Alberta unveils 5-year health plan

Over the next five years, Alberta Health Services plans to add more than 5,000 continuing care beds to the provincial health system.

There are also plans to addhundreds of hospital beds, more radiation therapy centres for cancer patients andexpanding the HealthLink system that allows people to get medical advice over the phone.

These are some of the highlights of a five-year strategic plan unveiled Tuesday by Alberta Health Services and Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky.

The announcement comes amid ongoing healthcare controversies at the legislature.

Opposition politicians released a leaked document Mondaythey believe shows the Stelmach government plans to expand privatization inhealthcare in Alberta.

Health minister Gene Zwozdesky said he would not consider any proposal that contravenes the Canada Health Act.