Health consultation report available to Albertans
September 16, 2010
Health Charter, Health Advocate among recommendations
Edmonton… Edmonton Rutherford MLA Fred Horne has released a report containing recommendations on developing an Alberta Health Act which is intended to help guide Alberta’s publicly funded health system into the future. Minister of Health and Wellness, Gene Zwozdesky received the report on September 15 and requested it be released to the public as soon as possible. He also indicated he would respond to the report’s recommendations in October.The report, comprised of 2 parts, was prepared by MLA Horne and an 8-member Advisory Committee, and is the result of a 4-month dialogue with Albertans that was focused on gathering their views about an Alberta Health Act.
Part One, Putting People First – Recommendations For An Alberta Health Act provides 15 recommendations that cover areas such as guiding principles, a health charter and public engagement. Part Two, Putting People First – A Summary of Views, provides a comprehensive summary of input provided by Albertans through community workshops held across the province, a public survey, and written submissions.
“This was a tremendous opportunity to listen to what people had to say about the state of health and health care in Alberta,” said MLA Horne. “I am grateful to everyone: to Albertans for taking the time to share their views, wisdom and insight; to the members of our Advisory Committee for their help and stewardship; to Alberta’s 12 Health Advisory Councils for hosting the community workshops; and, to all those who provided written submissions. The recommendations in this report, shaped by Albertans, lay out a framework for moving forward on new health legislation and improvements to the health system and most importantly deliver a clear message: Albertans want a health system that puts people first.”
In February of this year, Minister Zwozdesky asked MLA Horne to lead the consultation with the support of an advisory committee. This consultation followed government’s acceptance of the 4 recommendations from the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Health this past January.
“Albertans want to be engaged in decisions that affect their health care system,” said Zwozdesky. “The consultation process that I asked MLA Fred Horne to undertake involved more than 1300 Albertans in 23 communities across the province. This is important work that will provide our government with a greater understanding of what Albertans expect from their publicly funded health care system and what we, as a government, can do to make it even stronger.”
Recommendations include: establishing principles in the Alberta Health Act that clearly put people first; mandating a Health Charter that acknowledges that health and health care are a partnership between individuals, families, communities, health providers and the government; establishing a Health Advocate; and new approaches to public engagement on health legislation, regulation and policy matters.
The report also recommends making a commitment in the Health Charter that all Albertans have access to primary care through primary care teams.
You can view the report and the written submissions provided to MLA Horne and the advisory committee at www.health.alberta.ca.
The Alberta government has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.
-30-
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Fred Horne
MLA Edmonton Rutherford
780-414-1311
Andy Weiler
Communications
Health and Wellness
780-719-9325
