Health-care Restructuring Update

This past Friday the Minister of Health sent out an update to all health-care unions about changes to AHS coming in this legislative session to develop the acute care agency as part of their health-care restructuring plans.

Here is what we know:

• They will be creating a new legal structure, a provincial health corporation, to facilitate Alberta Health Services' transition from a regional health authority to an acute care service provider.
• The Alberta Cancer Registry will no longer be managed by AHS but by a new unspecified organization designated by the Minister of Health.
• Property owned by AHS will be transferred to Alberta Infrastructure.
• Implementing the AHS transition into an acute care provider may entail transition of HSAA members. However, no information was provided on the timing of these changes or how it will impact HSAA members.
• Existing bargaining relationships and collective agreements will be maintained.

What we believe this to mean:

• AHS will be changing its role for the regional health authority to a service provider of acute care services.
• A new, yet to be announced, Provincial Health Agency will be responsible for AHS’ former role as a regional health authority for acute care.

What we do not know:

• What will happen to all the non-acute care functions in AHS?
• How will the acute care organization operate?
• Will there be additional acute care providers?

HSAA will seek clarity on the impacts of these legislative changes on you and will share any information we receive as soon as possible.