|
ACCOUNTABILITY
STATEMENT
The
business plan for the three years commencing April 1, 2005 was prepared
under my direction in accordance with the Government Accountability
Act and the government's accounting policies. All of the government's
policy decisions as of March 21, 2005 with material economic or
fiscal implications of which I am aware have been considered in
preparing the business plan.
The Ministry's
priorities outlined in the business plan were developed in the context
of the government's business and fiscal plans. I am committed to
achieving the planned results laid out in this business plan.
[original
signed]
Iris
Evans, Minister of Health and Wellness
March 24, 2005
THE
MINISTRY
The
Ministry consists of the Department of Health and Wellness and the
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). This business
plan sets out strategic changes, improvements and activities for
both components of the Ministry in the three years ahead. The Ministry
business plan guides the department operational plans. Supplementary
information on AADAC's business plan is in the appendix. This business
plan is also a framework for development of three-year health plans
and one-year business plans by health authorities.
Financial information
is consolidated in the attached Ministry Statement of Operations.
A summary of progress on this business plan will be reported in
the 2005-06 Annual Report for Alberta Health and Wellness.
A more detailed description of how the health system in Alberta
works today can be found on our website by clicking
here.
VISION
Albertans
are healthy and live, work and play in a healthy environment.
MISSION
Provide
leadership and work collaboratively with partners to help Albertans
be healthy and respond to opportunities and change.
Support individuals,
families and service providers in making the best decisions about
their health.
LINK
TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN
The
Health and Wellness business plan is aligned with and supports the
"Unleashing Innovation" and "Making Alberta the Best
Place to Live, Work and Visit" key opportunities of the Government
of Alberta 20-Year Strategic Plan.
The Ministry
significantly contributes to the following medium-term strategies:
- Alberta
Tobacco Reduction Strategy
- Water for
Life: Alberta’s Strategy for Sustainability
The Health and
Wellness business plan links to the government business plan through
goal 5:
- Albertans
will be healthy
The Health and
Wellness business plan also supports the following government business
plan goals:
- Alberta's
children and youth will be supported in reaching their potential
(goal 4)
- Albertans
will be self-reliant and independent and those unable to provide
for their basic needs will receive help (goal 6).
MINISTRY
OVERVIEW
HEALTH
AND WELLNESS OF ALBERTANS - A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Albertans are an integral part of the health system; each one of
us has a role. There are many incentives in place in our schools,
workplaces and communities to promote healthy choices. We need to
build on these, to give every Albertan the knowledge, skills and
opportunities to make healthy choices.
In addition
to the role of individual Albertans, health authorities1,
service providers and the Ministry also have roles and responsibilities
that are both distinct and complementary. Health authorities and
service providers are responsible for the planning and delivery
of quality health services within their respective areas of jurisdiction.
This role includes assessing needs, setting priorities, allocating
resources and monitoring performance for the continuous improvement
of health service quality, effectiveness and accessibility. The
opportunity to develop partnerships and to coordinate the delivery
of services with other community agencies is of significant importance
to the total health care system.
EFFICIENT
AND EFFECTIVE COORDINATION OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES
Health and Wellness provides a health care system recognizing that
many health determinants lie outside the health care system. The
economic and social responsibility for the health determinants is
shared by individual Albertans, communities, industry, and the provincial
and federal governments.
The Ministry's
role is to provide strategic direction and leadership to the provincial
health system. This role includes developing the overall vision
for the health system, defining provincial goals, objectives, standards,
policies, encouraging innovation, setting priorities and allocating
resources within the framework of provincial health legislation.
The role is to assure accountability and balance health service
needs with fiscal responsibility.
1
The term, health authorities, refers to the nine regional health
authorities, the Alberta Cancer Board and the Alberta Mental Health
Board.
SIGNIFICANT
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The
Government of Alberta regards the health and well being of Albertans
as the most important resource for the future. While Alberta is
home to one of Canada's best health systems, Health and Wellness
is always seeking ways to improve how it performs and serves Albertans.
