Alberta Premier confirms plan to allow surgeons to work in both public and private health care systems

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed her government’s intention to give physicians the flexibility to work together in both public and private health-care systems.

In a video posted on social media, Smith explained how the “dual practice surgery model” would work, and said it would help reduce wait times by increasing the number of surgeries that can be performed.

Smith says there are more than 80,000 Albertans on the waiting list for elective surgeries like hip or knee replacements.

Smith says the changes will still require surgeons and assistant surgical professionals to perform a certain number of publicly funded surgeries annually, but they can also perform additional elective surgeries privately.

In his post, Smith says his government is sticking to its promise that no Albertans will need to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or receive needed treatment.

The changes were first reported by the Globe and Mail.

In a statement Tuesday, the Alberta Medical Association responded to speculation over the new health care model. It says any reform must be evidence-based and include meaningful engagement with physicians, patients and stakeholders.

It also said that it is essential that any changes do not have a negative impact on the public health care system.

more to come.