HSSA projects 1,000 jobs lost as UCP pushes American-style health care

“This will have a serious impact both patient care, and on communities where the hospital is a major employer. The premier’s warning that bed closures are on the way is a direct threat to Alberta’s rural hospitals,” Shepherd said. “Premier Kenney needs to come clean about which rural hospitals he will be closing.” (File Photo: Jason Kenney/Facebook)

EDMONTON – Premier Jason Kenney and the UCP government are declaring war on front-line health care workers and professionals as the estimated job-loss count jumps to over 1,750.

According to Health Sciences Association of Alberta, they were notified that Alberta Precision Labs is seeking interest from private third-parties to take over parts of lab services in Alberta.

Alberta Health Services could not provide how many jobs would be lost, HSAA estimates it will affect 850 full-time equivalent positions.

As the UCP moves to implement American-style healthcare in Alberta by privatizing emergency, non-emergency and hospital transfer ambulance services, Connect Care will continue to be rolled out resulting in the loss of 70 more positions. There is also a plan to implement “best practices” and eliminate another 100 positions.

This news comes after the United Nurses of Alberta said 750 front-line health-care workers will lose their jobs over the next three years. Alberta Health Services also says closure of acute care beds is being considered.

“This government spent $4.7 billion on a no-jobs corporate handout, and now Albertans have to pay for it with deep cuts to the healthcare services they rely on. Premier Kenney is breaking yet another promise to Albertans,” said David Shepherd, Official Opposition Critic for Health and MLA for Edmonton-City Centre. “The premier is declaring war on healthcare today.”

“This will have a serious impact both patient care, and on communities where the hospital is a major employer. The premier’s warning that bed closures are on the way is a direct threat to Alberta’s rural hospitals,” Shepherd said. “Premier Kenney needs to come clean about which rural hospitals he will be closing.”