June 11, 2013
EDMONTON

In December 2012, Albertans receiving home care services saw their services cut by 15 minutes.  Friends of Medicare has now learned that as a result of the changes being made in home care, a further 10 minutes of services will be taken off direct patient care time.

Friends of Medicare is concerned about a full-page advertisement placed in the Edmonton Journal on May 8, 2013. The ad appears in a form meant to look like a news column on page A7.

On April 12, 2012, Premier Alison Redford promised Albertans that if re-elected, her government would ensure that all Albertans who suffer from type 1 diabetes would receive cost-free access to insulin pumps to help them better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. She has still not delivered.

(Ottawa) – The Canadian Health Coalition issued an urgent alert to Canadians in light of today’s news that the Harper Government is terminating its funding of the Health Council of Canada. 

Friends of Medicare is joining health care professionals who today are standing in opposition to so-called 'patient-based funding.'  "As Canadians, we value our publicly-delivered and publicly-funded health care system, and we need to put the well-being of people and the health of our society at the forefront of our budgetary decisions," said Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare.

Friends of Medicare is standing in support of Banff community members and physicians who are in court today asking for an injunction and a judicial review to keep the maternity beds open at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital.

Albertans need a pharmacare program that ensures everyone has access to affordable and safe prescription drugs, but the Conservative government's approach to the issue is flawed, says Friends of Medicare.

Three years ago, the Alberta Government and then Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky proudly announced "Alberta's 5-year Health Action Plan". In this action plan it was noted that "within 5 years, Albertans can expect a stronger more integrated, province-wide health system." It would stand to reason that we can all assume that long term planning is carried out through a process that involves relying on committed money and not money contingent on the price of oil.

Friends of Medicare has learned that as of February 28th, 2013, the Royal Alexandra Hospital will be closing 18 beds in the Medicine Transition Unit.  The closure of these beds will result in the layoff of 31 LPN's and Nurse Aides as well as 2 service workers and 1 unit clerk.

In light of what has been revealed in the Preferential-Access Inquiry, Friends of Medicare is calling on the Alberta and Federal Government to take immediate action to ensure compliance with the Canada Health Act.