Disaggregation of Alberta Health Services

Written By Harold Pliszka

The Alberta government recently announced that it is disaggregating Alberta Health Services into four separate government run organizations:

  1. Primary Care organization

  2. Acute Care organization

  3. Continuing Care organization

  4. Mental Health and Addiction organization

We know government officials talked about local advisory councils but that all organizations lead into the premier’s office. We hope that the bulk of healthcare decision-making will remain with healthcare experts rather than elected officials.

There are concerns that this process will lead to further privatization of healthcare services and we know that the privatization of lab services did not go well and is now being transferred back to Alberta Precision Laboratories (a government run company) from Dynalife Medical Labs (a private company).

In a morning CBC Radio interview on November 9, 2023, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange stated very clearly that, “there is no privatization of healthcare,” and that they will adhere to the Canada Health Act and the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. We hope the Minister stays true to her statement and that these changes do not result in further privatization of health services.

Twenty-seven per cent of members of The Social Workers Association of Alberta work with Alberta Health Services.

We call on the Government of Alberta to consult widely with social workers on this process. Social workers work across primary care, acute care, continuing care, and in mental health and addictions and social workers understand client experience and barriers to access. Social workers are trained to think systemically, are very capable of seeing systems of oppression and privilege, and their experience, education and knowledge will go a long way towards building equity in Alberta’s systems of health care.

The Social Workers Association of Alberta will continue monitoring the situation and will reach out to the Ministry to garner more detailed information.

Healthcare professionals can submit questions and listen to town halls on November 14, 15 and 17, 2023.

Relevant Government of Alberta Links:

Statements from other professional associations and unions:

Harold Pliszka
Previous

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women in Canada
Next

Frequently Asked Questions