Some concerns from former AHS CEOs sworn affidavit 005 - Some issues re CSFs🧵:
- Let's break down some specific concerns raised by the former AHS CEO around CSFs in AB.
- I will talk about CSFs in general... details about specific CSFs are opaque and hidden
1/12
- Let's break down some specific concerns raised by the former AHS CEO around CSFs in AB.
- I will talk about CSFs in general... details about specific CSFs are opaque and hidden
1/12
July 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Some concerns from former AHS CEOs sworn affidavit 005 - Some issues re CSFs🧵:
- Let's break down some specific concerns raised by the former AHS CEO around CSFs in AB.
- I will talk about CSFs in general... details about specific CSFs are opaque and hidden
1/12
- Let's break down some specific concerns raised by the former AHS CEO around CSFs in AB.
- I will talk about CSFs in general... details about specific CSFs are opaque and hidden
1/12
Premier Danielle Smith said the province have been giving additional billions to Alberta Health Services but AHS isn't doing more surgeries.
But when looking at the government's chart, total surgeries are up from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2024, but CFS surgeries are down
But when looking at the government's chart, total surgeries are up from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2024, but CFS surgeries are down
February 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Premier Danielle Smith said the province have been giving additional billions to Alberta Health Services but AHS isn't doing more surgeries.
But when looking at the government's chart, total surgeries are up from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2024, but CFS surgeries are down
But when looking at the government's chart, total surgeries are up from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2024, but CFS surgeries are down
Here are two more graphs, one going back since data was tracked, another for the most recent year-over-year data available.
February 24, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Here are two more graphs, one going back since data was tracked, another for the most recent year-over-year data available.
CSF SCANDAL - couple reasons all ABs should care:
1 - Taxpayer dollars are finite, if govt wastes money in one spot = none for other spot (ex spend unwisely on CSFs means poorer Cancer Care and longer ED waits)
1/7
https://buff.ly/4gHpf4u
1 - Taxpayer dollars are finite, if govt wastes money in one spot = none for other spot (ex spend unwisely on CSFs means poorer Cancer Care and longer ED waits)
1/7
https://buff.ly/4gHpf4u
Parksy (@pfparks.bsky.social)
“The October Directive also set out specific rates for CSFs that ... would lead to significantly increased costs to AHS – and potentially hundreds of millions in profits for the CSFs owners,” the…
bsky.app
February 11, 2025 at 4:59 PM
CSF SCANDAL - couple reasons all ABs should care:
1 - Taxpayer dollars are finite, if govt wastes money in one spot = none for other spot (ex spend unwisely on CSFs means poorer Cancer Care and longer ED waits)
1/7
https://buff.ly/4gHpf4u
1 - Taxpayer dollars are finite, if govt wastes money in one spot = none for other spot (ex spend unwisely on CSFs means poorer Cancer Care and longer ED waits)
1/7
https://buff.ly/4gHpf4u
Heartbreakingly unnecessary. Read this again "vast majority of cancer surgeries CANNOT be done in CSFs."
Knowing that the UCP is pushing CSFs at the expense of publicly owned facilities. Because profits for their friends and sponsors!
Knowing that the UCP is pushing CSFs at the expense of publicly owned facilities. Because profits for their friends and sponsors!
This is so sad that this is the state of our HC System.
An important timely reminder about cancer surgical care in AB: vast majority of cancer surgeries CANNOT be done in CSFs.
Govt pushes for more CSFs while cancer care Access worsens...
An important timely reminder about cancer surgical care in AB: vast majority of cancer surgeries CANNOT be done in CSFs.
Govt pushes for more CSFs while cancer care Access worsens...
John Ivison: A deplorable indictment of Canadians’ access to health care. One of too many
Twenty weeks between referral and seeing a specialist; 10 more weeks for the colonoscopy that discovered his cancer. By then it was too late
buff.ly
February 8, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Heartbreakingly unnecessary. Read this again "vast majority of cancer surgeries CANNOT be done in CSFs."
