Alberta moving decision-making to hospital level to eliminate ‘bureaucratic vortex’

The province says it is cutting through bureaucracy in an effort to get better outcomes for patients in hospitals across Alberta.

In a release on Tuesday, the UCP government announced “hospital based leadership” as part of the overhaul of healthcare, saying what works in facilities in Calgary or Edmonton doesn’t always work in places like Peace River or Camrose.

Premier Danielle Smith posted a video online explaining what some hospital workers have dubbed “the bureaucratic vortex.”

“A department head tries to fill a maternity leave, she sends the request up the chain, but the approval doesn’t come back until the nurse almost back from her maternity leave,” says Smith. “And sometimes it’s as basic as buying chairs, but the hospital has to wait weeks for central purchasing.”

“This is what the current structure has created,” Smith adds.

As part of the change, Alberta Health Services (AHS) health zones will be eliminated, with acute care sites moving into seven regional corridors under the new leadership model. All acute care sites will report to Acute Care Alberta.

The province introduced legislation earlier this year as part of its overhaul to Alberta’s healthcare system, effectively splitting AHS into four new pillars.

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.

Opposition critics have contended that the UCP is only interested in consolidating control instead of focusing on improving health care. The NDP have criticized the changes, saying that unions were not consulted in the process.

The first test of hospital based leadership is expected to be established by November 2025, with full implementation by the summer of 2026.