Alberta’s government is investing $809 million to strengthen surgical services by increasing operating room availability, expanding the use of chartered surgical facilities, and upgrading hospital infrastructure. With this investment the first phase of patient-focused funding implementation will begin to modernize how surgeries are delivered and funded.
Patient-focused funding will tie the number of patients treated to hospital funding, taking into consideration the complexity of care provided. This ensures funding follows the patient rather than traditional block funding, helping improve access to surgery and reducing wait times for procedures that can significantly enhance quality of life.
“Behind every surgery is a person waiting to get back to their life. By expanding surgical capacity and modernizing how we fund care, we are strengthening our health system so Albertans can access the care they need to return to what matters most.”
First announced last year, the initial phase of patient-focused funding is now in place across 12 hospitals, applying to high-volume procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, cataract surgeries and select shoulder procedures.
Patient-focused funding has been introduced gradually in other jurisdictions over several years, including the U.K., Germany, Australia and Norway. In these cases, implementation occurred in successive stages as impacts were assessed so systems could adapt. In Alberta, future phases will be introduced following careful assessment of early results, supporting a stable and measured transition to a model that works for patients and the health system.
“Patient-focused funding is about making sure resources follow the patient and the care being delivered. We continue to learn from leading jurisdictions around the world so we can improve access, strengthen the system and deliver better care for Albertans.”
Through Budget 2026, Alberta is investing $525 million over three years in the Acute Care Action Plan. This will support up to 50,000 additional surgeries by expanding operating room capacity in public hospitals and increasing the use of chartered surgical facilities for lower-complexity procedures. This will help free up hospital capacity for more complex cases, which will reduce wait times and improve patient flow.
“We are focused on turning capital investment into real results for patients. By upgrading and expanding operating room space in our hospitals, we are improving access to surgical care and building a stronger, more resilient system.”
In addition, Alberta is investing $284 million over three years through the Alberta Surgical Initiative Capital Program to renovate operating rooms, upgrade surgical infrastructure and purchase new equipment in publicly owned hospitals. These investments will improve efficiency and expand long-term surgical capacity across the system.
“These targeted investments, combined with the implementation of patient-focused funding, will expand access, improve transparency and drive efficiency in surgical care across the province.”
“The implementation of patient-focused funding is occurring in a thoughtful and intentional manner to ensure that over time, Albertans can experience the full benefits of an activity-based model, including better access, greater efficiency and improved transparency.”
Alberta completed a record number of surgeries last fiscal year, performing 332,847 procedures and exceeding both its annual target and the previous year’s total. Surgical volumes continued to climb throughout the year, reaching a record-high monthly total of 24,676 surgeries in March 2026. Alberta’s government is continuing to build on that momentum to ensure Albertans receive care within clinically recommended timelines.
Together, these initiatives strengthen Alberta’s publicly funded health care system by expanding capacity, modernizing infrastructure and improving how surgical care is delivered.
Quick facts
- In 2025, 332,847 total surgeries were completed across Alberta.
- 264,823 surgeries (79.6 per cent) were performed in acute care facilities.
- 68,024 surgeries (20.4 per cent) were completed in chartered surgical facilities.
- Patient-focused funding is commonly referred to as activity-based funding in other jurisdictions.
Related information
Related news
- Budget 2026: Focused on strengthening acute care (March 3, 2026)
- Acute Care Action Plan delivers now (Nov. 14, 2025)
- Refocusing acute care funding in Alberta (April 7, 2025)