Knowing that the UCP is pushing CSFs at the expense of publicly owned facilities. Because profits for their friends and sponsors!
Knowing that the UCP is pushing CSFs at the expense of publicly owned facilities. Because profits for their friends and sponsors!
- CSFs - only take easy cases, no obligation to care for post-op comps, no obligation to coordinate workforce with public system. Wait times for most surgeries that can't be done in a CSF are all getting demonstrably worse. CSFs don't see that they "own" any of this problem
7/12
7/12
May 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
- CSFs - only take easy cases, no obligation to care for post-op comps, no obligation to coordinate workforce with public system. Wait times for most surgeries that can't be done in a CSF are all getting demonstrably worse. CSFs don't see that they "own" any of this problem
7/12
7/12
Quite the scoop!
“Mentzelopoulos had been repeatedly subject to interference and pressure from various GOA officials – including Marshall Smith – to sign off on commitments for the new CSFs despite significant concerns within AHS around the true ownership and potential costs of the CSFs.”
🎁
“Mentzelopoulos had been repeatedly subject to interference and pressure from various GOA officials – including Marshall Smith – to sign off on commitments for the new CSFs despite significant concerns within AHS around the true ownership and potential costs of the CSFs.”
🎁
Alberta ousted health services CEO amid probe into medical contracts, document alleges
Athana Mentzelopoulos was dismissed two days before a meeting with province’s auditor on her investigation, according to letter
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 6, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Quite the scoop!
“Mentzelopoulos had been repeatedly subject to interference and pressure from various GOA officials – including Marshall Smith – to sign off on commitments for the new CSFs despite significant concerns within AHS around the true ownership and potential costs of the CSFs.”
🎁
“Mentzelopoulos had been repeatedly subject to interference and pressure from various GOA officials – including Marshall Smith – to sign off on commitments for the new CSFs despite significant concerns within AHS around the true ownership and potential costs of the CSFs.”
🎁
“The October Directive also set out specific rates for CSFs that ... would lead to significantly increased costs to AHS – and potentially hundreds of millions in profits for the CSFs owners,” the letter alleges.
Let’s simplify allegations in 5 points:
1/5
https://buff.ly/4hTNzRO
Let’s simplify allegations in 5 points:
1/5
https://buff.ly/4hTNzRO
Alberta Minister stripped health agency of power to negotiate private surgical contracts, document shows
Letter alleges government eroded ex-CEO’s authority to negotiate deals
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 11, 2025 at 4:35 PM
“The October Directive also set out specific rates for CSFs that ... would lead to significantly increased costs to AHS – and potentially hundreds of millions in profits for the CSFs owners,” the letter alleges.
Let’s simplify allegations in 5 points:
1/5
https://buff.ly/4hTNzRO
Let’s simplify allegations in 5 points:
1/5
https://buff.ly/4hTNzRO
This is Sam Mraiche, CEO of MHCare.
Sam benefitted from over $614M UCP gov't contracts for defective face masks, Turkish pain meds, CSFs, & more.
Sam gave NHL playoff Skybox tix to UCP MLAs & staffers.
Sam is suing @thebreakdownab.bsky.social to silence them for reporting his connections.
Sam benefitted from over $614M UCP gov't contracts for defective face masks, Turkish pain meds, CSFs, & more.
Sam gave NHL playoff Skybox tix to UCP MLAs & staffers.
Sam is suing @thebreakdownab.bsky.social to silence them for reporting his connections.
February 17, 2025 at 8:04 PM
This is Sam Mraiche, CEO of MHCare.
Sam benefitted from over $614M UCP gov't contracts for defective face masks, Turkish pain meds, CSFs, & more.
Sam gave NHL playoff Skybox tix to UCP MLAs & staffers.
Sam is suing @thebreakdownab.bsky.social to silence them for reporting his connections.
Sam benefitted from over $614M UCP gov't contracts for defective face masks, Turkish pain meds, CSFs, & more.
Sam gave NHL playoff Skybox tix to UCP MLAs & staffers.
