by Webmaster | Apr 26, 2023 | Health
Albertans are seeing ambulances arriving sooner and shorter wait times for surgeries and emergency care.
Alberta has the best front-line health care workers in the world, and Alberta’s government is putting the right supports in place for Albertans to get the care they need when and where they need it. Since rolling out the Health Care Action Plan (HACP) in November, there have been improvements in all four priority areas.
“Alberta’s front-line health care workers do amazing work and we need to help them be able to do that work. We also need to make sure Albertans have access to the health care they need, when and where they need it. That’s why we embarked on some really ambitious plans to make meaningful changes to our health care system. And it’s working. I’m thrilled to see response times and wait times are already trending in the right direction.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Emergency medical services (EMS) response times have been significantly reduced and more Albertans are getting their surgeries within clinically recommended times. Patients are getting care faster at emergency departments and Alberta is strengthening its workforce with more front-line health care workers.
“We are seeing improvement across all priority areas. This is having an immediate impact on Albertans across the province who need and deserve timely access to care. We are going to keep pushing forward with positive change.”
Jason Copping, Minister of Health
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has launched a website that outlines the progress made so far. The website displays multiple metrics used to measure the progress of the HCAP, such as EMS wait times, the number of people waiting too long for surgeries, emergency department waits and more.
“Every day, we are seeing tangible, measurable results that demonstrate improvement. The data is there, and more importantly, we are seeing individual Albertans receive the care they need when and where they need it. Our EMS paramedics are arriving quicker, our ambulances are staying in their home communities more, and families are seeing their loved ones receive cardiac, pediatric and cancer surgeries faster. This is clear progress and improvement as we build a better health care system for all.”
Dr. John Cowell, official administrator, Alberta Health Services
“Across Alberta, teams of health care workers are working to provide compassionate, quality care, reduce wait times and improve the lives of Albertans. I would like to thank every health care worker and AHS team member for the extraordinary efforts to improve the health care system. We are seeing positive results, and I am grateful for the collective effort to serve Albertans.”
Mauro Chies, CEO and president, Alberta Health Services
Lowering EMS response time
Emergency response times have improved, and more ambulances are staying in their home communities.
This is a direct result of initiatives implemented throughout the province to improve EMS service. These include installing the 45-minute Canadian standard target for emergency department patient handover, using alternative methods for inter-facility transfers when an ambulance is not needed, and handing over non-urgent calls from 911 to 811/Health Link where clinically appropriate.
Since implementation, response times have improved throughout the province, including:
- a 38 per cent improvement in Calgary
- a 25 per cent improvement in Edmonton
- an average 33 per cent improvement in smaller communities
The frequency of red alerts is also coming down. So far in April, Edmonton has spent about 10 minutes in red alert compared with 295 minutes in November 2022. Calgary has spent about four minutes in red alert in April compared with 254 minutes last November.
Improving surgery wait time
With the changes implemented through the HCAP, fewer Albertans are waiting longer than clinically recommended for surgeries. Currently, there are 11,190 fewer patients waiting longer than clinically recommended compared with this time last year – an improvement of more than 25 per cent. AHS performed more than 292,000 surgeries in the 2022-23 fiscal year, resulting in fewer patients on the wait list and shorter wait times to get their surgeries completed.
Wait times for cancer patients are also improving. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, AHS completed about 22,100 cancer surgeries compared with about 20,040 pre-pandemic – a 10 per cent increase.
Reducing emergency wait times and improving patient flow
Emergency department wait times are coming down and more Albertans are being transferred to the appropriate care settings faster.
AHS placed more hospital patients into a continuing care living option within 30 days of no longer requiring hospital care in March compared with April 2022. AHS has opened about 1,250 new continuing care spaces in the last fiscal year and another 250 are expected to open before the end of June. The Bridge Healing Transitional Accommodation Program also provides care for people experiencing homelessness and helps improve patient flow while offering treatment and recovery supports.
These efforts, in turn, free up emergency department spaces as well as hospital beds and, most importantly, provide care in appropriate settings for complex clients.
Empowering health care workers to deliver health care
Alberta continues to hire more doctors, nurses, paramedics, nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals across the province. Approximately 1,100 more nursing staff have been hired by AHS since Jan. 1, 2022, including 85 per cent of all registered nurses who graduated in Alberta in 2022-2023. AHS also hired 457 new EMS staff members in 2022, including 341 paramedics.
As part of the phased rollout of the 45-minute patient handover target initiative, AHS has been hiring additional emergency department teams to improve patient flow. AHS is striving to become the employer of choice for health care professionals both locally and globally.
Quick facts
- About 292,500 surgeries were completed in 2022-23. That’s more than 5,600 Albertans accessing surgery every week.
- EMS response times are improving despite a sustained 30 per cent increase in call volume across the province. Since November 2022, EMS response times for the most urgent calls are faster.
