EDMONTON (CBC) - Eight of the nine CEOs of Alberta's health regions were eliminated from their positions Tuesday as the province's health superboard moved ahead with restructuring health-care delivery.

Three of the executives will move to different positions, according to the Alberta Health Services Board, a centralized body that was created in May to replace the nine regions.

A news conference is underway with more details.

Health Minister Ron Liepert forecast the cuts last month, emphasizing they would help "streamline" the health system, and not shortchange services.

Premier Ed Stelmach said that the job eliminations would be decided by the Alberta Health Services Board.

"They have a very clear mandate and that is to reduce the administration in the province of Alberta, improve access, improve quality of care, and they will be making some changes," said Stelmach Monday.

The senior executives eliminated are expected to take home hefty severance packages in light of their salaries. Jack Davis, president and CEO of the Calgary Health Region, earned $1.2 million in salary and benefits in 2007, while Sheila Weatherill of Capital Health Region received about $900,000 with pension benefits.

Liberal health critic Dave Taylor said it doesn't really matter which highly paid executive gets cut or how many of them - he watches what the changes may mean for patients.

"What difference is this going to make to the patient who doesn't have a family doctor, the patient who's lined up for hours upon hours upon hours, waiting to get through emergency, get into emergency, get into the hospital?" he said.

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