Amid Struggling Dynalife, Alberta Premier Hints at Possible Alternative Solutions

Long Wait Times for Health Care Tests and Services in Alberta

Issues surrounding long wait times for appointments to get tests, and other complaints regarding laboratory services in Alberta, have been brought to the attention of the Premier, Danielle Smith. The complaints have mostly been directed at private company DynaLIFE that holds a contract from Alberta Precision Laboratories for publicly operated community lab services. Patients in Calgary reported waiting for bloodwork appointments that were booking up to July, and this has sparked the Premier to consider alternatives as concerns regarding long wait times and demand have not been adequately met.

Premier’s Reaction

Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged that she has heard of complaints regarding DynaLIFE‘s subpar performances in meeting patient and laboratory service expectations. During a radio show, she suggested the potential of revoking the decision to contract out publicly-operated community lab services to DynaLIFE. The Premier also iterated that the Alberta Health Services was “looking into the issue” but warned that an alternative plan may be implemented if DynaLIFE fails to efficiently meet demand.

DynaLIFE’s Response

In response to the current scenario, DynaLIFE has asserted that they are working with Alberta Precision Laboratories and Alberta Health Services to reduce wait times and maintain the quality of services offered in the community lab. The company is said to be actively recruiting additional staff and facilities around the Calgary area and has promised new temporary labs and locations for weekend service at existing locations, expansion of operations, and additional 1450 appointments every week. DynaLIFE has also confirmed that a tentative agreement with the Health Science Association has been reached after months of negotiation for a collective bargaining agreement and that members will vote on the agreement with the results expected to be out by the end of the month.

Healthcare Advocates’ Reaction

The statements of the Premier have created confusion among healthcare advocates in Alberta. They believe that the comments made by the Premier were vague, and that the province has a moral obligation to provide adequate health care facilities to patients. Friends of Medicare director Chris Gallaway said it is unclear what the government expects as regards performance from DynaLIFE. Patients are frustrated, waiting as long as six months to access service appointments, and there is a feeling of neglect and disinterest on the part of the government to address the issue. 

Conclusion and Advice

The current situation of poor laboratory services and long wait times for appointments in Alberta is alarming and demands immediate action by the government. The public has a right to effective and efficient healthcare, and services delivering health care do have a moral obligation to uphold the good of their patients. While DynaLIFE pledges to improve services and at the same time, the Premier is seeking alternative measures, it is now the responsibility of the health ministry to act decisively and provide clear guidance on what is expected from a medical provider. Patients seeking healthcare must be given reliable and timely service, and they cannot be subjected to a health care system that is beyond repair.