What’s changing

Right now, the system gets in the way of health care delivery. It is complex and uncoordinated, resulting in unacceptable wait times, service disruptions and problems accessing primary care like family doctors.

We need to get you the right care when and where you need it.

That’s why we’re refocusing the system to prioritize patient care and empower frontline health care workers. We will do this by creating a single provincial health system with 4 specialized areas of focus managed by sector-specific health organizations: primary care, acute care, continuing care and mental health and addiction.

Through this refocus, we will move to a modern, more responsive and effective health care system.

Icon of a stethoscope

Primary Care
organization

Icon of a hospital

Acute Care
organization

Icon of a hand holding a person standing with a cane.

Continuing Care
organization

Icon of a head with a circular maze as the brain with little lines radiating out of the head.

Mental Health and Addiction
organization

  • Previous engagement activities and learnings from past and current healthcare systems helped guide and inform the refocusing process.

    2015 to 2023
  • Introduce the health care refocusing plan to Albertans and frontline healthcare workers.

    November 8
  • Appoint a new Alberta Health Services board.

    November 8
  • Collaboration and engagement with health care professionals and organizations.

    November 2023
  • Establish and present transition boards for the Primary Care and Continuing Care organizations.

    December 2023
  • Establish the Indigenous Advisory Council and 12 regional advisory councils.

    Winter 2023/24
  • Establish the Continuing Care organization and the Mental Health and Addiction organization.

    Spring 2024
  • New organizations address ideas and considerations brought forward from health care workers.

    Spring 2024 - ongoing
  • Establish the Primary Care organization and the Acute Care organization.

    Fall 2024

The Alberta Association of Nurses is highly supportive of the bold steps the Government of Alberta is taking to refocus the health care system. These changes will help create better work environments for nurses and enable them to better provide care that meets the needs of Albertans.”

Kathy Howe, Chief Executive Officers, Alberta Association of Nurses

What this means for your health care

Currently, you are not getting the best out of your health care system.

We're refocusing health care delivery by creating 4 dedicated health organizations to oversee areas that you and health care workers have identified as most important. It will lead to reduced wait times, improved access to health care and better health outcomes long term.

This shift puts you first in every health care decision.

Find out more

A young baby sits on their mother's lap while a doctor holds a stethoscope on their chest. The mom holds the baby's arm while the baby grabs the stethoscope cord.

What this means for you as a health care professional

You move mountains every day for your patients, residents and clients, and you deserve a health care system that supports you in delivering the highest quality health care.

We know Alberta’s health care professionals strive to provide the best care possible, but right now the system gets in the way because it’s too complex and uncoordinated.

With these 4 focused areas, the system will better support you, prioritize your wellbeing and leverage your experiences to enhance health care for all Albertans.

Find out more

A young nurse wearing blue scrubs smiles at the camera. A group of healthcare workers stands in the background.

How we got here

Our learned experience from the previous regional system and the current consolidated structure, combined with feedback from engagements, led to this refocusing of the health care system into areas important to Albertans and health care workers.

Learn more

News

November 21, 2023

Calling on all Albertans to help shape health care

All Albertans are encouraged to participate in an online survey on the refocusing of Alberta’s health care system.

November 8, 2023

Refocusing on patient-centred care

A refocused health care system will improve health outcomes for Albertans and empower health care workers to deliver quality care across the province.

November 8, 2023

New AHS board to refocus on acute care delivery

Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange has appointed a new AHS board to refocus Alberta Health Services as the province transitions the health care system.

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