Working together to provide better health care
Alberta’s government is making progress on a refocused health care system by engaging with Albertans to ensure the system provides the right care, at the right place and the right time.
In November, the government announced plans for a refocused health care system to ensure patients are receiving the care they need, where and when they need it. A refocused health care system includes creating four new organizations, one for each of acute care, primary care, continuing care and mental health and addiction.
Health care workers, patients, families, caregivers and community leaders across Alberta have been helping shape the future of health care by participating in what is one of the largest in-person public engagements ever undertaken by Alberta’s government.
To date, more than 2,500 people have participated in the in-person sessions, with an additional 18,000 Albertans providing their feedback through online tools and almost 10,000 participating in virtual town halls. In response to requests for more opportunities for face-to-face conversations about the issues and potential solutions to current health care challenges, Alberta Health has added 22 more sessions.
“Our goal is to build a stronger health care system informed by Albertans with real stories and real experiences. These engagement sessions have highlighted the importance of ensuring the new health care system is informed by front-line health care experts, as they have the most knowledge of the current system and the challenges and gaps that exist. With Albertans’ help, we will build a refocused health care system that better supports the well-being of front-line workers and prioritizes the needs of patients.” — Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health
These engagement opportunities are taking place in every corner of the province for residents to share their unique and diverse perspectives on how to address the health care challenges they face in their communities. Common themes emerging from the engagement sessions include the need for strong system integration to drive seamless patient experiences, more opportunities for local decision-making and the need for more health care workers.
Current in-person engagement sessions will wrap up in mid-April. As the work to refocus Alberta’s health care system continues, new engagement opportunities will be developed for front-line workers and Albertans to continue providing input and feedback on shaping the future of health care.
“Refocusing the health system has brought Albertans together – all coming to the table and voicing what is working well in the current system, what are the challenges, and how it can be improved. We applaud government on the largest public engagement in recent history, as well as listening and actioning the advice of Albertans. Covenant is looking forward to transforming the health care system together with a focus on holistic system outcomes where our patients and residents are at the core of all decision-making.” — Christian Tokarski, manager of governance, Covenant Health
“We know the current health care system is not meeting the needs of rural communities, but I'm encouraged by the changes being made to refocus the health care system. From a new branch dedicated to prioritizing rural health care to the engagement opportunities in rural and remote communities, we see efforts being made to ensure Albertans get the care they need no matter where they live. We are hopeful that as the restructuring continues, further engagement will take place specifically with rural municipalities." — Kara Westerlund, vice-president, Rural Municipalities Association
Alberta’s government is committed to ongoing engagement with health care workers and Albertans throughout the refocusing process and beyond. Premier Danielle Smith has appointed Chelsae Petrovic, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod, as parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement to support this work.
“Engaging with Alberta's health care workers has been a cornerstone of our health system's refocusing efforts since its announcement last fall. This engagement is vital. The voices of our front-line workers are essential for understanding the realities they face, identifying areas for improvement, and gaining insight into the patient experience." — Chelsae Petrovic, parliamentary secretary for health workforce engagement
As the new organizations come into place, Alberta Health will keep conversations about health care ongoing with a variety of engagement opportunities. This will include visiting regions where there have been or will be sessions on refocusing over the coming weeks. The goal is to empower front-line workers and Albertans to help shape a health care system that meets the needs of Albertans today and for generations to come.
Quick facts
Sixty-five in-person engagement sessions will be held by the time in-person engagement wraps up in mid-April.
The government anticipates there will be no job losses for AHS staff working in front-line positions directly delivering care to patients in all health sectors.
Alberta’s health care workforce continues to grow with the addition in 2023 of 331 physicians, an increase of 2.9 per cent, and more than 7,500 regulated nurses, an increase of 11 per cent.