Sam is suing @thebreakdownab.bsky.social to silence them for reporting his connections.
~LaGrange, in a government directive dated Oct. 18 declared CSFs, a “critical component” of AHS
The UCP is overhauling the health care system, and the five-page directive states that, therefore, LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.”
archive.ph/0TKyz
The UCP is overhauling the health care system, and the five-page directive states that, therefore, LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.”
archive.ph/0TKyz
February 11, 2025 at 3:27 PM
~LaGrange, in a government directive dated Oct. 18 declared CSFs, a “critical component” of AHS
The UCP is overhauling the health care system, and the five-page directive states that, therefore, LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.”
archive.ph/0TKyz
The UCP is overhauling the health care system, and the five-page directive states that, therefore, LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.”
archive.ph/0TKyz
Take a listen to the full interview.
Premier talks about "buying a car without the engine" but forgets to mention that even for CSFs the "engine" is sold seperately too.
Worse: some CSFs are charging for TWO sets of tires and yet selling 89% of cares with NO TIRES (how's that work?)
Premier talks about "buying a car without the engine" but forgets to mention that even for CSFs the "engine" is sold seperately too.
Worse: some CSFs are charging for TWO sets of tires and yet selling 89% of cares with NO TIRES (how's that work?)
Are charter surgical facilities actually cheaper?
Is AHS underutilizing its surgeons?
Are ER wait times still heading in the wrong direction?
Chatted with @PfParks to get his thoughts on the state of health care in Alberta.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/p...
Is AHS underutilizing its surgeons?
Are ER wait times still heading in the wrong direction?
Chatted with @PfParks to get his thoughts on the state of health care in Alberta.
podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/p...
Premier Smith calls out AHS surgery numbers, but an expert says she’s getting her facts all wrong.
Podcast Episode · The Courtney Theriault Show · 2025-02-26 · 11m
podcasts.apple.com
February 27, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Take a listen to the full interview.
Premier talks about "buying a car without the engine" but forgets to mention that even for CSFs the "engine" is sold seperately too.
Worse: some CSFs are charging for TWO sets of tires and yet selling 89% of cares with NO TIRES (how's that work?)
Premier talks about "buying a car without the engine" but forgets to mention that even for CSFs the "engine" is sold seperately too.
Worse: some CSFs are charging for TWO sets of tires and yet selling 89% of cares with NO TIRES (how's that work?)
“The government is overhauling the health care system, and therefore Ms. LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.””
An “enhanced role” — is that what we’re calling government interference now?
An “enhanced role” — is that what we’re calling government interference now?
SCOOP: AB Health Minister Adriana LaGrange stripped Alberta Health Services of power to negotiate after its then-CEO allegedly refused to sign pricey deals
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... #abpoli #ableg
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... #abpoli #ableg
Alberta Minister stripped health agency of power to negotiate private surgical contracts, document shows
Letter alleges government eroded ex-CEO’s authority to negotiate deals
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
“The government is overhauling the health care system, and therefore Ms. LaGrange’s “department intends to take an enhanced role with respect to CSFs.””
An “enhanced role” — is that what we’re calling government interference now?
An “enhanced role” — is that what we’re calling government interference now?
We have hallway medicine and urgent surgeries delayed ... while UCP rewards their friends that own CSFs.
February 22, 2025 at 1:25 AM
We have hallway medicine and urgent surgeries delayed ... while UCP rewards their friends that own CSFs.
The government is taking credit for the fact that Albertans are sicker and doctors are working harder, and calling it a 'gift' to the profession.
ABs shouldn't be fooled by their song and dance...
Even worse: govt is spending MORE per pt in CSFs and private delivery!
4/4
ABs shouldn't be fooled by their song and dance...
Even worse: govt is spending MORE per pt in CSFs and private delivery!
4/4
February 25, 2026 at 3:29 PM
The government is taking credit for the fact that Albertans are sicker and doctors are working harder, and calling it a 'gift' to the profession.
ABs shouldn't be fooled by their song and dance...
