From the Liberal Caucus:

Calgary – David Swann, Leader of the Official Opposition, is calling for Premier Ed Stelmach to come clean with his real plans to cut health care costs.

 “Yesterday, Edmontonians learned that the Grey Nuns and Misericordia hospitals have reduced the number of MRIs performed to meet budget demands from Alberta Health Services.  This means longer wait lists, subsequent delays in treatment, and greater long term costs for the health care system. Is this the Premier’s idea of creating accessibility?”

 Earlier this year the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton was told to cut its elective surgeries by 15 per cent. Now two more hospitals have been directed to cut back the number of MRIs performed by 15 per cent.

 Treasury Board President Lloyd Snelgrove stated that without tax increases, “health care and education and all of the social programs would need to be cut at least 15 per cent.” Since the Premier took taxes off the table, it is clear that Snelgrove’s prediction is already coming true.

  “On the heels of Lloyd Snelgrove’s comments, Albertans have the right to know what other services the Stelmach administration will cut,” Swann says.

 Swann points out that the secrecy surrounding the changes to health care is compounded by Alberta Health Services’ new Codes of Conduct, which threaten employees with dismissal if they blow the whistle on health care cuts.

“This is further limiting the ability of front line workers to contribute to constructive improvements in the system.”