Alberta health crisis: Over 24,000 people file complaint with Premier

 

 

Public anger is rising over the dire health crisis in Alberta. More than 24,000 people have sent emails to Premier Daniel Smith demanding that the province immediately declare a 'health emergency'. Tens of thousands of people have come out against the government after three weeks of the stateofemergency.ca campaign launched by CUPE Alberta.

Thousands of people have shared their experiences of medical errors and negligence in hospitals. More than 8,000 complaints were received about delays in treatment and overcrowding in hospitals alone. A mother said in anguish that her son had to wait three months for cancer surgery. But his son died two weeks before he was scheduled to see a doctor.

Elaine Bonfield, a woman who arrived at a Calgary emergency room with severe chest pain, had to wait more than eight hours for treatment. She was in a state of unconsciousness on the hospital floor from the pain. She also witnessed another patient having a seizure in the waiting room. She accused the current health care system of being unsafe and a form of humiliation for patients.

CUPE Alberta President Raj Uppal said there is a major health crisis across the province. Trying to privatize or change the health care sector will not solve it. She also called on the public to put more pressure on leaders to protect public health.