The announcement of yet another governance change in Alberta’s health system does not deal with the real concerns of patients or nurses, says the United Nurses of Alberta.
But the change is more superficial than initial reports make it out to be. Although the Health Region boards are being dissolved the Health Regions continue to exist as corporate entities.
“For nurses, and patients, it should not affect the day-to-day operation, for now,” says UNA President Heather Smith. “It does create some uncertainty and instability, though.”
“Mr. Liepert is optimistic if he thinks this change will help Albertans get access to better care,” Heather Smith said.
“Albertans could have much more confidence in their future health care, if this government was announcing some simple direct steps like more resources for educating nurses..”
Putting health services directly under the Health minister could provide better accountability for decisions that affect Albertans and the services they can get, the union says.
“Whether this is positive or negative in the future, we can’t know yet,” Heather Smith said.
The union will be requesting a meeting with the new Health board to discuss the implications of the change.
United Nurses of Alberta is the union for close to 25,000 Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and other health workers.
For further comment: Heather Smith, President, United Nurses of Alberta 780 425-1025. |
