Local symposium to focus on primary care improvement

EDMONTON — More than 150 health care providers from across the province are meeting this morning in Edmonton to discuss primary health care in Alberta.

The Primary Health Care Improvement Symposium brings together Health Minister Sarah Hoffman, health care leaders, family doctors and front-line health care providers to discuss ways to create a more integrated system that focuses on better access and care for Albertans.

“A strong and integrated primary health care system is essential to building a sustainable health system for the future,” says Minister Hoffman. “It is exciting that so many partners are taking part in this symposium to share ideas about improving primary health care. I look forward to hearing their suggestions and thank them for their dedication to improving the lives of Albertans.”

Marianne Stewart, Senior Program Officer for Primary Health Care at Alberta Health Services (AHS), says there’s a need for improved communication and consultation between health care providers, administrators and Albertans.

“We know parts of the system don’t always communicate well with each other, which impacts care, or there isn’t always a match between demand for services and availability of the right health care providers,” says Stewart.

“This is an opportunity to bring together health care providers and leaders from all levels to talk about these issues and look at opportunities for change together.”

The symposium will include representatives from a group of Albertans called IMAGINE Citizens Collaborating for Health to talk about what a true partnership between patients and health care providers could look like across the entire system.

“Patients touch more than one organization in the health care system,” says Stewart, “and it’s important that we all hear the patient perspective and learn from common health care experiences.”

The Primary Health Care Improvement Symposium is presented by AHS, AIM Alberta, the Alberta Medical Association and the Alberta College of Family Physicians.

For more symposium information, please visit: http://improvinghealthcareab.com

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Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

Alberta Medical Association
Alberta's physicians and the AMA are committed to putting Patients First®, as the focus of a health care system that facilitates wellness and delivers patient- and family-centered care. The AMA stands as an advocate for its physician members, providing leadership and support for their role in the provision of quality health care.

Alberta College of Family Physicians
The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) is a professional, voluntary organization representing more than 4,400 family physicians in Alberta. Established more than 60 years ago, the ACFP strives for excellence in family practice through advocacy, continuing medical education and primary care research. The ACFP is a Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), a nationwide organization with more than 30,000 members.