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Together4Heath Headlines arrives in your inbox every two weeks.
Watch for our next edition October 4.
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Today's Update:
- Things You Need to Know
- Action on Our Top Priorities
- Innovation in Healthcare
- Enhance Your Health and Wellbeing
- Join the Conversation and Get Involved
- Information for Caregivers and Families
- Be Well - Be Kind
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Active Health Advisories
As part of AHS’ commitment to the health and safety of Albertans, AHS releases health advisories related to air quality, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), heat, boil water, federal notices, wildfire & flood resources and safety information, food safety news, COVID-19 information, environmental public health orders, public health travel notices and health enforcement notices.
You can find a full list of health advisories that are currently active here.
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Respiratory virus dashboard online
The Government of Alberta’s respiratory virus dashboard includes reporting for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV cases, positivity and severe cases. The dashboard is updated every Thursday throughout the respiratory virus season.
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Action on Our Top Priorities
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We have much to accomplish in several priority areas and want to make sure you have the most current information on the work underway and on the work ahead.
Improving patient flow throughout the healthcare continuum
Appointments scheduled at new cancer centre
Patient appointment conversion began last weekend in Connect Care for the Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, set to open in Calgary next month.
With this transition, patients who have access to the MyAHS Connect patient portal will start seeing the Arthur Child as the location for their upcoming appointments. This will be the first public awareness of the centre's planned Oct. 26-28 clinical opening and the services it will offer.
All move and transition planning activities are on schedule.
Workforce recruitment and retention
Newly recruited physicians to enhance Wainwright obstetrical care
With the arrival of two newly recruited physicians in Wainwright, residents will have increased access to obstetrical care this fall.
Dr. Claire Marais is a general practitioner with obstetrical surgical skills who will be practising at Wainwright Medical Clinic and the Wainwright Health Centre. Dr. Marais received her medical degree in South Africa. She worked both as a rural family physician, and in obstetrics and emergency medicine at a hospital in Johannesburg before coming to Canada. Individuals needing a family doctor can call 780-842-3341 to arrange a meet-and-greet appointment with Dr. Marais.
Dr. Inusa Amike is a general practitioner with obstetrical surgical skills who will be practising at Brilz Associate Clinic and the Wainwright Health Centre. Dr. Amike received his medical education and practised in Nigeria prior to coming to Canada. Individuals needing a family doctor can call 780-842-5829 to arrange a meet-and-greet appointment with Dr. Amike.
To read more about Dr. Amike and Dr. Marais, click here.
Newly recruited family physician now practising in Drayton Valley
Dr. Joel Ukaegbu is now practising in Drayton Valley at the Claro Family Practice and Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre. Individuals needing a family doctor can call 780-621-0202 to arrange a meet-and-greet appointment.
Claro Family Practice now has five physicians, with a total of 15 physicians serving the community.
To read more about Dr. Ukaegbu, click here.
Anesthesiologist joins Red Deer healthcare team
The arrival of a new anesthesiologist will improve access to surgical services for patients in Red Deer and across central Alberta. Dr. Patrick Agbanu received his medical education in Nigeria, South Africa and practised as an anesthesiologist there prior to coming to Canada.
Dr. Agbanu has joined the anesthesia team at Red Deer Regional Health Centre. He is one of 16 anesthesiologists now practising in the facility.
To read more about Dr. Agbanu, click here.
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AHS eSimulation labs are improving the way Albertans heal
 eSimulation labs are a training tool that allow staff to gain experience in medical events where practice cannot be done anywhere but a realistic situation. Using high-tech mannequins, these labs can replicate many high acuity, low occurrence scenarios that staff may only see once in a clinical setting.
eSIM (Educate, Simulate, Innovate, Motivate) mannequins can run anaphylaxis or shock scenarios, stroke scenarios, obstetrics and NICU scenarios, intubation events and more.
“To be able to put a team in a sim centre, and then give them the experience and learn from each other on their roles and responsibilities, it's super valuable,” says Patty Wickson, Executive Director of Innovation, Evidence, Evaluation and Impact. “Sim has expanded in so many ways. It’s really truly amazing and a huge asset for us in Alberta Health Services.”
