Below is an excerpt from the Hansard for May 14,

To read what was in the press click here

Dr. Swann: Well, back to the Premier on the issue of rural hospitals.
Mr. Premier, this administration is planning to close specific rural
hospitals, it’s clear. The plan was approved in the former David
Thompson health region. It falls into line with the Premier’s Vision
2020. It means cuts for rural hospitals in Alberta. Beyond generalities
the fate of specific small-town hospitals, however, is still a
mystery to Albertans. To the Premier: why is the Premier so
secretive and reluctant to tell Albertans what the plans are for rural
hospitals in Alberta?

Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, the government’s decision around the
future of health care is very clear. We’ve released the Vision 2020
document, which lays it out very clearly. We have committed that
if there are any changes to what current facilities in rural Alberta are
providing, we will discuss that with the communities involved. For
this leader to suggest that somehow he and a few of his friends think
they’ve got some kind of secret document here is just ludicrous.

Dr. Swann: Well, there’s nothing secret about it, Mr. Speaker. It
was approved by the David Thompson health region. Will the
minister then tell the people of Rimbey, Ponoka, Lacombe, Innisfail,
Coronation, Consort, Sundre, Three Hills, and Hanna if their
hospitals will be downgraded to urgent care? They know that’s on
the block. What is the plan, Mr. Minister?

Mr. Liepert: Where has this guy been for the last year and a half?
There is no David Thompson health region anymore, Mr. Speaker.
It’s one of the reasons why we went to one health board, so we can
deliver equitable health care across the province. It just shows how
out of touch he is, using a document that is some year and a half old
with a board that doesn’t exist anymore.

Dr. Swann: Well, if this administration is already cutting access in
the cities and now the plan to cut services in small towns, where are
rural people supposed to get their services, Mr. Minister?

Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, rural people will get their services where
they’re getting them today and as long as we’re providing that
service, Mr. Speaker. This particular member is doing nothing but
fearmongering in this particular Legislature.