Alberta has implemented a new patient-focused surgery funding model in twelve public hospitals, which began last month. This innovative approach ties funding directly to the number and type of surgeries performed, moving away from traditional blanket budgets. Each procedure has a government-established price, with some set below historical averages to encourage efficiency among hospital operators. Premier Danielle Smith introduced this model last year, stating it aims to lower costs by increasing competition between public and private surgical providers. Currently, the funding model covers surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, cataract surgeries, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, with plans for future expansion to additional procedures. Acute Care Alberta, the organization overseeing hospitals, has designated a 'learning year' to evaluate the model's effectiveness, focusing on metrics like readmission rates to ensure that care quality remains high during this transition.