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Enhance Your Health and Well-being
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The health and well-being of Albertans is the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. To enhance the health and well-being of Albertans, we offer services, workshops, classes, events and support groups to encourage healthy choices that enhance the health and well-being of Albertans.
Additionally, primary care providers play a key role in keeping Albertans healthy: when a patient consistently sees the same family doctor, nurse practitioner and team, it can lead to better health. If you need help finding a family doctor, visit albertafindadoctor.ca.
Mobile mammography service to visit Central and Northern Alberta
A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at:
- Tofield Health Centre, 5543 44 S
- Kikino Community Health Services Office at the Kikino Community Hall., Sept. 23 and 24
- Dorothy McDonald Business Centre in Fort McKay First Nation on Sept. 24
- Fort McMurray #468 First Nation Maggie Cheechum Health Centre on Sept. 25
- Saddle Lake Cree Nation Health Centre., Sept. 25 and 26
- Conklin Multiplex, 244 Northland Drive., Sept. 26
- Fishing Lake Métis Settlement Communiplex parking lot., Sept. 27
- Drayton Valley, Omniplex, 5737 45 Avenue., Sept. 27, Oct 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7
- Vermilion Senior’s Centre, 5324 50 Avenue., Sept. 28, Oct. 1, 2, 3, and 4
- Redwater Community Health Centre, 4812 58 Street (Hospital)., Oct. 5, 7 and 8
- Hinton Health Care Centre, 1280 Switzer Drive (please park by emergency, trailer is on northeast corner of building on MRI pad)., Oct 9 and 10
- Tangent Community Hall, 3 Ave, Tangent., Oct. 11 and 12
Call 1-800-667-0604 to book an appointment or learn more about the program.
Better Health for Free - Wellness Kitchen classes
 The Wellness Kitchen offers free, virtual and in-person cooking classes where participants can learn easy and tasty ways to eat better and improve health.
Tasty, Low Salt Cooking
- Dips & Sauces: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at noon to 1:00 p.m., online
- Meal Ideas: Thursday, Oct. 31, at noon to 1:00 p.m., in-person
- To register, click here.
Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking
- Tuesday, Oct.17 at noon to 1:30 pm
- Online
- To register, click here.
To learn more, click here and scroll to page 7 of the Wellness Centre Program Guide for ‘Cooking, Food & Nutrition’ section.
For questions call 403-956-3939 or email wellness.shc@albertahealthservices.ca.
Better Choices, Better Health chronic pain workshops
BCBH is a free, 2.5-hour virtual/in-person self-management workshop for Albertans 18 years of age or older who have a chronic health condition or who support someone with a chronic health condition. As a complementary interaction to clinical contact, BCBH provides tools and skills to help people better manage their chronic condition's physical, emotional, and social impact, and prepares them to make care-planning decisions.
Participants can self-refer or be referred to the workshop by a healthcare provider. Caregivers, family members and friends are also welcome to attend.
Virtual chronic pain workshops
- Tuesdays, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8 & 15 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 17, & 24 from 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays, Oct. 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, & 20, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Virtual chronic disease workshops
- Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & November 6, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
To register for virtual workshops, please call 825-404-7460 (press 3) or register online. For more information, visit www.ahs.ca/bcbh.
Tips for a healthier relationship with social media and news
 Social media and news can help you stay connected; however, all that information can be overwhelming. It can disrupt your day, and it is easy to form habits you didn't mean to.
Be sure to stay safe while using social media. Be careful with the information you share and who you share it with when you’re online. If someone is harassing or threatening you, unfriend or remove them from your friends list, block them, and report them to the site administrator. Learn about how to use the privacy settings on social media and keep your security software up to date.
For tips to consume social media and news in a healthy way, click here.
Protect your knees: Top strategies for preventing knee injuries
 Knee injuries can happen to anyone. Sometimes issues develop from everyday wear and tear. From jobs, sports, physical activities, having a disease such as osteoporosis or arthritis, or simply from aging, these things can increase your chances of having problems with your knees.
There are many ways to help reduce the risk of knee injuries. To learn some strategies and tips to preventing knee injuries, click here.
Making lifestyle changes after a health scare
 If you have recently had a health scare, your doctor has likely indicated that lifestyle changes are necessary for your new way of life. Whether it’s getting active, eating better, or prioritizing your health, goal setting can help you take the steps you need to keep you on the right path.
