Alberta’s government has announced leadership appointments as it continues refocusing the province’s health care system, including establishing Acute Care Alberta, a new provincial health agency for acute care services.
Dr. Chris Eagle has been named chair and interim president and CEO of Acute Care Alberta. He will assume this position on Feb. 1, pending final contract approval. He will focus on preparing the organization for its first day of operations this spring. Dr. Eagle was president and CEO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) from 2010 to 2013.
Andre Tremblay, deputy minister of Alberta Health, will also be interim president and CEO of AHS to support its transition to a hospital-based service provider. Tremblay’s appointment will see him retain his current deputy minister salary as he oversees AHS operations and recruits a permanent president and CEO for Acute Care Alberta.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange highlighted the importance of the appointments.
"Acute care is the most complex part of the health care system, and we must have the right leadership in place to see this work through and make positive changes to the health care system for Albertans now and into the future. I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Athana Mentzelopoulos for her work during her time leading Alberta Health Services," LaGrange said.
Acute Care Alberta will oversee hospitals, emergency services and surgeries, aiming to improve access to care, reduce wait times and streamline patient experiences across the province.
Tremblay, who has more than 20 years of public sector leadership experience, will oversee AHS operations and assist with the transition to Acute Care Alberta. He emphasized his dedication to the ongoing healthcare transformation.
"We have made great progress refocusing the health care system, and I am eager to take on this new role and support the work being done to improve health care across the province," Tremblay said.
Dr. Eagle expressed his enthusiasm for the Acute Care Alberta interim leader role.
"I am excited to take on this role and support the efforts to refocus Alberta’s health care system and to create an improved acute care system that will make sure Albertans have access to the best health care services they need, no matter where they live in the province," Eagle said.
The AHS board of directors has begun the search for a permanent president and CEO, with more details expected once the hiring process is complete.
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