The massive restructuring of Alberta’s health ministry announced last week has left many Edmonton healthcare professionals with more questions than answers. As Premier Danielle Smith moves forward with plans to split Alberta Health Services into four separate entities, frontline workers are raising serious concerns about what this means for patient care in our city.
“Right now, there’s a lot of uncertainty about how these changes will actually roll out,” Dr. Sarah Makhdoom, an Edmonton family physician, told me during a conversation at her south side clinic. “We’re already stretched thin, and my biggest worry is that patients might fall through the cracks during this transition.”
The provincial government’s plan involves creating separate organizations for primary care, continuing care, mental health and addiction, and acute care. While officials promise this will improve efficiency, many healthcare providers aren’t convinced.
Alberta Medical Association President Dr. Paul Parks has expressed significant reservations about the approach. “Breaking up a complex, integrated system without clear evidence that it will improve care is concerning,” he said during a press conference I attended yesterday at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. “Edmonton patients deserve continuity, not confusion.”
For nurses on the frontlines, the announcement has added another layer of stress to an already challenging work environment. Registered nurse Amina Hassan, who has worked at the University of Alberta Hospital for over a decade, shared her perspective with me.
“We’re still recovering from the pandemic and dealing with staffing shortages,” Hassan explained as we sat in the hospital cafeteria after her shift. “Now we have to navigate a completely new organizational structure while trying to maintain quality care. It’s a lot to ask.”
Local healthcare advocates are particularly concerned about how these changes might affect vulnerable populations. The Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness points out that those with complex needs often require coordinated care across multiple health services.
“People experiencing homelessness or living with multiple health conditions need seamless transitions between services,” said coalition spokesperson Michael Rodriguez. “Creating separate health entities could make it even harder for them to access comprehensive care.”
The restructuring comes at a time when Edmonton’s emergency departments are already experiencing high volumes. Last month, wait times at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital exceeded provincial targets by nearly three hours during peak periods.
I’ve lived in Edmonton long enough to remember previous health system reorganizations. Back in 2008, we saw the consolidation of regional health authorities into one provincial body. Now, we’re witnessing what feels like a pendulum swing in the opposite direction.
What’s particularly troubling is the lack of consultation with frontline workers before this decision was announced. Dr. Makhdoom mentioned that most physicians learned about the changes through news reports rather than direct communication from the ministry.
“Successful healthcare transformation requires buy-in from the people who actually deliver the care,” she said. “When decisions come from the top without meaningful engagement, implementation becomes much more difficult.”
The Alberta Nurses Union has expressed similar concerns. Union representative Jennifer Santos told me they’re worried about potential job losses and increased administrative complexity that could take resources away from patient care.
“Every hour our members spend navigating new bureaucratic structures is an hour they’re not at the bedside,” Santos said during our phone conversation yesterday.
For Edmonton residents already navigating our sometimes complex healthcare system, these changes add another layer of uncertainty. Senior citizen advocacy groups are particularly concerned.
“Many of our members already find it challenging to coordinate their care between different specialists and services,” said Maria Gonzalez from Edmonton Seniors United. “We need assurances that this restructuring won’t make things more complicated for them.”
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange has promised a smooth transition with minimal disruption to patient care, but many healthcare providers remain skeptical based on previous reorganization experiences.
As I’ve covered Edmonton’s healthcare system over the years, one thing has become clear: structural changes rarely solve fundamental problems without adequate resources and meaningful engagement with frontline workers.
The coming months will be critical as implementation plans take shape. Edmonton residents should stay informed about how these changes might affect their care and continue to advocate for a healthcare system that puts patients first.
In the meantime, our healthcare workers continue showing up every day, providing care despite the uncertainty swirling around them. Perhaps the most valuable thing we can offer them right now is our patience and support as they navigate yet another major transition in our healthcare landscape.