Even worse: govt is spending MORE per pt in CSFs and private delivery!
4/4
ABs shouldn't be fooled by their song and dance...
Even worse: govt is spending MORE per pt in CSFs and private delivery!
4/4
Endless broken trust… worsening HC Access… and govt keeps doubling down. More CSFs, more UCCs, more private everywhere...
This govt can’t even manage a fair contract for some Tylenol, or with one private run surgical facility...
10/11
This govt can’t even manage a fair contract for some Tylenol, or with one private run surgical facility...
10/11
November 30, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Endless broken trust… worsening HC Access… and govt keeps doubling down. More CSFs, more UCCs, more private everywhere...
This govt can’t even manage a fair contract for some Tylenol, or with one private run surgical facility...
10/11
This govt can’t even manage a fair contract for some Tylenol, or with one private run surgical facility...
10/11
Unfortunately this practice has increased since we instituted public pay CSFs.
2 ANESTHESIOLOGY BOTTLENECK CRISIS: We are already in an anesthesia shortage crisis RIGHT NOW. Explicitly state their “nonbusiness hours”.
4/12
2 ANESTHESIOLOGY BOTTLENECK CRISIS: We are already in an anesthesia shortage crisis RIGHT NOW. Explicitly state their “nonbusiness hours”.
4/12
December 3, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Unfortunately this practice has increased since we instituted public pay CSFs.
2 ANESTHESIOLOGY BOTTLENECK CRISIS: We are already in an anesthesia shortage crisis RIGHT NOW. Explicitly state their “nonbusiness hours”.
4/12
2 ANESTHESIOLOGY BOTTLENECK CRISIS: We are already in an anesthesia shortage crisis RIGHT NOW. Explicitly state their “nonbusiness hours”.
4/12
- CSFs - Most don't have same reporting requirements, have no responsibility to care for their post-op complications, do not have to take complicated cases, do not care about workforce coordination for other sites, do not take medical learners and residents...
4/12
4/12
May 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
- CSFs - Most don't have same reporting requirements, have no responsibility to care for their post-op complications, do not have to take complicated cases, do not care about workforce coordination for other sites, do not take medical learners and residents...
4/12
4/12
Steps:
1-take money from govt to spread ideology - spend years pushing "public sucks" and "private is better"
2-ignore examples where private clearly isn't better - failed AB Dynalife privatized labs, or people dying on public surgical lists that private CSFs cannot help
2/8
1-take money from govt to spread ideology - spend years pushing "public sucks" and "private is better"
2-ignore examples where private clearly isn't better - failed AB Dynalife privatized labs, or people dying on public surgical lists that private CSFs cannot help
2/8
May 9, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Steps:
1-take money from govt to spread ideology - spend years pushing "public sucks" and "private is better"
2-ignore examples where private clearly isn't better - failed AB Dynalife privatized labs, or people dying on public surgical lists that private CSFs cannot help
2/8
1-take money from govt to spread ideology - spend years pushing "public sucks" and "private is better"
2-ignore examples where private clearly isn't better - failed AB Dynalife privatized labs, or people dying on public surgical lists that private CSFs cannot help
2/8
If the allegations surrounding the UCP and AHS are true, it means they had a vested interest in not hiring surgeons in the public health care system.
Hiring surgeons and expanding capacity in the public system would be competition, taking money and cases from the private CSFs.
Hiring surgeons and expanding capacity in the public system would be competition, taking money and cases from the private CSFs.
February 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
If the allegations surrounding the UCP and AHS are true, it means they had a vested interest in not hiring surgeons in the public health care system.
Hiring surgeons and expanding capacity in the public system would be competition, taking money and cases from the private CSFs.
Hiring surgeons and expanding capacity in the public system would be competition, taking money and cases from the private CSFs.
Is Govt gonna sell to ABs that the guardrails will come, but then never actually create them? (Like they have done with CSFs 6 years in!!!)
4/4
4/4
April 20, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Is Govt gonna sell to ABs that the guardrails will come, but then never actually create them? (Like they have done with CSFs 6 years in!!!)