Recent innovations
in key areas have laid the foundation for improved accessibility,
integration and cost-effectiveness. Health Link Alberta, a province-wide
information system, has been implemented to provide health advice
to Albertans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One call will connect
you to a registered nurse who can answer your questions and give
you sound health advice whenever you need it. Local Primary Care
Initiatives are being established so that Albertans will have access
to a comprehensive range of health services. The new Mental Health
Innovation Fund will help regional health authorities2 implement
the provincial mental health plan. AADAC will continue to coordinate
implementation of the Alberta Tobacco Reduction Strategy, focusing
on youth and young adult prevention and cessation. To maintain this,
we need to continue to respond to:
| Challenges |
Opportunities |
| Population
Growth and Changing Demographics: Currently 10% of
Alberta's population is 65 years of age and over and this
percentage is expected to increase to 13% by 2016 and 20%
by 2030. Alberta has one of the youngest populations in Canada.
Aging will become a challenge later than in other provinces.
The effect of aging contributes approximately 1% to annual
health expenditure growth, but the larger cost driver is the
expansion of services provided to seniors. See following graphs.
Additionally,
Alberta's population is shifting from rural to urban centres
and the province has one of the highest population growth
rates of approximately 1.5% per year.
|
Foresight
and Innovation: Demographic shifts are predictable
and we are preparing for the needs of the future while addressing
the needs of today. Through innovative technology such as
Telehealth and the Critical Care Line we are better able to
meet the needs of rural and remote communities.
Alberta's
excellent health care contributes to our longer life expectancy.
We have an opportunity to implement a variety of innovative
care options for frail elderly and fragile people in collaboration
with government ministries, health authorities and other stakeholders
that will benefit Albertans over the next 20 years.
|
2
The term, regional health authorities, refers only to the nine health
regions and does not include the two provincial health boards.
| Challenges |
Opportunities |
| Emerging
Technologies and Pharmaceuticals: Technological change
is a major cost escalator in Canada's health systems accounting
for an estimated one quarter of health expenditure growth.
Promising results from clinical trials of new drugs create
expectations of public funding.
|
Collaboration:
We will work with health authorities, health care providers,
and federal, provincial and territorial colleagues to support
a consistent, evidence-based approach for the evaluation of
technology and pharmaceuticals. This approach will consider
clinical benefits, cost effectiveness and ongoing benefits
to patients and the health care system. The role of government
is to evaluate new emerging technologies and pharmaceuticals
and ultimately decide which of these will be publicly funded.
We will also explore and evaluate the extent of drug insurance
coverage, including pharmacare, to ensure all Albertans have
access to quality pharmaceutical services.
|
| Workforce
Shortages: A quality health system requires an adequate
supply of competent and progressive health care workers. The
workforce is aging and the work environment is continually
changing. For example, in Alberta, 35% of Registered Nurses
are over the age of 50 and 20% are 35 and under. This means
that the workforce will shrink resulting in increased wait
times and reduced access for patients. An aging workforce
also experiences higher injury rates (e.g., back injuries).
|
Partnerships:
Continue to work with post-secondary institutions,
the health authorities and professional associations on plans
and initiatives to educate, recruit, remunerate and retain
the needed health workforce.
Work with
health professions to expand scopes of practice within the
Health Professions Act and maximize utilization of
staff resources.
|
| Quality
of Health Services: Albertans have identified that
the quality of services is of concern. In a recent survey
four specific issues were highlighted.3 Albertans
want improved access to health care services, coordination
of care among health care providers to meet patient needs
and their complaints listened to and handled. Albertans also
are concerned with patient safety.
|
Strategic
Investments: Improve access and quality. Integrate
health information management systems.
International
Symposium on Health: Provide an opportunity to profile
best practices and innovative examples to allow for an informed
dialogue on accessibility and quality health care.
|
| Health
Spending: Health spending balanced with an accessible
quality health care system. Health care spending has been
increasing 2-3 times faster than the provincial GDP.
|
Accountable
Spending: Spending on all initiatives will focus
on effective and efficient resource utilization, and continuous
quality improvement of services.
|
| Public
Health Risk: The capacity to deal with known (e.g.,
SARS, West Nile virus) and unknown emergent public health
risks (e.g., pandemic influenza).
|
System
Readiness and Flexibility: Enhance capacity to respond
to public health risks through planned collaboration with
health authorities, providers and federal, provincial, territorial
and municipal governments.
