Being a provincewide integrated healthcare delivery system allows us to share information, work seamlessly and provide consistent care to Albertans.
AHS and its many health service delivery partners, including Covenant Health, physicians practicing in community, allied health professionals, pharmacies, local governments and Indigenous communities work together to deliver high-quality healthcare across the province as well as to some residents of Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.
In 2020-21, AHS was recognized for the fourth consecutive year as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People and Alberta’s Top 75 Employers. AHS was also recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third consecutive year. This success can be attributed to the dedication, collaboration and hard work of our staff and volunteers. AHS is proud to be recognized for supporting our people and creating workplaces where everyone feels safe, healthy, valued and included, and able to reach their full potential.
Some geographical areas within our province are home to unique populations and health needs requiring tailored approaches to healthcare delivery.
Virtual health connects patients, families and care providers separated by physical distance using virtual innovations and technology. Last year, nearly 400,000 virtual connections provided improved access to services for Albertans across the province, including those in urban centres, smaller communities and remote locations.
AHS has more than 108,600 direct AHS employees (excluding Covenant Health and other contracted health service providers), nearly 150 midwives, and more than 12,500 staff working in AHS’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, such as Carewest, CapitalCare Group and Alberta Precision Laboratories.
AHS is supported by more than 10,900 practicing physicians, approximately 9,000 of whom are members of the AHS medical staff (including active, temporary and community appointments).
Volunteers play an integral role in fostering environments that support patient- and family-centred care. AHS’ 12,200 volunteers, of which approximately 1,200 are patient and family advisors, contributed more than 300,000 volunteer hours this past year to help keep Albertans safe and healthy. Among their many contributions, volunteers manage patient visits, give input as advisory council members to improve the quality and safety of healthcare, assume wayfinding roles and tend retail shops to raise funds.
AHS programs and services are offered at more than 900 facilities throughout the province, including hospitals, continuing care facilities (including long-term care, designated supportive living, community palliative and hospice and contracted care sites), cancer centres, addiction and mental health facilities and community ambulatory care centres. All facilities and programs are operated in compliance with relevant legislation.
As of March 31, 2021 there were 106 acute care hospitals; five standalone psychiatric facilities; 8,513 acute care beds; 477 sub-acute care beds; 27,973 continuing care beds/spaces (15,800 long-term care beds, 11,916 designated supportive living beds and 257 community palliative and hospice beds/spaces); and 2,840 addiction and mental health beds/spaces. This is a total of 39,803 AHS-operated and contracted beds in service.
Students from Alberta’s universities and colleges, as well as from educational institutions outside of Alberta, receive clinical education in AHS facilities and community locations. AHS’ provincial Student Placement Team helps coordinate and facilitate clinical student placements and ensures positive student experiences by using a collaborative model where students can apply their skills as part of an integrated team.
The graphic below depicts how Alberta’s population is, and will continue, growing and changing.
