SASKATOON – At least two Alberta farm women aren’t happy with proposed changes to the provincial health system.
Verna Kett of Wainwright, president of the Women of Unifarm, says changes are needed but wonders if the right ones are being proposed. Kett is worried that increased premiums will result in a two-tiered system of health care. Although no increases have been announced, Kett is sure they will come.
Albertans currently pay $30 for individuals and $60 for families per month.
Kett says she is not against reducing government coverage for some services suggested such as chiropractors or tubal ligations. Nor is she against fewer but larger hospital regional boards. In the Wainwright area, one board runs two hospitals in a large area.
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But Kett would like to see individual hospitals come up with their own cost-cutting plans.
“There should be some reward system, some incentive for efficiencies and lower administration costs,” Kett said.
Christine Mitzer of Strathmore, president of the Alberta Women in Support of Agriculture also agrees cutbacks are possible but not necessarily those proposed by government.
Keep patient in mind
She is worried larger hospital boards could result in less efficiency because they don’t have the same sense of responsibility. She points to their board in Strathmore which is efficient, low cost and keeps the needs of the patient in mind.
Mitzer said reducing the number of hospital boards is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of doctors. She pointed to some clinics in British Columbia which are run and staffed by nurses who are adequately trained for some diagnosis and treatment.
Mitzner said that not all small hospitals need operating rooms and expensive equipment. Most people go to a larger centre for these services anyway. But the smaller facilities are needed for extended and long term care so patients can be close to family.
Both women are in total agreement on one point. They feel the government should investigate more local ideas for cost savings before bringing in wholesale changes.
