Alberta Health

Albertans in pain look elsewhere for treatment, as COVID surgery delays compound wait times

‘We’re in a bad place, to be honest,’ says orthopedic surgeon at Red Deer hospital. Alberta cancelled all elective surgeries during the fourth wave as the province’s intensive care units filled up with very … READ MORE

New report raises critical issues around disability rights in Alberta

13 advocates, known as Radical Inclusion, compiled report for U.N. committee. Roxanne Ulanicki is the lead facilitator of the Radical Inclusion report that was submitted to the United Nations on Tuesday. Submitted by Roxanne Ulanicki … READ MORE

Appeal dismissal puts Alberta young adults transitioning out of government care in limbo

Alberta government says recipients losing benefits are eligible for extension. Lawyer Avnish Nanda says the government is putting hundreds of marginalized young adults at a greater risk by losing the person who most closely resembles … READ MORE

Alberta urged to reconsider cutting off hundreds of young adults from financial support

Province says young Albertans leaving program will be set up with right support. A current and former government employee in Children’s Services say adult programs don’t meet the complex needs of young adults transitioning … READ MORE

Government-run homes for disabled Albertans will not be privatized

Families express relief and joy at decision to maintain status quo. Brenda Waluk holds the hand of her granddaughter Taelyr in the back garden of Rosecrest Home in Edmonton during a visit last summer. Trevor Wilson CBC Michelle … READ MORE

AISH date change made to make finances look better, auditor general says

‘It was done on the backs of disabled Albertans,’ opposition critic Marie Renaud says. Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney repeatedly told the legislature the benefit dates were changed to provide more … READ MORE

MLA’s AISH experiment likely won’t change government’s mind, advocates say

St. Albert NDP MLA Marie Renaud has vowed to live on $1,685 in October. NDP MLA Marie Renaud is spending October living on $1,685, the amount a single person on AISH receives each month. CBC Michelle Bellefontaine, CBC News … READ MORE

Leave AISH payments alone, Opposition and advocates tell Alberta government

Government hasn’t ruled out a program cut. Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley says Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney should reassure AISH recipients their payments will not be cut. A report suggests the … READ MORE

UCP government changes application process for AISH

Applicants must first prove medical condition to determine eligibility. The Alberta government has now prioritized medical criteria ahead of income and asset tests for people who apply for AISH, an income support program for people … READ MORE

Calgary mother worries some disabled Albertans are being overlooked during pandemic

Alberta’s single site restriction doesn’t apply to health-care aides working in people’s homes. Laverne Bissky and her husband made the decision years ago to take care of their 24-year-old daughter Kasenya Bissky, … READ MORE

In Canada, Albertans wary of ‘big brother’ with use of COVID-19 digital-tracing app

More users needed: Lessons from Alberta’s coronavirus contact tracing app. Alberta released its contact tracing app, ABTraceTogether, last week. But early uptake figures and a key design quirk show how challenging it will be for … READ MORE

Injunction stops hundreds of young adults from losing benefits as they transition from care

Young mother challenged amendment set to take effect April 1. Edmonton mother sues province over cuts to program helping young adults like her transition out of care. An Edmonton woman will be cut off early from government supports … READ MORE

It can be very taxing on families: New study reflects unmet needs of Canadian caregivers

1 in 4 Canadians provide care to a family member or friend – StatsCan report. Of those surveyed by Statistics Canada for a report released in January 2020, nearly 70 per cent of caregivers who had received some type of support … READ MORE

New smartphone app gives Albertans access to virtual health care during COVID-19 pandemic

Babylon mobile app allows you to check symptoms, consult with doctors. Using Babylon, an app developed by Telus Health, patients can have one-to-one video consultations with doctors, with the cost of those virtual visits covered by … READ MORE

COVID-19: The latest guidance for Canadians on travel, quarantines and what to do if you have symptoms

