This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
Dysfunctional health-care system affects front-line care, says Ballermann.
Edmonton (22 Oct. 2013) – The resignation of Dr. Chris Eagle as CEO and president of Alberta Health Services (AHS) demonstrates that the management crisis in health care is far from over, says Elisabeth Ballermann of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE).
Instability at Alberta Health Services a major concern for staff and public
“Albertans are sick and tired of the continuing instability at AHS,” says Ballermann, HSAA President, which represents nearly 25,000 paramedical technical, professional and general support employees in health care. “Our members are exhausted and frustrated by the constant upheaval at the workplace. This dysfunctional management affects their job on the front lines and their ability to care for patients.”
Health care in Alberta has been through constant reorganizations in the last 20 years, with management moving from hospitals to 19 health regions, then to 17 health regions, then nine regions and then the creation of the single entity of AHS. Other major changes include privatization of numerous services and the integration of EMS into AHS.
“There has been a revolving door in senior management since the creation of AHS, compounded by the recent firing of the board and the elimination of dozens of vice-president positions,” says Ballermann.
Recent decisions indicate a health care system in crisis
“It’s time for stability in health care, but we have little confidence that we will see that. Given the history of unrelenting government interference and constant upheaval, we fear it will be hard to find someone to take on this thankless task,” she says.
“Recent decisions to cut funding to People with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), the failed reorganization of home care in an attempt to save money, the proposal to privatize laboratories in Edmonton and the cuts in spending across the board are all examples of a health care system in crisis. These decisions are the result of government pressure to cut spending,” says Ballermann.
“While the government is currently considering its budget for next year, it needs to hear what Albertans have been saying loud and clear. They don’t want any more unnecessary cuts, they don’t want more for-profit corporations in health care and they want, need and deserve stability.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE