HORNE’S COMMENTS PREJUDGE HEALTH INQUIRY
EDMONTON, AB (December 5, 2011): Wildrose Health Critic Heather Forsyth has requested to meet with the Health Quality Council of Alberta as part of its ongoing review into physician intimidation after Health Minister Fred Horne publicly denied the problem exists.
In a letter sent today to HQCA CEO Dr. John Cowell, Forsyth said Horne has prejudged the outcome of an upcoming public inquiry into the physician intimidation issue by saying in the Legislature last week that that allegations of physician bullying and intimidation are being made “on the basis of no information, no fact.”
“Now that we know Minister Horne obviously doesn’t believe there is a problem, there can be no confidence whatsoever that this inquiry will be conducted fairly with an objective at getting at the truth,” Forsyth wrote. “Further, physicians who have experienced bullying and intimidation during the course of their jobs will be even less likely to participate in the inquiry and feel even more marginalized, knowing the Minister responsible doesn’t believe their concerns are real.”
Both the Alberta Medical Association and the HQCA of Alberta have substantiated claims made by several Alberta physicians over the last number of months that health care professionals are being bullied and intimidated for speaking out on behalf of their patients.
Under the proposed Bill 24 – the Health Quality Council of Alberta Act – Horne is responsible for appointing the HQCA board, which will then choose panelists at his discretion who will conduct the inquiry.
“Minister Horne’s comments put the HQCA in a very difficult, if not impossible position,” Forsyth said. “Nevertheless, I do look forward to assisting Dr. Cowell and his staff by passing along information I’ve collected as Wildrose Health Critic as they do their best to complete what is now a compromised process.”
The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.