Albertans’ input shapes health care refocus

Albertans are playing a pivotal role in shaping a stronger health care system that meets the needs of their communities.

To continue to build a health care system that serves the province now and into the future, Alberta’s government recognizes the importance of hearing directly from Albertans about the health care priorities that matter most to them.

Between January and June of this year, more than 30,000 patients, health care workers, caregivers and others shared their views on the refocusing of Alberta’s health system. As Alberta’s government prepares to stand up the new provincial health agencies this fall, it is using these insights and perspectives to guide the design and implementation of the refocused health care system.

A summary of the engagement activities, along with an analysis of the conversations, has been compiled in the What We Heard report, now available online. Transparency throughout this process is essential, ensuring that Albertans can see how their input will continue to shape future changes.

“I want to thank everyone who participated in the different engagement opportunities to help shape the way we refocus health care in Alberta. We now have a better understanding of the successes, challenges and potential solutions in our current health care system that should be considered.” — Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

While many themes emerged, one consistent priority was the need for timely and accessible care. Other themes included the need to:

• continue engaging with Albertans

• support and sustain the health care workforce

• respond to the needs of patients and providers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities

• empower local decision-making

• prioritize system accountability

• ensure an integrated and coordinated health care system

Alberta Health is already acting on the feedback by implementing key initiatives, such as the Seamless Patient Experience Review and analyzing Connect Care’s role within the health care system. Additionally, the ministry is reviewing health zones and data collection to better understand gaps in the system, and is establishing new advisory councils with a direct line to the minister to empower local decision-making.

A second round of engagement sessions is also being planned, with details on future in-person and virtual engagement sessions to be posted on alberta.ca. Those interested in keeping up to date on the health system refocusing work and new engagement opportunities can also sign up for an e-newsletter.

Quick facts

• The government held 65 in-person engagement sessions across the province.

• More than 2,850 Albertans, health care workers, patients and caregivers participated in these sessions. More than 18,000 people shared their feedback through online tools and almost 10,000 people participated in virtual town halls.

• In addition to public engagement sessions, dedicated engagements were held with Indigenous communities, the francophone community and other key health partners.