Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment - General Surgery

The Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment Program (FAST) is a centralized program for surgical referrals in the Edmonton Zone intended to improve access for patients.

The program is a collaborative effort between the General Surgeons, local Primary Care Networks and Alberta Health Services.

Key outcomes for patients and physicians include:

• understanding existing processes of referral, waiting times and patient flow
• understanding how existing resources are being used
• finding gaps in the system where additional resources can make a difference, match resources to demand
• improving access and patient flow
• providing more timely patient care