Category Archives: Alberta Health Care

Running with Scissors: Another AHS CEO Bites the Dust

Posted on November 17, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

It’s like running with scissors.  It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. On Oct 17, 2013, Duncan Campbell took over as interim CEO of Alberta Health Services, replacing Dr Chris Eagle who abruptly resigned with two years … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Edmonton’s $3 Billion Super Lab: Where’s the business case?

Posted on November 6, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Is there anyone left in the PC government with a lick of common sense? Last week the NDP revealed that the government intends to outsource lab services to a private corporation and has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Consultation 0005: Greater Transparency or Interfering with a Doctor’s “Right” to Get Rich?

Posted on November 3, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

 Do doctors have the “democratic” right to charge whatever the market will bear for “uninsured” medical services?  Or do the principles of universality and accessibility under the Canada Health Act still apply to the practice of medicine in Alberta? Apparently … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Smith vs Mason Debate: An Enlightening Evening

Posted on October 20, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

“Tonight we will witness a debate of Epic Proportions!  “In the Right Corner, the Freedom Fighter—Danielle Smith!!!  In the Left Corner, the Protector of the People—Brian Mason!!!”  Mount Royal University was hosting the ninth and final debate between Wildrose leader, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Education, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Janet Davidson is appointed Deputy Minister of Health

Posted on September 11, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The Redford government just passed an Order in Council appointing Janet Davidson Deputy Minister of Health.  This decision has many implications, not the least of which is this:  Will Ms Davidson continue in her role as Official Administrator of Alberta … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

It’s Really Not About Access to Private MRIs

Posted on September 8, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The dapper Dr Theman stands unfazed in a thicket of microphones and TV cameras and repeats for the umpteenth time that proposed changes to the doctors’ Standards of Practice will not, repeat, not, shut down private MRI and CT services—these … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments

“Show me the money”: The Alberta Medical Association Channels Jerry Maguire

Posted on August 18, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

To borrow a phrase from Renee Zellweger in the movie Jerry Maguire, Dr Michael Giuffre had me at hello.  He battled Health Minister Fred Horne for months, finally getting the Health Minister’s signature on the AMA Agreement settling doctors’ compensation.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

A(nother) Trip to the Mayo: The Power of Seamless Connections

Posted on August 4, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

For the record, the Soapbox family is not crazy about going to the US for medical care, but our eldest daughter (let’s call her “Missy”) has some serious health issues (I blame it on Mr Soapbox’s gene pool) and her … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

The Home Care Consolidation Debacle: Fred Horne’s Mission Impossible

Posted on July 21, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Like Tom Cruise in Ghost Protocol, Health Minister Horne is tearing through the building trying to stay ahead of the explosives he’s set to detonate.  The big question is will he make it out in time. So far Fred has … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Health Minister Fred Horne: The Puppet Master

Posted on July 7, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The Google search engine connecting a reader to the Soapbox spat out this query:  “Is Fred Horne as stupid as he looks?”  Yikes!  That’s bit harsh.  But I must admit the question had crossed my mind (without the reference to Mr … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 17 Comments