July 2008 Message

Two months ago our province started down a path toward creating a single health system to oversee the planning and delivery of health services in Alberta.

Today I want to tell you about some important first steps that we have taken to restructure and enhance health care in the province, and to ensure that patients and clients, regardless where they live, have the care and services they need, when they need it.

First we have established a team of health leaders from across the province to help guide this new structure. This team will build on the excellence in health that already exists in the province as they develop a new system for delivering health services. This new system will be integrated and coordinated, providing easy and consistent access to services for all Albertans. We will reduce or eliminate barriers to the smooth delivery of health services.

During the restructuring changes, patients and clients will continue to access health services in the same way without any disruption. I also want to reassure you that retaining and recruiting health professionals is a priority for Alberta Health Services.

Our new approach is a work in progress. We know that it will evolve as we move ahead but I promise you as we move ahead that Albertans will be at the centre of all our decisions. We want to design a system that is easy to access, flexible to meet growing and changing demands, coordinated, consistent for all Albertans and, most of all, is patient and client focused.

Please use our Contact form to send us your questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Ken Hughes
Chair, Alberta Health Services Board