|
| Aboriginal
Health: Alberta's growing Aboriginal population has
a variety of health challenges. Delivery of health services
to remote or isolated Aboriginal communities is a challenge
as is the provision of culturally appropriate services within
the health care system.
|
Investment:
Continue to implement and expand strategies to improve Aboriginal
health in collaboration with Aboriginal leaders, health authorities,
service providers, provincial and federal governments. Continue
to support the Cross-Ministry Aboriginal Policy Initiative.
|
| Mental
Health: One in five Canadians is affected by mental
illness during their lifetime. The overall prevalence of mental
illness in Canadian children and adolescents at any given
point in time is about 15%. Mental illness can have a significant
economic impact on individuals, their families, the health
care system as well as the workplace and broader social system.
|
Collaboration:
Collaborate with health authorities, service providers,
and ministries to support regional implementation of the Provincial
Mental Health Plan. The Mental Health Innovation Fund will
improve mental health services in the province and improve
patient access. Partners are addressing gaps in child and
adolescent mental health services. Support the interdepartmental
family violence prevention initiatives.
|
| Addiction:
Addictions affect all Albertans. Alcohol is the most
frequently used drug in Alberta, and it is the drug most commonly
associated with acute and chronic health and social problems.
However, multiple drug use, new drugs and increased gambling
opportunities are of concern, particularly among youth.
|
Investment
and Collaboration: Continue to provide province-wide
addiction services for Albertans. AADAC will lead the collaborative
development of an Alberta Drug Strategy, enhance provincial
adolescent treatment services, and will collaborate with stakeholders
to enhance services to those with addiction and mental health
problems.
|
3
Satisfaction with Health Care Services: A Survey of Albertans 2004
Final Report. Health Quality Council of Alberta. November 2004.
STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES 2005-08
The
Ministry's strategic priorities for the next three years have been
identified. These priorities are in addition to the important ongoing
core activities of the Ministry.
1.
Health system innovation.
Linkage:
|
To
deliver the best possible care with the resources available
will require foresight, collaboration and partnerships, and
strategic investments. The following areas identify opportunities
for investments to fill service gaps now, and to find better
ways to deliver services in the future:
|
Goal
4
|
Primary
health care - Implement the agreement with the Alberta
Medical Association and regional health authorities to enhance
access to primary health care throughout Alberta. This will
help ensure that we can meet Albertans' expectations that
services will be available when needed and provided in an
effective and coordinated manner.
Responsibility: Alberta Medical Association, Regional
Health Authorities, and Health and Wellness.
|
Goal
1
|
Promotion
and prevention - Encourage Albertans to take greater
personal responsibility for their own health and wellness.
By choosing healthier lifestyles Albertans will be able to
prevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions. Healthy
eating and active living, combined with decisions that reduce
personal health risks, will improve quality of life and long-term
health outcomes and decrease demands on the health system.
Responsibility: Individual Albertans, Service Providers,
Alberta Cancer Board, Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission,
Health Authorities, Health and Wellness, and other Ministries.
|
Goal
3
|
Community
care - Expand community-based care as an effective
alternative to high-cost acute care provided in traditional
hospital settings. By strengthening community-based care,
seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with addictions
and mental health needs will be able to receive the care they
need on a timely basis in their communities.
- Continuing
care - Continue implementing strategies which provide
Albertans with quality continuing care services supported
in home/home-like settings.
Sub-acute home care - Home care is a cost effective means
of delivering services; an expansion of the services covered
by home care will reduce wait times by making hospital beds
available for those who are more seriously ill.
- Mental
health - The Provincial Mental Health Plan sets
a new direction for the future of mental health services
in Alberta - a direction that will see mental health services
integrated into the overall health care system of the province.
The new Mental Health Innovation Fund will help the regional
health authorities develop local initiatives to improve
services for people with mental illness with a top priority
placed on programs for youth.
- Aboriginal
health - Address rural and urban issues that affect
Aboriginal health status. Use culturally appropriate health
system approaches.
- Youth
addictions treatment and prevention - Thirty-two
per cent of Alberta's youth report using one or more illicit
drugs (e.g., cannabis and club drugs which include ecstasy
and crystal methamphetamine). Counseling and treatment services
will be expanded to respond to requests for youth-specific
detoxification and residential treatment.
