Alberta’s Health System

Alberta’s health care system offers a wide variety of services at different venues of care. Occasionally, patients or their family members have concerns or complaints about service, treatment or how decisions were made. The College of Dental Technologists of Alberta is the first avenue to address your concern directly with regard to the fabrications of your Dental Prosthetic Device(s).

Depending on the nature of the concern and the service in question, you can also discuss your concern with other bodies, the professional association to which the health professional is a member, or the Alberta’s Ombudsman.

Concerns about suspected criminal acts related to health care services should be taken to the police. Concerns about injuries or disputes related to care in the health system may also be taken to the Courts.

 

Abuse

If you have a question or concern about possible abuse of an adult in the care of a hospital, nursing home, seniors’ lodge, group home personal care home, shelter or day program, you can report this to the Protection for Persons in Care Reporting Line administered by Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. Toll-Free: 1-888-357-9339

Alberta Blue Cross Drug Plan

If you have a question or concern about the Alberta government-sponsored Alberta Blue Cross drug plan, please contact Alberta Blue Cross. Toll-Free 1-800-661-6995

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan

If you have a question or concern about coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, including: eligibility, registration, claims, billing inquiries or premium assistance, please contact Alberta Health and Wellness. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-1432

Alberta’s Health System

You may contact Alberta Health and Wellness for any matter related to Alberta’s health system. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-7164

Alberta Ombudsman

If you have a question or concern about the fairness of how your complaint was handled, you may contact the Alberta Ombudsman. The Ombudsman conducts independent investigations into written complaints form individuals who believe they have been treated unfairly by: Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-2756

   • the provincial government, its departments, agencies, boards, or commissions
   • the patient concerns resolution process of a regional health authority and the Alberta Cancer Board
   • professional colleges proclaimed under the Health Professions Act.

Ambulance Services

If you have a question or concern about care received in an ambulance, you should first discuss it with the ambulance operator. The next step is to contact the municipal government responsible for the ambulance program. You may also contact the Registrar responsible for licensing ambulance operators. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 422-9654

Care in a Hospital or Nursing Home

If you have a question or concern about care, treatment and/or standards of accommodation received by a patient in a hospital or resident in a nursing home, contact the Alberta Health Facilities Review Committee. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-4924

Communicable Disease and Other Public Health Matters

If you have a question or concern about communicable diseases, public health emergencies, environmental health or anything related to public health, you may contact the Medical Officer of Health of your local regional health authority. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 427-2813

Government of Alberta Benefits or Assistance Programs

If you have a question or concern about health benefits or assistance provided by other Government of Alberta Ministries, you should contact these departments directly. Alberta Health and Wellness can direct you to the appropriate department. Toll-Free 310-0000

Health Information and Privacy

If you have a question or concern about accessing or correcting health information or personal information held by a caregiver or organization in Albert’s health system, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner can help you. You may also contact the Commissioner for concerns about inappropriate collection, use and disclosure or management of health or personal information. Edmonton Toll-Free 1-888-878-4044, Calgary Toll-Free 1-888-878-4044

Health Professionals Conduct and Competence

If you have a question or concern about the care provided by a health professional you should first discuss it with the health professional or their direct supervisor. If this does not resolve the matter or your concerns are about the health professional’s conduct or competence, contact the health profession’s governing body. The governing bodies ensure their members meet acceptable standards of competence and conduct including ethical conduct. The governing bodies can also provide you with contact information for their members if you are having trouble finding a practitioner for services. Alberta Dental allied governing bodies include:

* Dental Technologists

College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (780) 469-0615 or 1-800-537- 0568

* Dental Assistants:

College of Alberta Dental Assistants (780) 486-2526

* Dentists:

Alberta Dental Association and College (780) 432-1012 or 1-800-843-3848

* Dental Hygienists:

Alberta Dental Hy7gienists’ Association (780) 465-1756

* Denturists:

College of Alberta Denturists (780) 429-2330

Mental Health Services

If you have a question or concern relating to patients who are or were involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act, you may contact the Mental Health Patient Advocate. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 422-1812

Out of Country Health Services

If you have a question or concern about receiving specialized health services that cannot be obtained in Canada, please contact Alberta’s Out of Country Health Services Committee through Alberta Health and Wellness. Toll-Free 310-0000 followed by (780) 415-8744

Products, Drugs and Dental Devices

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of products, including drugs and devices used or prescribed in the health system, contact Health Canada. Toll-Free 1-866-225-0709, TDD/TTY Toll-Free 1-800-267-1245

Workers’ Compensation Board Funded Health Services

If you have a question or concern about health benefits for injuries sustained in the workplace, contact the Workers’ Compensation Board. Toll-Free 1-866-415-8690

Worksite Health and Safety

If you have a question or concern about workplace health and safety, please contact Alberta Human Resources and Employment, Worksite Health and Safety. Occupational Health and Safety Officials will investigate worksite incidents and hazards, including concerns about safety of radiation equipment or potential radiation exposure. Toll-Free 1-866-415-8690

 

Health Link

In addition to the organizations listed, Health Link Alberta can help you find appropriate services and health information. Health Link is a telephone advice and health information service, staffed with highly trained registered nurses and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can Call Health Link from anywhere in Alberta: Edmonton (780) 408-5465, Calgary (403) 943-5465, Toll-Free 1-866-408-5465