The following statement is to be attributed to Mike Parker, President, Health Sciences Association of Alberta.
EDMONTON – “Today’s announcement is a significant change for our members and Albertans. We will be taking some time to gain a better understanding of what the government has planned, but we heard some important commitments today.
“We appreciate the clarification that the government is committed to increasing front-line health-care professionals and they are not planning on any job losses.
“However, we need to know what this plan will do for retaining our health-care professionals and recruiting more. We will judge this government on how this plan addresses the critical staffing shortage. Albertans and our members cannot wait 18 to 24 months for results. Improving retention and recruitment of health-care professionals cannot wait while management is re-organized.
“Commitments were also made to involve front-line health professionals during the transition and in the new model. That’s us, we are involved from the 911 call to out-patient care.
“As always, HSAA is ready to work with government to make improvements to the health system as long as the premier keeps her commitment that this is not about privatization. Publicly funded and delivered health care will produce the best outcomes for Albertans and patient care must be placed above all other considerations.”
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Media Inquiries:
Kirk Heuser, HSAA Communications Officer
780-690-8199 | kirkh@hsaa.ca
