Last week, Alberta Health Services announced that Albertans will have the ability to access more health inspection reports online. 

Although access to food facility inspection reports online have been available since 2008, one can now search and view public health inspection reports for public pools on AHS's website.

"While pool, personal service and childcare facilities have always been inspected and reports available upon request, AHS has not previously posted the reports online. New pool facility inspection reports are being posted and accessible online starting March 1; personal services facility inspection reports on April 3; childcare facility inspection reports on May 1," a press release stated.

Mark Fehr, the Executive Director for Safe Healthy Environments with Alberta Health Services said that by enhancing online access to a broader range of public health inspection reports, this initiative will help Albertans make additional informed choices for themselves and their families. Posting of the reports is happening in stages to align with the capacity to conduct internal audits of information systems and to respond to questions that might come from industry representatives.

“AHS has been working with these businesses to ensure they have the resources and information they need before we start posting reports publicly online,” said Dr. Kathryn Koliaska, Medical Officer of Health, Safe and Health Environments, AHS. “This includes online engagement sessions with impacted businesses and associations, as well as educational resources and access to inspectors for discussions.”

According to AHS, for each facility inspection posted on its website, there is a list of unsafe practices, known as violations, noted by the public health inspector during the inspection. Safe practices are not listed. Violations are typically posted within one business day but in some cases may take up to five business days.

If a facility creates or maintains a violation, AHS may order the facility to be closed until the problems are fixed. Closure orders are not listed on this website but can be found at EPH Enforcement Orders.

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com