Sundre Mayor Annette Clews says she hopes the resignation of the Alberta Health Services board chairman will not negatively affect patient care in this district.
ìI really hope it doesn't impact our services,î said Clews. ìHopefully they will have a replacement in position quickly.î
She called the Sundre hospital a ìvital serviceî in this community.
Health and Wellness Minister Fred Horne accepted the resignation of Ken Hughes as Chair of the Alberta Health Services board (AHS) on Thursday.
ìKen's leadership helped AHS to deliver solid results, including over $660 million in administrative savings that has since been reinvested in patient care,î said Horne.
The AHS board oversees the delivery of all health services in the province. Its board members are appointed for terms by the provincial government.
Hughes was appointed as chair of the AHS board on April 1, 2009.
AHS vice-chair Catherine Roozen has been appointed interim chair of the AHS board. Current and upcoming vacancies will be addressed early in 2012.
Rocky Mountain House-Sundre Conservative MLA Ty Lund did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Wildrose Alliance leader Danielle Smith said Hughes' term as chairman saw health-care quality decline in Alberta.
ìKen Hughes' legacy to health care in Alberta is one of long wait-lists, a ballooning and inefficient bureaucracy, exploding costs to taxpayers and physician bullying and intimidation,î said Smith.
ìUnder his watch, public health care in Alberta was and still is defined by worsening patient outcomes, out-of-control spending and muzzled patient advocacy.î
