patients say they’re being left behind by alberta’s crumbling primary care system
dr. don jolly draws on his unique perspective as a doctor and a patient to reflect on the significant decline he’s witnessed in the continuity of care
published apr 06, 2026
last updated apr 07, 2026
4 minute read
4 minute read
dr. jolly says there’s a lack of transparency about how dire the situation really is. getty
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delayed referrals, missing electronic health records, extended waits for crucial procedures like colonoscopies and restricted access to essential diagnostic tests such as mris and ultrasounds — all are symptoms of alberta’s declining primary care system.
fortunately, the alberta primary care clinic owners association (apccoa) is stepping up to address these urgent challenges. the apccoa aims to advocate for clinic owners, promote greater transparency and advance reforms. “by shedding light on the ongoing deterioration of primary care services, we hope to foster greater transparency and drive meaningful change within our struggling health-care system,” says dr. andrew kohler, president of apccoa.
dr. don jolly, a retired anesthesiologist and family physician from edmonton, reflects on his forty-year career and the significant decline he’s witnessed in alberta’s health-care system, particularly over the past two decades. drawing from his unique perspective as both a doctor and a patient, dr. jolly has personally experienced the system’s shortcomings.
“the continuity of care that primary care is supposed to provide has completely broken down.” he cautions, “people in need aren’t getting the care they require. resources are being wasted, and patients are suffering.”
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he observes that emergency rooms are now overwhelmed, often serving as the last resort for those who have lost access to consistent primary care. “our ers are in a troubling state. people endure hours-long waits for treatment, and tragically, some patients have lost their lives. yet, there’s a lack of transparency about how dire the situation truly is.”
as a patient, dr. jolly endured year-long waits for vital procedures after his electronic medical records were lost. “we are witnessing a systemic collapse. patient information is often unavailable when it’s needed most, resulting in repeated tests, miscommunication and inadequate treatment.”
he attributes this decline to more than just inadequate funding, citing a lack of accountability and excessive bureaucracy as growing problems. “doctors spend more time on paperwork than with patients. we are completely undermining the trust and efficiency that primary care is meant to foster.”
for dr. jolly’s family, delayed care resulted in a missed early diagnosis of a relative’s skin cancer. it was only after persistent advocacy that the cancer was eventually found and treated. he believes that cost-cutting trends in health care — such as replacing family physicians with nurse practitioners — are threatening the essence of primary care.
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“all of this may reduce government spending, but it creates financial barriers for those unable to pay, increases wait times, and delays diagnosis and treatment. this approach undermines equitable care and can result in poorer health outcomes,” says dr. jolly.
“we need greater transparency — not simply more funding,” dr. jolly concludes. “effective management is essential.”
bobbi ryley, a retired rcmp analyst assistant who lives in edmonton, is living with osteoarthritis and severe nerve damage. she has spent a year waiting for a surgical consultation, all while her pain intensifies and her independence diminishes.
bobbi credits her long-term relationship with her primary care physician for the quality of care she’s received up until this point, but recognizes, “most other canadians are not so lucky,” noting that more and more albertans are lacking a family doctor. recent estimates suggest that between 650,000 and 800,000 albertans do not have a regular family physician.
she notes that basic diagnostic services — mris and ultrasounds — are increasingly difficult to obtain and often limited to costly private clinics. as someone of métis heritage, bobbi sees how marginalized groups and those without regular doctors are forced into overcrowded emergency rooms. “primary care is breaking down. people who can afford it go private,” she says, highlighting the growing divide between those who can and those who cannot pay for care.
bobbi ryley is a retired rcmp analyst assistant who lives in edmonton. supplied
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bobbi draws attention to what she sees as consistent mismanagement of public funds. “money is squandered and people are hurting.” she emphasizes, “alberta is too rich of a province not to be able to provide these essential health services.”
with alberta’s population aging rapidly, the strain on the health-care system continues to intensify. now more than ever, strong primary care is essential to help coordinate services, manage chronic conditions and support seniors so that the system functions effectively.
bobbi’s experience underscores this need: “i’ve had to rely on my children for help while i wait for treatment for my wrists. i can’t even open jars or doors anymore. it’s frustrating to depend on a primary care system that’s supposed to support me but instead keeps failing to deliver the care i need,” she says.
formed in 2024, the apccoa is focused on keeping health care accessible, fair and reliable for everyone. more and more clinic owners are joining its ranks, which speaks to its great need across the province. as bobbi puts it, “every albertan deserves steady, high-quality primary care services — and groups like the apccoa are key to bringing real change and supporting those working for a better health-care system.”
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for more information or to join, visit www.apccoa.ca or contact info@apccoa.ca.
this story was provided by apccoa for commercial purposes.
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