The Citizens for Quality Health Society (“CQHS”) was formed in March 2006 with the vision to promote changes in the Alberta health care system, and to improve the health of Albertans.  Knowing that Albertans spend more money on health care than any other province, CQHS believes that these resources should be directed towards developing the most advanced and most effective health care system in the world.  CQHS has been working over the past year to obtain further insight on how to achieve conquer this goal. 

 CQHS has developed several foundational principles:

• Albertan citizens need more credible options available and accessible to them to address their health concerns.  
• Albertan citizens need more control over how their health dollar is spent.  Albertans who want to take ultimate responsibility for their health should be allowed to do so.
• As customers, Albertans need the health care system to have a greater focus on customer service.  Patient-centered care is foundational to delivering improved services.  Health delivery systems should be driven by the health needs of Albertans.  
• Recognition and incentives should be provided to encourage health professionals and citizens to find cost-effective health solutions and improved service levels.  
• Albertans who are citizens and not involved in delivering health care need more influence over decision making and strategies to improve health care.

In May 2006, CQHS held its first annual conference.  The conference theme, “Let’s Not Endure Problems, Let’s Solve Them” set the stage for four keynote speakers and three health care panels throughout the day.  The conference was a great success and has encouraged CQHS to host another conference in May 2007.

CQHS is focused on the education and flow of information to each and every citizen of Alberta.  Our hopes are to educate people about their choices and opportunities, as well as inspire those same people to expect more results from their health care system.  CQHS is also interested in teaching Albertans how to keep themselves healthy.  A newsletter is available to members interested in the latest health topics and discoveries, along with current news about CQHS.  There is also a website developed for those that want more information.  The website, found at www.cqhs.org, will provide further background on CQHS.