The consolidation, which follows a year of review and consultation by the Alberta Catholic Health Corporation (ACHC), was announced today by the Catholic Bishops of Alberta in response to a proposal submitted by the Board Chairs of the 16 organizations and the ACHC.
The new organization will direct and manage Catholic facilities in 11 communities across Alberta with a total of almost 2,400 beds and a total budget of over $514 million. These facilities provide a range of services — including acute care, continuing care, assisted living, hospice, rehabilitation and respite care, and seniors' housing. The consolidation will bring together more than 8,800 workers and 2,700 volunteers in Banff, Bonnyville, Camrose, Castor, Edmonton, Killam, Lethbridge, Mundare, St. Albert, Trochu and Vegreville.
The Bishops have appointed a six-member board led by W. John Brennan of Edmonton to replace the current ACHC Board of Directors effective August 7, 2008. Patrick Dumelie, President of Caritas Health Group, has been named Interim CEO of the consolidated organization. The current Boards at each facility will remain in place but transition to community boards, with a focus on identifying and addressing local needs, and will be accountable to the new Board. The plan calls for the new governance and management structure to be completed by October 1, 2008
The new organization will be known as Catholic Health of Alberta during the transition period and be renamed in the fall.
"Building on a 145-year legacy, the new organization will strengthen our mission to continue the healing ministry of Jesus and our ability to meet the needs of Albertans with compassion, resourcefulness and dedication," said Most. Rev. Richard Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton, on behalf of the Bishops. "We believe this presents an exciting opportunity to refresh the vision for Catholic health care in the province and grow to be of greater service to our communities."
Board Chair John Brennan said Catholic Health of Alberta will work closely with the new Alberta Health Services Board and other providers across the province to ensure that the Catholic facilities deliver quality, holistic care to all who need it. "Co-ordination of programs and services, sharing of expertise and resources, improved communications and a single point of leadership and accountability will benefit all our operations," he said.
The reorganization is not expected to have any impact on the jobs of front-line workers or the continued contribution of these facilities to their communities.
