Alberta Doctor Challenges Premier to Witness Emergency Room Crisis

The head of emergency medicine for Alberta’s doctors association has issued a challenge to Premier Danielle Smith. He has invited her to experience firsthand the challenges faced by patients and medical professionals within the province's emergency rooms. He hopes she can witness the long wait times and the emotional toll it takes on both patients and doctors.

Dr. Warren Thirsk, the association's representative, highlighted the "vicarious trauma" experienced by doctors who are unable to provide timely care. He believes that only by experiencing the situation directly can one truly understand the severity of the issue. He questioned whether the Premier would be willing to endure the same lengthy wait times as other patients.

Thirsk's comments followed the release of a new survey conducted by the Alberta Medical Association, which represents the province's physicians. The survey measured patients' experiences within the healthcare system. Thirsk, who works in the emergency ward of Edmonton’s downtown Royal Alexandra Hospital, described the conditions he faces during his shifts. He recounted arriving to find hallways filled with patients who had been waiting for extended periods.

He shared a specific instance where he had to treat a patient with a broken hip in the hallway, while other patients watched. He described the emotional impact of having to prioritize one patient while others waited, and the feeling of being unable to help everyone. He noted the increasing wait times and the frustration it causes, leading some patients to leave the emergency room without being seen.

The association's survey, which included responses from over 1,100 Albertans, indicated that a significant portion of patients had given up on waiting for emergency care in the past year. Dr. Shelley Duggan, the association’s president, attributed these issues to a combination of factors, including a shortage of specialists, lack of space in continuing care facilities, and a shortage of family doctors.

The Alberta government has disputed the survey's findings, stating that they do not align with broader health data. The government claims that the percentage of patients leaving the ER without being seen is lower than what the survey suggests. However, data from Health Quality Alberta shows that the number of patients leaving before being seen varies depending on the hospital, with some hospitals experiencing higher rates than others.