- In the Central Zone, a new inter-facility transfer program is putting 10 new ambulances on the road to support the transfer of stable patients with non-urgent conditions between facilities. On April 18, the first of these ambulances was put into service with the remaining nine to be added by July.
Related information
Related news
- Adding more beds at children’s hospitals (Apr 24, 2023)
- Providing faster access to surgical services (Apr 6, 2023)
- Adding new EMS supports to improve response times (Apr 3, 2023)
- 90-day HCAP update: Health care wait times dropping (Feb 27, 2023)
- HCAP: New strategy to grow health workforce (Feb 16, 2023)
- HCAP: Faster response times for 911 calls (Feb 2, 2023)
- HCAP: Lowering surgical wait times in Calgary (Jan 23, 2023)
- HCAP: Direct action to lower EMS response times (Jan 16, 2023)
- Healthcare Action Plan: EMS response times (Dec 21, 2022)
- Reforming AHS to improve patient care (Nov 17, 2022)
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 26, 2023 | Agriculture
Alberta’s government is recognizing the role ranchers play in managing Crown rangelands by establishing a Rangeland Grazing Framework.
Crown rangeland is public land leased or permitted to ranchers for grazing livestock. The new framework provides clarity about how grazing fits into Crown Land and integrated land management practices.
“Our ranchers have long been stewards of our rangelands, and their input into the creation of this framework and their ongoing efforts with land management are important to supporting livestock production, maintaining healthy ecosystems and creating economic prosperity.”
Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry, Parks and Tourism
The Rangeland Grazing Framework also provides the agriculture industry with the continued opportunity to use the forage production of the rangelands for grazing while keeping biodiversity top of mind. Alberta’s rangelands have long depended on grazing, with cattle now following in the footsteps of bison to help maintain ecological benefits such as watershed health, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, diverse plant and wildlife populations and aesthetic beauty.
“The framework supports the important work of ranchers to sustain and enhance the function and productivity of Crown land rangeland ecosystems in a way that promotes biodiversity and ecological goods and services.”
Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
“The Rangeland Grazing Framework is a significant step forward in recognizing the vital role that ranchers play in managing Crown rangelands. By providing clarity on grazing practices and emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, the framework ensures that ranchers can continue to produce high-quality beef while upholding Alberta’s reputation for ecological sustainability.”
Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
“Grazing dispositions on Crown land are a proven conservation measure, as seen by the long history and the resulting health of the grasslands under grazing leases. The framework supports long-term conservation by solidifying the role of the leaseholder and supporting the partnership between the leaseholder and the province.”
Kyle Forbes, chairman, Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association
“The framework recognizes the long-held essential role that leaseholders have in stewarding Alberta’s Crown rangelands. The framework clearly spells out how grazing fits into Crown land management and helps bring peace of mind to ranchers that future policy will support their farms and their ability to steward Crown rangelands.”
Brodie Haugan, chair, Alberta Beef Producers
Supporting existing rights
The framework supports the existing land use rights of leaseholders and recreationists and places greater emphasis on current legislation and policy.
To reinforce the spirit of the framework and support the ongoing contributions and ranchers, the Rangeland Grazing Framework sets out a process for involving leaseholders when proposed land-use changes are being considered.
Quick facts
- Alberta has more than eight million acres (3.3 million hectares) of grasslands, forests, riparian areas and wetlands on Crown land that can be used to graze livestock.
- These areas are held under grazing dispositions, which are lease agreements, or permits between the province and agricultural producers.
- Crown rangelands support 14 per cent of Alberta’s beef herd.
- Rangelands support multiple land uses, including agriculture, industrial activities, cultural practices and recreation.
Related information
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 26, 2023 | Justice, Public Safety
A Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team (FASST) is being created to ensure that offenders accused and convicted of crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
As crime continues to rise across Canada, Alberta’s government is taking action to apprehend criminals in the province before they can reoffend. Budget 2023 will invest $2 million into the FASST program. The team will help apprehend suspects wanted on outstanding warrants to ensure they are processed through Alberta’s justice system.
“With new funding in Budget 2023, Alberta is establishing this team to take away a threat that can affect any Albertan, regardless of the community they call home. FASST will play an essential role in arresting those who hurt others and ensuring that they see their day in court.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Once operational, FASST will assist local police services in apprehending high-priority offenders, eliminating the risk they will reoffend and revictimize Albertans. The team will begin recruiting this year and hire 20 new full-time equivalents, keeping sheriffs where they are needed most.
“Alberta’s sheriffs are so proud of the work we do to keep Alberta families and their homes and communities safe during tumultuous times. These new resources will allow us to provide much-needed specialized supports across the province, as well as more safety and security when the people we serve need it most.”
Farooq Sheikh, chief, Alberta Sheriffs
As of February, there were 4,200 prolific violent offenders with outstanding warrants in Alberta. Ensuring these criminals are apprehended is an essential part of any justice system focused on protecting public safety. FASST will play an important role in promoting safe, secure communities. The support the team will provide in apprehending fugitives will free up other police resources to focus on priorities such as ongoing criminal investigations and community policing efforts.
