Health care turmoil continues with Alberta Health Services staff transfers, terminations
In a recent development, another high-ranking Alberta Health Services official has been ousted from their position, adding to the ongoing overhaul of the province’s health system. This move comes amidst a contract procurement controversy that has engulfed the government in a cloud of scrutiny.
On Tuesday, 425 Alberta Health Services staff members were informed that their positions will be transferred to Acute Care Alberta starting April 1. The memo, signed by AHS interim president and CEO Andre Tremblay, outlined that employees from various teams, including surgical care, planning and performance, patient safety, and contracting related to chartered surgical facilities, will be moved.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that Penny Rae, the chief information officer (CIO) of AHS, has been dismissed from her role. Rae played a crucial role in implementing Connect Care, the health authority’s centralized clinical information system, and was nationally recognized for her leadership in digital health.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange faced inquiries from NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi regarding the firing of the CIO and other high-ranking officials during a legislative session. LaGrange acknowledged the transfer of staff and mentioned that a few positions have been eliminated, emphasizing that they are not frontline staff or involved in procurement.
The recent shakeup in personnel comes as the UCP government faces allegations of impropriety in contract procurement processes at the Department of Health and AHS, particularly concerning chartered surgical facilities, pain medication, and COVID-19 personal protective equipment. Former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos has filed a wrongful dismissal suit, claiming government pressure to sign contracts for chartered surgical facilities.
Dr. Braden Manns, a former AHS interim vice president, expressed concerns about the government’s motives in consolidating control over the health system through these staffing changes. He noted that experienced leaders like Rae are being replaced, creating instability in the health system.
The transition of staff to Acute Care Alberta is part of the government’s restructuring efforts, which have already seen the establishment of Primary Care Alberta and Recovery Alberta. AHS will be relegated to a hospital service provider role once ACA is fully operational, alongside other healthcare organizations.
As the government moves forward with its health system reforms, more changes in staffing are expected. Assisted Living Alberta, the final new health agency, is set to become operational later this year.
In response to the ongoing changes, the health minister’s office emphasized the government’s commitment to refocusing and improving Alberta’s healthcare system. Staff members are being supported through these transitions to ensure the delivery of high-quality care to all Albertans.
The dismissal of CIO Penny Rae and the transfer of AHS staff to Acute Care Alberta mark significant shifts in the province’s health system landscape. As the government navigates through these changes, the impact on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes remains to be seen.
