north Zone NEWS Zone
Your Health Care in Your Community 2015 decEMBER
photo courtesy the Houle family | Briana was anxious to come out, so I had Living dolls her naturally. BUt julien was reluctant It isn’t easy to tell which are premature twins Briana and ... so he was delivered by C-Section. It was Julien Houle and which are their sister’s dollies. Even scary how small they were at five-weeks-old, Briana, second from left, andJ ulien, “ second from right, were ‘scary’ tiny. See how well they – Keli Houle, of her premature twins are doing and how the family has coped. PAGE 3 High level gives thanks three cheers for right from the gut the terrific threes! High Level residents are cheering the opening of a new Are your youngsters turning their toys into a tug-of-war? endoscopy clinic, meaning those needing the procedure Take a deep breath: they will probably learn to share no longer have to make the almost six-hour trip to Grande after the age of three. But until then, you will hear the Prairie. It ‘benefits the whole area,’ says word, ‘MINE!’ a lot. We offer tips to keep gastroscopy patient Dean Schofield, 20. PAGE 4 the peace – and your peace of mind. PAGE 6
SPREAD NOT Germs J y TO HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY: Wash your Get your influenza Stay home if hands immunization you’re sick
202, 12225 – 105 Avenue File Name: AHS_ZoneNewsChtms_4C_10x3 Edmonton, AB T5N 0Y3 Publication: Zone News P: 780-702-9888 www.kickmedia.ca Campaign: AHS Influenza Immunization campaign fall 2014
Date completed: Nov 11, 2014 Format: PDF Size: 10" x 3" Pages: 1
Publication deadline: Nov 12, 2014 Colour: Color Application: InDesign CC Print ready: Yes Run date: December 2014 Bleed: None Draft: 1 PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s
Linda Hughes, Chair Dr. Brenda David Carpenter Linda Hughes served as Hemmelgarn, Vice-chair David Carpenter was the 19th Chancellor of the Dr. Brenda Hemmelgarn appointed Official Administrator University of Alberta and Chair is a specialist in nephrology of AHS in August. He has of the Senate. She has been a with a PhD in epidemiology been a member of the Institute leader in Canadian media for and biostatistics from McGill of Chartered Accountants DR. kevin worry shelly pusch over 20 years and was the first University. Originally trained of Alberta and the Canadian woman in Canada to hold the as a nurse, she is currently a North Zone executive leadership team Institute of Chartered position of publisher of a major professor in the Departments Accountants. Carpenter was newspaper – the Edmonton of Medicine and Community elected mayor of Lethbridge take some time Journal. She also worked as Health Sciences, and is Head of in 1986, a post he held for five general manager for CanWest the Department of Community terms. Later, he was named Media Works, overseeing Health Sciences, Cumming Chair of the Board of Directors for yourself CanWest newspapers and TV School of Medicine at the of the Workers’ Compensation operations in Alberta. University of Calgary. Board of Alberta. he holiday season is upon us and we hope our patients, staff, Tphysicians, volunteers and communities take some time to reflect NEW AHS Board features on the past year, and spend some well- deserved time doing the things they enjoy. health care expertise With the holiday season comes parties, inister of Health Sarah Hoffman has working closely with Minister Hoffman events, travel, late nights and indulgence. created a new seven-member board and my fellow board members to provide While meant to be a joyful time of year, Mto govern Alberta Health Services leadership and guidance to Alberta Health people often find the holidays to be filled (AHS) and further stabilize Alberta’s health Services,” Hughes says. “Together, this board with stress, depression and illness. care system. holds a tremendous amount of It’s important to take some time for The organization has