Seven years after centralizing health care, Alberta decentralizes system

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EDMONTON — Seven years after Alberta abandoned regional hospital districts to centralize health care and save money, it is now moving back towards decentralization.

Alberta Health Minister Stephen Mandel says the province will establish eight to 10 health districts by the summer to give regions a stronger role in delivering care.

Mandel says it’s important to recognize that what works for health care in urban areas may not work as well in rural ones.

The move comes seven years after the province collapsed all regional health authorities into the current centralized Alberta Health Services superboard in order to save money and improve care.

Mandel says the province will also develop a provincial ambulance service delivery model.

The recommendations follow a review into rural health services.