Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon has a new portfolio with the provincial government.
Nixon, who is minister of seniors, community and social services, is now the sector minister for the newly created continuing care provincial health agency. The new agency is one of four new pillars of health care in Alberta, which also includes primary care, acute care and mental health and addiction.
“As the new sector minister for continuing care, I am committed to ensuring seniors, people with disabilities, people facing homelessness and other vulnerable Albertans are supported with comprehensive, wraparound services that meet both their medical and non-medical needs.
“This change will not interrupt service delivery or impact funding in any way," said Nixon in a press release on Oct. 16.
He said the new agency will be looking at making the system easier to access.
"A new, unified approach will include a new, user-friendly online platform to connect partners and Albertans to continuing care supports and enable people to request the services they need directly."
He added that they won't be doing this in isolation, as they are establishing a transitional committee, which will help guide the transformation, along with consulting with key organizations, operators and experts.
"With the experience of health care professionals and social service specialists, we will develop services that work together, while continuing to support Albertans in choosing where and how they would like to live.”
Health Minister Adrianna LaGrange said the new agency will help Albertans in the long run.
“Establishing a new provincial health agency dedicated to continuing care gives us the opportunity to broaden our efforts to care for all Albertans who need daily supports and services in continuing care homes, supportive living or through home and community care," she said.