Recruiting and training for the team will begin this fall, which is expected to be fully operational by March 2024.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
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Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 26, 2023 | Culture, History
Alberta’s government is paying tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by ensuring her name is a lasting and prominent fixture at Alberta’s legislature grounds.
In September 2022, the government announced that the former Federal Building, located on the northeast corner of the legislature grounds, would be renamed to honour her life and historic 70-year reign.
Following that announcement, a brass plaque has been installed on the building to serve as a historical marker.
The plaque reads:
In celebration of Her late Majesty’s life and Platinum Jubilee, this building was officially renamed the Queen Elizabeth II building on September 27, 2022, by Premier Jason Kenney and Minister of Infrastructure Nicholas Milliken.
“Last year, Albertans joined citizens of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms in celebrating the life and mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We are proud to present this plaque that will serve as a permanent reminder of Her late Majesty’s life, legacy and connection to Alberta.”
Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Infrastructure
“Queen Elizabeth II played an important role in our history and our cherished system of government for seven decades. This building will stand as a meaningful reminder of her extraordinary dedication to service for future generations of Albertans.”
Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani
“Queen Elizabeth II visited Alberta a total of six times during her life, forging a strong bond with our province and its people. We honour that connection now by creating a permanent home for Her late Majesty’s memory here at the seat of democracy in Alberta, our legislature grounds.”
Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Alberta Legislative Assembly
Updated Queen Elizabeth II Building signs and wayfinding signs around the legislature grounds will be installed over the summer.
Quick facts
- Originally designed in the 1930s for the Government of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Building’s construction was delayed by the Great Depression and Second World War.
- The structure housed federal staff from 1958 until 1988, when its occupants moved to the newly built Canada Place in downtown Edmonton.
- The building sat empty from 1988 to 2010, when the Government of Alberta began redeveloping it to serve as offices for MLAs and government staff. The first of more than 600 people began working in the building in February 2015.
Related news
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
by Webmaster | Apr 25, 2023 | Community, Public Safety
Alberta’s government is investing more funding into domestic violence prevention and supporting food security in women’s shelters across the province.
Women’s shelters in Alberta provide essential services for those fleeing domestic violence. With more funding, shelters will be able to expand supports and continue caring for women and families in their communities.
The government is providing $1.6 million to support prevention programs including expanded counselling supports for men who want to change their behaviours and expanded support provided by Sagesse to help individuals apply for information disclosure under Clare’s Law. This funding will also help women’s shelters provide food to the women and children they serve.
“Our government is grateful for the partnership we have with so many organizations that support women and families fleeing violence. With more support going into the sector, we are taking an approach that is not only reactive but also preventative to help stop domestic violence before it happens.”
Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
“These investments are providing critical supports to help women and families fleeing violence and end the cycle of domestic abuse. I am glad to continue advocating for women in Alberta, ensuring that our government continues to provide the support they need.”
Tanya Fir, parliamentary secretary for Status of Women
Providing support for men to change
Alberta’s government is providing $700,000 over two years to FearIsNotLove to support the Men’s Counselling Program and the Men& project. The counselling program helps men overcome anger and abusive behaviours in a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment through individual and group counselling sessions.
The Men& project is an online resource providing information and support to men who want to improve their relationships and mental health.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s support through the food security grant for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Program. We are also grateful for the incredible support of the Men& project, which will connect men to interactive resources and a helpline. Men& builds relationship capacities and the skills to build intimacy and connection, helping them overcome violent behaviours.”
Kim Ruse, CEO, FearIsNotLove
Supporting Clare’s Law applicants
Alberta’s government will provide a one-time grant of $450,000 to Sagesse to increase the supports offered to Albertans who make a Clare’s Law application for disclosure. The funding will help Sagesse increase awareness of the program, provide more training and enhance the network of services and supports for applicants.
“Clare’s Law has proven to be an important avenue to connect Albertans to the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives. With this additional funding, we will be able to continue to deliver a robust, timely and coordinated response to the diverse and complex needs of Albertans impacted by abuse.”
Andrea Silverstone, CEO, Sagesse
Support for women’s emergency shelters
Alberta’s government is providing $500,000 to emergency women’s shelters to help increase their capacity to source nutritious food for shelter clients. Funding will be provided directly to shelters with allocations based on the number of clients served.
Help is available to anyone experiencing any form of family violence. Immediate, 24-7 support is available by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 or using the online chat alberta.ca/SafetyChat. Calls can be answered in more than 170 languages.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
- Budget 2023 provides $55.1 million for women’s emergency shelters.
- Funding supports programming for and the operations of 31 women’s emergency shelters, 17 second-stage shelters, two seniors shelters, three outreach agencies and five fee-for-service shelters in First Nation communities.
- Clare’s Law was implemented on April 1, 2021.
- From April 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2023, 430 unique applicants have requested social services supports.
Related information
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
