President's Letter
Dear Members,
Government has announced short-term recommendations from the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative and funding for primary care in the provincial budget. We see generally good news, if somewhat short on details, to ensure we support sustainable family practice and move primary care in the right direction. Outside of MAPS we have raised immediate actions (e.g., proposed delegation and after-hours expansion) and will continue to discuss these things.
Items of note from the announcement include:
- The extreme burnout and overstressed state of health care providers was noted.
- Investment in primary care was presented as part of solutions leading to healthier patients and lower system costs.
- There are additional resources and funding for Primary Care Networks to support local programs and member clinics in team-based care, including reinstating the Operational Stability Fund.
- There is intent to expand teams with allied health professionals, emphasizing the need to promote continuity of care. Details will matter. We must avoid fragmentation.
- We welcome long overdue attention to the voice of Indigenous patients and communities for input and direction so that they can access culturally safe, quality care that is devoid of racism.
There is an election ahead and both major parties are paying attention to primary care. This is positive. The AMA will aim to continue that focus and seek more clarity on what is being proposed so that Albertans have the information they need to compare and make up their own minds.
You are always welcome to share your thoughts with me. You can email me via president@albertadoctors.org. You can also comment on this letter on the AMA website.
Regards,
fred Rinaldi, MD, CCFP, FCFP, LLB, MBA, MPA(HSA), BCom
President, Alberta Medical Association
"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You can not withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'"