AHS is accountable for ensuring Albertans get the health care they need. We are constantly monitoring the entire health system to ensure there are no gaps in service, and have a thorough understanding of potential areas of concern.

When a physician wants to communicate intent to change their AHS privileges, they make a formal change request, which includes filling out a Request to Change form as outlined in the AHS Medical Staff Bylaws.

These are filed with AHS Medical Affairs and include an effective date – the proposed service change date. This date is subject to receipt of the form by AHS. Currently, for various reasons, we have 12 formal change requests in three rural communities.

When a physician shares an intent to change their AHS privileges through informal means (e.g., social media, verbal communication), this physician may be added to a Notification of Intent list managed by AHS Medical Affairs.

This list is categorized by risk, which is impacted by a number of factors, including number of known departures and new recruitments, total number of physicians in the community, and more. High risk does not mean an actual departure is imminent.

AHS engages with physicians when they communicate an intent to withdraw to ensure they are aware of the formal processes required to do so, and to work collaboratively to recruit and ensure coverage at the site.

Normal physician recruitment is ongoing but there no critical physician shortages or coverage issues in any of these communities and none are anticipated, outside of the usual gaps due to sickness, vacations, and other commitments.