ALBERTANS TO JUDGE RON LIEPERT
Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
Hon. Ron Liepert is guilty of gross negligence. Is he also guilty of "Reckless Disregard for the Lives or Safety of Other Persons?
BACKGROUND: Hon. Ron Liepert is one of the PRINCIPALS in the Stelmach Cabinet, charged with Criminal Negligence. Refer to Blog Posting Feb. 23, 2011.
RON LIEPERT'S RECORD:
1. Mar. 19/08: Letter - Dr. Anderson to Ed Stelmach (copied to R. Liepert). This letter states clearly a breakdown in self-regulation of CPSA and a request for a "Just Hearing" on this issue by others outside the CPSA. In his covering letter to R. Liepert, Dr. Anderson states- "I would appreciate your comments on my concerns at your earliest convenience".
LIEPERT: No acknowledgement of receipt of letter.
2. April 23/08: Letter - Dr. Anderson to R. Liepert states- "Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to Premier Ed Stelmach dated April 23/08 & copies of the letter to me by Hon. Alison Redford dated
April 17/08 & my reply to her letter dated April 23/08. I would appreciate receiving your comments on the contents of this correspondence".
LIEPERT: No acknowledgement of receipt of letter.
3. July 16/08: Letter - Dr. Anderson to R. Liepert states- "Please find enclosed 'The Anderson Journal on Dave Hancock-June/07 to July/08'; copy of letter Dr. Anderson to Premier Stelmach (July 16/08); copy of letter Dr. Anderson to D. Hancock (July 16/08). I await your reply to my letter to you dated April 23/08".
LIEPERT: No acknowledgement of receipt of letter.
4. August 11/08: Letter - Dr. Anderson to R. Liepert states- "I note that on July 8/08, you as Health Minister appointed your Deputy Minister, Ms. Paddy Meade, to head a new health superboard. At the time of your making this appointment you had been well informed of the unethical and irresponsible performance of Ms. Meade as outlined in correspondence sent to you as follows: Dr. Anderson-R. Liepert (Mar.19/08); Dr. Anderson-R Liepert (Apr. 23/08); copy of Dr. Anderson's letter to
Dr. T. Theman (Apr. 4/08); copy of Dr. Anderson's letter to D. Hancock (Apr. 4/08); copy of Dr. Anderson's letter to D. Hancock (June 18/08). This performance was summarized in 'The Anderson Journal on Hon. Dave Hancock' , mailed to you & Ms. Meade (Registered Mail) on July 16/08. Although I requested comments from all recipients of The Anderson Journal, I have had no response from you or Ms. Meade. How is it possible to appoint a person to head a new health superboard, when that person demonstrated unethical and irresponsible performance when serving as Deputy Minister of Health & Wellness. Your prompt response is required".
LIEPERT: No acknowledgement of receipt of letter.
5. Septemeber 17/08: Letter - Dr. Anderson to R Liepert states- "The Hon. D. Hancock in his letter to me dated March 25/08 has deposited my file in your hands. In my letter to you dated Aug. 11/08 I have asked you important questions for which I have yet to receive your answers. When might I expect to receive a response from you?".
LIEPERT: No acknowledgement of receipt of letter.
WHAT CAN ALBERTANS CONCLUDE?
1. Ron Liepert has shown gross negligence.
2. Is this Gross Negligence - CRIMINAL?
3. The definition of Criminal Negligence is: THE RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR THE LIVES OR SAFETY OF OTHER PERSONS.
4. Does Ron Liepert's refusal to acknowledge receipt of the above five letters pertaining to Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering, show RECKLESS DISREGARD FOR THE LIVES OR SAFETY OF OTHER PERSONS? Many Albertans answer - YES.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
ALISON REDFORD FAILS
ALISON REDFORD FAILS TO ADDRESS
DEFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION OF CPSA
Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
BACKGROUND: Preface to Addendum to Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock states -
"Premier Ed Stelmach (Premier of Alberta) and four senior ministers in his cabinet have provided no meaningful response to the 'Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock' sent to each of them by Registered Mail on July 16/08.
These five persons are forthwith referred to an 'The Principals' and include the following:
Premier Ed Stelmach - Premier of Alberta.
Hon. Dave Hancock - Past Minister of Health & Wellness & prior to that Minister of Justice.
Hon. Alison Redford - Current Minister of Justice.
Hon. Ron Stevens - past Minister of Justice.
Hon. Ron Liepert - current Minister of Health & Wellness.
Dr. Anderson has asked each of THE PRINCIPALS, for answers to the following four important questions. Unfortunately, none of these questions have been answered by any of THE PRINCIPALS. ( The four questions are contained in
Dr. Anderson's Document # 1 - Blog. Posting Jan. 27/11 - Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions).
The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta made serious errors concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering. It is unrealistic to expect those who made the errors to investigate the errors and discipline themselves. Albertans expect the Gov. of Alberta to exercise its ultimate and final responsibility and authority to investigate and resolve these errors and take the necessary action to prevent any recurrence.
Except for letters of dismissal of Dr. Anderson by Hon. D. Hancock & Hon. A. Redford, there has been no meaningful communication from the Gov. of Alberta with Dr. Anderson.