been without a experience and talent, and we will yourself this busy time of year, and to board since 2013. do our utmost to serve the interests help you and your loved ones stay well. “Stable and effective health care of Albertans and to support the • Get your influenza immunization. is of vital concern to every family committed and hardworking people It’s the best way you can protect yourself in Alberta,” Hoffman says. “This within AHS.” and your family from serious illness. group has firsthand knowledge of And Vickie Kaminski, CEO and • Stay healthy. Maintain your exercise health care delivery, governance and President of AHS, welcomed the KAMINSKI routine and choose healthy foods when solid fiscal planning that is needed new appointments. you can. to strengthen and stabilize the health “I’d like to personally welcome • Reach out to the people you care system in a prudent and sustainable way. It all the board members to Alberta Health about and the people in your community will provide oversight that will ensure AHS Services,” Kaminski says. “Together, we will if you are feeling lonely or isolated. is able to give patients the care they need continue to focus on delivering Albertans the • Set a budget and be realistic with from the right health care provider in the right high quality care they deserve.” your spending and expectations. Don’t place at the right time.” The board will report directly to the Minister let them get out of hand. Linda Hughes, the new AHS Board Chair, is of Health. The minister, in turn, will work • Know your health care options. looking forward to her new position. closely with the board to set objectives for Whether it’s a family doctor, a hospital or “I am honoured and excited to be taking and ensure the success of Alberta Health urgent care centre, or 24/7 health care on this role, and I’m looking forward to Services. n advice over the phone, if you or someone you know needs care over the holidays, and always, we are here for you. Hugh Glenda Yeates Marliss Taylor Richard Dicerni To learn more about your health care Sommerville Glenda Yeates was Marliss Taylor is Richard Dicerni was Hugh Sommerville Canada’s Deputy Program Manager named Deputy Minister options, go to www.albertahealth is a criminal defence Minister of Health for Edmonton’s of Alberta Executive services.ca/7581.asp or phone Health lawyer practicing in from 2010 to 2013. Streetworks program Council and Head Link at 811 for 24/7 health care advice. Drumheller. He has Prior to this, she was and sits on the Steering of the Alberta Public been a Bencher of the President and Committee for the Service in October We all have reasons to celebrate and the Law Society of CEO of the Canadian Canadian Drug Policy 2014. Prior to this, he as we head into a new year, it’s a good Alberta since 1997. Institute for Health Coalition. She started was Adjunct Research time to recognize our own personal That has provided Information (2004- in nursing, working in Professor at the Ivey him with a broad- 2009), the Deputy ICUs in Canada and Business School. accomplishments from the past year and based perspective Minister of Health the U.S. Later, she Dicerni has also held a to look forward to the new opportunities on the public policy in Saskatchewan moved to the high number of government 2016 will bring. issues facing the (1999 to 2004), and Arctic and became a positions including legal profession. Saskatchewan’s nurse practitioner in Deputy Minister of We wish you all a healthy and happy He received his Deputy Minister of Kugluktuk, and nurse Industry. He was also holiday season. n designation as Queen’s Social Services (1997 manager in Gjoa Senior VP at Ontario Counsel in 1998. to 1999). Haven, Nunavut. Power Generation. GOOD HEALTH ISN’T CONTAGIOUS. INFLUENZA IS.
CHANCES ARE, YOUR LOVED ONES DON’T WANT INFLUENZA ANY MORE THAN YOU DO.
Protect Yourself. Protect Others. Get Immunized. Why chance it?
