SUNDRE – The Kenney government’s plans announced recently to cut about 11,000 health-care worker jobs shouldn’t worry rural patients, says Health Minister Tyler Shandro.
In Sundre on Oct. 16 for the re-naming of the Sundre hospital to the Myron Thompson Health Centre, Shandro said the cuts would not negatively impact service in rural centres.
“This is a continuation of commitment to having a publicly-funded, universal system and working to make (Alberta Health Services) a more efficient system,” Shandro said in an Albertan interview.
“We are making sure that we are not going to affect the front-line services like the nurses, but I think there lots of opportunities to make sure our doctors and nurses are focusing on care for patients.”
Asked if the changes will hurt rural patients, he said, “No, no. None of these changes are going to affect patients.”
The province announced the cuts last week, saying those being let go will include workers in laundry service, food preparations, maintenance, lab services, and management.
“This approach will allow us to strike the right balance between supporting the COVID-19 response and Alberta’s challenging fiscal situation,” Shandro said in announcing the cuts.
None of the layoffs will involve front-line nurses or front-line clinical staff, he said, adding the government expects the private sector will replace the public layoffs.
The opposition NDP, as well as health-care unions and others, call the planned cutbacks a receipt for disaster, including for rural patients.
NDP leader Rachel Notley reported said the layoffs will hit rural communities particularly hard.
“This is a whole new layer of chaos for rural health,” Notley said.
United Nurses of Alberta director David Harrigan reportedly said: “Stability in the midst of a pandemic won’t be achieved by short-staffed hospitals and burnt-our health care workers.”
Dr. Paul Boucher, current president of the Alberta Medical Association, reportedly said the changes will impact the entire health system.
“I can’t do my job properly if someone’s not there to make sure the floors are clean, the beds are made, the garbage is done,” said Boucher.
Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre-area MLA and Minister of Environment and Parks, was also in Sundre for the hospital announcement.
He echoed Shandro’s contention the planned 11,000 health care job cuts would not negatively impact rural health care.
“We are committed to front-line health care, to doctors and nurses,” said Nixon said. “The reality is this announcement is something that was in the (UCP’s election) platform.
“Minister Shandro has committed to making sure any savings he finds during that process will go back to front-line health care. I completely support the minister in doing what he has to do to make sure that we have access to health care for generations to come.”
The planned layoffs are expected to take place over the next three years.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect Dr. Paul Boucher's current position with the Alberta Medical Association.