Albertans are charging THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA of 'criminal negligence'
(Definition: Reckless disregard for the life or safety of other persons). ".
HOW DID HON. ALISON REDFORD FAIL?
1. March 19/08: Dr. Anderson sent the following letter to A. Redford - "Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to Premier Stelmach sent of today's date. I would appreciate your comments on my concerns at your earliest convenience".
2. April 17/08: A. Redford letter to Dr. Anderson - " Thank you for your letter dated Mar. 19/08 regarding your concerns related to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta ("College").
In Alberta, physicians are a self-governing profession under the Medical Professions Act, which gives the College authority over disciplinary matters involving physicians. I have no authority to become involved in these matters. As you are aware, the Medical Profession Act includes an appeal process that permits further review of disciplinary decisions. I encourage you to consider this option. You may also wish to have your patient seek independent legal advice with respect to other avenues that may be available".
Dr. Anderson's analysis:
Did A. Redford not read Dr. Anderson's letter to D. Hancock dated June 29/07 in which he states- "on the basis of this totally flawed investigation, I have rejected an appeal. I have lost complete confidence in the College. An Appeal Process would show the same dishonesty that the Investigative Process displayed".
Did A. Redford not read a copy of a letter that Dr. Anderson sent to Premier Ed Stelmach and copied to her dated March 19/08? This letter to Premier Stelmach shows clearly a breakdown in self-regulation of the CPSA. The Council of this body refuses to take action against the medical staff that they have hired. The medical staff employees conducted a totally flawed incompetent investigation of patient complaints as well as submitting lies to justify the closing of a patient complaint file. Dr.Anderson will not appeal serious errors of the CPSA staff. These errors must be resolved by Council. If Council refuses to act, then the Stelmach Government must act.
Alison Redford refuses to confirm or clarify if necessary, the above levels of authority as provided for Albertans by law.
3. July 29/08: A Redford letter to Dr. Anderson- "Thank you for your letter and attachments dated July 16/08 regarding the CPSA. As outlined in my correspondence to you dated April 17, 2008 the CPSA has statutory responsibility for disciplinary matters involving physicians. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene in these matters. The other concerns you have are legal issues. You may wish to seek the advice of your legal counsel. I am not in a position to assist you further".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis:
Dr. Anderson asks for answers from A. Redford to important questions in his letter of Apr. 23/08 which she fails to answer. How are errors of the regulators within the CPSA resolved? Under what circumstances would the Gov. of Alberta oversee or intervene in the affairs of a Self-Regulated Body
(CPSA) to correct errors of the regulators which lead to the detriment of the public (patient neglect & needless suffering).
Alison Redford has made no comment on:
- the bias of the President of Council of CPSA, Dr. James Bell (2007). Does he sit on the Appeal Board that addresses patient complaints? ( The Registrar of CPSA- Dr. T. Theman, refuses to answer this question).
- Minister of Justice, Hon. R. Stevens (2007) ignoring Dr. Anderson's request for a "Just Hearing"and not even acknowledging receipt of Registered Letters sent to him from Dr. Anderson, concerning this issue.
- Dr. Anderson's 3 documents (blog posting Jan. 27/11) being ignored and Dr. Anderson being stonewalled by the PRINCIPALS in the Stelmach Cabinet.
SUMMARY OF HON. ALISON REDFORD
Recently Alison Redford resigned her position as Minister of Justice in the Stelmach Government to make her bid to lead the PC Party of Alberta and become the next Premier of Alberta. Does she still have the title "Honourable"? Alison Redford is a lawyer with distinction (QC) who as
Minister of Justice:
1. Refused to acknowledge receipt of Dr. Anderson's three documents or make any comment on the contents therein.
2. Refused to answer four important questions contained in Dr. Anderson's document "Ministers of Stelmach Gov. Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions".
3. Refused to answer Dr. Anderson's questions on the breakdown of self-regulation in the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
4. Would not accept her responsibility and suggested the problems Dr. Anderson presented to her should be handled by hired private legal counsel.
5. Failed to understand why a breakdown in self-regulation of the CPSA cannot be solved by an appeal of a patient complaint.
ALBERTANS HAVE CHARGED THE PRINCIPALS WITH CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE.
Alison Redford is one of the PRINCIPALS.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
DEFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION OF CPSA
Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
BACKGROUND: Preface to Addendum to Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock states -
"Premier Ed Stelmach (Premier of Alberta) and four senior ministers in his cabinet have provided no meaningful response to the 'Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock' sent to each of them by Registered Mail on July 16/08.
These five persons are forthwith referred to an 'The Principals' and include the following:
Premier Ed Stelmach - Premier of Alberta.
Hon. Dave Hancock - Past Minister of Health & Wellness & prior to that Minister of Justice.
Hon. Alison Redford - Current Minister of Justice.
Hon. Ron Stevens - past Minister of Justice.
Hon. Ron Liepert - current Minister of Health & Wellness.
Dr. Anderson has asked each of THE PRINCIPALS, for answers to the following four important questions. Unfortunately, none of these questions have been answered by any of THE PRINCIPALS. ( The four questions are contained in
Dr. Anderson's Document # 1 - Blog. Posting Jan. 27/11 - Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions).
