Choosing the right approach
Alberta is refocusing the health care system to put the patient first in every health care decision and give experts the right space to ensure Albertans are getting the world-class health care they need and deserve.
Primary Care
provincial health agency
Acute Care
provincial health agency
Continuing Care
provincial health agency
Mental Health and Addiction
provincial health agency
The following activities laid the groundwork for the best path to achieve our goal of improving access to health care:
- 2023 Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System
- 2023 Alberta EMS Provincial Advisory Committee
- 2023 Alberta EMS dispatch review
- 2022 Health System Sustainability Report
- 2022 Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council
- 2021 Facility Based Continuing Care Review
- 2021 Palliative and End-Of-Life Care Engagement
- 2019 Alberta Health Services Review
- 2015 Rural Health Services Review Final Report
- 2013 Working together to build a high performance health system
Similar themes and recommendations emerged from these engagements. Along with learnings from the former fragmented regional health care system and our current rigid consolidated system, this led to refocusing on a unified provincial health care system model with 4 focused provincial health agencies.
- The health care refocusing plan is introduced to Albertans and front-line health care workers.
- A new Alberta Health Services board is appointed.
- Engagement sessions with AHS staff, health care unions, health associations and a wide range of health partners across the province are scheduled and will continue while we work to refocus health care.
- The Mental Health and Addiction provincial health agency will be established.
- The Indigenous Advisory Council and regional advisory councils will be established to enhance local decision making.
- Engagement opportunities will be available for Albertans while engagement with health care professionals continues.
- The new continuing care, primary care and acute care provincial health agencies will be created with stronger integration and collaboration.
- Ideas and feedback from health care workers and Albertans will be considered as further engagement opportunities begin.
- The remaining steps to ensure a successful transition will be finalized and communicated.
Guiding principles
A single functioning health care system
With specialized areas that focus on delivering the best care that is important to a high functioning system.
Improve patient outcomes
Refocus the health care system so Albertans can get the right care when and where they need it.
Ensure a seamless patient journey
Strong integration and collaboration across all organizations to support appropriate transitions of care and prevent silos.
Support the workforce
Prioritize the wellbeing and leverage the experience of health care workers.
Enhance frontline and local autonomy
Support local decision-making and regional advice.
Transparent communication
Communicate frequently and clearly.
Remain committed, but flexible
Monitor and evaluate the progress of the change and support change when it might be required.
Shape the way
As the work to refocus Alberta’s health care system continues, new engagement opportunities will be developed for front-line workers and Albertans.
The future of health care is in your hands.