Responsibility:
Individual Albertans, Service Providers, Alberta Alcohol and
Drug Abuse Commission, Health Authorities, Health and Wellness,
and other Ministries.
|
Goal
3
|
Access
- Reduce waiting times for elective surgery and improve access
to primary care, sub-acute home care and pharmaceuticals with
enhanced federal funding.
Responsibility: Health Authorities, Health and Wellness,
and Physicians.
|
Goal
6
|
Pharmaceuticals
and new medical technology - Collaborate with other
provinces and partners (e.g., Canadian Coordinating Office
for Health Technology Assessment and the Common Drug Review)
to manage the growing costs of emerging technologies and pharmaceuticals.
Albertans have benefited from the introduction of new technologies
and pharmaceuticals. These opportunities come at a cost and
the challenge is to determine which investments will give
the best results. Health and Wellness will work with health
authorities and health care professionals so that the right
technologies and drugs are used at the right time and for
the right condition. It is important that all Albertans have
access to quality pharmaceutical services regardless of their
financial situation. Therefore, the department will also explore
and evaluate the extent of drug insurance coverage, including
pharmacare.
Responsibility: Health Authorities, Health and Wellness,
Physicians, and Federal, Provincial and Territorial Governments.
|
Goal
6
|
Innovative
Information Systems - Enable accurate diagnosis and
treatment for better, safer patient care. The health of Albertans
is dependant on many factors, including the rapid and accurate
collection and transmission of critical health information.
Provincial information technology systems enable future health
system innovation and efficiency. For example, the Electronic
Health Record ensures consistent and pertinent patient information
is available to all health service providers. By January 2008,
every Albertan will have an electronic health record. A new
client registration system will improve security, minimize
fraud and identify eligible persons to receive health services.
Responsibility: Service Providers, Health Authorities,
Health and Wellness, and Pharmacists.
|
Goal
4
|
Health
workforce recruitment and retention - Work with our
partners to ensure that Alberta has the right mix and enough
health providers to meet current and future needs.
Responsibility: Health Authorities, Post-Secondary Institutions,
Human Resources and Employment, Professional Associations,
and Health and Wellness.
|
Goal
1
|
Cross-Ministry
Initiatives - Enhance the sustainability of the health system
now and in the future by strengthening policy integration
and collaboration across Ministries.
- Health
Innovation and Wellness Initiative (Champion Ministry)
- Aboriginal
Policy Initiative
- Alberta
Children and Youth Initiative (Champion Ministry)
- Economic
Development and Innovation Initiative
- Leading
in Learning and Skill Workforce Initiative
Responsibility:
All Ministries and Community Stakeholders.
|
2.
Strengthen public health risk management capabilities.
Linkage:
|
Albertans
want to know that their health system is prepared and able
to protect them from risks to their health. Recent events
such as the outbreak of avian influenza, SARS and West Nile
virus as well as a potential pandemic have reinforced the
importance of strong public health programs. Albertans are
partners in this effort. Key strategies for managing public
health risks include:
|
Goal
2
|
Protect
Albertans against communicable diseases - Strengthen
and restructure system capacity to respond to public health
issues and risks. Create a communications partnership with
other ministries, municipalities, agencies, associations (e.g.,
Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Alberta Association
of Municipal Districts & Counties), and other stakeholders
to ensure Albertans get timely information on how to protect
themselves in case of a catastrophic event such as pandemic
influenza.
Responsibility: Regional Health Authorities Medical Officers
of Health, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, Alberta
Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, and Health
and Wellness.
|
Goal
2
|
Protect
Albertans from environmental health risks - Protect
Albertans from health risks in the environment through education,
regulatory enforcement and partnership with other agencies.
Responsibility: Regional Health Authorities, Environment,
Energy and Utilities Board, Medical Officers of Health, and
Health and Wellness.
|
CORE
BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES
CORE
BUSINESS ONE: Advocate and educate for healthy living
GOAL
1: Albertans make choices for healthier lifestyles
What
it means
The
health and wellness of Albertans is influenced by genetic factors,
early childhood development, education, employment status, the environment
and personal decisions about lifestyle behaviours. The Ministry
provides health information to Albertans to promote healthy lifestyle
and quality of life choices.