The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta made serious errors concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering. It is unrealistic to expect those who made the errors to investigate the errors and discipline themselves. Albertans expect the Gov. of Alberta to exercise its ultimate and final responsibility and authority to investigate and resolve these errors and take the necessary action to prevent any recurrence.
Except for letters of dismissal of Dr. Anderson by Hon. D. Hancock & Hon. A. Redford, there has been no meaningful communication from the Gov. of Alberta with Dr. Anderson.
Albertans are charging THE GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA of 'criminal negligence'
(Definition: Reckless disregard for the life or safety of other persons). ".
HOW DID HON. ALISON REDFORD FAIL?
1. March 19/08: Dr. Anderson sent the following letter to A. Redford - "Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to Premier Stelmach sent of today's date. I would appreciate your comments on my concerns at your earliest convenience".
2. April 17/08: A. Redford letter to Dr. Anderson - " Thank you for your letter dated Mar. 19/08 regarding your concerns related to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta ("College").
In Alberta, physicians are a self-governing profession under the Medical Professions Act, which gives the College authority over disciplinary matters involving physicians. I have no authority to become involved in these matters. As you are aware, the Medical Profession Act includes an appeal process that permits further review of disciplinary decisions. I encourage you to consider this option. You may also wish to have your patient seek independent legal advice with respect to other avenues that may be available".
Dr. Anderson's analysis:
Did A. Redford not read Dr. Anderson's letter to D. Hancock dated June 29/07 in which he states- "on the basis of this totally flawed investigation, I have rejected an appeal. I have lost complete confidence in the College. An Appeal Process would show the same dishonesty that the Investigative Process displayed".
Did A. Redford not read a copy of a letter that Dr. Anderson sent to Premier Ed Stelmach and copied to her dated March 19/08? This letter to Premier Stelmach shows clearly a breakdown in self-regulation of the CPSA. The Council of this body refuses to take action against the medical staff that they have hired. The medical staff employees conducted a totally flawed incompetent investigation of patient complaints as well as submitting lies to justify the closing of a patient complaint file. Dr.Anderson will not appeal serious errors of the CPSA staff. These errors must be resolved by Council. If Council refuses to act, then the Stelmach Government must act.
Alison Redford refuses to confirm or clarify if necessary, the above levels of authority as provided for Albertans by law.
3. July 29/08: A Redford letter to Dr. Anderson- "Thank you for your letter and attachments dated July 16/08 regarding the CPSA. As outlined in my correspondence to you dated April 17, 2008 the CPSA has statutory responsibility for disciplinary matters involving physicians. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene in these matters. The other concerns you have are legal issues. You may wish to seek the advice of your legal counsel. I am not in a position to assist you further".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis:
Dr. Anderson asks for answers from A. Redford to important questions in his letter of Apr. 23/08 which she fails to answer. How are errors of the regulators within the CPSA resolved? Under what circumstances would the Gov. of Alberta oversee or intervene in the affairs of a Self-Regulated Body
(CPSA) to correct errors of the regulators which lead to the detriment of the public (patient neglect & needless suffering).
Alison Redford has made no comment on:
- the bias of the President of Council of CPSA, Dr. James Bell (2007). Does he sit on the Appeal Board that addresses patient complaints? ( The Registrar of CPSA- Dr. T. Theman, refuses to answer this question).
- Minister of Justice, Hon. R. Stevens (2007) ignoring Dr. Anderson's request for a "Just Hearing"and not even acknowledging receipt of Registered Letters sent to him from Dr. Anderson, concerning this issue.
- Dr. Anderson's 3 documents (blog posting Jan. 27/11) being ignored and Dr. Anderson being stonewalled by the PRINCIPALS in the Stelmach Cabinet.
SUMMARY OF HON. ALISON REDFORD
Recently Alison Redford resigned her position as Minister of Justice in the Stelmach Government to make her bid to lead the PC Party of Alberta and become the next Premier of Alberta. Does she still have the title "Honourable"? Alison Redford is a lawyer with distinction (QC) who as
Minister of Justice:
1. Refused to acknowledge receipt of Dr. Anderson's three documents or make any comment on the contents therein.
2. Refused to answer four important questions contained in Dr. Anderson's document "Ministers of Stelmach Gov. Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions".
3. Refused to answer Dr. Anderson's questions on the breakdown of self-regulation in the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
4. Would not accept her responsibility and suggested the problems Dr. Anderson presented to her should be handled by hired private legal counsel.
5. Failed to understand why a breakdown in self-regulation of the CPSA cannot be solved by an appeal of a patient complaint.
ALBERTANS HAVE CHARGED THE PRINCIPALS WITH CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE.
Alison Redford is one of the PRINCIPALS.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
Monday, February 21, 2011
DR. ANDERSON ASKS HQCA FOR HELP
Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
DOCTOR ANDERSON ASKS
HEALTH QUALITY COUNCIL OF ALBERTA
FOR HELP
Dr. Anderson's numerous Registered Letters to Premier Stelmach & members of his cabinet concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering have been ignored (not even the courtesy of acknowledgement of receipt of letters).
WHAT HELP HAS HQCA GIVEN TO DR. ANDERSON?
