Privatization
-
Government inaction drives more doctors from Alberta, this time in Lethbridge
LETHBRIDGE — Two family doctors at the Campbell Clinic in Lethbridge recently posted public letters explaining why they are leaving their practices, pointing the finger squarely at the government and Health Minister for their failure to listen to Alberta’s physicians and act to sustain primary care.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
October 09, 2024 -
International Day of Older Persons: Alberta Seniors Deserve Better
EDMONTON — Beginning today on the International Day of the Older Persons and continuing all week, Public Interest Alberta and Friends of Medicare are releasing harrowing stories and videos from seniors and Albertans who are experiencing the current crisis in seniors care. They are standing with seniors to send letters to the provincial government calling for minimum staffing hours so that Albertans receive the care they deserve.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
October 01, 2024 -
Government inaction, NOT immigrants, is to blame for public infrastructure struggles
EDMONTON — Before announcing her plan for education infrastructure, Premier Smith’s 10-minute televised address opened last night with an extended anti-immigration rant, blaming folks moving here from other countries for Alberta’s lack of capacity in health, housing and education.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
September 18, 2024 -
Government continues secretive approach to health care deal in Airdrie
EDMONTON — Yesterday, the Office of the Minister of Health confirmed to DiscoverAirdrie that the controversial proposal to build a facility to house a primary care clinic as well as a second urgent care centre in Airdrie has been approved. Airdrie remains by far the largest city in Alberta without a hospital.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
September 13, 2024 -
Overdose Awareness Day Highlights Need to Change Course, Save Lives
EDMONTON — Each year, August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD). It is an opportunity to mourn those we have lost, and to refocus our collective work to end overdose and tackle the toxic drug poisoning crisis in our communities. Last year, Alberta saw our highest ever number of drug poisoning deaths, with the most recent government data now tallying a devastating 2,069 deaths in 2023.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
August 29, 2024 -
Transferring Hospitals Away from Alberta Health Services is about Politics, not Care
EDMONTON — At a recent UCP townhall in Drayton Valley, Danielle Smith shared her plans to remove Alberta Health Services (AHS) as the operator of some provincial hospitals, suggesting other options to manage the facilities, such as turning facilities over to Covenant Health (Alberta’s Catholic health operator). This follows news that the government is also reviewing a proposal to privatize urgent care services in Airdrie.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
August 27, 2024 -
Government Continues Privatization of Addictions Care in Alberta
EDMONTON — This morning the provincial government celebrated the opening of a third Recovery Centre, this one in Gunn, Alberta. This is the latest announcement in the ongoing expansion of their so-called “Alberta Recovery Model.”
Written by Alyssa Pretty
August 15, 2024 -
AUPE launches ‘Strike a Change for Alberta Seniors’ letter campaign
Seniors, health care advocacy groups concerned about continuing care changes this fall
EDMONTON – The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Women’s Committee launches an awareness and letter campaign Strike a Change for Alberta Seniors, as Alberta’s Health Minister continues to roll out changes to Continuing Care.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
August 15, 2024 -
Minister Must Clarify What’s Happening in Airdrie’s Health Care
EDMONTON — Earlier this year, the government informed the Airdrie Health Foundation that the long-overdue expansion and renovation of the Airdrie Community Health Centre had been paused in order for them to consider a proposal to add a private partner to the public facility. Following much outcry from Albertans, the government announced the public project was back under way.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
August 13, 2024 -
Data shows privatization has reduced surgical capacity in our hospitals
EDMONTON — In recent weeks, Albertans have heard repeated, troubling news about the state of surgeries in our hospitals, first about 90 orthopedic surgeries out the Royal Alexandra Hospital were postponed, followed by the news that orthopedic surgeries at the facility have now been halted until August 11. The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has also been raising the alarm over the frequency of general surgery diversions as a result of these ongoing staffing shortages, which have since expanded to include trauma care diversions.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
July 22, 2024