News
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Audit of Copeman Clinic Applauded and Should be Expanded to Other Clinics
Audit of Copeman Clinic Applauded and Should be Expanded to Other Clinics
In light of the news that Health Minister Sarah Hoffman is initiating a long called for audit of the private-for-profit Copeman clinic, Friends of Medicare are calling on the Alberta Government to expand their audit beyond just Copeman.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
April 14, 2016 -
Alberta Can Show Leadership in Banning Pay-for-Plasma
On March 31st, 2016 an Open Letter was sent to the Honorable Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman, urging the Alberta government to enact our own legislation banning the sale of blood and plasma as soon as possible in order to safeguard the health of Canadians and the integrity of our voluntary blood donation system:
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 31, 2016 -
It's Time for a New Health Accord
Today March 31st, marks 12 years since the last negotiation of a Canadian Health Accord. That accord had expired in 2014. We continue to see aggressive and increased privatization, from pay-for-plasma to private MRIs and much more. We have stalled on progress towards a national seniors strategy and still do not have a commitment to a national public drug plan. The need for a new accord is clear.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 31, 2016 -
Sundre Bed Closures Show Lack of Commitment to Care and Community
Friends of Medicare are calling on Alberta Health Services to consult with and respect the wishes of the people of Sundre and the long-term care residents in the Sundre hospital.
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Immediate Mental Health Commitment Needed Despite Downturn
Immediate Mental Health Commitment Needed Despite Downturn
Friends of Medicare are calling on the Alberta government to prioritize greater investment in mental health in light of the released "Valuing Mental Health" report."The increased funding for mental health in Budget 2015 was a welcome first step towards improved mental health services, yesterdays report indicates greater investment is needed," said communications staff Trevor Zimmerman.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
February 23, 2016 -
Fertility Clinic Privatization a Broken NDP Promise to Albertans
Fertility Clinic Privatization a Broken NDP Promise to Albertans
News in today's Edmonton Journal about the opening of a privately run fertility clinic in Edmonton this year is a broken promise on private health care from Alberta's NDP Government."While delivery decisions may be made by AHS, ultimately, policy directives to privatize services rests with the Ministry of Health. We believe that the Minister should put an end to this experiment," said Friends of Medicare Executive Director Sandra Azocar.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
January 11, 2016 -
Shift Continuing Care to Public Sector
From the December 8 Edmonton Journal:
http://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-shift-continuing-care-to-public-sector
Written by Executive Director Sandra Azocar and Public Interest Alberta's Seniors Task Force Chair Noel Somerville
Government should redirect public funding from for-profit continuing care facilities, say Noel Somerville and Sandra Azocar
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
December 08, 2015 -
Kaminski Resignation Brings Hope for Change in AHS
Today's announcement of the resignation of Alberta Health Services President and CEO Vickie Kaminski is a welcome step says Friends of Medicare."We have a new government but AHS had not changed," said Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare. "Until this new government deals effectively with the governance structure of our health care system we will not be able to focus on the real work of improving our health care to ensure that Albertans receive timely, quality, publicly funded and delivered health care."
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
November 26, 2015 -
Victorian Order of Nurses Closure Another Example of Failure in Private Care
After announcing today that they will be ceasing operations in Alberta, home care provider Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) have demonstrated yet again why experiments in private care must be ceased."This is now twice since 2013 AHS has lost a contract for home care services," said Friends of Medicare Executive Director Sandra Azocar. "Home care should not be subject to the pressures of a competitive market. It's clear that instead of a race to the top for quality care, we have a race to the bottom to slash costs which squeezes out not-for-profit groups like VON."
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
November 25, 2015 -
New Ministers Advocacy On Pharmacare Welcomed
Pictured above - June 9 tweet from then Liberal MP Candidate Dr. Jane Philpott.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
November 04, 2015