Friends of Medicare has confirmed that Alberta Health Services will be following through with their commitment to support children with Down syndrome in Edmonton and northern Alberta by reversing its decision to cut funding to the Nurse Coordinator position at the Edmonton Down Syndrome Medical Clinic. We are very pleased that AHS was willing to listen to the concerns brought forth by families and were able to address them in a timely manner.

Friends of Medicare has learned that on October 10, 2012, officials at the Stollery Children's Hospital were directed that due to financial constraints they have been forced to eliminate the Nurse Coordinator position at the Edmonton Down Syndrome Medical Clinic.  This budgetary decision effectively closes the Edmonton Down Syndrome Medical Clinic.  "With no Nurse coordinator, health services for children with Down Syndrome in Edmonton and northern Alberta will be significantly impacted in a negative way," says Sandra Azocar, Executive Director of Friends of Medicare. "Children with Down syndrome can have complex health needs and require the type of coordinated medical services that this clinic provides.  Families are very concerned about the health of their children," states Azocar.