Alberta tables legislation for final step of healthcare refocus

Alberta’s health minister says they are in the final stage of refocusing the healthcare system. Bill 55, if passed, will continue the work to split Alberta Health Services (AHS) into four health pillars.

Changes to Alberta healthcare have been a hot-button topic since the province announced plans for sweeping changes in November 2023.

Thursday, Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange clarified where public health fits in the picture.

Front-line public health services like immunization will fall under Primary Care Alberta, while those dealing with health inspections and policies will be taken care of by the Health Ministry.

AHS will continue to work alongside Covenent Health as hospital providers under Acute Care Alberta.

The office of the chief medical officer of health will be its own entity. The minister says they are recruiting a full-time top doctor.

The four new health agencies that are now in place are Primary Care — dealing with family doctors. Acute Care — for hospitals. Assisted Living and Recovery Alberta managing mental health and addictions.

“Recovery Alberta initially started with a roughly $50 million budget and when we looked at transitioning it out of Alberta Health Services, they had an additional roughly about $700 – 800 million, Now their budget is at $1.4 billion and climbing because we are able to identify the gaps in service delivery,” said LaGrange.

Opposition NDP critic Sarah Hoffman says it’s another example of LaGrange consolidating control in her office instead of focusing on improving health care, and it appears no unions were consulted in the process.

There have been hiccups along the way — delays in transitioning staff, missed targets, and more.

Recently, the agency overseeing acute care was granted a six-month contract extension for a private surgical clinic.

Investigations have also been launched into the province’s health contract procurement practices.

LaGrange says the contract was necessary to keep surgeries on track.

“The ASG (Alberta Surgical Group) contract was extended from Oct. 31 for six months as the investigation was ongoing,” she said. “That investigation is still going on, so it’s been extended further. But those RFPs (Request for Proposals) that have been awarded for Red Deer and Lethbridge are still paused.”

Details of the contract haven’t been made available.

The ongoing AHS scandal isn’t going anywhere, as the province and the former CEO of AHS remain in a legal battle. It all began when Athana Mentzelopoulous claimed she was wrongfully fired after launching an investigation into what she described as crooked government contracts.

Doctors, health professionals, and everyday Albertans are fundraising for the former CEO in her legal battle. So far, over $25,000 has been raised.

Mentzelopoulous’ lawyer says every dollar counts.

Bill 55 also gives more powers to the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services under Assisted Living Alberta.

-With files from Leo Cruzat