1. March 17/10: Dr. Anderson sent HQCA his document # 1 "Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions".
2. May 19/10: Dr. Anderson sent HQCA - document # 2 " The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock" - July/08 , and document # 3 "Addendum to the Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock"-Oct./08.
All members of Governance of HQCA were sent letters by Dr. Anderson informing them of the above three documents.
3. June 28/10: Dr. J. Cowell (CEO-HQCA) first letter to Dr. Anderson that states in part -" Unfortunately the Health Quality Council of Alberta is not in a position to comment on the issues you have raised concerning the health system, and it appears you have written to those who are responsible". In this same letter Dr. Cowell closes with- "In closing, I am sorry for your frustration with the system and I hope your letters have made an impact".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - The HQCA is "not in a position to comment" on any part of the above three documents, even though their contents has a huge bearing on the quality of health care for Albertans-Why no comment from HQCA?
What is Dr. Cowell "sorry" about? The HQCA not being able to act?
On whom does Dr. Cowell hope Dr. Anderson's letters will make an impact?
It is also important to note that the Letter-Head on Stationery of HQCA states "partnering to achieve world-class excellence in all dimensions of quality and safety across Alberta's health system".
4. September 30/10: Meeting of Dr. Anderson with Dr. J. Cowell (CEO-HQCA) & Dr. L. Tyrrell (Chair-HQCA). The purpose of this meeting was to discuss Dr. Anderson's concerns with the Health Care System. Dr. Anderson made it clear that his concerns were not with medical practitioners who serve their patients poorly but rather that the CPSA having conducted a totally flawed & incompetent investigation of patient complaints and that lies were submitted by senior medical staff of CPSA to justify the closing of a patient complaint file.
During this meeting Dr. Tyrrell & Dr. Anderson agreed that there were many Albertans who supported the view that the CPSA protects its member medical doctors at the expense of protecting the public.
Dr. Anderson left his files on the CPSA (showing details of this incompetent investigation by CPSA)
with Dr. L. Tyrrell, for his study. The files are marked "Property of Douglas L. Anderson".
5. October 22/10: Dr. D. Anderson sent the following letter to Dr. L. Tyrrell - "Please find enclosed a copy of my letter of this date to Dr. J. Cowell. Reforms to the CPSA's Investigative Process & Appeal Process are definitely required in order to restore public confidence in the CPSA & improve the public image of the medical profession. I look forward to discussing with you, my thoughts on this urgent matter at your earliest convenience".
6. December 22/10: Dr. D. Anderson sent Registered Letters to all members of Governance of HQCA containing the following - "I have not received input from you on solving the serious problem of not receiving a response from the Stelmach Government to questions that Albertans have asked Premier Stelmach to address concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering. I await your suggestions on solving this most serious problem". Dr. Anderson has received no response from any member of governance of HQCA to either of his letters of May 19 or Dec. 22/10.
7. January 12/11: The second (and apparently final) letter to Dr. D. Anderson from Dr. J. Cowell
(CEO-HQCA) follows -
"I am in receipt of your letter dated Dec.2/10 in which you expressed your concerns over the firing of former Alberta Health Services chief executive officer Dr. Stephen Duckett and the resignation of several board members. In the letter, you also requested a meeting with me and Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) chair Dr. Lorne Tyrrell to discuss reforms to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
While we appreciate your passion for Alberta's health care system and the ongoing dialogue in which you are engaged we must reiterate that the HQCA is not in a position to comment on many of the issues you raise. At this time, we respectfully ask that you remove the HQCA from your list of correspondents.
On behave of the Health Quality Council of Alberta Board, Dr. Tyrrell and I wish you the best in the future".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - Dr. Cowell fails to tell Dr. Anderson the time and place where Dr. Anderson will meet with him and Dr. Tyrrell to discuss reforms to the CPSA. Dr. Cowell states - "HQCA is not in a position to comment on MANY of the issues you raise". Why does he not say ALL of the issues you raise. Could it be that ALL would include the Stelmach Government and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Albert?
8. February 7/11: Dr. Anderson's Registered Letter to Dr. L. Tyrrell follows:
"You have made no contact with me since I left my files on the CPSA in your charge after our meeting with Dr. Cowell on Sept. 30/10. Would you kindly return these files to me which are marked 'Property of Douglas L. Anderson'. You have not replied to my letter of Oct.22 (copy enclosed) requesting a discussion with you on reforms to the CPSA'a Investigative Process and Appeal Process in addressing patient complaints. I'm disappointed in Dr. Cowell's letter of Jan. 12/11 in which HQCA dismisses me and will cease to correspond with me. In the future I shall be communicating with HQCA and all Albertans via Blog Site http://medics-fail-to-self-regulate.blogspot.com I look foreward to receiving my files".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - As of Feb. 21, 2011 Dr. Anderson has not received his files from Dr. Tyrrell. Dr. Tyrrell has had almost five months to study these files. Should he really need more time before contacting Dr. Anderson.
Has the HQCA helped Dr. Anderson? Albertans think not.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
DOCTOR ANDERSON ASKS
HEALTH QUALITY COUNCIL OF ALBERTA
FOR HELP
Dr. Anderson's numerous Registered Letters to Premier Stelmach & members of his cabinet concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering have been ignored (not even the courtesy of acknowledgement of receipt of letters).
