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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2006-09The Ministry's strategic priorities for the next three years have been identified. These priorities are in addition to theimportant ongoing core activities of the Ministry.1. Better health care– the Third WayLinkage:Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5and 6Alberta is embarking on a Third Way in health care delivery to improve quality and access andto increase choice. In fostering new ideas and approaches, we are encouraging everyone tolook for practical ways to make services more efficient, responsive and accessible to thosewho need them. The following actions identify innovative new approaches for the delivery ofhealth services:Goal 6Health policy – We need an overall health policy that focuses on wellness and personalresponsibility, defines what services are included in the publicly-funded health system, guidesour decisions and sets clear priorities.Goal 3Access and efficiency – While people get immediate care when there is an emergency, thismay not be the case for non-emergency situations. Work to streamline the processes, get rid ofbottlenecks and speed up access to important health services is underway.Goal 1, 2 and 3Wellness and injury prevention – Encourage Albertans to take greater personal responsibilityfor their own health and wellness. By choosing healthier lifestyles, Albertans will be able toprevent or delay the onset of chronic conditions. Healthy eating and active living, combinedwith decisions that reduce personal health risks, will improve quality of life and long-termhealth outcomes and decrease demands on the health system. Immunization is one of the mostcost effective medical interventions to prevent diseases. Strategies to improve immunizationrates in Alberta are necessary to eliminate/reduce vaccine preventable diseases in our province.Goal 1 and 2Children's health – It makes good sense to make children's health a top priority. We need totake action to improve the health of all children and especially those who are at risk – whetherthose risks involve violence in their communities, homes or schools, exposure to drugs andalcohol, unhealthy lifestyles, or not being immunized against common childhood diseases.Specific action will be taken to respond to the risks and harm associated with crystalmethamphetamine abuse.Goal 3Access to mental health services – One in five Albertans will be affected by mental illnessduring their lifetimes. The nine regional health authorities are developing their own plansbased on the Provincial Mental Health Plan. Commencing with the 2006-09 planning andreporting cycle, health regions will provide specific information about mental healthperformance and outcomes.Goal 6Electronic Health Record–Alberta Netcare – The Alberta Netcare system is absolutelyessential for moving ahead on a whole range of initiatives in the health system that will resultin better care, better decisions and safer health services. For Albertans, it means an end torepeat tests and the security that when they have a health problem, the people who are treatingthem have access to a complete picture of their health.HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09219

Goal 4Primary health care – A comprehensive, coordinated approach to primary health care that isavailable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multi-disciplinary team delivery ensuresAlbertans get the right provider and the right services at the right time.Goal 6Legislation and regulations – Legislation and regulation changes need to be made to expandchoices for Albertans and remove barriers that stand in the way of further innovation.Goal 6Prescription drug costs and coverage – Drug costs are the fastest growing part of the healthcare budget. We need to look at how we are going to pay the bill for drugs now and in thefuture. At the same time, current government drug plans only cover about 18 per cent ofAlbertans including seniors, children and people with lower incomes. Most Albertans get theirprescription drugs covered through private insurance plans, but about 27 per cent of Albertanshave no coverage at all.Goal 5Continuing care quality – The emphasis for continuing care, both long-term care and homecare, will be on quality of service. Albertans expect their parents and grandparents will bewell cared for in places where they are respected and treated with dignity. In the longer termwe also need to look at new approaches for paying for long-term care including insuranceprograms or savings plans where people could invest now.Goal 4Health care providers – The provision of health care requires a well-trained and wellmotivated workforce of an appropriate size and mix. Compensation of the health workforce(including physicians) accounts for approximately 70 per cent of health system expenditures.Consequently, health workforce strategic and operational planning is critically important to thelong-term sustainability of the Alberta health care system.Goal 3Rural communities – Access to health care is a critical issue in rural communities and theyface special challenges in being able to provide the range of health care services people needand expect. The provincial government's Rural Development Strategy identifies health care asone of the fundamental pillars that must be addressed in order to preserve and sustain ruralcommunities.Goal 6Supplementary health insurance – Conduct research and consult with experts on insuranceprograms for continuing care, prescription drugs and other non-emergency health services.Supplementary health insurance would not be required to cover any medical emergencies ormedically necessary health services.Goal 1Improving Alberta’s Health System–The Third Way – Enhance the sustainability of thehealth system now and in the future by strengthening policy integration and collaborationacross ministries. The Ministry will lead this initiative, which is one of the eight Top Prioritiesof the three-year government business plan. Actions taken will include: Child and youth wellness strategy Common pharmaceutical framework Continuing care strategy Insurance program for continuing care, prescription drugs and other non-emergency healthservices.220HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09