Influenza immunization available now. #whychanceit? | www.ahs.ca/influenza | Call Health Link 811 www.albertahealthservices.ca There are plenty of health care options available. Learn yours by visiting the AHS website. File Name: AHS_ZoneNews_4C_10x3_Oct15
Publication: Zone News 202, 12225 – 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5N 0Y3 Campaign: AHS Influenza Immunization campaign fall 2015 P: 780-702-9888 WWW.KICKMEDIA.CA
Date completed: Oct 15, 2015 Format: PDF Size: 10" x 3" Pages: 1
Publication deadline: Oct 15, 2015 Colour: Color Application: InDesign CC Print ready: Yes Run date: November 2015 Bleed: None Draft: 2 i n y o u r z o n e PAGE 3
We’re very lucky to have smart, well- educated nurses to help us make those difficult decisions ... There are “ no right or wrong decisions; it’s what’s best for the babies at the time
– Keli Houle, mom of premature twins
Marc and Keli Houle with twins Julien and Briana and older sister Rowen took in last year’s World Prematurity Day celebration at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie. The twins, pictured at age one, were born five weeks premature. Today, Briana and Julien are two years old and happy and healthy, below right. ahead of their time Briana and Julien Houle couldn’t wait to be born – in fact, they arrived five weeks early, worrying their parents Keli and Marc. But the Houle family had a whole lot of help, both from the NICU at the QEII Hospital, and from the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation Story and photos by Sara Warr | eli Houle knew that having two babies at Babies Foundation. once was going to be difficult. Already a “Premature babies often have severe reflux Kmother of two-year-old daughter Rowen, or vomit a lot more than full-term babies. The Houle wasn’t expecting her twins for another five trauma that comes with a NICU (neonatal weeks. intensive care unit) stay doesn’t always go away But the twins had other plans. easily either.” to the NICU at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) “It all happened so quickly,” Houle recalls. When babies are born too early, major organs Hospital in Grande Prairie, which saw a total of “Briana was anxious to come out, so I had including the heart and lungs may not be fully 2,034 births in 2014. her naturally. But Julien was reluctant. He was developed, making it difficult for tiny bodies to “This included 180 premature babies who were transverse and didn’t want to come out, so he take in oxygen and pump blood. Complicating admitted with complications of prematurity,” says was delivered via C-section. It was scary how things further, resuscitation attempts – if parents Dianne Sweetman, the NICU and pediatrics unit small they were.” opt for that route – can sometimes cause further manager at the QEII Hospital. The Houle twins were born on July 8, 2013. harm. “One in eight babies in Alberta are born Briana weighed 4-lb.-13-oz., while Julien The incubators, intravenous (IV) lines and premature,” Sweetman says. “We think it’s weighed 4-lb.-10-oz. feeding tubes used to treat pre-term infants can important to recognize the struggles that these Houle and her husband Marc quickly realized make it difficult for parents to hold or care for families and babies have been through and that parenting two premature babies was going their babies. celebrate their successes,” to be even harder than they imagined. The Canadian Premature Babies Foundation Houle says she’ll always be grateful for the “You have no idea what kinds of challenges aims to raise awareness of these challenges guidance she received from the staff and and decisions you’re going to be forced to make, and offer support to families dealing with the physicians during a very emotionally charged until you’re in the middle of it,” she explains. emotional impact of having a pre-term baby. time. The twins are now two-year-olds and doing Both babies had difficulty feeding, so “It’s difficult to bond with a baby who’s born well. gastrointestinal tubes were necessary to get really early and tiny because you’re not sure if “We’re very lucky to have smart, well-educated them the nourishment they needed to gain your baby’s going to survive – so you’re afraid nurses to help us make those difficult decisions, weight. Briana also had to spend some time to even feel anything in the beginning,” explains and knowing that you have their support in under special lights to treat jaundice, while Julien Staub, whose twins were also born premature. making those decisions is amazing,” she says. had a heart murmur and wasn’t able to breathe “Sharing and talking about those feelings and “There are no right or wrong decisions; it’s what’s on his own right away. experiences, including guilt – is very important best for the babies at the time.” “It’s a different way of raising your baby – to making sure that families do thrive and have a For more information on the Canadian especially in the very beginning,” says Katharina good start when they get home.” Premature Babies Foundation, visit cpbf-fbpc. Staub, President of the Canadian Premature From the start, the Houle twins were admitted org. n
