The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) and the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) are deeply concerned with the government of Alberta’s decision to terminate negotiations with the Alberta Medical Association and hastily implement changes that will undermine excellent patient care.
Family medicine and primary care must be supported to deliver evidence-based, complex care, recognizing that we have an ageing population. The ACFP and CFPC advocate for accessible, timely care, which allows patients to be seen when they want to be seen. These are among the core concepts of our Patient’s Medical Home vision: a present and future where everyone has access to high quality health care by family physicians and other health care professionals who provide comprehensive care at every life stage.
What the government is seeking to enact does not lead to quality patient-centred care. It erodes the foundations of primary care, hinders access, risks patient safety, all with the hope of saving a few dollars today when in fact these measures will prove to be costly.
We ask that the government reconsider these actions and work with Alberta’s health care leaders who are dedicated to safeguarding patient care, improving access, and setting Alberta on a course for excellence in health care. Family physicians must be at the table, especially when decisions impact family medicine and the care of our patients.
Vishal Bhella, MD, CCFP
President
Alberta College of Family Physicians
Shirley Schipper, MD, CCFP, FCFP
President
College of Family Physicians of Canada
