The UCP government says public participation is key as it works to change the way health care is delivered in Alberta, an engagement session in Okotoks heard this week.
The Feb. 1 session at the Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites, one of over 50 being held throughout the province, solicited feedback from health care professionals and members of the public as the provincial government undertakes reforms to the health care system.
Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson, the province's agriculture minister, made opening remarks during the event.
“Our government has been pretty clear in stating that the future of health care here in the province really is in our hands, collectively,” Sigurdson said to those in attendance.
“Your participation, and what you play as an active role in this, is going to be very key in guiding our province.”
The government said the sessions are an opportunity for open conversations about the challenges and solutions being felt throughout the system.
“I think a lot of people in Alberta have been clear that the health care system isn't working,” Sigurdson said.
Stories and experiences are an important way to highlight where improvements can be made, but the focus needs to be on solutions, he said.
Attendees took part in breakout sessions that an AHS staff member said were meant to explore themes, successes and areas where changes can be made.
Members of the media were asked not to participate in the breakout sessions to allow attendees a safe place to ask tough questions and have candid conversations.
The sessions come as the provincial government works to separate health care into four organizations that were all previously the responsibility of Alberta Health Services. The Province has said the ability to provide oversight, set priorities or seek accountability is hampered by the current system.
The new organizations to be created are acute care, primary care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction.
"Alberta Health Services will continue, but now with a very focused role on operating hospitals," said government official Matt Hebert during the event.
Among the goals for AHS is to deliver high-quality hospital care in rural, remote or Indigenous communities, he said.
"In a number of rural communities, AHS also operates long-term care, primary care clinics (and) home care," Hebert said. "We expect that AHS will continue to perform that role so care is delivered in an integrated manner at the community level."
The continuing care and mental health and addiction organizations will be established this spring, with the primary care and acute care organizations launching this fall.
There were 67 people registered for the event in Okotoks. A similar session was held in High River on Jan. 31.