A career in health care can be extremely rewarding. Visit the AHS website for career details. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 4 a t y o u r s e r v i c e Services in your community
Screen Test Mobile Mammography Screen Test provides mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 – the age group most at risk of developing breast cancer – in rural communities where the service isn’t regularly available. The program is coming to the following North Zone communities: • Bonnyville: Dec. 4-5, 7-8, 10-12, 14- 17. • St. Paul: Dec. 18, 21-23; Jan. 4-9. • Cold Lake: Jan. 11-16, 18-23. Appointments fill up quickly. To book your appointment, confirm dates and locations, and to inquire about upcoming North Zone stops, call toll-free 1.800.667.0604. For more information, Members of the Northwest Health Foundation stand with Dr. Peter Miles, third from left, visit www.screeningforlife.ca/screentest. a visiting physician from Grande Prairie, in front of some of the new equipment for the endoscopy clinic at the Northwest Health Centre in High Level. From left: Mike Osborn, Helen Brown, Miles, Sandi Mann, Carla Komarnicki, and Leone Whitfield. high level raises care level Story by Lisa Peters |
ean Schofield had been nauseated and day endoscopy and gastroscopy clinic at the throwing-up blood, so a gastroscopy test Northwest Health Centre. Dwas needed to help his doctor diagnose Since the clinic opened, it has seen more than what was causing him to be sick. 100 patients. Schofield, a 20-year-old resident of Rainbow “It’s one of the best things that’s happened in Lake, located just an hour and a half from High the five years I’ve been here,” says Dr. Heinrich Level, is thankful a new endoscopy service is now Brussow, Community Medical Director and available in High Level. Associate Zone Medical Director. “It’s going An endoscopy examines the inside of the body to save a lot of patients having to spend days Travel Health Services by using an endoscope – a long, thin, lighted, travelling to get these procedures and reduce If you’re planning a trip this winter, book flexible tube containing a tiny camera. In general, wait times for people accessing our services. It’s a consultation with AHS Travel Health an endoscope is introduced into the body an absolute win for the public in this area.” Services. This service provides information through the mouth or anus. A gastroscopy uses AHS received $195,000 of new endoscopy on health risks according to country or the endoscope to examine the upper digestive equipment from a provincial replacement grant, region, required travel immunizations, and tract (the esophagus, stomach and duodenum). and hospital staff in the community have been information about how to prevent travel- Prior to this service being available, Schofield trained to provide the service. related illness. Contact your community would have had to make the five- to six-hour “This is such a step ahead in providing access health centre two to three months before trip to Grande Prairie or McLennan to get a to our patients in this area,” says Angie Mann, an you expect to depart. Call Health Link at gastroscopy to diagnose his stomach concerns. area director with AHS. 811 for the location nearest you. “I can’t really work because of being so sick, The Northwest Health Foundation also donated so I don’t really have the money to make that trip $2,400 to the endoscopy program, to purchase and pay for hotel rooms,” Schofield says. “My an endoscope flushing pump. Continuing Care dad would have to travel with me because you “We had been working closely with AHS to Access Line can’t drive after the procedure, so he would’ve h bring an endoscopy clinic to the area to save Every day, thousands of seniors and ad to take two days off work as well. patients travel time and costs, so we were their families receive high-quality care “This new clinic benefits the whole area.” pleased to be able to support the work AHS in continuing-care facilities operated by Being able to have the procedure at the did to bring the service to our community,” says Alberta Health Services and its contracted Northwest Health Centre in High Level is due to Sandi Mann, Chair of the foundation. providers. Now, a toll-free telephone a partnership between Alberta Health Services The Northwest Primary Care Clinic also helped number and a dedicated email address (AHS), the Northwest Primary Care Clinic, make this initiative possible by providing roughly are available to answer questions and the Northwest Health Foundation and area $20,000 a year toward the cost of bringing concerns about continuing care placement physicians. specialist physicians to High Level. or services. Call 1.844.468.2930, or email Since the clinic opened in May, physicians from For more information about health care services continuingcare@albertahealthservices. Grande Prairie have been travelling to High Level in High Level, visit www.albertahealthservices. ca, 24/7. approximately every four weeks to offer a two- ca. n
