A new report shows wait times for health clinics in Alberta are rising. (Photo: Clewisleake | Dreamstime.com)

By Josh Hall

New report shows ballooning clinic wait times in Alberta

Feb 28, 2024 | 9:48 AM

A new study suggests the average clinic wait time in Alberta increased dramatically in 2023.

Vancouver-based Medimap shows the average wait time went up to 66 minutes, an increase from 32 minutes in 2022. It was 18 minutes in 2021.

In Red Deer, the wait time marginally increased from 71 to 72 minutes. Edmonton went from 50 to 73, Calgary spiked from 28 to 68, and in Grande Prairie, which doesn’t have data for 2022, sits at 72 minutes.

The report did not include any data that was specific to Lethbridge.

Thomas Jankowski, CEO of Medimap, said, “Alberta saw their average wait times double and while it seems there’s some real momentum right now to turn things around, it will take most of the next year to see if it translates to real change.”

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Pattison Media asked Alberta Health if it disputes the numbers at all and if it had any other message for Albertans.

Press Secretary Andrea Smith said the Alberta government is committed to reducing wait times and building capacity.

“We are taking action to stabilize and strengthen primary health care across the province, so everyone has access to a primary health care provider, no matter where they live,” says Smith.

“This work includes allocating $200 million over two years to help stabilize the primary health care system and improve access to family physicians, providing $57 million over three years to help family physicians and nurse practitioners with growing patient caseloads, working with the Alberta Medical Association on a new payment model for family physicians, and developing a nurse practitioner program that allows nurse practitioners to open a clinic, take on patients and provide services that reflect their education and experience.”

Medimap’s posted wait times for Alberta are middle of the road compared to other provinces, according to Medimap.

B.C.’s average wait is 93 minutes, Saskatchewan’s is 71 minutes, it’s 72 in Nova Scotia, Ontario’s is 59, and in Manitoba it’s 45 minutes.

Medimap notes that approximately 70 per cent of walk-in clinics across Canada use its software to publish wait times online, which it then uses to compile the report.

Medimap’s latest wait time index is on their website.

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