WHAT HELP HAS HQCA GIVEN TO DR. ANDERSON?
1. March 17/10: Dr. Anderson sent HQCA his document # 1 "Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions".
2. May 19/10: Dr. Anderson sent HQCA - document # 2 " The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock" - July/08 , and document # 3 "Addendum to the Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock"-Oct./08.
All members of Governance of HQCA were sent letters by Dr. Anderson informing them of the above three documents.
3. June 28/10: Dr. J. Cowell (CEO-HQCA) first letter to Dr. Anderson that states in part -" Unfortunately the Health Quality Council of Alberta is not in a position to comment on the issues you have raised concerning the health system, and it appears you have written to those who are responsible". In this same letter Dr. Cowell closes with- "In closing, I am sorry for your frustration with the system and I hope your letters have made an impact".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - The HQCA is "not in a position to comment" on any part of the above three documents, even though their contents has a huge bearing on the quality of health care for Albertans-Why no comment from HQCA?
What is Dr. Cowell "sorry" about? The HQCA not being able to act?
On whom does Dr. Cowell hope Dr. Anderson's letters will make an impact?
It is also important to note that the Letter-Head on Stationery of HQCA states "partnering to achieve world-class excellence in all dimensions of quality and safety across Alberta's health system".
4. September 30/10: Meeting of Dr. Anderson with Dr. J. Cowell (CEO-HQCA) & Dr. L. Tyrrell (Chair-HQCA). The purpose of this meeting was to discuss Dr. Anderson's concerns with the Health Care System. Dr. Anderson made it clear that his concerns were not with medical practitioners who serve their patients poorly but rather that the CPSA having conducted a totally flawed & incompetent investigation of patient complaints and that lies were submitted by senior medical staff of CPSA to justify the closing of a patient complaint file.
During this meeting Dr. Tyrrell & Dr. Anderson agreed that there were many Albertans who supported the view that the CPSA protects its member medical doctors at the expense of protecting the public.
Dr. Anderson left his files on the CPSA (showing details of this incompetent investigation by CPSA)
with Dr. L. Tyrrell, for his study. The files are marked "Property of Douglas L. Anderson".
5. October 22/10: Dr. D. Anderson sent the following letter to Dr. L. Tyrrell - "Please find enclosed a copy of my letter of this date to Dr. J. Cowell. Reforms to the CPSA's Investigative Process & Appeal Process are definitely required in order to restore public confidence in the CPSA & improve the public image of the medical profession. I look forward to discussing with you, my thoughts on this urgent matter at your earliest convenience".
6. December 22/10: Dr. D. Anderson sent Registered Letters to all members of Governance of HQCA containing the following - "I have not received input from you on solving the serious problem of not receiving a response from the Stelmach Government to questions that Albertans have asked Premier Stelmach to address concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering. I await your suggestions on solving this most serious problem". Dr. Anderson has received no response from any member of governance of HQCA to either of his letters of May 19 or Dec. 22/10.
7. January 12/11: The second (and apparently final) letter to Dr. D. Anderson from Dr. J. Cowell
(CEO-HQCA) follows -
"I am in receipt of your letter dated Dec.2/10 in which you expressed your concerns over the firing of former Alberta Health Services chief executive officer Dr. Stephen Duckett and the resignation of several board members. In the letter, you also requested a meeting with me and Health Quality Council of Alberta (HQCA) chair Dr. Lorne Tyrrell to discuss reforms to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.
While we appreciate your passion for Alberta's health care system and the ongoing dialogue in which you are engaged we must reiterate that the HQCA is not in a position to comment on many of the issues you raise. At this time, we respectfully ask that you remove the HQCA from your list of correspondents.
On behave of the Health Quality Council of Alberta Board, Dr. Tyrrell and I wish you the best in the future".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - Dr. Cowell fails to tell Dr. Anderson the time and place where Dr. Anderson will meet with him and Dr. Tyrrell to discuss reforms to the CPSA. Dr. Cowell states - "HQCA is not in a position to comment on MANY of the issues you raise". Why does he not say ALL of the issues you raise. Could it be that ALL would include the Stelmach Government and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Albert?
8. February 7/11: Dr. Anderson's Registered Letter to Dr. L. Tyrrell follows:
"You have made no contact with me since I left my files on the CPSA in your charge after our meeting with Dr. Cowell on Sept. 30/10. Would you kindly return these files to me which are marked 'Property of Douglas L. Anderson'. You have not replied to my letter of Oct.22 (copy enclosed) requesting a discussion with you on reforms to the CPSA'a Investigative Process and Appeal Process in addressing patient complaints. I'm disappointed in Dr. Cowell's letter of Jan. 12/11 in which HQCA dismisses me and will cease to correspond with me. In the future I shall be communicating with HQCA and all Albertans via Blog Site http://medics-fail-to-self-regulate.blogspot.com I look foreward to receiving my files".
Dr. Anderson's Analysis - As of Feb. 21, 2011 Dr. Anderson has not received his files from Dr. Tyrrell. Dr. Tyrrell has had almost five months to study these files. Should he really need more time before contacting Dr. Anderson.