2. Strengthen publichealth riskmanagementcapabilities.Linkage: Goal 2Albertans want to know that their health system is prepared and able to protect them from risksto their health. Recent events such as the outbreak of avian influenza, SARS and West Nilevirus as well as a potential pandemic have reinforced the importance of strong public healthprograms. Albertans are partners in this effort. Key strategies for managing public health risksinclude:Goal 2Protect Albertans against communicable diseases – Strengthen and restructure systemcapacity to respond to public health issues and risks. Create a communications partnershipwith other ministries, municipalities, agencies, associations (e.g., Alberta Urban MunicipalitiesAssociation, Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties) and other stakeholders toensure Albertans get timely information on how to protect themselves against all communicablediseases in case of a catastrophic event such as pandemic influenza.Goal 2Protect Albertans from environmental health risks – Protect Albertans from health risks inthe environment through education, regulatory enforcement and partnership with otheragencies.CORE BUSINESSES, GOALS, STRATEGIES & PERFORMANCE MEASURESCore Business One: Advocate and educate for healthy livingGOAL ONE1What it meansAlbertans make choices for healthier lifestylesThe health and wellness of Albertans is influenced by genetic factors, early childhood development,education, employment status, the environment and personal decisions about lifestyle behaviours. TheMinistry provides health information to Albertans to promote healthy lifestyle and quality of life choices.Strategies1.1 Support Albertans in making healthy lifestyle choices through information services likehealthyalberta.com.1.2 Collaborate with community stakeholders to strengthen the ability of individuals and communities toincrease healthy behaviours and reduce the risk of disease, illness and injury.1.3 Provide health and lifestyle information to help people make healthy choices to reduce the risk ofdisease and injury (e.g., Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, HIV).1.4 Ensure that addiction information, prevention and treatment services are available province-wide.1.5 Work with other ministries to target strategic health and wellness initiatives that address the health needsof children, youth, seniors, Aboriginal communities and Albertans with disabilities or who aredisadvantaged.HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09221

Performance MeasuresLast 989 (2005)78 (2005)90809080908077.5 (2003)82.3 (2003)78.083.078.083.078.083.01.c HIV Rates: Age adjusted rate of newly reportedHIV cases (per 100,000 population)5.4 (2004)5.55.65.51.d STI Rates: Age adjusted rate of newly reportedsexually transmitted infections (per 100,000population)SyphilisGonorrheaChlamydia2.3 (2004)43.3 (2004)261 (2004)4.0502804.5703004.3602906.2 (2000-02)6.05.95.85.556 (2003)606570801.g Healthy Diet: Per cent of Albertans age 12 andover who eat at least 5 servings of fruit andvegetables each day39.1 (2003)404245501.h Healthy Weight: Per cent of Albertans age 18and over with “acceptable” body mass index(BMI)47 (2003)505152551.i Diabetes: Number of new cases of type 2diabetes (per 1,000 population at risk)General populationFirst Nations population4.5 (2001)9.0 (2001)4.38.74.38.74.28.64.18.51.j Alcohol Consumption: Per cent of Albertawomen who consumed alcohol during pregnancy4.0 (2002)3.53.23.001.a Self-reported health status: Per cent ofAlbertans reporting they are in “excellent, verygood, or good” health18-6465 20121.b Life Expectancy at birth: (in years)MaleFemale1.e Birth Weight: Per cent of low birth weightbabies1.f Exercise: Per cent of Albertans age 12 andover who are “active” or “moderately active”Notes:1.aSelf-reported health status is a good indicator of the health and well-being of Albertans. How people rate their own health isaffected by a variety of factors including chronic disease, disability, temporary illness and mental health.1.bLife expectancy at birth indicates how long a newborn would be expected to live if health and living conditions remainunchanged. It reflects an equitable distribution of wealth in the population, good nutrition, education and environmentalconditions.1.c-1.d Due to the rising rate of all STIs, a further rise is anticipated in both STI and HIV, potentially peaking in 2007 and then declining.These increasing rates are similar nationally and internationally. The targets represent a slowing in the rate of increase.1.eA low birth weight is 2500 grams or less. Low birth weight babies are more likely to have birth related complications, disabilitiesand other health problems. They are also at a greater risk of having developmental delays and health problems.1.f-1.i Chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes are leading causes of death in Alberta, and the greatest drain on our health careresources. The most common chronic diseases are linked by a few risk factors: unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, tobacco use andsubstance abuse. If we can make healthier choices we can move closer to the vision of Albertans are healthy and live, work andplay in a healthy environment. The 2012 targets are from the Framework for a Healthy Alberta.1.hAn "acceptable" BMI falls in the normal weight range. There are four categories of BMI ranges in the Canadian weightclassification system. They are: underweight (BMIs less than 18.5); normal weight (BMIs 18.5 to 24.9); overweight (BMIs 25 to29.9), and obese (BMI 30 and over). Most adults with a high BMI (overweight or obese) have a high percentage of body fat.Extra body fat is associated with increased risk of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and somecancers.1.jConsuming alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). A baby born with FASD can haveserious handicaps and therefore could require a lifetime of special care. Alberta's goal is to have zero per cent of women consumealcohol during pregnancy by 2012.222HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09