Strategies
1.1
Promote self-reliance by helping Albertans self-manage their health
needs and make appropriate use of the health system through counseling
and information services like Health Link Alberta and http://www.healthyalberta.com/
1.2
Collaborate with community stakeholders to strengthen the ability
of individuals and communities to increase healthy behaviours and
reduce the risk of disease, illness and injury.
1.3
Provide health and lifestyle information to help people make healthy
choices to reduce the risk of disease and injury (e.g., Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder, obesity, Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV,
etc).
1.4
Ensure that addiction information, prevention and treatment services
are available province-wide.
1.5
Work with other ministries to target strategic health and wellness
initiatives that address the health needs of children, youth, seniors,
Aboriginal communities and Albertans with disabilities or who are
disadvantaged.
1.6
Coordinate and integrate the department's leadership and the quality
of its contribution to cross-ministry initiatives to ensure optimum
strategic investments.
GOAL
2: Albertans' health is protected
What
it means
The
Ministry of Health and Wellness monitors the health system and provides
leadership and planning for prevention services delivered through
health authorities and other partners. As public health issues such
as avian influenza gain attention worldwide, Albertans need to know
their health system is ready and able to protect them. The Ministry
provides support and leadership in the development of the overall
provincial response and emergency plans to deal with outbreaks and
health threats. These services help to protect Albertans from disease
and injury.
Strategies
2.1
Reduce suicide and the risk of serious injury through education
and targeted interventions in collaboration with other agencies.
Work with AADAC, Children's Services and Solicitor General to reduce
the number of youth suicides.
2.2
Protect Albertans against communicable diseases by strengthening
the health system's capacity to prevent, be prepared for and respond
to public health risks such as vaccine-preventable diseases, emerging
threats like avian influenza and increases in sexually transmitted
infections.
2.3
Protect Albertans from environmental health risks transmitted via
air, water, food and physical environments through education, environmental
and air quality monitoring, regulatory compliance and enforcement
in partnership with other ministries.
2.4
Develop networks and initiatives that improve access to disease
screening and prevention services such as the Alberta Stroke Network.
2.5
Work with other ministries on the Alberta Water Strategy to ensure
safe and secure drinking water for Albertans.
CORE
BUSINESS TWO: Provide quality health and wellness services
GOAL
3: Improved access to health services
What
it means
Albertans
expect health services will be accessible where and when they are
needed. Working with health authorities and service providers, federal
and provincial governments, Health and Wellness sets access standards
for the health system. Improved access includes waiting time and
geographic access standards and options in health services. These
standards and their targets are as interconnected as the health
system itself, and each target affects other health services.
Strategies
3.1
Provide for continuing care services that allow Albertans to "age-in-place"
in their homes and communities.
- work with
regions to coordinate access to continuing care services like
nursing homes and home care;
- consolidate
and modernize continuing care policy and regulations; and
- collaborate
with Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports to address barriers/access
to continuum of care and encourage innovation.
3.2
Find innovative and culturally appropriate ways to improve access
to health services for all Albertans, especially populations who
have not taken advantage of health services in the past.
3.3
Work with the Alberta Mental Health Board, Regional Health Authorities
(RHAs) and other partners to support their community-based implementation
of the Provincial Mental Health Plan.
3.4
Provide leadership on federal/provincial/territorial work to manage
the growing cost of pharmaceuticals including the protection of
Albertans from catastrophic drug costs.
GOAL
4: Contemporary health workforce
What
it means
Provide
strong leadership to ensure that a qualified and integrated health
workforce meets the current and future health care needs of Albertans.
Strategies
4.1
Lead health system stakeholders in the development and implementation
of health workforce plans (e.g., Comprehensive Health Workforce
Plan, regional health authority workforce plans, physician resource
plans, Nursing Strategy and development of Health Workforce Information
Network).
4.2
Work with key stakeholders on initiatives to provide education and
training programs to develop the needed health workforce (e.g.,
implementation of the Health Care Aide Curriculum).
4.3
Provide leadership to key stakeholders on initiatives to recruit,
retain and appropriately compensate the needed health workforce
(e.g., Rural Physician Action Plan, Academic and Non-Academic Alternate
Relationship Plans, physician on-call programs, Tri-lateral Master
Agreement for physician services, Provincial Nominee Program).
