Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is the single health authority for the province of Alberta, Canada. It is the largest single health authority in Canada and one of the largest in North America, responsible for delivering health services to the over four million people living in Alberta, as well as to some residents of Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

History[edit | edit source]

Alberta Health Services was established on April 1, 2009, following the amalgamation of nine regional health authorities, the Alberta Cancer Board, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) and Alberta Mental Health Board. The amalgamation was an attempt to increase efficiency, coordination, and consistency in health care delivery across the province.

Services[edit | edit source]

AHS provides a comprehensive range of health services throughout Alberta, which include hospital care, ambulatory care, home care, community health services, public health, mental health services, addiction services, and emergency medical services. It also coordinates the work of Health Link, a 24/7 telephone health advice and health information service.

Governance[edit | edit source]

The governance of AHS is carried out by a board of directors appointed by the Alberta Minister of Health. The board is responsible for ensuring that the organization delivers high-quality patient care, manages public funds responsibly, and plans for the future health needs of the province.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

Like many health care systems, AHS faces challenges related to health care accessibility, health care quality, and health care costs. It also faces specific challenges related to the vast geography of Alberta, the need for services in both urban and rural areas, and the health needs of diverse populations, including Indigenous peoples.