Has the HQCA helped Dr. Anderson? Albertans think not.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MEDICS TARNISH THEIR PUBLIC IMAGE
Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS OF ALBERTA
WOUNDS ALBERTA MEDICS
"CPSA PROTECTS ITS MEMBERS AND NOT THE PUBLIC" - Many Albertans support this statement. Dr. Tyrrell (Chair of HQCA) and Dr. Anderson recognize these many Albertans who support this statement (Dr. Tyrrell & Dr. Anderson meeting Sept. 30/10). This statement is supported by Patient Complaint File #060421.1.4
However, the vast majority of Alberta Medical Doctors deserve the complete confidence of all Albertans.
Unfortunately there is a very small minority of Alberta Medical Doctors who have not served the public well and have been protected by the CPSA. This small group of Medics and the CPSA should not tarnish the Medical Doctor image.
Unfortunately, the Medical Doctor Image has been damaged by the CPSA due to a breakdown in Self-Regulation of this body.
SELF-REGULATION OF THE CPSA
Who are the Regulators & who are the Regulated?
The Stelmach Government refuses to clarify this question for doctor Anderson (Dr. Anderson's Three Documents - "Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions";
The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock"; "Addendum to The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock").
The Registrar of CPSA (Dr. T. Theman) in his letter to Dr. Anderson dated Oct.7, 2010 states -
"THE CPSA IS THE REGULATOR OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN ALBERTA. THE COUNCIL OF THE COLLEGE IS THE GOVERNING BODY. IT HIRES ME & MY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT ITS POLICIES & DIRECTION. LICENSED MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION ARE THE REGULATED MEMBERS".
Dr. Theman states that the Medical Staff Employees of the CPSA are responsible to the Council, which is the Governing Body of the CPSA. It would therefore follow that if serious errors are committed by the Medical Staff Employees (that the Registrar has not resolved), then the Council must resolve these errors. Failure of the Council to resolve these errors would require the Stelmach Government to exercise its ultimate and final responsibility and authority to resolve these errors in the public interest.
Unfortunately these errors have remained uncorrected by all three levels of authority -
1. REGISTRAR OF CPSA - (Dr. T. Theman):
Dr. Anderson has accused Dr. Theman of "hiding behind a proposed Patient Complaint Appeal Process to avoid facing the truth & investigating lies submitted by senior employees of the College"
(letter- Dr. Anderson to Dr. Theman Nov. 21/07).
Dr. Theman has stated in his letter to Dr. Anderson dated May 1/07 - " I am writing in response to your request that you meet privately with Dr. Jim Bell, President of the Council of the CPSA. I understand that you have also written to other members of Council" - "It is not appropriate for members of Council, including the President of Council, to be involved in this matter. I would ask you to decide whether you wish to appeal the Investigation Chair's decision to close your complaint. Your request to meet privately with the President is not allowed for under statute and your request will not be honored".
Dr. Theman has not clarified why Dr. Anderson should not contact the Council of CPSA when employees of the Council have made serious errors. Dr. Theman refuses to answer Dr. Anderson's question - " Was Dr. James Bell (President of Council of CPSA) one of the three councilors who constituted the Appeal Board of the CPSA, at the time of closure of file # 060421.1.4 (letter from Dr. Anderson to Dr. Theman October 4, 2010).
2. COUNCIL OF CPSA - ( 2007 )
DR. JAMES BELL (President)- Dr. Anderson's letter to Dr. Bell (March 12/07) states a serious problem with the Council's employees. Dr. Anderson ends his letter with - "I am available to discuss with you measures that I think the College could take to truly live up to its mandate".
Dr. James Bell's letter to Dr. Anderson (April 25/07) concludes with - "further communication to me with regards to this issue in not only inappropriate, but it also is putting me in a position of bias at such time an appeal does come before our council".
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Dr. Anderson attempted to have this Governing Body investigate these serious errors committed by its employees. He at first tried to communicate with the President of Council, Dr. James Bell, but was dismissed. Dr. Anderson subsequently sent two letters, dated
April 23/07 & May 17/07 to all the following Council members concerning this serious problem (which included the Patient History covered in Patient Complaint File # 060421.1.4
James Bell, MD. John Pasternak, MD.
Peter Hamilton, MD. Ronald Spice, MD.
Karen Lundgard, MD. Thomas Marrie, MD.
David Moores, MD. Grant Gall, MD.
Harvey Woytiuk, MD. Keith Lohrenz, MD.
Robin Cox, MD. Mr. Blair Maxston.
Owen Heisler, MD. Ms. Irene Pfeiffer.
Robert Johnston, MD. Ms. Linda Spencer
Dr. Anderson concluded his letter of May 17/07 with - " I shall not be pursuing an appeal for the closing of my complaints by the College because I feel the Appeal Process will show the same lack of honesty by the College as was evident in the Investigative Process. Unfortunately, I have lost all confidence in the College".
Unfortunately, no Councilor has had the courtesy or courage to reply to either of Dr. Anderson's letters.
