Wildrose condemns lack of planning and vision for latest cancer care foul-ups
Following news that some patients are having potentially life-saving treatments delayed, the Wildrose Alliance Caucus condemned the PC government for its lack of vision, planning and ability to provide critical care to Albertans suffering from cancer.
“This is not a new problem and as the PC government continues to fumble this critical portfolio, Albertans pay for their incompetence,” said Heather Forsyth, Wildrose Alliance Health Critic and MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek. “Tens of thousands of Albertans are diagnosed and require cancer treatment each year. When their treatment is delayed because the system is not properly staffed or equipped, it only demonstrates the failure of the PC government to lead and show vision.”
News has recently emerged that patients in Alberta are once again having treatments delayed because of a lack of oncologists and health care professionals.
“As we have consulted with health care professionals, it is clear that we need to address staffing challenges so we can deal with the increasing health needs of Albertans,” stated Danielle Smith, Wildrose Alliance Leader. “One thing a Wildrose government would want to explore is an incentive system that would help doctors who are educated and trained in Alberta stay in Alberta.”
“The PC government should have been working on getting medical professionals trained, in place and working alongside existing staff years ago,” added Forsyth. “It is unconscionable that in 2010 with all of the facilities, education programs and known needs that we continue to react to problems, instead of being proactive.”
“This is a preventable crisis and the PC government owes Albertans honest answers,” concluded Forsyth. “Albertans deserve better. Albertans deserve certainty, compassion and access to effective treatment to beat life-threatening diseases and they want a government that gets it right!”
The Wildrose Alliance was formed in January 2008 and has three elected Members of the Legislature. The Wildrose advances competent, principled and conservative policies that will lower government spending, increase economic opportunities, empower communities and strengthen individual liberties and freedoms.