If you are ready to make a change, it can help to start with one or two goals and break them down into smaller steps. Change can be hard, especially when trying to make too many changes at once. People are more likely to reach smaller goals.
To learn about the Setting Goals for Lifestyle Change worksheet and 3-Day food activity journal, click here.
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Show your support for Indigenous peoples on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
 September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. On this day we honour the children who never returned home, survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. Taking time to remember is an important part of moving towards reconciliation.
In 2015, the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation released the 6 Actions of ReconciliACTION that were developed to assist the public in supporting their work towards Reconciliation. These include:
- Learn the history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples;
- Understand the history and legacy of residential schools;
- Explore the unique intersections we have between treaty, constitutional, Indigenous, and the human rights we have in Canada;
- Recognize the rich contributions that Indigenous peoples have made to Canada;
- Take action to address historical injustices and present-day wrongs; and
- Teach others.
Across this land, people will honour this day in a variety of ways, both publicly and personally. AHS invites you to share how you will show your support for residential school survivors on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation by visiting Together4Health and registering for events planned for Sept. 25.
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is pleased to announce the Patient & Family Advisory Council
The Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a diverse group of patient and family members who have lived experience navigating the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH). Our Patient and Family Advisors generously volunteer their time to enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of health services from the patient, family, and caregiver perspective.
The GRH is always looking for new advisors to bring additional insights, so if you know of anyone that might be interested, please feel free to reach out or pass along our contact information for them to learn more.
The council will start holding monthly meetings in January, providing a venue for Glenrose teams to engage directly with advisors and ensure the voices of patients, families and caregivers resonate throughout health policies, projects, and programs across the continuum of care.
Some examples of things that PFAC will consult on:
- Creation of patient, family or staff educational materials
- New projects involving changes to policies, procedures, programs or services
- Capital projects or facility redesign
- Patient experience survey design
Learn more about PFAC by contacting GlenrosePFAC@ahs.ca or call/text 780-886-5947.
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Information for Caregivers and Families
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Workshops and classes
Nutrition Classes held by Edmonton Zone Public Health Dietitians
Healthy Eating for Little Ones (1-5 years)
If you have a child between the ages of one and five years, join our class to learn about key foods and nutrients for growth, strategies for low-stress family meals, and how to get your child involved and excited about food.
- Thursday, Oct. 10 at noon.
Steps to Starting Solid Foods
If you have a two- to 12-month-old baby, join us to learn about what foods to start with, food allergies, baby-led weaning and making food for your baby.
- Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m.
Healthy Eating for Pregnancy
Expecting a baby? Join our class to learn about what's best to eat and avoid during pregnancy, how to manage nausea, heartburn and other common discomforts, and quick and tasty meal ideas.
- Thursday, Oct. 24 at noon.
Click here to register for upcoming classes or click here to see the class poster.
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Anonymous kidney donation saves life, forges friendship
 A retired nurse who donated her kidney anonymously has received a gift herself - a surprising new friendship.
Dianna Havin was first inspired to donate a kidney in the 1980s when she watched a transplant surgery while working as an operating room nurse in England. Now living in Edmonton, her opportunity finally arrived in 2021. After nearly two years of medical and psychological testing (slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic), Havin became an anonymous kidney donor.
Shortly before her surgery, Havin asked the surgeon to pass along a letter to her recipient. “(In the letter), I just said, ‘There’s no pressure (to meet). I wish you well, I hope your recovery is good. I’ve enclosed a couple of tea bags because I live on tea — and if you have some tea, your kidney will feel right at home’,” says Havin, with a laugh.
The recipient of both the letter and Havin’s kidney, Linda Keehn, says the message made her cry after her surgery.
After exchanging a few anonymous letters over a year, coordinated by the Give Life Alberta program, the women both agreed to meet. That is when they discovered they shared a lot more than a love of tea. To read more, click here, and to see their special bond, watch here.
To learn more about organ and tissue donation, including living donation, click here.
Living donor’s kidney a gift of life to a stranger
 An Edmonton woman who anonymously donated one of her kidneys is grateful for the support she received from her employer, and she’s encouraging more people to follow the lead of AHS’ Living Organ Donor Wage Replacement Policy.
