Category Archives: Alberta Health Care

Merry Christmas Florence Nightingale

Posted on December 23, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, once said “No man, not even a doctor, ever gives any other definition of what a nurse should be than this –‘devoted and obedient.’  This definition would do just as well for a … Continue reading →

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

We are not the Borg!

Posted on December 9, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

The Borg is an alien race that exists in the Star Trek universe.  Its sole purpose is to assimilate all other species, usually by force, into the “hive mind” in order to achieve perfection. OK, hold that thought… …now consider … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Baby Whisperer vs the Bully Boy

Posted on November 18, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

In this corner we have Dr Michael Giuffre, the new President of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).  He’s a pediatric cardiologist who was dubbed the Baby Whisperer by a frantic parent after he’d soothed a screaming baby. In the opposite … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Welcome to the Noodle Bed: Alberta’s Healthcare Delivery System is Reorganizing…Again!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

When former premier Stelmach said he was willing to let local hospitals make decisions like buying light bulbs for their own operating theatres I thought he was kidding.  Turns out I was wrong. This week Stephen Lockwood, chairman of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Do Albertans Have A Right To Know? (I’m taking bets)

Posted on September 23, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

In a classic display of clumsy timing Stephen Lockwood, Chairman of the board of Alberta Health Services (AHS), announced that the independent audit into allegations of expense account abuse at Alberta Health Services would be limited to auditing the expense … Continue reading →

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

“Hello Alberta. I’m listening.”

Posted on August 19, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Premier Redford just announced another review—this one to ensure accountability when cabinet ministers and senior government officials report their expenses.  It’s the latest in a string of reviews, consultations and inquiries intended to demonstrate the premier’s commitment to doing business … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Can Mr Merali Play Moneyball?

Posted on August 12, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

When asked why senior executives at Alberta Health Services are so generously compensated, the government’s response is either: I have no idea, those over-the-top supplemental pensions and extravagant expense accounts were before my time (Minister Horne) or the AHS has … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Alluadin Merali: Your guide to the Twilight Zone

Posted on August 5, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

The day that Alluadin Merali left his post as CFO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) was the day Albertans entered the Twilight Zone.  Like the ordinary folk in Rod Sterling’s TV show who find themselves thrust into a surreal alternate … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

It’s just a computer glitch…nobody died

Posted on July 15, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Breathe in, breathe out, don’t breathe…the disembodied voice wafted over the sound of ball bearings hitting metal.  It was calm and confident.  I, on the other hand, was not.  In fact I was a little anxious…that’s what comes of being … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Mustard Bean Pickle is NOT Tough to Swallow

Posted on July 1, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Before we talk about what is tough to swallow (hint:  21 day standardized menu for seniors in LTC facilities) let me tell you about mustard bean pickle. My friend Kirsten unleashed an animated facebook exchange when she said she’d spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments