The severance package an Alberta Health Services executive received has upset a health care lobby group that says the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Friends of Medicare says former AHS Executive Vice President Andrew Will was paid $738,000 in severance pay when his position was terminated. The amount was one and a half times his annual salary.

Sandra Azocar, the group’s executive director, says this was a “sweetheart deal” and an unreasonable amount of money.

“I think it’s outrageous,” Azocar said. “I think this government needs to look at getting rid of these ridiculous executive packages that are taking away from the public health care system.

“It could hire up to 14 more health care aids. It could hire that amount of “licensed practical nurses.”

Will was an employee with the former Aspen Regional Health dating back to 2006. He held the position of CEO of the organization until the formation of the AHS.

He stayed with AHS from its formation and until 2011 when his position was eliminated as the AHS senior executive team was restructured and down-sized.

Health Services declined an interview about the severance package. However, in a written statement it says that Will was paid 18 months severance and that the standard executive contract included 12 months pay.

The payout was listed in Alberta Health Services financial records that were released in March 2012.