Alberta to Establish Primary Care Agency Amid Health System Overhaul

The new agency aims to enhance access to primary care and is part of the province's plan to restructure Alberta Health Services.

Primary Care Alberta is expected to be operational by November, focusing on improving access to family doctors and nurse practitioners.
The initiative includes developing new primary care models and expanding after-hours care through virtual services.
Alberta Health Services is being divided into four agencies to streamline healthcare delivery, with Primary Care Alberta dedicated to primary care.
Dr. Kim Simmonds has been appointed as the first chief executive of Primary Care Alberta, emphasizing the importance of continuous and connected relationships with healthcare providers.
Critics, including opposition leaders, express concerns that the restructuring may not achieve its intended goals and could lead to increased administrative costs.