Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley said if elected, her party will commit to developing the Healthcare Innovation Challenge Fund to transform the system. .“This new fund will prioritize the procurement, scaling, and deployment of innovative software and equipment in healthcare settings — everywhere from operating rooms to outpatient clinics — to improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times and procedure times, and to lower costs,” said Notley at a Thursday press conference. .“The Alberta NDP would invest an initial $75 million into this fund over the next three years.” .Notley said the NDP would use the best available technology and innovation to modernize and improve public healthcare. She added Albertans deserve better. .Instead of serving Albertans, she said there's Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party on the other hand. She alleged Smith and the Alberta UCP have chosen to cause chaos with public healthcare. .Smith said April 11 fear and smear politics by the NDP do not work after she announced the UCP’s Public Health Guarantee (PHG). .READ MORE: Smith announces UCP 'Public Health Guarantee'.She said the PHG shows its commitment to public healthcare. .If she is re-elected, no Albertan will ever have to pay for a doctor out of pocket..With the Healthcare Innovation Challenge Fund, Notley said Alberta can “ensure the healthcare we provide here is amongst the best in the world.”.During one of her consultations with Albertans, a surgeon told her about a revolutionary tip for hip surgery used in hospitals around the world..Instead of making large, invasive incisions to replace a hip, the technique requires one small cut. The technique reduces the complications during and after surgery, is less painful for patients, and can result in shorter hospital stays. .Alberta does not have access to the specialized operating equipment and table to allow it to be used. If there are proven benefits to patient outcomes, she said there's no reason why it cannot have the available equipment. .The Alberta NDP leader went on to say while new technologies can improve health outcomes, simple solutions can offer huge benefits. She said nurses working on any diabetic ward could speak at length about the purple glucose machines. .Having to spend time calibrating machines and pricking fingers multiple times a day while sensors with technology which monitor and report blood sugars exists is unproductive. She said nurses would appreciate not having to wait in line to use a machine while other products can save time and help patients. .Alberta NDP candidate Luanne Metz (Calgary-Varsity) said as a neurologist, she is thankful to work with researchers at the University of Calgary. .“Our research labs and post-secondary institutions right here in Alberta are on the cutting edge of medical research and innovation,” said Metz. .“We are meeting and exceeding expectations for new technological advances and interventions.” .Metz said all Alberta needs to turn dreams into reality is a supportive government. This government would be committed to a robust public healthcare system and spending money on it. .Alberta NDP candidate Court Ellingson (Calgary-Foothills) said Albertans deserve a government “that prioritizes their well-being and invests in a better future for its citizens.” .“It is clear that health technology is a fast-growing field within our innovation ecosystem,” said Ellingson. .Ellingson acknowledged Calgary has all it needs to take advantage of the industry. The problem is many innovators face challenges with access to procurement and implementation in the healthcare sector. .Those barriers can discourage potential entrepreneurs from pursuing their ideas and hinder development of solutions.
Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley said if elected, her party will commit to developing the Healthcare Innovation Challenge Fund to transform the system. .“This new fund will prioritize the procurement, scaling, and deployment of innovative software and equipment in healthcare settings — everywhere from operating rooms to outpatient clinics — to improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times and procedure times, and to lower costs,” said Notley at a Thursday press conference. .“The Alberta NDP would invest an initial $75 million into this fund over the next three years.” .Notley said the NDP would use the best available technology and innovation to modernize and improve public healthcare. She added Albertans deserve better. .Instead of serving Albertans, she said there's Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party on the other hand. She alleged Smith and the Alberta UCP have chosen to cause chaos with public healthcare. .Smith said April 11 fear and smear politics by the NDP do not work after she announced the UCP’s Public Health Guarantee (PHG). .READ MORE: Smith announces UCP 'Public Health Guarantee'.She said the PHG shows its commitment to public healthcare. .If she is re-elected, no Albertan will ever have to pay for a doctor out of pocket..With the Healthcare Innovation Challenge Fund, Notley said Alberta can “ensure the healthcare we provide here is amongst the best in the world.”.During one of her consultations with Albertans, a surgeon told her about a revolutionary tip for hip surgery used in hospitals around the world..Instead of making large, invasive incisions to replace a hip, the technique requires one small cut. The technique reduces the complications during and after surgery, is less painful for patients, and can result in shorter hospital stays. .Alberta does not have access to the specialized operating equipment and table to allow it to be used. If there are proven benefits to patient outcomes, she said there's no reason why it cannot have the available equipment. .The Alberta NDP leader went on to say while new technologies can improve health outcomes, simple solutions can offer huge benefits. She said nurses working on any diabetic ward could speak at length about the purple glucose machines. .Having to spend time calibrating machines and pricking fingers multiple times a day while sensors with technology which monitor and report blood sugars exists is unproductive. She said nurses would appreciate not having to wait in line to use a machine while other products can save time and help patients. .Alberta NDP candidate Luanne Metz (Calgary-Varsity) said as a neurologist, she is thankful to work with researchers at the University of Calgary. .“Our research labs and post-secondary institutions right here in Alberta are on the cutting edge of medical research and innovation,” said Metz. .“We are meeting and exceeding expectations for new technological advances and interventions.” .Metz said all Alberta needs to turn dreams into reality is a supportive government. This government would be committed to a robust public healthcare system and spending money on it. .Alberta NDP candidate Court Ellingson (Calgary-Foothills) said Albertans deserve a government “that prioritizes their well-being and invests in a better future for its citizens.” .“It is clear that health technology is a fast-growing field within our innovation ecosystem,” said Ellingson. .Ellingson acknowledged Calgary has all it needs to take advantage of the industry. The problem is many innovators face challenges with access to procurement and implementation in the healthcare sector. .Those barriers can discourage potential entrepreneurs from pursuing their ideas and hinder development of solutions.
