In 1994 the Government of Alberta passed the Regional Health Authorities Act, one of a continuing series of steps in the government's plan to restructure the health system. The legislation dissolved the many hospital boards and health agencies that had been responsible for the operation of the health system and implemented in their place 17 different health authorities that would each administer health care to the citizens of a specific area. For a map of the different health authorities throughout the province, click here.

This area is served by the Palliser Health Authority, which stretches east from the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and almost to Strathmore in the west, and from the Canadian-American border in the south to past Oyen in the north. A map of the Authority can be found here.

Health Authorities are currently guided by appointed boards. This is also the case with Palliser. The board is made up of 15 members from various areas of the PHA region. This board is responsible for managing the overall operation of the health authority in all aspects. It makes most major decisions, such as equipment purchase, facility renovation, funding allocation and more. In the future it is planned that board members will not be only appointed but some will be elected during municipal elections. This election was to have occurred in the fall of 1998 but has been delayed until 2001. For now the board will continue to be composed of appointed members.

Palliser Health Authority is further sub-divided into three areas: Northern, Central and Western. To view the boundaries of the subdivisions click here. Services in each area are supervised by a Director of Health Services. For Brooks and surrounding area the Director is Leona Ferguson. She is responsible for the operation of health services in the Western Area. Also, she graciously attends our meetings to advise us on the state of health services in this area and throughout the province.

To keep in touch with the citizens of the Authority, Palliser has created within each subdivision a Community Health Council such as our own. The role of these councils is to act as a liason between Palliser and the citizens. We advise on gaps in the community's health services, provide Palliser with input regarding the concerns and needs of the community and generally voice the opinions of the citizens to Palliser. We also supply information to the community from Palliser when requested. For examples of how we have accomplished these many things go to the Who We Are page.

This is a brief introduction into the operation of the health system in Alberta. It is by no means complete. If you would like more information on the health system E-mail us or for what will probably be a more effective response phone the toll free number below or go to the Alberta Health website.