Inferno.

I'm rip roaring mad. Spitting nails angry actually. Check out this link to read an article in the Cochrane Eagle which discusses the new Code of Conduct created by Alberta Health Services.

Being a critical consumer of media (which in this age is mandatory), I did not give this article much credence until I read the Code of Conduct myself. Although the document does cover some important topics, there are a number of things I am unimpressed with. The best example is p. 18 Examples of Inappropriate acts include:

"engaging in any conduct that may adversely affect Alberta Health Services or its reputation"

If you think they are just referring to getting drunk in your scrubs and posting pictures of it on Facebook; you're wrong. Page 16, paragraph one states "Public statements on behalf of Alberta Health Services are only to be made by a designated spokesperson" and paragraph two states "If you are approached by the news media to provide information and/or interviews concerning Alberta Health Service's practices or operations, immediately refer all such requests to the Communications Department". Now in the case of a sensationalized medical case, such as the current H1N1 Influenza outbreak at ACH, that makes some modicum of sense. But what about other issues? What about the issues which are inconvenient for politicians to deal with?

If you are interested in reading on, please visit the Code of Conduct here. I have to admit, I feel a bit like someone pulled the wool over my eyes. By working in the region, I believe even as a student, I must adhere to this document. Yet, nobody asked me. If I am a valued member of the team, then how come I can not speak up? Oh I know I can call their toll free number... but what happens if they do not listen? What about taking it to the media? What about taking it to the public? After all, this is public health care which, at least in my mind, equates to a publicly ran business. If you can not accept that, how about the fact that it is publicly funded? Hmmm...publicly ran...publicly funded... so why do we have censor what is said to the public?

I am a huge proponent of acknowledging strengths as well as weaknesses. In fact, I try to practice my life by countering every negative with a positive; but with recent changes to our health care, this is getting harder and harder to do. The basic human rights of Health Professionals in Alberta are being contravened by not allowing us our right to free speech. This document strikes me as something which could be considered unconstitutional. What do you think?