A Must Read

If you are scrambling to get things done and can only read one thing, consider reading this Twitter thread by Conor Browne.

Why are healthcare workers burning out?

iStock-Juanmonino

Given that healthcare workers have been dealing with the pandemic for over two years, it is fully understandable that many of them are burnt or burning out. Howevever, as the following statement suggests, the underlying reason for healthcare worker burnout may have existed well before the pandemic began.

“Our system was not okay before COVID-19. It was functioning because of the people in it, and because they give 110 percent every time they come into work….The cracks that were there widened and it became apparent to everybody.”

Click here to read the full article.

What is Patient Safety?

What does “patient safety” mean?

The University Health Network Open Lab team is working closely with the safety team at Healthcare Excellence Canada on their Defining Safety project. The goal of this project is to understand perspectives on the definition and future of patient safety from patients, caregivers, professionals, and leaders across Canada.

As a means of obtaining insights and ideas from Canadians, a ‘thought exchange’ about patient safety has been created. This exchange is a completely anonymous platform that provides space for participants to describe what they think the salient features are that should be included in a definition of patient safety.

If you live in Canada and want to join in the conversation on patient safety, click here.

Must-read Thread

If you have only time to read one Twitter thread, consider reading this one by @SadafShllwani.

“Last night around 6pm I went to visit my dad at #LTC. When I got there his diaper, pants, and wheelchair were soiled while he sat in the TV room with other residents. There was a pool of urine under his wheelchair. I couldn’t find any staff.” Click here to continue reading.

Call for Participants

The Press Gallery interview: Deputy premier Sarah Hoffman

What are Sarah Hoffman’s thoughts about healthcare in Alberta – wait times, medical aid in dying, funding, level of care, compassion? To find out, you may wish to listen to a recent Edmonton Journal: The Press Gallery interview: Sarah Hoffman.

A Hospital Halloween

A Canadian hospital is helping make the hospital experience less spooky for parents of sick or premature newborns.

Yesterday, I was talking to some friends whose son is in the Alberta Children’s Hospital. According to J.W., they had spent over $60.00 for a Halloween costume for their two-year-old son, M.W. Unfortunately, due to a medical issue that arose on October 29th, the costume had not been worn and remains in its original bag.

Hearing this, I was reminded of an initiative that had been started by two nurses on a neonatal unit. The end result saw babies wearing handmade felt Halloween costumes at a hospital in Edmonton. Click here to read the story.

Become a Patient Advocate

    Do you reside in the Edmonton area?
    Are you a caring, empathetic, compassionate individual who is looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of others?

If your answer to the above questions is “Yes,” the Open Arms Patient Advocacy society is looking for you. Click here to read more about this exciting opportunity.