This release was issued under a previous government.
Physician Assistants (PAs) will perform more routine duties such as taking a patient’s history and ordering lab tests. This will allow doctors to spend more time with patients.
The introduction of PAs into Alberta will start with 10 positions in high needs locations throughout the province. The first PA started in Milk River on August 29. Other locations scheduled to receive PAs include Bassano, Calgary, Red Deer, Beaverlodge, and Edmonton.
“While we continue to actively recruit new physicians to Alberta, we are moving forward to assist doctors on routine matters in high needs areas so that our physicians can free up more time to spend directly with patients. We are always looking for ways to ensure we use our medical resources in the most efficient manner for the benefit of patients. This project will help us with that.”
“The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) has been working with AHS to help bring this project to fruition and is very supportive of the introduction of Physician Assistants into the province. Integrating PAs into the public health care system and working collaboratively with other health professionals is a positive step forward in helping to ensure that Albertans have improved access to quality care.”
“Our physician assistant has been a great help since he arrived here in Milk River about a month ago. He has been very well accepted in the community and has helped enhance patient care by taking on a number of routine cases that free me up to handle the more complex patients. With a physician assistant in place, it helps create greater access for local residents to receive timely care. It's a positive step.”
The 10 positions will cost $3.8 million and is being funded by the Government of Alberta.
Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to live within its means and to fight to open new markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Related information
Physician Assistant Demonstration Project
Canadian Association of Physician Assistants