We’re putting our best foot Strategic Clinical forward with a new diabetes Networks (SCNs) foot care project. Alberta’s engines of innovation. www.ahs.ca/scn
www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. h e a l t h c a r e h e r o e s PAGE 5 Hines creek welcomes Visit Us Online home care volunteer Story by Lisa Peters | Photo courtesy Kayla Young he Hines Creek home care program has a home care volunteer due to lack of availability, recently received a helping hand thanks to and Young hopes that Mierzewski’s work will help Tlongtime volunteer Sylvia Mierzewski. inspire others to get involved. “I like Sylvia a lot,” says Bea Young, resident at Volunteering with AHS offers a wide range of the Hines Creek Homesteader Lodge and Alberta opportunities and is adaptable to suit different stay safe when putting up lights Health Services (AHS) home care client. “We sit people’s interests. Don’t take risks when putting up the and talk about the old ways of doing things. I “You know, you don’t have to do a whole lot,” Christmas lights. Traumatic injuries can result especially enjoy when she reads to me as I can says Mierzewski. “I usually stay for about an hour, from falls, including brain and spine injuries no longer see well enough.” depending on how people are feeling that day. and broken bones. Some tips: Mierzewski has been a volunteer with Alberta I’ll sit with them during coffee and we’ll look at • Work with a partner. Health Services (AHS) for over 11 years. Earlier Country Woman magazine and reminisce about • Ensure footwear has a good grip. this year, she became the first person to volunteer recipes, or gardening, or weddings, or the ’40s, • Avoid installing lights in icy or inclement with the home care program in Hines Creek, a or whatever.” conditions. small village west of Grimshaw. If the experience sounds quaint, relaxing and • Use a high-quality, sturdy ladder “I enjoy volunteering,” says Mierzewski. “If satisfying, that’s because it is. June Coates, case appropriate to the height. you show people respect, dignity and sincerity manager with AHS home care, says they have • Move the ladder as required rather than and give them attention, it does wonders. The a wide range of clients with different needs, and overreaching. residents and staff really appreciate that.” endless volunteer opportunities to suit different • Make sure the ladder is securely Mierzewski has also spent a lot of time people. positioned at all times and braced by a volunteering at the Fairview Long Term Care “Sometimes, just having that presence there partner. Centre, including sitting with palliative care helps the residents,” says Coates. “We hope • Maintain your balance and take care while residents. She was also very involved with the there’s more interest from the community. moving up and down ladders or on rooftops. Festival of Trees for 18 years, which raises funds Volunteers can visit, read or do crafts or puzzles, For more information, visit www. for the Palliative Care Society. or just spend time with the clients. Anything they albertahealthservices.ca/10680.asp. “In February, AHS asked Sylvia to aid one are able to offer is valuable.” particular home care client who needed company AHS has more than 370 volunteers in the and some help with things, like making phone Fairview area alone, who contributed over 3,500 FACEBOOK calls,” says Kayla Young, volunteer resources co- hours of service last year. But more are always ordinator with AHS. welcomed. We have great news! Alberta Children’s “Sylvia asked if there was anyone else who And the experience can be rewarding for Hospital (Calgary) and Stollery Children’s needed this type of help, and home care gave everyone involved. Hospital (Edmonton) are now her another six to eight clients to visit with. Now, “We’ve seen improvement in the clients who on Facebook! she has a really big group of people, including visit with Sylvia,” adds Coates. “It helps with the Please Like and Share a weekly reading group where whole spectrum of care.” these pages to help build this she reads to clients in the For details about Volunteer Resources in the community around Alberta’s lobby.” Hines Creek or Fairview area, contact Kayla Young sick kids and their families. Young says at 780.835.6193 or visit • Stollery: http://on.fb. Mierzewski www.albertahealth me/1Lna9Mm. visits about 22 services.ca. n residents every week. Volunteer Sylvia • Alberta Children’s Hospital: http://on.fb. Hines Creek Mierzewski, left, me/1LcCqHs. had never had and home care client Bea Young sit and chat at YouTube the Hines Creek Home- AHS staff talk about what patient- and steader family-centred care means to them: http://bit. Lodge. ly/1PPTIO4.