The AHS policy grants a paid leave of absence and continuation of benefits for up to 12 consecutive weeks for eligible employees who donate one kidney or a portion of their liver or lung, and up to seven consecutive days for surgical bone marrow donors.
Anne Halpin’s recovery after donation surgery required four weeks away from her work at Alberta Precision Laboratories, and during this time, AHS continued to provide her full salary and benefits.
Since 2019, the AHS policy has supported about 20 living donors. “People are giving a tremendous altruistic gift to help someone else by donating (an organ),” says Dr. Scott Klarenbach, an AHS nephrologist and health economist.
“We know donating a kidney leads to improvements in quality and quantity of life compared with dialysis treatment. Kidney transplantation also saves the healthcare system a tremendous amount of money, given the high cost of dialysis of $80,000 to $100,000 per year.”
A kidney transplant can replace — or even prevent — the need for dialysis, a blood-filtering therapy which can require a patient to spend up to 12 hours in a medical unit every week. To read more, click here.
For more information on organ and tissue donation, including living donation, click here.
New Cycle Centre promotes staff wellness
 The new Cycle Centre at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary is giving staff, physicians and volunteers a reason to ride their bikes to work.
The new bike storage facility features 24/7 security surveillance, climate control and room for more than 170 bikes. Its state-of-the-art racks can accommodate a variety of bicycles including e-bikes and fat-tire bikes. Those commuting by electric or conventional scooters can also use the space. With ridership growing more than 30 per-cent over the past five years, the new space allows FMC to accommodate more than 600 bikes across the site.
An avid cyclist and a general internist, Dr. Kelly Zarnke welcomes the new Cycle Centre.
“Biking is my main form of transportation,” he says. “I arrive early and so it hasn’t been a problem to find a space in the central storage room, but when I leave it’s often full with bikes doubled up — so clearly the need is there. “This new space is amazing — it’s brightly lit, heated and secure — so I hope it will encourage more people to bike to work.”
To learn more, click here.
Rooms at Red Deer’s 49th Street Community Health Centre transformed
 Healthcare facilities are sterile by design, but they don’t have to look that way. Thanks to the Smilezone Foundation, and a couple of hometown heroes, several rooms in Red Deer’s 49th Street Community Health Centre have been transformed into welcoming spaces for children to access rehabilitation services.
The space has been brightened up with colourful murals, sensory development equipment and kid-friendly technology, providing a comfortable environment for families attending the facility for appointments.
Generous support for the transformation was provided by sportscaster Ron MacLean and his wife Cari, both of whom were raised in Red Deer. Ron says the changes are about surrounding yourself with joy.
“If we can find that smile in our work, if we can find that smile in life, I mean, we're on our way.”
To watch more, click here.
Recognizing staff during Environmental Services Week
During Environmental Services Week, September 8-14, AHS thanked our hard-working employees for their significant role in patient care in Alberta.
Meet Rolando David - a key player behind the scenes at the Royal Alexandra Hospital
 For over 11 years, Rolando has been a dedicated member of the AHS Environmental Services team. Starting his career at the University of Alberta Hospital as a cleaner, Rolando quickly stood out for his proactive approach in sharing ideas and solutions to improve operations.
Now a Working Leader in Environmental Services at the RAH, Rolando ensures that all cleaning equipment functions properly. He also trains staff and oversees the cleanliness of floors and carpets throughout the facility. His efforts have significantly reduced equipment downtime and his idea to bring mat repairs in-house saves the hospital tens of thousands of dollars annually.
“I see my work as vital to patient care,” Rolando says. “When visitors and patients see a clean, well-maintained hospital, it sets the tone for their experience. It’s fulfilling to know that what I do helps create a better space for patients to heal and for visitors to feel at ease.”
Rolando’s work, though largely behind the scenes, is crucial to maintaining a welcoming, safe environment for everyone who enters the hospital.
Meet Mark Donovan, a dedicated porter at Rockyview General Hospital
 For over a decade, Mark Donovan has been a porter and an engaged member of the Environmental Services team at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary. With a passion for service and a commitment to patient care, Mark ensures that patients are transported safely and comfortably throughout the hospital, whether it is for diagnostic tests, admissions from the emergency department, or simply moving from one unit to another.