3. STELMACH GOVERNMENT
Dr. Anderson conveyed all of the above to the Stelmach Government in many Registered Letters, all of which have been completely ignored.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
retired Eye Surgeon, having conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for
over 30 years before retirement.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS OF ALBERTA
WOUNDS ALBERTA MEDICS
"CPSA PROTECTS ITS MEMBERS AND NOT THE PUBLIC" - Many Albertans support this statement. Dr. Tyrrell (Chair of HQCA) and Dr. Anderson recognize these many Albertans who support this statement (Dr. Tyrrell & Dr. Anderson meeting Sept. 30/10). This statement is supported by Patient Complaint File #060421.1.4
However, the vast majority of Alberta Medical Doctors deserve the complete confidence of all Albertans.
Unfortunately there is a very small minority of Alberta Medical Doctors who have not served the public well and have been protected by the CPSA. This small group of Medics and the CPSA should not tarnish the Medical Doctor image.
Unfortunately, the Medical Doctor Image has been damaged by the CPSA due to a breakdown in Self-Regulation of this body.
SELF-REGULATION OF THE CPSA
Who are the Regulators & who are the Regulated?
The Stelmach Government refuses to clarify this question for doctor Anderson (Dr. Anderson's Three Documents - "Ministers of Stelmach Government Refuse to Answer Surgeon's Questions";
The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock"; "Addendum to The Anderson Journal on the Hon. Dave Hancock").
The Registrar of CPSA (Dr. T. Theman) in his letter to Dr. Anderson dated Oct.7, 2010 states -
"THE CPSA IS THE REGULATOR OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN ALBERTA. THE COUNCIL OF THE COLLEGE IS THE GOVERNING BODY. IT HIRES ME & MY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT ITS POLICIES & DIRECTION. LICENSED MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION ARE THE REGULATED MEMBERS".
Dr. Theman states that the Medical Staff Employees of the CPSA are responsible to the Council, which is the Governing Body of the CPSA. It would therefore follow that if serious errors are committed by the Medical Staff Employees (that the Registrar has not resolved), then the Council must resolve these errors. Failure of the Council to resolve these errors would require the Stelmach Government to exercise its ultimate and final responsibility and authority to resolve these errors in the public interest.
Unfortunately these errors have remained uncorrected by all three levels of authority -
1. REGISTRAR OF CPSA - (Dr. T. Theman):
Dr. Anderson has accused Dr. Theman of "hiding behind a proposed Patient Complaint Appeal Process to avoid facing the truth & investigating lies submitted by senior employees of the College"
(letter- Dr. Anderson to Dr. Theman Nov. 21/07).
Dr. Theman has stated in his letter to Dr. Anderson dated May 1/07 - " I am writing in response to your request that you meet privately with Dr. Jim Bell, President of the Council of the CPSA. I understand that you have also written to other members of Council" - "It is not appropriate for members of Council, including the President of Council, to be involved in this matter. I would ask you to decide whether you wish to appeal the Investigation Chair's decision to close your complaint. Your request to meet privately with the President is not allowed for under statute and your request will not be honored".
Dr. Theman has not clarified why Dr. Anderson should not contact the Council of CPSA when employees of the Council have made serious errors. Dr. Theman refuses to answer Dr. Anderson's question - " Was Dr. James Bell (President of Council of CPSA) one of the three councilors who constituted the Appeal Board of the CPSA, at the time of closure of file # 060421.1.4 (letter from Dr. Anderson to Dr. Theman October 4, 2010).
2. COUNCIL OF CPSA - ( 2007 )
DR. JAMES BELL (President)- Dr. Anderson's letter to Dr. Bell (March 12/07) states a serious problem with the Council's employees. Dr. Anderson ends his letter with - "I am available to discuss with you measures that I think the College could take to truly live up to its mandate".
Dr. James Bell's letter to Dr. Anderson (April 25/07) concludes with - "further communication to me with regards to this issue in not only inappropriate, but it also is putting me in a position of bias at such time an appeal does come before our council".
ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Dr. Anderson attempted to have this Governing Body investigate these serious errors committed by its employees. He at first tried to communicate with the President of Council, Dr. James Bell, but was dismissed. Dr. Anderson subsequently sent two letters, dated
April 23/07 & May 17/07 to all the following Council members concerning this serious problem (which included the Patient History covered in Patient Complaint File # 060421.1.4
James Bell, MD. John Pasternak, MD.
Peter Hamilton, MD. Ronald Spice, MD.
Karen Lundgard, MD. Thomas Marrie, MD.
David Moores, MD. Grant Gall, MD.
Harvey Woytiuk, MD. Keith Lohrenz, MD.
Robin Cox, MD. Mr. Blair Maxston.
Owen Heisler, MD. Ms. Irene Pfeiffer.
Robert Johnston, MD. Ms. Linda Spencer
Dr. Anderson concluded his letter of May 17/07 with - " I shall not be pursuing an appeal for the closing of my complaints by the College because I feel the Appeal Process will show the same lack of honesty by the College as was evident in the Investigative Process. Unfortunately, I have lost all confidence in the College".
Unfortunately, no Councilor has had the courtesy or courage to reply to either of Dr. Anderson's letters.
3. STELMACH GOVERNMENT
Dr. Anderson conveyed all of the above to the Stelmach Government in many Registered Letters, all of which have been completely ignored.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
Saturday, February 5, 2011
STELMACH GOVERNMENT IGNORS SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH CPSA
NOTE: Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C) is the owner of this Blog Site. Dr. Anderson is a retired Eye Surgeon, having
conducted his surgery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for over 30 years before retirement.
