Makes sense.

   

You are right, it doesn’t take a study to find out that even in the larger towns let alone rural areas the “services” being “offered” are ever decreasing and an ever increasing number of patients are being “referred” to the city hospitals. The numbers for family physicians offing birthing services seems high though, even most “cottage” hospitals and some larger ones no longer have this “essential service” (emergencies excepted) and all “difficult” births are sent to the larger centers. The only “wait time” most rural residents are concerned with is the wait time to see your family physician (if you can find one) which is typically 3 to 4 weeks, it seems if you are really ill the emergency dept of the nearest hospital is your only choice, where after a quick assessment you may well be shipped off to the big city several hours away!

   

Alberta's 'Third way' will make this even worse. If doctors can work in both systems, then they'll stick to the large areas where they have access to both public and private clinics.<br /> <br /> Private healthcare providers won't set up in small town Alberta - fewer 'customers'.<br />