July 14, 2009 Board approves new Health Advisory Councils Calgary... Albertans will continue to provide input on local health issues across the province with the establishment of Health Advisory Councils. The 12 Health Advisory Councils will replace 59 Community Health Councils which operated under the former health regions. The new Health Advisory Councils will consist of 10 to 15 members, including a Chair and will each represent a different geographical area. All Health Advisory Council members will be appointed by the Alberta Health Services Board. The mandate of the Councils is to provide feedback about what is working well in the health care system and areas in need of improvement. The Councils will engage residents and report on local perspectives of health care delivery in communities across the province. We value community input and are committed to engaging community members, said Ken Hughes, Alberta Health Services Board Chair. This feedback will assist in our future decision making as we work to provide quality services that best meet the needs of our communities. The collective efforts of the previous Community Health Councils are truly appreciated; both for advancing improvements in local health care delivery and for helping pave the way for the work the new Health Advisory Councils will undertake within the newly aligned health care system, said Hughes. Health and Wellness Minister Ron Liepert says the commitment of those who serve on Health Advisory Councils is commendable and that all Albertans will benefit from the community support for the health care system. Albertans are passionate about the delivery of health services in this province, said Minister Liepert. These councils strengthen opportunities to provide advice, share community feedback and recommend ways to address health care needs. I would encourage Albertans to come forward and get involved. Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a quality, patient-focused health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Leah Prestayko Director of Organizational Culture and Engagement
AHS Communications (403) 502 8648 ext. #1473 (403) 580 1360
July 14, 2009 Alberta Health Services will begin its recruitment drive for Health Advisory Council positions on July 15, 2009. Albertans interested in becoming a member are asked to complete and submit an Expression of Interest form by August 14, 2009. Expression of Interest forms are available: By visiting the AHS website at www.albertahealthservices.ca/communityengagement.htm By phoning - 1-877-275-8830 By phoning - 1-780-342-8166 By e-mailing - community.engagement@albertahealthservices.ca Members must: Be 18 years of age or older Live in the geographical area of their respective Health Advisory Council Have an interest in a broad range of health matters Health Advisory Councils shall: Develop Terms of Reference based on a standardized template to support the Alberta Health Services Board bylaws which establish the Councils Develop an annual work plan for their activities throughout the year for submission to the Health Advisory Committee at the beginning of the fiscal year Submit an annual report of activities to the Health Advisory Committee within three months of the end of the fiscal year Provide meeting minutes to the Health Advisory Committee Meet between four to six times per year To view the Health Advisory Council Charter, which includes more information about the roles and responsibilities of Health Advisory Councils, visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/communityenagagement.htm To request a copy of the Health Advisory Council Charter, phone 1-780-342-8166 or 1-877-275-8830, or email community.engagement@albertahealthservices.ca -30-