Another Chance

Deadline is Approaching


Just a reminder that the deadline to submit your abstract for this year’s Quality Summit is on April 18th, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. MT. The theme of this year’s summit is “1 + 1 = 3,” with the goal being to create synergy to transform Alberta’s health system.

Abstracts will be accepted in the following two themes:

Stream 1: Transformation through Innovation

“This is for you rebels out there! Are you trying something completely new or different in your area; going boldly where no person has gone before? This stream is for you – we want to hear your radical ideas and emerging ways of how to improve care. You might only have limited results that your idea is on the right track, but we want to hear how you are breaking new ground, how you made it happen and what you believe is possible for the future! The summit is an opportunity to seek input, inspire collaboration, and motivate action at an early stage in your project.

The definition of innovation that we are hoping to showcase is: New ideas that oppose and contradict our accepted ways of delivering health care services.”

Stream 2: Successful Quality Improvement Projects

“If you have implemented a successful quality improvement project and want to show it off, this is the category for you! We want to hear about your evidence-based improvement projects for delivering healthcare services and advancing a culture of patient and family centered care. Your journey doesn’t necessarily need to be complete – just show us what you’ve done so far and what could be possible in the future.”

Click here to find out more.

***Remember, the deadline for submissions is April 18th, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. MT***

Patient & Family Centred Care Week Begins


Alberta Health Services’ Patient & Family Centred Care Week goes from November 6-10, 2017. A number of events are being held across the province to honour this week. Check out the program to see what is happening over the next five days. Here is hoping you will be able to participate in some of the activities.

And So It Begins

After months of hard work and planning, the 2017 Quality & Safety Summit is underway. If you are unable to attend the event in person, you can catch the livestream beginning October 31st at 8:30 a.m. http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page13765.aspx
Here is to a great summit!

Cannabis Legalization Forum


On Friday, May 5th, a public forum and discussion is being held that will focus on cannabis legalization and public health policies in Alberta. This free event is taking place at the University of Calgary’s Downtown Campus (906-8th Ave S.W.) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Currently, there are 40 tickets left out of 400. To register for the forum, visit http://bit.ly/2nyedHH

Pts4Chg Fishbowl – Thanks and Themes

On October 17th, Patients 4 Change (Pts4Chg) hosted a Fishbowl event as part of Alberta Health Services’ Patient & Family Centred Care week. The fishbowl format was chosen as it encourages a genuine dialogue and conversation, rather than a panel-like, prepared presentation. Eight individuals volunteered to be fish in the bowl and were the key conversationalists for the event. Members of the audience “jumped” in and out of the bowl to ask questions and make comments. 

Although fishbowls are typically held in person, the Pts4Chg fishbowl was held virtually. Unfortunately, technical problems that started in the morning and continued throughout the day saw our virtual fishbowl experiencing a few unexpected challenges. Nevertheless, despite the “rough waters” that were present, a very lively, open, and honest discussion ensued around the following questions:

1. What does partnering with patients and families look like to you?
2. How do you build rapport and grow relationships in health care that make for effective and equitable partnerships?
3. What are some of the current barriers to partnership? How could these barriers be removed or minimized?

Click here to find out what themes arose from the Pts4Chg fishbowl. (Thanks, Sandi, for helping to create this document.)

Based on the feedback received, the Pts4Chg fishbowl was a very successful and worthwhile event. This, however, would not have been possible without an active audience, and our amazing school of fish – Debbie, Mike, Aaron, Sandi, Philip, Terry, Jane and Kristina. Thanks so much!

Richard and Tracy

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined us in the Fishbowl last night. What a great time and and an interesting conversation! Special thanks to our fish – Debbie, Mike, Aaron, Sandi, Philip, Terry, Jane and Kristina. You were super! Thanks also to Richard. Your efforts in bringing this event about were not overlooked and were much appreciated. Thanks so much! Tracyweb-fish-thank-you-front

Suicide Prevention Workshop

Straight Talk is a half-day workshop focusing on preventing suicide in youth. It is designed for parents, family and friends, and anyone who works with youth ranging in age from 12 to 24 years old.

Date: September 13, 2016
Location: Kahanoff Centre, 2nd Floor – 105 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Contact: Candice Hickman, registrar@suicideinfo.ca or phone: 403-245-3900

Click here for more information about the workshop and to register online.