4/4
4/4
👀
"Anesthesiologists in Calgary are being scheduled by senior Alberta health managers, in response to government directives, to work in CSFs, sometimes against their will."
"Anesthesiologists in Calgary are being scheduled by senior Alberta health managers, in response to government directives, to work in CSFs, sometimes against their will."
My latest investigation for @thetyee.ca details what the UCP government doesn't want the public to know about their private surgery push.
Insiders Detail Ways Alberta's For-Profit Surgery Push Is Failing via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Insiders Detail Ways Alberta's For-Profit Surgery Push Is Failing via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Insiders Detail Ways Alberta’s For-Profit Surgery Push Is Failing | The Tyee
The shift strong-arms doctors but hasn’t saved money or shortened waits for critical operations, sources say. A Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
November 17, 2025 at 5:36 AM
👀
"Anesthesiologists in Calgary are being scheduled by senior Alberta health managers, in response to government directives, to work in CSFs, sometimes against their will."
"Anesthesiologists in Calgary are being scheduled by senior Alberta health managers, in response to government directives, to work in CSFs, sometimes against their will."
1 - lack of transparency and accountability: these "deals" get done in back rooms and public doesn't see any details - costs, no public reporting of outcomes and access metrics, no accountability... nada. (look at CSFs - they do NOT have to report like hospitals)
2/12
2/12
May 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
1 - lack of transparency and accountability: these "deals" get done in back rooms and public doesn't see any details - costs, no public reporting of outcomes and access metrics, no accountability... nada. (look at CSFs - they do NOT have to report like hospitals)
2/12
2/12
“The October Directive also set out specific rates for CSFs that Mentzelopoulos later assessed and determined were in excess of the most recently negotiated AHS rates... and would lead to significantly increased costs to AHS – and potentially hundreds of millions in profits for the CSFs owners.”
February 11, 2025 at 3:59 PM
“The October Directive also set out specific rates for CSFs that Mentzelopoulos later assessed and determined were in excess of the most recently negotiated AHS rates... and would lead to significantly increased costs to AHS – and potentially hundreds of millions in profits for the CSFs owners.”
Not enough OR nurses and anesthetists in our hospitals… govt has encouraged so many to flee to CSFs, where these surgeries CANNOT be done
And I can tell you that no “Voucher” system is going to help someone like this poor pt!
(morbidity and mortality inc w every day delay)
2/2
And I can tell you that no “Voucher” system is going to help someone like this poor pt!
(morbidity and mortality inc w every day delay)
2/2
May 31, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Not enough OR nurses and anesthetists in our hospitals… govt has encouraged so many to flee to CSFs, where these surgeries CANNOT be done
And I can tell you that no “Voucher” system is going to help someone like this poor pt!
(morbidity and mortality inc w every day delay)
2/2
And I can tell you that no “Voucher” system is going to help someone like this poor pt!
(morbidity and mortality inc w every day delay)
2/2
Also re CSFs:
- rates should be lower than AHS costs as they can only do the easiest/lowest risk cases
- also you still need Hosp ORs for the emergencies and the complex cases, and of course the post-op complications
- workforce a huge issue - NOT enough to staff both Hosp + CSFs
- rates should be lower than AHS costs as they can only do the easiest/lowest risk cases
- also you still need Hosp ORs for the emergencies and the complex cases, and of course the post-op complications
- workforce a huge issue - NOT enough to staff both Hosp + CSFs
February 23, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Also re CSFs:
- rates should be lower than AHS costs as they can only do the easiest/lowest risk cases
- also you still need Hosp ORs for the emergencies and the complex cases, and of course the post-op complications
- workforce a huge issue - NOT enough to staff both Hosp + CSFs
- rates should be lower than AHS costs as they can only do the easiest/lowest risk cases
- also you still need Hosp ORs for the emergencies and the complex cases, and of course the post-op complications
- workforce a huge issue - NOT enough to staff both Hosp + CSFs