Alberta NDP to consult people about healthcare

As the spring elections nears, the Alberta NDP is looking to consult people about its plan to improve public healthcare.

The public consultation is called Family Health Teams (FHT). Registration will open on March 1 online.

The NDP says in a statement this comes in an effort to improve access to healthcare.

“Our vision to improve health care is the creation of Family Health Teams that will give Albertans access to care within their community,” health critic David Shephard said. “When Albertans can see a family doctor within a day or two, it will reduce the stress across the entire health care system, meaning ambulances will be available when you need it and wait times in emergency rooms will decrease.”

The opposition party adds people are being denied access to health care, as the number of family doctors accepting new patients is on the decline, including Lethbridge, Red Deer, Canmore, Banff, and Medicine Hat.

“We want to hear from people across the province to make sure our plan works for every community to provide the care they need,” Shephard said.

The party also says the consultation is not only about doctors, but also includes nurses, mental health therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, and community paramedics.

CityNews has reached out to Smith’s office for comments.