Fwd: Delayed MRI appointment details

Hi Marg,

Thanks for reaching out regarding to my post. I think it's really important the Federal government is aware of how private healthcare has impacted our public system as well.

My family Dr has been investigating my ankle since May of this year, 2026. He referred me to an orthopaedic specialist and was told to obtain x-rays and an ultrasound, which he did right away. Of course he had done all that prior to referring me for an ortho consultation but they needed more I guess? We were both confused by that.

He was also advised to obtain an MRI. I presume it was requested by the orthopaedic surgeon but am not sure of that.

In looking at my records on MyHealth/MyChart it looks as if the referral was sent over again.

I am booked for an MRI on Sunday, June 13, 2027! Yes, 2027.

I checked to see what wait times for a privately funded (out of pocket) appointment date would be out of curiosity and I could get in for one in less than 2 weeks. 

This is a travesty. I am a senior on a fixed income and do not want to spend my emergency fund on medical care that should be readily available through our publicly funded healthcare. It's a good thing I didn't too as our home was hit by the floods in July and I need all the money we have to deal with the things insurance doesn't pay for, I.e. sump pump, grading, and a whole myriad of things yet unforeseen.

Marg, I've followed you for a long time now and I just want to thank you for everything you do. I hope my story helps open the Feds eyes to what's going on here in Alberta with healthcare. The UCP has done everything they can to destroy it, syphon funding to private vendors and force people to pay for healthcare out of desperation.

I did not plan my retirement to include paying for healthcare and am definitely not in a financial position to do so. So after working in public service for 45+ years I find myself over a barrel, waiting a year for an MRI.

I know this was more than you needed but I'm hoping it will help get some accountability measures and guidelines imposed on this horrible provincial government.

Thank you again.

Sincerely,

D. B.