Comments from visitors to the Blog Site are welcomed for a balanced discussion of the issues raised.
Public discussion on this important issue, " COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS OF ALBERTA FAILS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC", has progressed nicely through email communication and will spread via this Blog - http://medics-fail-to-self-regulate.blogspot.com
Thank you Albertans for contributing to this important discussion.
STELMACH GOVERNMENT IGNORS PROBLEM WITH CPSA
This Blog Posting of February 5, 2011 shows in more detail how the Stelmach Government ignored Dr. Anderson's Registered Letters from June 29 to November 29, 2007.
Dr. Anderson's first communication with the Stelmach Government was his letter to Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Health & Wellness dated June 29, 2007 which follows:
Dr. Mr. Hancock: Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to Dr. James McMillan dated June 29, 2007. In spite of the facts that show obvious patient neglect and suffering and waste of Medicare Resources, the COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS have failed to discharge its responsibility to the public and live up to its mandate TO SERVE THE PUBLIC AND GUIDE THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
The College Investigation concerning my complaints was only quasi. It's reasons for closing my complaints (1-6) were all flawed and some lies were submitted to justify the closing of the file. On the basis of this totally flawed investigation, I have rejected an appeal. I have lost complete confidence in the College. An Appeal Process would show the same dishonesty that the Investigative Process displayed. My legal advisors have informed me that to "confront" a Regulator/Administrative Body (such as the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta) would cost me a fortune in legal fees and many years of my life. I trust that the Government of Alberta can take measures to address the above problem - Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C).
On June 29/07 Dr. Anderson asked Dave Hancock for help. Dr. Anderson sent Registered Letters to
Dave Hancock on Aug.17/07, Sept.3/07, Sept.21/07, Sept,28/07, Oct.6/07 and a Registered Letter to his Deputy Minister, Ms. Paddy Meade on Oct. 12.07 - all of these letters were asking for help and all of these letters were ignored by Minister Hancock and Deputy Meade.
On Nov.21/07 Dr. Anderson sent a letter to the Registrar of the CPSA with a copy to Mr. Hancock.
In this letter the following paragraph was included:
The Government of Alberta: The Government was asked on June 29, 2007 to address this serious problem concerning the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. After sending multiple registered letters to The Hon. Dave Hancock, Minister of Health & Wellness and his deputy, Ms. Paddy Meade, to address this serious problem, the department has not even had the courtesy to acknowledge receipt of a single letter up to this date. My legal advisors have never witnessed such inaction by a government in the past. How can this be explained? - Douglas L. Anderson, MD., FRCS(C).
Dr. Anderson received his first communication from Dave Hancock by letter dated Nov. 27/07.
After ignoring all registered letters and a phone call to his constituency office on Oct. 19/07 by Dr. Anderson, Dave Hancock finally made contact with Dr. Anderson.
Dave Hancock's letter to Dr. Anderson dated Nov. 27/07 could be labelled as "FLUFF", as it contained platitudes that Albertans would like to hear, but answered none of the questions asked and clarified none of the issues that Dr. Anderson raised. He begins this letter with: " Thank you for your letter regarding your complaint to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND.
Dave Hancock's second letter dated Dec.27/07, to Dr. Anderson explains that Dr. Anderson's concerns about a breakdown in self-regulation on the CPSA are "legal matters, on which you should continue to seek the advice of your legal council" but accepts no responsibility to look into this problem himself even though he is a QC and formerly the Minister of Justice in the Stelmach Government. Mr. Hancock then dismisses Dr. Anderson.
Mr. Hancock's third & final letter to Dr. Anderson is dated Mar. 25/08 and states that he is no longer the Minister of Health & Wellness (recent cabinet shuffle) and "it would be inappropriate for me to provide any comment" (on Dr. Anderson's concerns).
Unfortunately, the negligence shown by Mr. Hancock to Dr. Anderson's concerns was augmented by negligence by Premier Stelmach and several of Mr. Hancock's cabinet colleagues for these same concerns. This is clearly shown by Dr. Anderson's numerous registered letters concerning Patient Neglect & Needless Suffering being ignored by the following individuals between Jan. 14/08 &
Sept. 17/08.
1. Premier Stelmach - 20 letters (not even courtesy of acknowledgement of receipt).
2. Hon. D. Hancock - 5 letters (in addition to letters of Mar. 19/08 & earlier).
3. Hon. R. Liepert - 5 letters (not even courtesy of acknowledgement of receipt).
4. Hon. R. Stevens - 6 letters (not even courtesy of acknowledgement of receipt).
(Minister of Justice & now Justice Stevens of Queen's Bench for Alberta).
5. Hon. A. Redford - She replied to Dr. Anderson's 2 letters by dismissing him and not
answering his questions or addressing the serious issues presented by him.
The above five individuals will be discussed in more detail in future Blog entries.
It is clearly evident that THE STELMACH GOVERNMENT IGNORS SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH CPSA.
COMMENTS FROM VISITORS TO THIS BLOG SITE ARE WELCOMED
FOR A BALANCED DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES RAISED
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