The Alberta government’s plan to have emergency physicians monitor patients in crowded waiting rooms by implementing triage liaison physicians (TLP) has faced delays. Despite promises made in January by former Health Minister Matt Jones to swiftly introduce the TLP role following a patient’s death at Edmonton’s Grey Nuns Community Hospital, the TLPs have yet to start their duties in six hospitals in Edmonton and Calgary as originally planned.
Dr. Brian Wirzba, president of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), expressed frustration over the prolonged process, highlighting that negotiations regarding TLPs have become part of broader discussions on alternative relationship plans (ARPs) between the association and the government. ARPs involve payment arrangements for physicians outside the traditional fee-for-service model.
According to Wirzba, the implementation of TLPs in ERs should have been a quick process, with the physicians tasked with monitoring patients’ deteriorating conditions, ordering tests, and initiating early treatments while awaiting diagnosis. The AMA escalated the issue to Premier Danielle Smith’s office at one point, and there is optimism about finalizing an agreement within a month.
While the AMA has indicated that emergency physicians may take on TLP shifts alongside their regular duties, disagreements persist between the government and the association regarding appropriate compensation for the work.
Wirzba emphasized that some ER physicians are interested in the TLP role to support their colleagues temporarily, as health authorities work on long-term systemic changes to alleviate pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.
Niharika Sreekumar told CBC News on Saturday that her husband, Prashant Sreekumar, 44, died after allegedly waiting nearly eight hours to see a doctor at an emergency department in Edmonton earlier this week. She believes his death was preventable and that he was not triaged properly.
‘I want justice for Prashant.’
Maddison McKee, press secretary to Hospital and Surgical Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange, stated that recruitment and discussions are ongoing. McKee noted that the AMA requested additional compensation only after the government had established TLP positions.
McKee emphasized the government’s commitment to fair agreements without compromising timely access to care. She mentioned that registered nurses now have expanded responsibilities in emergency departments, including monitoring and treating patients in waiting areas.
The revival of the TLP program was part of a quality assurance review conducted by Acute Care Alberta following Prashant Sreekumar’s death at the Grey Nuns