4.4
Work collaboratively with regional health authorities, professional
organizations and through the Tri-lateral Master Agreement structure
to improve health care through innovations in service delivery and
compensation with an emphasis on the development of multidisciplinary
teams (e.g., Telehealth, Health Transition Fund projects, Alternate
Relationship Plans, Primary Care Initiative).
4.5
Optimize efficient utilization of the health workforce by making
better use of available competencies and skills of health care practitioners
(e.g., Alberta International Medical Graduate program, increased
use of nurse practitioners, Provincial Nominee Program).
4.6
Promote the use of multidisciplinary teams, and incent and enable
health care practitioners to work collaboratively (e.g., Local Primary
Care Initiatives, Alternative Relationship Plans, Telehealth program,
implementation of the Health Professions Act).
4.7
Develop and implement regulations for health care providers under
the Health Professions Act to enable health care practitioners
to work to their full scopes of practice.
4.8
Increase rural access to health care practitioners and multidisciplinary
teams (e.g., Rural Physician Action Plan, Telehealth program, Local
Primary Care Initiatives, Rural On-Call program, Rural Locum Program).
GOAL
5: Improved health service outcomes
What
it means
Albertans
expect the best possible care and outcomes when they use the health
system. As part of its leadership and assurance role, the Ministry
establishes quality standards for safety, accessibility and effective
use of resources. This role also includes monitoring compliance.
The Ministry continually updates standards and develops new initiatives
in response to technological advances, demographic changes and other
factors.
Strategies
5.1
Help Albertans with chronic health conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes)
maintain optimum health through appropriately managed and coordinated
care including paid and voluntary support systems and networks.
5.2
Improve quality of continuing care services by:
- working
with RHAs to address staffing issues and by increasing hours of
client care in long-term care facilities; and
- using standardized
tools to ensure quality care is provided (e.g., quality indicators,
personal care plans).
5.3
Promote quality standards for health services, such as patient safety.
5.4
Strengthen the health system's capacity to prevent, monitor and
report medical errors and hospital acquired infections.
5.5
Use information from the Health Quality Council of Alberta to assist
in improving performance of Alberta's health system.
5.6
Initiate public reporting of outcome indicators for the key life-saving
interventions of cardiac revascularization, kidney dialysis and
transplants.
5.7
Pilot the transfer of ground ambulance funding and governance in
the Palliser and Peace Country Health Regions for the purpose of
determining whether the transfer province-wide is operationally
and fiscally feasible.
CORE
BUSINESS THREE: Lead and participate in continuous improvement in
the health system
GOAL
6: Health system efficiency, effectiveness and innovation
What
it means
Alberta's
complex health system is challenged by continuous change, rising
costs, steady growth and increased public expectations. Health system
innovation can only be achieved in collaboration with stakeholders
and the Alberta public, through an effective coordination of efforts
and clear, timely communication.
Strategies
System
Management
6.1
Continue to enhance and clarify the accountability relationships
within the health system as public expectations evolve (e.g., Tri-lateral
Master Agreement, regional health authority health plans, long-term
care and surgical services contracts).
6.2
Lead the development of a policy framework and collaborate with
health authorities and professional organizations on the development
of a planning framework for the health system.
6.3
Provide leadership among stakeholders in ensuring data quality.
6.4
Work with key partners and stakeholders to enable Alberta's interests
to be forefront in collaborative federal-provincial initiatives.
6.5
Organize an International Symposium on Health to profile best practices
and innovative examples, which will allow for informed dialogue
on health innovation.
6.6
Lead the Health Innovation and Wellness Cross-Ministry Initiative,
which strengthens collaboration, integration and coordination across
government ministries to enhance the sustainability of the public
health system.
Innovation
6.7
Continue to implement health information technology to give clinicians
drug, lab and diagnostic imaging data so they can provide quality
patient care.
6.8
Change the majority of Alberta's diagnostic imaging services and
equipment to filmless technologies to enable earlier diagnosis and
reduce unnecessary duplication of diagnostic imaging procedures.
6.9
Implement the following systems:
- electronic
systems within regions and physicians' offices to provide patient
information to physicians at the point-of-care4;
- electronic
tracking and referral and patient tracking systems to streamline
access to selected specialty services; and
- improve system
access and security to minimize fraud and better identify eligible
health service recipients.
