It was a rally unlike any in recent memory. Hundreds of Central Albertans filled a conference room to overflowing, spilling through the hallways and into the lobby of the Baymont Inn. There was no political party organizer in charge. No one blamed the current NDP government, or the previous Conservative government. The target of frustration was squarely focussed on Alberta Health Services. The doctors behind a huge public rally are calling on Central Albertans to contact provincial politicians of all stripes and demand action. It’s clear they won’t take no for an answer and they’re sure Central Albertans won’t either.

According to Alberta Health Services Red Deer Regional Hospital is one of the busiest in the province. Despite a regional population explosion, Red Deer’s hospital has not seen an expansion in bed numbers in nearly 15 years. Even Alberta Health has recognized this is a growing issue. Three years ago, a major expansion for Red Deer Regional Hospital was ranked 3rd out of the top 21 capital spending priorities for AHS. But then in 2015 Red Deer expansion slipped down the AHS priority list. Then when the capital priorities for 2016 were released, expansion for Red Deer Regional Hospital fell off the priority list altogether. Health care providers were outraged and regional doctors started a campaign to inform the public.

The facts are astounding and the resulting effects on health care delivery are shocking. In their presentation to Central Albertans doctors provided example after example all pointing to the same conclusion; if you live in Central Alberta, you’re paying for other regions to have better health care than you have.

Red Deer Regional Hospital serves 350,000 Central Albertans from the Rocky Mountains to the Saskatchewan border. Provincial politicians serving in this region were invited to the meeting including Rick Strankman, Wildrose MLA for the Settler Drumheller riding.

Red Deer North NDP MLA Kim Schreiner was there too. Schreiner worked in health care previous to her election victory in 2015.

Dr. Kym Jim served as spokesman for the Central Alberta doctors.

Central Albertans were urged to contact their MLAs, Health Minister Sarah Hoffman and Premier Rachel Notley. A non-profit society — Friends of Central Alberta Health Care is being established to co-ordinate the effort. A public rally will be held June 3, location to be announced. You can keep on top of the latest information on the Facebook page called “Diagnosis Critical. Your Central Alberta Regional Hospital.”