Mark believes in the importance of creating a positive patient experience, understanding that a friendly face and a few reassuring words can significantly impact a patient’s time in the hospital. “I like to help people and make sure their experience is as good as it can be,” says Mark. “In those few minutes I spend with a patient, I can see the difference it makes when they feel heard and understood.”
Mark’s background as a mediator further enhances his ability to connect with patients. His skills in communication and active listening allow him to address concerns and ease anxieties, contributing to a more calming and supportive environment.
It is important to recognize the vital role porters like Mark play in maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for patients. His contributions are crucial to the overall patient care at RGH, helping patients feel more comfortable and supported during their stay.
Adaptive bikes enriching lives in Alberta's South Zone
 Continuing care residents at several sites across the South Zone, including the Crowsnest Pass, enjoy the warm weather with specially designed bikes. For residents like Doreen, it’s a chance to recapture a sense of freedom that only fresh air can bring.
“We’ve had the bike since 2013,” says Brandi Yakubowski, an AHS recreation therapist working in Crowsnest Pass. “Our health foundation supported that and gave us the funding.”
The wheelchair bike program is designed to improve signs of depression and improve quality of life and social well-being. To hear from Brandi and Continuing Care resident, Doreen Van Egmond, watch here.
Foundation Good News
Through donor support, our philanthropic partners fund enhancements to healthcare delivery, including equipment, programs, renovations, research and education across the province and in your community. Learn more here.
New equipment for pediatric patients at the Taber Health Centre
 The Octostop Pediatric Immobilizer has officially arrived at the Taber Health Centre, ushering in a new era of enhanced safety and efficiency for pediatric X-rays. This equipment is designed to securely position children by minimizing their movement during imaging, which significantly reduces the need for repeated X-rays.
Previously, taking X-rays of young patients often required additional staff or parents to ensure their stability. With the introduction of the Octostop, fewer personnel are necessary, which is beneficial in rural settings where staff may be limited. This advancement translates to quicker, safer, and more effective imaging experiences for our youngest patients.
A special thank you goes to our generous donors whose support made this possible. To read more here.
Brooks Smoker Wars
The 3rd annual Brooks Smoker Wars was held at the Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks. This competition highlighted local talent which created an incredible dinner.
The Brooks Smoker Wars donated $10,000 to the Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund at the Brooks & District Health Foundation. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Stollery kids can enjoy an enchanted day at the beach
 After a three-year $5 million fundraising campaign, the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is pleased to open the newly renovated and expanded Saville Family Indoor Beach and Enchanted Forest play area at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, giving kids of all ages and abilities a place to play while at the Hospital.
The Saville Family Beach, which hasn’t been renovated since 2007, now has a larger, more dynamic play area including a space for medical play, an accessible kitchen, space for the Child Life team to offer daily programming and more.
The Enchanted Forest is a state-of-the-art outdoor play space that includes a fully accessible play structure, a teepee, musical instruments, a large projection wall perfect for movie nights under the stars and more. The completed renovation more than doubles the Hospital’s original 1,500-square-foot play space and gives Stollery families a medical-free space where they can take a break while also giving kids a place where they can be kids. To read more, click here.
Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation annual golf tournament
 The Crowsnest Pass Health Foundation hosted their 26th annual golf tournament on September 5 in picture perfect weather.
The sold-out event featured 36 teams and a first for the tournament there were six NHL alumni players and a retired NFL football player that were part of the event. The evening prior to the golf tournament, participants bid by live auction for the right to have one of them on their team. The live auction raised $9,800!
This year’s funds will help purchase hospital equipment including ceiling lifts for Continuing Care and tub chairs.
Woolliams Farms Charity Golf Classic in support of the Airdrie Health Foundation
 Congratulations to the Woolliams Family on their 2nd annual Woolliams Farms LTD Charity Golf Classic! $59,361.42 was raised to support the physical and mental health of the farming community!
The Woolliams Family was honoured to unveil the robomate that will help assist with patient visits at the Airdrie Community Health Centre. The robomate's name is Coleman, in memory of their nephew Cole! To read more about the Airdrie Health Foundation, click here.
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