The Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) Program at the University of Calgary is seeking participants for a project they are working on with the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network. This project will focus on breast health education supports available to patients. If you or someone you know underwent breast cancer surgery within the last two years, this is a project you may find of interest. Click here for more information.
Category Archives: Initiatives
What has Changed?
Five years ago, Greg Price died of testicular cancer. His death brought forth a major review of the healthcare system in Alberta. As a result of this review, a number of changes were suggested. However, have these suggestions been realized?
In a recent interview, David Price, Greg’s father, stated the following. “We’re disappointed really — there has been some progress made, but there’s an awful lot that’s still left to be done.” (Global News)
Click here to read the article and watch the video.
Walk Not Talk
The following quotation is from Robert, an individual who knows first hand what it is like to be addicted to drugs. As you read his words, ask yourself the following question. “What can we do, individually and collectively, to provide assistance to Robert and others? Now is not the time to ignore the current addiction crisis or pretend it does not exist. We have to do something, but what?”
“I’m tired of doing this…I don’t know what’s keeping me going. My family is like, Robert, what are you doing? My cousins are like, Robert, you’re a loser. I’ve heard it all, and they’re right. What have I done? I haven’t done s—. You try to regroup, you hear your grandson’s voice …”
“We need a little more compassion, a little more sensitivity, and not so much judging. I’m not going to be a poster boy, but walk a mile in my shoes, man.” (Toronto Star)
The Magic of Music?
Have you ever noticed how your mood can change when you put in your earbuds or turn on your stereo? Have you ever been at a concert and, with the first down beat, felt more energized than you had only moments before? Have you ever been in a room full of people and witnessed how the heaviness and tension that was once present seemingly disappeared when music began filling the air? If situations such as these have left you wondering if there was something magical about music, you may wish to take a few minutes to watch this video.
Only One Thing to Do
Imagine being told that your twin daughters have a fatal illness of which there is no cure. This was the news that Chris and Hugh Hempel were given. However, rather than accept this news as the ultimate “truth,” they decided to do otherwise. Click here to find out what they did.
Get Involved!
- Do you live in Alberta, Canada?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Have you been hospitalized lately?
If you answered “Yes” to the above questions, the Diabetes Obesity Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network would like to hear about your experience. To find out more, visit their website or contact them at DiabetesObesityNutrition.SCN@ahs.ca.
Restraints as a Last Resort
“There’s a new provincial policy soon to be released in Alberta, ‘Restraint as a Last Resort,’ that will limit use of restraints to the least restrictive, as a last resort. There is a belief that lap belts in chairs keeps people safe (they fasten from behind), but the experience of being restrained is distressing – and can actually lead to more injurious falls and increased antipsychotic use. In addition, the restrained person can’t get to the bathroom, and may experience skin breakdown, loss of muscle strength, loss of independence and delirium (an acute brain injury).” Verdeen Bueckert, Practice Lead with the Seniors Health Clinical Network
Click here to read how an orthopedic team in Alberta reduced the use of restraints by 84%!
Creating Welcoming Settings
If you have ideas on how to make clinical settings more welcoming for depression clients, here is an opportunity for you to share them.
Get Involved – Healthcare 101
There is an exciting initiative underway in Alberta. If you are interested in healthcare, you will definitely want to read Patty’s announcement below.
HEALTHCARE 101 PROJECT:
“The project will co-design with the public content relevant and meaningful to Alberta citizens to inform them on how the healthcare ecosystem works. The project will identify content and pilot test one foundational content by May 31st , 2016. We are doing this to help AB citizens experience the health care ecosystem in a positive way”
If you are interested to be involved or participate in this exciting opportunity, please see the invitation and respond to the contacts provided below.
Patty Wickson at patty.wickson@ahs.ca or (403)629-2139 – South of Edmonton
Rhonda Shea at Rhonda.Shea@hqca.ca or (780)974-3414 – North of Edmonton
Have Your Say
Do you have some thoughts and ideas of how the healthcare system in Alberta could be improved? Do you have a vision of healthcare that you would like to see become a reality? If so, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health are wanting to hear from you.
The goal is to co-design and co-deliver a sustainable, quality health system, one that promotes healthy communities and provides access to services, programs and facilities.
From fall 2016 to fall 2017, the focus is on Calgary Zone and Central Zone long range planning. This follows planning undertaken in the Edmonton Zone, which is ongoing; the province’s North and South Zone planning will follow.
Join the conversation. Share your ideas and help us develop a vision for health services in 15 years that informs decisions today. Planning for each zone will be incorporated into system planning for the province. All Albertans are encouraged to contribute to the discussions.
Click here to continue.
