Alberta launches triage liaison physicians pilot for crowded ERs

On Jan 16, 2026, Alberta Health announced a pilot to reintroduce triage liaison physicians (TLPs) into five busy ERs, beginning Feb 1, 2026. The sites include Edmonton’s Grey Nuns Community Hospital, University of Alberta Hospital, and Calgary’s South Health Campus, Peter Lougheed Hospital and Foothills Hospital. The move follows a fatality at Grey Nuns where 44‑year‑old Prashant Sreekumar waited almost eight hours for care. AMA president Dr Brian Wirzba welcomed the role as a “Band‑Aid” but warned it does not address root causes of overcrowding. Acute Care Alberta said existing physicians would staff the positions initially, with new hires to follow. Critics argue the pilot is too limited and lack funding for nurses and long‑term solutions.