of the province. You deserve health care that supports you and your family now and for generations to come.”
The engagement initiative comes as the government undertakes a major overhaul of the health-care system – and as the province’s doctors say the system is struggling to keep up with demand.
Dr. Paul Park, the head of the Alberta Medical Association, said last week that emergency rooms are under severe stress across the province.
“Our hospitals are overflowing at 150 per cent capacity and our ICU capacity is almost completely full across the province, so it’s a very real struggle and challenge right now,” said Parks.
“When you see those average waits of 12 hours, that can mean people are waiting 20 hours or more because those are just averages.”
Hopefully, Minister LaGrange will make the most of the public comments and suggestions provided during the upcoming engagement process.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
