Opposition wants answers about Helios clinic
Helios Wellness Centre faces queue-jumping accusations
CBC News
Posted: Jan 21, 2013 7:47 PM MT
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2013 7:54 PM MT
Alberta's opposition parties say the University of Calgary should provide an explanation about arrangements with a private clinic located on university property.
The Helios Wellness Centre was the focus of some accusations about queue-jumping at an inquiry last week.
It is located near the Foothills hospital in a teaching building that belongs to the university.
Two Calgary doctors testified last week they heard the clinic was opened to provide a reward for major donors to the university.
In previous testimony at Alberta's health care queue-jumping inquiry, a clerk at the Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre testified patients from the clinic were given preference over other people waiting for screening.
Wildrose MLA Kerry Towle says Albertans deserve answers from the University of Calgary.
"I think until they do that, there's going be a cloud above them and I don't think they want that."
NDP leader Brian Mason is calling for a wider look at the administration.
"We need to find broadly based review of the University of Calgary and its administration."
Response
The University of Calgary has issued two written statements, saying it will not make full comments until the inquiry is over.
On Monday night, Alberta Health Services issued a written statement about what it calls "troubling evidence" being given at the public inquiry.
Officials say senior AHS staff are working with the Forzani and MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre to ensure the necessary processes are in place to provide appropriate access to services.
"Albertans can be assured that we understand the urgency and importance of the issues raised," said Dr. Chris Eagle, the president and CEO of Alberta Health Services.
The inquiry will resume in February.
Share Tools
Latest Calgary News Headlines
- Calgary teen found dead had been in provincial care
- CBC News has confirmed that a teen who was found dead in his parents' northwest Calgary home had once been in the care of social services in British Columbia. more »
- U.S. Republicans aim to take hold of Keystone XL decision
- The American political brawl over the approval of TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline shifted into overdrive on Wednesday as Republicans in the House of Representatives made yet another attempt to take the decision out of U.S. President Barack Obama's hands. more »
- Liam, Emma, most popular names for Alberta babies
- Liam and Emma were the top names given to Alberta babies in 2012, a record-breaking year for the number of births in the province. more »
- Busy parking spots in Calgary may soon cost more
- A council committee has accepted a plan to base inner-city parking rates on how popular parking is on any given street. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Harper 'not consulted' about Duffy Senate expense repayment

- Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that not only did he not know about his chief of staff's "gift" to repay Senator Mike Duffy's expenses before the story broke in the media, he was not consulted and did not sign off on Nigel Wright's decision to write a personal cheque. more »
- 2 infants confirmed among dead of Oklahoma tornado
- Rescue workers raced to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of 10 children. more »
- 'You will see him again in heaven,' Sharlene Bosma tells daughter
- Sharlene Bosma told more than 1,000 people at the public memorial service for her slain husband, Tim Bosma, about the love they shared. more »
- Mayor Ford stays silent while his brother defends him
- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford continues to stonewall the media over allegations that he was recorded on video smoking what appears to be crack cocaine, but his brother Coun. Doug Ford told reporters Wednesday that the story is untrue. more »
- Danielle Smith slams Redford at Calgary leader's dinner
- S.E. Calgary man missing since February
- Graphic anti-abortion leaflet campaign expands
- Animals rescued from shelter in SPCA probe
- Brooks celebrates hockey win with parade
- 10 must try food truck street eats
- Mount Norquay gets approval to expand
- Deadly tornadoes can strike Alberta, say experts
- SPCA investigates animal rescue farm near Calgary

