Hello.
Born and raised Albertan here, now nearing 70 years old. Through the years I have been referred many different times for ultrasounds, MRI's CAT scans etc.
Prior to August 2026 when I phoned to book my referral I was always provided a date. Whether it be 3 months down the road or booked for the following week, a date was scheduled.
In early August 2026 I was referred for an ultrasound on my foot. When I phoned to book an appointment I was informed that I could not be booked. I was told all August appointments were booked and the only thing they could do
was to put me on a waiting list.
When I explained that I had never heard of this type of scheduling problem before I was told that was all they could do. So, I told them to put my name in the list. They could not tell me who was administering the list or how
long the wait would be.
I waited about 2 weeks.
When I phoned again about scheduling my ultrasound I was now told all the appointments for September were booked and I could only be placed in a waiting list again!
This coincidentally happened within days of the UCP government announcing Albertans could now book and pay for their own diagnostic testing without a doctor's referral.
I am sickened by the underhanded steps the UCP government have taken to knowingly underfund public healthcare while promoting private practices.
Sincerely concerned,
W. W.