Pediatric care in Alberta underfunded and putting kids at risk: medical association

By Matthew Scace -CP-Alberta doctors are warning of “catastrophic” consequences for children’s physical and mental health if the province doesn’t boost funding for pediatric care. The Alberta Medical Association says nearly half of pediatricians are considering retirement and that a quarter of them are thinking of leaving Alberta or reducing patient care responsibilities. It blames the situation on several factors, including low pay and intense workloads for doctors caring for children. Dr. Sam Wong, president of the pediatrics section for the association, says recent flu seasons have become more distressing for children and patients because of wait times verging on 12 hours. “There is always the risk that a child will decompensate in the emergency waiting room and actually have an outcome that is catastrophic because they were not able…

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