A meeting focused on the concern for the healthcare system saw an affirmation that the system is an issue at the forefront of many people’s minds.

Ali Morrison met with MLA Peter Guthrie last week to bring forward her concerns and those of others with regards to what many believe is a healthcare crisis in Alberta.

Morrison, who is a firm believer in grassroots movements started gathering names and stories pertaining to healthcare through social media. She gathered the information and brought it forth to add emphasis to the situation which she took with her to a face-to-face meeting with her MLA.

Following the meeting, Morrison said, “The meeting was productive.”

In a written statement MLA Guthrie wrote, “While I cannot comment on the specifics of constituent meetings, I want to assure everyone that I am acutely aware of the need to have adequate medical and emergency servicing in Airdrie-Cochrane.”

The statement from Guthrie continued, “Throughout the pandemic, AHS EMS have observed an influx of calls with their call volume increasing by 30-40 percent since March 2021. I want to recognize the incredible work being done by AHS and for their commitment to ongoing community engagement efforts. These have been challenging times for all of our health services personnel and they continue to work valiantly to support all Albertans. The government provided additional funding to allow for more EMS personnel to be hired on a full-time basis. Furthermore, the government announced its expansion of transport locations to reduce the strain on acute care facilities and to reduce the wait times. Alberta Health and AHS continue to look at areas for improvement and will make changes accordingly. I will continue to bring forward recommendations and suggestions that I receive for their review and consideration.”

Guthrie added, “Most recently, AHS EMS has formulated a 10-step plan to address the increased demands within the system. The plan has been sent to the Ministry of Health for approval and is expected to be publicly released in the coming days with implementation starting shortly thereafter.”

MLA Guthrie says he recognizes constituents’ concerns, “I appreciate the concerns that I have received from constituents regarding EMS and I share everyone’s focus on finding areas within our health system, including EMS, that can be improved. I have provided numerous recommendations to Alberta Health and I will continue to work the various stakeholders and government officials to do all that I can to support our community.”

Ali Morrison, says “I am pleased and still accepting names to bring forth to Mr. Guthrie at our next meeting.”