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Tamara Cunningham, Didsbury Review
Alberta Health Services’ top executive turned out to Didsbury last week to hear the concerns of nearly 60 physicians, nurses and volunteers.
It was the most recent stop for Alberta Health Services CEO Stephen Duckett, who is meeting employees across the province to discuss results of a recent survey.
The survey, sent out last January to gauge employee satisfaction, showed only 41 per cent of respondents were proud to work for Alberta Health Services, while 29 per cent felt optimistic about the future of the organization. Trust was also low among employees, with 38 per cent expressing distrust and low confidence.
Duckett wrote in a blog posting, he suspects satisfaction was low because the survey was conducted between January and February, before the government boosted the health service’s operating budget to $9 million.
"I think that’s partly to do with the timing, as the survey was done before we had our budget certainty, when staff were unsure of how we would meet the budget targets (a position I was in, too), and there was uncertainty and rumours about layoffs," he wrote.
During his visit to Didsbury last Friday, Duckett said he also believes the results were poor because "some of the decisions made in the last 12 months have been very unpopular."
Tough questions will likely head his way during his tour of the province this month – but his reception in this community was "very positive."
"People had a few concerns … but mostly about the decisions we’ve made to tighten up on recruiting. They say it can take anywhere from three to four months to fill a position."
The gathering in Didsbury was closed to the public and employees contacted about the meeting said they didn’t want to go on record for fear of being reprimanded. But according to Glen Scott, vice-president for Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, all of the meetings in the province are taking on a similar tone.
He went to a meeting with senior executives in Calgary, last week.
"AHS is saying it wants to consult with front line workers more often and bring them into the loop on decisions made … they also say they’re listening to what employees have to say during these meetings," he said.
"They are making it seem like they care even as they pay out bonuses to senior managers and make AHS employees do more with less. This is window dressing in my opinion."
Didsbury is expected to get another visit from a top health official this month. Alberta’ heath minister, Gene Zwozdesky is taking a tour of health facilities this Thursday.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Richard Marz has arranged for the visit and says the minister has a special announcement. He’s tight-lipped about what it could be.
"Let’s just say I’m cautious and optimistic that it’s good news," Marz said.
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Last Updated: Thursday, April 29, 2010
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