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The past two weeks have been turbulent times for the Alberta Health Care system. The canning of Sherman from the Provincial Legislature and the firing of Duckett after his Cooke Walk both sparked much controversy in the media. Sherman was criticized for his adamant opposition to the current health care system and his forceful berating of both the premier and the health minister for the pathetic state of the Alberta health system. Although rude, I must admit that I am inclined to agree. Over the weekend, a small Conservative bloc within the legislature has gone as far as to demand Sherman’s dismissal. To exacerbate the situation, rumors exist now of a deliberate vindicative attempt from the Alberta government to strip Sherman of his medical license. Duckett, of course, strode his famous walk with a cookie while screeching at the press at the urgency of eating. More than anything, the seemingly lack of accountability to the public should be punished. Nevertheless, a rude comment does not necessarily warrant a ceremonious firing. It certainly doesn’t demand the personal condemnation from the Premier and a direct recommendation to relieve Duckett of his post. Of course, to follow along this media circus, several members of the health board later quit in protest. Surely, the amount of publicity and controversy surrounding the health care system is overwhelming to say the least.
The fire and smoke of the past couple of weeks are nothing more than smokescreen for more pressing demands of the health care system. Based on the evaluation of a private firm and also from the provincial health care system itself, on average only 35 per cent of people visiting the emergency room in Alberta are treated within eight hours. Â That wait time is by far the longest in Canada. The average is pulled up by several hospitals such as the Alberta Children’s Hospital. In some hospitals like the Rockyview, the percentage of people admitted within eight hours is less than 24 per cent. Â Expanding on this idea, the ER is the most urgent area of the hospital. Delays within other wards may cause exacerbation of the condition but delays in ER really cost lives. If any part of the hospital should be fast, it should be the ER. In fact, at least five deaths were recorded last year just from the delay at the ER waiting room alone. The ultimate goal of the Alberta Health Services is for 90 per cent of patients in ER to be admitted within eight hours. However, compared to European standards, such speeds are still unacceptable for the ER.
These health care problems stems directly from government policy. The Conservative Government of Alberta allots the lowest amount of money per capita to health care in Canada. If anyone can recall the welfare checks of Klein’s era, the stringency is certainly not from a lack of money. With the exception of the last couple of years, the province experienced the greatest surplus in Canada. The policy was partially pursued to encourage private health care in Alberta, especially to reduce taxes for those that can afford it. The government needs to change its policies. More taxes will have to be gathered from sources like gas royalties and redirection of funds needs to be done.
The biggest blockade to change is an ignorant public. The premier fires Duckett as a scapegoat and the legislature silences the dissidence of Sherman. Instead of realizing and understanding the real problems of the health care system, it is not rude politicians or rude businessmen, the problem is attention diverted into such petty matters. Check out the video. At least Duckett is working towards solving the problem. I wonder how fast ER wait times will be reduced after firing him and having several members resign.