Follow your zone at AHS_NorthZone: • Your friends don’t want influenza any more than you do: #fightflu ahs.ca/influenza. • Depression doesn’t just happen to adults. It can take the joy from a child’s life. Learn the symptoms: goo.gl/fE9ch.
Emergency Wait Times | Flu Shot Locations | Track Your Meds All on the go H Get the AHS App ahs.ca/mobile
For the latest health news updates in your zone, visit the AHS website. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 6 l i v i n g w e l l
mine! no, MINE! Children learn to share AFTER age three Story by Kathryn Ward | Visit applemag.ca n 18-month-old is asked to share his toy Early Childhood Team at Alberta Health Services. with his baby sister. He passionately refuses She’s also a mom. milestones Aand takes away all the other toys, including “Until a child is about three, he is not capable baby’s. He is upset, the baby is bothered. of sharing,” Blair says. “It’s a concept he can’t Suzanne Blair, program co-ordinator The result? Two unhappy children. grasp.” of the Early Childhood Team at Alberta At a play date, a two-year-old takes away What’s essential for young children is the space Health Services, offers these general another’s blankie, tearing it in the process and to explore and learn how to do tasks on their own developmental milestones, stressing bringing both children to tears. and learn that they have control over certain parts every child is different. Sound familiar? of their lives. Lots of parents wonder why their kids aren’t “Children are also learning about their feelings From 12 to 18 months, children: sharing. The truth is, children under three don’t and how to express themselves during this l See themselves as an know how. period,” Blair says. “There will be many times when extension of their primary Sharing isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a they are overwhelmed by their feelings and don’t caregiver. learned skill that only comes after children have know what to do.” l Start learning about passed other milestones, such as learning about Blair says it takes time for a child to be able to themselves and what identity, feelings and ownership. share. But sharing generally starts around age belongs to them – Suzanne Blair is the program co-ordinator of the three – and gets better from there. n such as their feet, nose and fingers. l Start learning three cheers for three years about identity – there’s Around age three, children start to grasp the concept of sharing. At the same time, a you and there’s a me. they’re learning language and need to say and hear words. To do this they need lots of encouragement. Blair offers tips for parents helping youngsters learn to share: From 18 to 24 months, children: l Start doing more with other children. l Focus on themselves more than others. Start learning about possession Give them For very When other Show sharing Talk about Remember, l (for example, they want you and other opportunities young siblings children are by taking sharing and guidelines adults in their lives close by). to practice or multiples, visiting, put turns with taking turns are only Start learning to take turns. every day. try to have special toys your toddler. (for example, guidelines l Learn more when you talk as you duplicate sets away. saying, “My – you know l do things: “Now I’ll roll the ball back to of toys. turn.” “Your your child you.” “Here’s a piece of apple.” “Let’s turn.” “Billy’s best. stack the blocks together.” turn.”)
