Collette Smith, a resident of Edmonton, is facing immense frustration as her scheduled hip replacement surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital remains delayed. Despite being told by her surgeon in May that the procedure would take place within six to eight weeks, Smith is still awaiting a date in mid-October. This delay is part of a broader issue affecting elective orthopedic surgeries at the hospital since July. While AHS is working to reschedule surgeries at other facilities, Smith’s situation highlights the strain on the healthcare system.