The four main areas that were identified for improvement include AHS workforce and management, clinical and clinical support services, non-clinical (corporate) services, and overall health system governance.

It recommends the government change work and pay rules for nurses and doctors, and consider outsourcing food, laundry, and other support services to the private sector.

The report also says that money could be saved by having private clinics perform more routine surgeries paid for by public health care.

AHS says they are fully considering all of the report’s recommendations except for two. AHS will not propose the closure of hospitals nor the merger of trauma centres in Edmonton.

As part of the review process, more than 30,000 physicians and AHS employees participated in an online survey. 90% agreed that protecting and strengthening the sustainability of Alberta’s health system should be a top priority.

AHS officials claim that the organization has already found nearly $1-billion in efficiencies over the last decade.

“AHS takes its responsibilities as fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars seriously. We have already made a lot of progress and this report provides further opportunity to continue to evolve,” said David Weyant, AHS Board Chair.

The review was ordered by Health Minister Tyler Shandro. Alberta Health Services has three months to draw up a plan to bring in the recommendations.

The NDP Official Opposition says the review lays the groundwork for wage cuts, job losses, Americanization and cuts to rural services.

“Albertans expect their healthcare dollars to be carefully and respectfully managed,” said Health Critic David Shepherd.

“This review presumes the outcome of collective bargaining and physician agreement negotiations that are still underway,” said Shepherd. “It’s clear that this government plans to find savings by laying off Alberta healthcare professionals or cutting their pay, particularly in rural areas. This will hurt patient care, and Minister Shandro must accept responsibility for that.”

(With file from Canadian Press, Lethbridge News Now, AHS media release, Alberta Government and NDP media releases)