6.10
Improve processes to decide whether to publicly fund new health
care technologies and drugs.
4
Point-of-care electronic systems refer to the availability of patient
information directly at the patient treatment site. For example,
when you see your family doctor, he/she has computer access to your
file in each treatment room. Funded by the Physician Office System
Program.
EXPENSE
BY CORE BUSINESS
MINISTRY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED
NET OPERATING RESULT
CAPITAL
INVESTMENT BY CORE BUSINESS
CAPITAL
INVESTMENT BY PROGRAM
APPENDIX:
THE ALBERTA ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE COMMISSION (AADAC) BUSINESS PLAN
2005-08
The
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) is mandated by
the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Act to operate and fund services
addressing alcohol, other drug and gambling problems, and to conduct
related research.
AADAC
is an agency of the Government of Alberta reporting to the Minister
of Health and Wellness. The Commission is governed by a Board of
up to 12 members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The Chair, Dave Rodney is a Member of the Legislative Assembly for
Calgary - Lougheed. The Commission Board provides policy direction
for AADAC's programs and services.
VISION
A
healthy society that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol,
other drugs and gambling.
MISSION
Making
a difference in people's lives by assisting Albertans to achieve
freedom from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs and gambling.
LINK
TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLAN
AADAC
is directly linked to government as part of the Ministry of Health
and Wellness and is referenced in its Business Plan:
Goal
1: Albertans make choices for healthier lifestyles.
Strategy: Ensure that addiction information, prevention and treatment
is available province-wide.
CORE
BUSINESSES
Core
Business 1: Information
Goal
1 - To inform Albertans about alcohol, other drug and gambling
issues and AADAC services.
Core
Business 2: Prevention
Goal
2 - To prevent the development of and reduce the harms associated
with alcohol, other drug and gambling problems.
Core
Business 3: Treatment
Goal
3 - To provide treatment programs and services that assist Albertans
to improve or recover from the harmful effects of alcohol, other
drug and gambling problems.
STRATEGIC
PRIORITIES 2005-08
One
of the pillars of the Government of Alberta's 20-year strategic
plan, Today's Opportunities, Tomorrow's Promise, is to
make Alberta the best place to live, work and visit. AADAC contributes
to this vision by delivering responsive and affordable programs
and services that promote healthy living. Through review of external
and internal challenges, and in addition to AADAC's core activities,
the Commission has identified the following strategic priorities
for 2005-08.
- Ensure the
ongoing sustainability of addiction services across the province.
- Continue
to emphasize youth programs and services for women and families.
- Enhance
research and information services to support prevention and treatment
programming.
- Maintain
a priority on tobacco reduction in Alberta.
- Continue
to support employee wellness initiatives.
CORE
BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES AND MEASURES
CORE
BUSINESS ONE: Information
GOAL
1: To inform Albertans about alcohol, other drug and gambling
issues and AADAC services.
What
it means
AADAC
provides Albertans with current and accurate information on alcohol,
other drugs and gambling. Information management and dissemination
creates greater awareness of addiction issues and AADAC services,
and is required to support the development and delivery of prevention
and treatment programming. Information and resource materials are
available through AADAC offices and clinics, and are accessible
on the AADAC website at www.aadac.com.
CORE
BUSINESS TWO: Prevention
GOAL
2: To prevent the development of and reduce the harms associated
with alcohol, other drug and gambling problems.
What
it means
AADAC
provides programs and services that are designed to prevent alcohol,
other drug and gambling problems, and reduce the harms associated
with substance abuse and problem gambling. Prevention strategies
are intended to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors
for the population as a whole, and within specific groups.
CORE
BUSINESS THREE: Treatment
GOAL
3: To provide treatment programs and services that assist
Albertans to improve or recover from the harmful effects of alcohol,
other drug and gambling problems.
What
it means
AADAC
offers a broad continuum of treatment services that assist Albertans
to improve or recover from the harmful effects of alcohol, other
drug and gambling problems. Treatment is aimed at adults, youth,
and their families who are displaying significant problems. Services
include community-based outpatient counseling, day programs, crisis
and detoxification services, short and long-term residential treatment,
and overnight shelter. Specialized programs are available for youth,
women, Aboriginal Albertans, business and industry referrals, and
persons with opiate dependency or cocaine addiction.
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