Hale and Towle talk healthcare

Times Contributor    

 

Strathmore Brooks MLA Jason Hale and Wildrose Health Critic Kerry Towle were in Strathmore at the Travelodge on Aug. 20, to take the pulse of resident opinions before heading into the fall legislature. Both Wheatland County and the Town of Strathmore had a strong representation present and many members of the public wanted updates on issues affecting seniors, the Strathmore hospital and the looming WADEMSA contract talk deadline.

Hale said Minister Fred Horne told him in April that Strathmore should be happy that we had a new private care facility for our seniors, and we retained our hospital. Hale has been in contact with medical professionals in the area, and they have concerns about the quality of care that may be delivered by private facilities. He was also looking for support from the community regarding any concerns. He encourages people to be vigilant about the care of our seniors and be vocal if care is suffering. He said that stopping the transfer of patients from the hospital was not going to happen, but he wants to work with local residents to ensure that the best possible care is given to them. 

Janet Davidson, the head of Alberta Health Services (AHS), was contacted by Hale, and he was deferred to Alberta Health Services Julie Kerr, Vice President for Community, Rural and Mental Health for the Calgary Zone. She indicated that Strathmore Hospital was high on priority lists; however, flood relief may set back scheduled agendas. They were considering renewing a services study that was done in 2006. She indicated that she was open to meeting with local municipal councils.

Hale wanted to be sure that Strathmore’s hospital is not shut down, which he indicated may be a possibility if equipment is removed. 

“The approach I would like to take is to fight for the Strathmore hospital and take your concerns to Edmonton,” said Hale. “Without your support to back me up, it is just so much hot air.”

He wants residents to engage in a letter campaign to ask for concrete plans for the vacated space in the hospital. Hale said 2006 studies show that Strathmore is the second busiest emergency room in rural Alberta. It treats over 30,000 emergency patients a year. He indicated we need to ask for better regulations for private care facilities, the emergency room expansion, the retention or addition of diagnostic and lab equipment and the retention and addition to our medical staff. 

Towle said there is a concern that a lack of finances will be used as a reason to hold funding for seniors. Towle said the current government is operating with a $5.5 million deficit prior to the Alberta floods.

“The sustainability fund is gone. Seventeen billion dollars was gone in seven years. The rainy day fund no longer exists. The Heritage fund is worth little more today than in 1976 when Premier Lougheed created it. We have blown through our savings. We have blown though the money that was saved for our children. You don’t get vocal or loud, you just take it. You’ve been through the depression, you have been through the war, you saved you toiled and you did it for what?” questioned Towle. “You are giving the government your money to be stewards of it.”

 “Don’t believe the Ministry’s reassurances,” said Towle.

She said there are things that the community can do.

“We have to change the culture. We have to get rid of this government that perpetuates this culture. We need to bring back control to local governments,” said Towle.

Hale and Towle said the fall legislature will see a private members health bill put forward by Health Critic Heather Forsythe. They will also push caucus for better regulations. They will continue to fight for seniors and the concerns of area residents. Audience members suggested that the Wildrose Party begin adding their concerns into party policy that would be a platform during the next election.

Letters can be written to Janet Davidson’s office. Official Administrator, 10101 Southport Road SW, Calgary, Alberta T2W 3N2. She can be reached at E-mail: official.administrator@albertahealthservices.ca 

Letters can also be written to Health Minister Horne Legislature Office, 208 Legislature Building

10800 97 Avenue, Edmonton, AB. T5K 2B6 Phone: (780) 427-3665 Fax: (780) 415-0961 edmonton.rutherford@assembly.ab.ca