What is Patients First?
When you or someone you love needs care, it should be there. Patients First is a non-partisan community of 68,000 Albertans, brought together by the Alberta Medical Association. We explain what's happening in health care, share real patient experiences, and give you a quick, simple way to tell your MLA what matters to you. Together, our supporters have sent more than 200,000 messages to government and advocated for new support for family doctors across Alberta.
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The movement
The latest report
Albertans often report positive experiences once they receive care, but deep frustration with how hard that care can be to access.
of Albertans used the health care system in the past year.
were satisfied with their most recent health care experience, showing that confidence in care providers remains stronger than confidence in the system overall.
of adult Albertans do not currently have a regular family doctor. Access to timely appointments remains a challenge.
of Albertans identified delays for procedures and specialist consultations as a health care concern, the most frequently cited issue.
of emergency department visitors in the past year were treated in a non-traditional space or left without being seen.
The dedication and professionalism of Alberta’s doctors, nurses, and health care teams remain among the system’s greatest strengths. But Albertans are clear that better access, shorter waits, and a more coordinated system must be part of the path forward.
Read the full report to see the complete picture and learn how your voice is helping shape the future of health care in Alberta.
Read the 2026 report (opens in a new tab)What Albertans have already spoken up about, and the impact they made.
From December 2023 to September 2024, Albertans asked their MLAs, the Minister and the Premier to keep family practices open. The campaign called for stable funding so family doctors could continue caring for their patients.
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In 2024 and 2025, Albertans told their MLAs and the province what really happens in Alberta's emergency rooms: long waits, hallway care, and patients leaving without being seen.
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In spring 2026, Albertans emailed their MLAs to stand with Albertans with disabilities, raising concerns about benefit reductions, higher housing costs, and changes to disability support.
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