Nothing in life is more certain than death, yet many of us are reluctant to talk about it. Now is not the time to avoid this conversation. A significant change to end-of-life care is being proposed in Alberta, and it deserves careful public attention. Since 2016, Canada’s federal framework for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)Continue reading “Living and Dying with Dignity”
Category Archives: Health Care
A New Year’s Resolution for Public Service Over Politics
January is the season of resolutions – as individuals, we resolve to eat better, exercise more and generally do better in our lives. What if governments also saw the birth of a new year as a way to renew their commitment to better serve the public? After a year marked by controversy, conflict, and costlyContinue reading “A New Year’s Resolution for Public Service Over Politics”
Politics vs Public Health
Alberta is in the midst of a measles outbreak — and you would hardly know it. Unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, our provincial leaders are keeping quiet. We are not receiving regular updates from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, nor has the premier publicly endorsed the most effective way to stop this outbreak: vaccination.Continue reading “Politics vs Public Health”
A Family Physician for Every Albertan
All some people want for Christmas is a family doctor. A report released earlier this month from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that 1 in 7 visits to the emergency department is for a condition that can be treated by a primary care provider – a family doctor or a nurse practitioner. Continue reading “A Family Physician for Every Albertan”
Seasonal Vaccines Save Lives
The season of deadly respiratory viruses is here. While some people suffer minor inconveniences from respiratory infections, others can experience life-threatening events resulting in hospitalization, ICU admission or worse. Respiratory viruses like influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more prevalent in the months from fall to spring and can have very serious consequencesContinue reading “Seasonal Vaccines Save Lives”
We are sick of sick notes
There is one thing doctors and patients can readily agree upon: we both hate sick notes. Patients loathe waiting long hours in overcrowded waiting rooms to request a note and doctors detest the added burden on the healthcare system in providing one. Sick note policies increase use of scarce healthcare resources as employees are forcedContinue reading “We are sick of sick notes”
Destabilizing Alberta’s Healthcare System
The UCP government in Alberta has proposed major restructuring of the health care system causing concern for potential increase in fragmentation and expenses. Critics argue the changes could deplete quality patient care, destabilize the healthcare system, and politicize decisions. While some see potential improvements in attention to primary, continuing care, mental health, and addictions services, the overall impact of restructuring on the province’s health crisis remains questionable.
Cleaning up our act in healthcare
The healthcare system is tasked with saving lives and improving the health of populations and individuals. But what if it is contributing to environmental degradation and global warming, and making us sicker in the process? The healthcare system is the fifth largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions globally and contributes 4.6% to all greenhouse gasContinue reading “Cleaning up our act in healthcare”
Health care reform is within reach
Last week, the federal government pledged an additional $46 billion over 10 years to provinces and territories for health care delivery. Primary care, health care workforce, information sharing and mental health and substance use were cited as priority areas. This much-awaited funding announcement left more than a few people disappointed. Provincial and territorial premiers wereContinue reading “Health care reform is within reach”
Canada must resolve to do better
It is a new year and a time of renewal. Many of us have made personal resolutions to eat healthier, produce less waste, and spend more time with family and friends. But what about as a country – what can we, as Canadians, resolve to do better in 2023 and into the future? Certainly, thereContinue reading “Canada must resolve to do better”
The Engaged Citizen 