GOAL TWO2What it meansAlbertans' health is protectedThe Ministry monitors the health system and provides leadership and planning for prevention servicesdelivered through health authorities and other partners. As public health issues such as avian influenzagain attention worldwide, Albertans need to know their health system is ready and able to protect them.The Ministry provides support and leadership in the development of the overall provincial response andemergency plans to deal with outbreaks and health threats. These services help to protect Albertans fromdisease and injury.Strategies2.1 Reduce suicide and the risk of serious injury through education and targeted interventions incollaboration with other agencies. Work with AADAC, Children's Services, and Solicitor General andPublic Security to reduce the number of youth suicides.2.2 Protect Albertans against communicable diseases by strengthening the health system's capacity toprevent, be prepared for and respond to public health risks such as vaccine-preventable diseases,emerging threats like avian influenza and increases in sexually transmitted infections.2.3 Protect Albertans from environmental health risks transmitted via air, water, food and physicalenvironments through education, environmental and air quality monitoring, regulatory compliance andenforcement in partnership with other ministries.2.4 Develop networks and initiatives that improve access to disease screening and prevention services suchas the Alberta Stroke Network.2.5 Work with other ministries on the Water for Life Strategy to ensure safe and secure drinking water forAlbertans.2.6 Develop a provincial immunization strategy that would lead to improved immunization rates amongAlbertans.2.7 Conduct health surveillance; assess and report on health trends in selected health priority areas (e.g., areproductive health report, a West Nile Virus report, an updated children's health status report, and aninjury report).2.8 Work with other ministries to reduce the transmission of infection in the provision of health care andother community services (e.g., day cares).2.9 Utilize funding from the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund to put Alberta at the forefront of cancerprevention, screening and research.HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09223

Performance MeasuresLast 912.2 (2003)13.9 (2003)12.013.912.013.712.013.52.b Childhood immunization coverage rates: (percent by 2 yrs of age):Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, HibMeasles, mumps, rubella78 (2003)90 (2003)8893939697*982.c Influenza vaccination: Per cent who havereceived the recommended annual influenza (flu)vaccineSeniorsChildren 6-24 months old69 (2004-05)40 (2004-05)7045725075602.d Screening rate for breast cancer: Per cent ofwomen age 50-69 receiving screeningmammography every two years (excludesmammograms done for diagnostic purposes)52.4 (2003)6062622.a Mortality Rates: (per 100,000 population)Land Transport AccidentsSuicideNotes:2.a Raise awareness of the significant burden motor vehicle collisions and suicide have on society and assure Albertans that actions willbe taken to impact these behaviours. Along with Infrastructure and Transportation and the RCMP, the Ministry funds and supportsthe work of the Alberta Occupant Restraint Program through the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research.2.b Providing immunizations for childhood vaccine-preventable diseases is a major activity of the public health system. Immunizationsprotect children and adults from a number of vaccine-preventable diseases, some of which can be fatal or produce permanentdisabilities. A high rate of coverage is needed to protect the entire community from outbreaks of these diseases. Immunizations alsoprovide the parents of young children with the opportunity to obtain other needed health information and advice during clinic visits.* Long-term target is 97 per cent (by 2009) as outlined in the Alberta Immunization Manual, 2001 in accordance with nationalstandards.2.c Influenza has a significant seasonal impact on the health of Albertans and tends to be most severe among children 6 to 24 months ofage, older Albertans, residents of long-term care facilities and those with certain chronic conditions. Illness and death from influenzais more likely in these populations, which affects acute care hospitals and emergency departments.2.d Education and screening reduces the rate of breast cancer among women from 50-69 years of age. The screening rate is anappropriate indicator of the effectiveness of the health system to detect cancer as soon as possible.New Performance Measure under development: The Alberta Cancer Board will be developing a screening program andmeasure for colorectal cancer. There are no data collected on a provincial basis at this time.Core Business Two: Provide quality health and wellness servicesGOAL THREE3What it means224Improved access to health servicesAlbertans expect health services will be accessible where and when they are needed. Working withhealth authorities and service providers, federal and provincial governments, Health and Wellness setsaccess standards for the health system. Improved access includes waiting time and geographic accessstandards and options in health services. These standards and their targets are as interconnected as thehealth system itself, and each target affects other health services.HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09

Strategies3.1 Provide for continuing care services that allow Albertans to "age-in-place" in their homes andcommunities: work with regions to coordinate access to continuing care services for facility living, supportiveliving and home living; consolidate and modernize continuing care policy and regulations; collaborate with the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports to address barriers/access tocontinuum of care and encourage innovation; expand community-based and home care services to enable individuals to remain in theircommunities as long as possible; and develop a new appro

HEALTH AND WELLNESS BUSINESS PLAN 2006-09 215 Health and Wellness ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT The business plan for the three years commencing April 1, 2006 was prepared under my direction in accordance with the Government Accountability Actand the government's accounting policies. All of the government's policy decisions as of February 23, 2006 with