‘We’re in this really unstable phase of the pandemic,’ Canadian infectious disease expert says. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Canada, experts are trying to slow the spread and prevent the health-care system … READ MORE

AISH recipients upset about lack of consultation on payment-date changes

Government says it did “informal” consultations about changes effective in March. Albertans with disabilities who receive benefits from the province say they were never consulted about changes to monthly benefits which … READ MORE

Pre-school Resource Fair in Calgary, January 25, 2020

Jennifer Buchanan provides music therapy to a child at Williams Syndrome Association Conference. Joey Podlubny. CBC Radio The Children’s Link Society and Alberta Health Services invite you to attend the 2020 Pre-school Resource … READ MORE

Alternate payment model is saving province millions at two Alberta clinics

HQCA studied 10 years’ worth of data at two clinics that offer team-based model of care. A new report by the Health Quality Council of Alberta reveals two Alberta primary care clinics — using an alternative funding model for … READ MORE

People with severe disabilities feel ‘duped’ by Alberta government, AISH recipient says

‘It concerns me because the vulnerable community can become more vulnerable.’ Disability advocate Ian Young began receiving AISH payments in 2004 after suffering several strokes. Wallis Snowdon CBC CBC News Edmonton … READ MORE

Alberta nurses have ‘grave concerns’ with rollout of Connect Care

A new electronic system that will eventually be used across all Alberta Health Services facilities is scheduled to launch at some Edmonton locations at 4 a.m. Sunday. WATCH: Some Edmonton health facilities are bracing for potential … READ MORE

100% Orthotics coverage for Registered First Nations and Inuit

As a registered orthotic provider with Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Braceworks bills the NIHB Program directly. The Indigenous Health Program supports practices with ties to Indigenous culture and tradition, including midwifery … READ MORE

Alberta Seniors programs and services 2019

This Guide is designed to help seniors and their families stay informed about the assistance available to seniors in our province, through programs such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. This important program provides a monthly cash … READ MORE

AISH, income support, seniors benefits indexed to cost of living under new bill

Increases to benefits for Albertans in need coming January 1, 2019. Premier Rachel Notley and Community and Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir announced increases to AISH, seniors’ benefits and income support in Edmonton … READ MORE

We now have a voice: Alberta appoints advocate for people with disabilities

The office, led by para-athlete Tony Flores, will officially open in mid-November. Tony Flores, centre, has been appointed as the Alberta government’s first advocate for persons with disabilities. Government of Alberta CBC News … READ MORE

AHS failed to protect health information, privacy commissioner finds

Former Alberta Hospital Edmonton employee looked at private information of nearly 13,000 people. Alberta Health Services failed to ensure an employee of Alberta Hospital Edmonton knew about and followed safeguards to protect health … READ MORE

2018-19 Orthotic Clinics at Emily Follensbee School

Interested in convenient orthotic service for your child in the comfort of the school with their physiotherapist? New patients welcome. Call Braceworks 403-240-9100 for details. GRIT students have access to the pool at Emily … READ MORE

More health-care spending an expensive way to buy health

It’s budget season and provincial governments are continuing to spend more on healthcare than any other portfolio. For example, Alberta spends almost half its budget on health — an estimated $22 billion this year — which is more … READ MORE

Leaked report reveals lax cybersecurity over Alberta patient health records

Leaked report reveals lax cybersecurity over Alberta patient health records. A leaked report obtained by CBC News suggests Alberta Health Services needs to improve its cybersecurity in regards to patient records. CBC Jennie Russell, … READ MORE

Alberta health union launches campaign against ‘threats’ posed by UCP

One of the province’s largest health care unions is wading into the political arena by launching a media campaign to counter “threats” to public health care posed by the potential election of the United Conservative Party next … READ MORE

Province hiring its first advocate for people with disabilities

‘This doesn’t answer all of the issues, but it’s definitely a start.’ Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir is overseeing the creation of a new office that will advocate for people with … READ MORE

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