1/ Although it feels like 10 years ago, it was actually only 8 weeks ago that the Health Minister gave notice that Alberta radiologists would have their contract terminated next year, after the radiologists took a retroactive 12% pay cut during binding arbitration.
2/ I know it’s hard to keep track of everything the UCP has done to health care, but this seems particularly egregious, especially given that they will almost definitely give the next contract to whoever feels they can do it the cheapest.
3/ I think all physician specialties, nurses, dietitians, allied health professionals and AHS employees are important to our health care system, but it is difficult to put into words how much I depend on our radiologists on a day-to-day basis for expedited tests, advice,
4/ and timely interpretations and reports. Without good, accessible, local radiologists, we are making it that much more difficult for family physicians, surgeons and medical specialists to provide high quality care, not to mention what this may do to the radiology residency
5/ programs at the U of A and U of C. Completely independent of COVID and the other unilateral health care changes, I am scared of what it might look like to request an urgent CT scan in 2 years. I sincerely hope Minister @shandro will revisit this decision and work
6/ with the AMA to find fiscally responsible solutions that do not impact patient care like his current path forward will. #ABdocs4patients @Albertadoctors
