Alberta’s government continues to take significant action to refocus the health care system so Albertans can get the right care when and where they need it most. Albertans expect improved outcomes and performance with a refocused health care system, which includes being able to access consistent, appropriate and efficient care across multiple sectors.
To ensure that care continues throughout the health care system’s refocusing, the government is launching the Seamless Patient Experience Review to make sure that when new provincial health agencies become operational, service providers deliver care in a manner that puts patients and their health first.
The Seamless Patient Experience Review will be led by Dr. Lyle Oberg, who brings significant experience and expertise in health care delivery. He will provide recommendations to the Integration Council on the implementation of seamless patience experiences in the context of the refocused health care system.
“When we began refocusing the health care system, we said that improving the patient journey would be at the centre of this work. I am confident Dr. Oberg will provide insightful recommendations that will support the overall efforts to improve health care for all Albertans.”
To support this work, Dr. Oberg will consult with a broad range of health care professionals who work across the four main sectors representing the new provincial health agencies: primary care, acute care, continuing care, and Recovery Alberta. Dr. Oberg will also work closely with the Ministry of Health, Alberta Health Services, the Health Quality Council of Alberta and new provincial health agency leadership to support the development of final recommendations.
“Albertans want a health care system that will deliver high-quality care and ensure that their health care journey is a smooth and positive experience. The system needs to work for them and the health care workers who will be delivering the care they need. I look forward to exploring how the refocused health care system can deliver on a seamless patient experience and ensure Albertans get the best care possible now and into the future.”
Dr. Oberg will report directly to the minister of health and will provide an interim report in December to support the launch of the new provincial health agencies. A final report with recommendations will be provided to the Integration Council in March 2025.
To allow Dr. Oberg to focus on this review, a new chair is being appointed to Alberta Health Services. Effective Sept. 23, Angela Fong will take on the leadership role, bringing more than 25 years of experience in organizational transformation and business integration that will be an asset to the work Alberta’s government is doing to improve health care. Dr. Oberg will remain an AHS board member.
“Improving the delivery of high-quality health care in Alberta is something that I am deeply committed to achieving. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Alberta Health Services board as we work to transform the organization into an acute care delivery provider. I am committed to an effective transition to the new structure in support of all Albertans.”
Quick facts
- Dr. Oberg will be appointed to lead the review under Section 7 of the Government Organization Act and will be in the role until March 2025.
- The review will provide specific recommendations, including:
- How service providers can deliver consistent, appropriate and seamless care as patients move between providers.
- How provincial health authorities integrate patient care, reduce variation and provide consistent care across their sectors, including a framework for operational policies.
- Inputs for accountability agreements and/or contracts with service providers.
- Monitoring and reporting of variation between care providers within sectors.
- How to hold the provincial health authorities accountable for the consistent delivery of care between service providers and ensure seamless patient care.