www.albertahealthservices.ca Looking for a physician in your area? Visit the Alberta Health Services website for information. o u r p a r t n e r s PAGE 7 Smile cookie campaign one sweet success Story by Kerri Robins | Photo courtesy Cindy Park | rande Prairie residents were grinning ear to ear during the fourth annual Smile GCookie campaign hosted by six Tim Hortons Restaurants in Grande Prairie. From Sept. 14-18, 33,818 freshly baked chocolate chunk cookies were sold for $1 each, and proceeds donated to the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital Foundation. The funds will support the playroom and teen room in the pediatrics unit at the new Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, now under construction with a tentative completion date of 2019. But cookies aren’t just for kids. Sean Sargent, a trustee on the foundation board, and his wife Sandy, along with dealerships Sean Sargent Toyota and Ken Sargent GMC, spread a lot of smiles after buying 5,000 cookies as part of a challenge to the community to pay it forward. “We wanted to have Christmas in September and giving out smile cookies was a great way to do it,” says Sargent. Sargent bought the cookies for two local elementary schools, the local high Spreading smiles are, from left: Sean Sargent, trustee with the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital school and college, hospital and EMS staff, local Foundation; Dawn Miller, Senior Development Officer with the foundation; Cindy Park, Executive firefighters, and for all City of Grande Prairie staff Director of the foundation; and Tracy Allard, owner of five of the six participating Tim Hortons at locations throughout the city. Restaurants in the Smile Cookie campaign in Grande Prairie. The $33,818 raised this year adds to the campaign total of more than $103,000 over the corporate citizenship,” says Allard, who owns the and it feels good spreading such warmth and past four years and Tracy Allard, owner of five franchises with her husband Serge. cheer,” says Michalyshen. of the six Tim Hortons Restaurants hosting the Mark Michalyshen, Chair of the Queen “I’m encouraged to see our community so week-long event, couldn’t be happier. Elizabeth II Hospital Foundation, is thrilled to see involved in health care and applaud everyone “I’m proud to be part of the Tim Hortons kids at the hospital benefit from the generosity of who participated in this great cause.” brand, and even prouder to be actively part the community. For more information, visit qe2hospital of our community and encouraging good “September was definitely full of smiles for us foundation.com. n cardiac patient’s gift from the heart for the heart fter suffering a massive heart attack putting me on a portable respirator, packing Foundation and $50,000 to the University in 2012, Fort McMurray resident, me in ice and readying me for transport to the Hospital Foundation last June. A62-year-old Michael Cardinal received Mazankowski Heart Institute in Edmonton – I His gift to the University Hospital lifesaving treatment by the emergency team would not be here today,” says Cardinal. Foundation helped purchase two at the Northern Lights Regional Health In recognition of the emergency team at transesophageal echocardiography probes Centre. the Health Centre, and his team of specialists that use high-frequency sound waves to take “Without their quick response to my at the Mazankowski Heart Institute, Cardinal detailed pictures of the heart and arteries situation – administering lifesaving drugs, gifted $50,000 to the Northern Lights Health leading to and from the heart. n
Health Advisory Councils Your health. Your community. Your voice.
www.albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp [email protected]
Giving is healthy: contact your local foundation or Health Advisory Council today. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f Health care highlighted at career expo taff from various Alberta Health respiratory therapy, cardiology, and critical for some team-building. Services (AHS) departments were on care nursing programs shared a booth “For us, it was a great way to interact and Shand at the recent Career Expo in highlighting their professions. Respiratory develop team morale,” she says. “I enjoyed Grande Prairie, with the goal of getting youth therapist Tracy Nielsen says it was a fun event working with the other health disciplines, too. thinking about careers in health care. to be involved in, and it seemed the students It was an honour to promote our careers and The event, hosted by Careers the Next thought so, too. bring awareness to the opportunities right here Generation, included over 50 exhibitors from “Our interactive booth generated a lot of in Grande Prairie.” various industries and took place in October. interest,” Nielsen recalls. “Students who Other AHS departments represented at the Similar career fairs were held in Red Deer and stopped by were able to intubate, perform a Career Expo included health promotion and Fort McMurray. basic breathing test and check their vitals.” the QEII Hospital surgical program. More than The Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Hospital’s Nielsen adds it was also a nice opportunity 1,500 students attended the event.
North Zone executive leadership team: NORTH local Dr. Kevin Worry zone leadership Shelly Pusch AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Right here in northern Alberta, front-line physicians and other clinical leaders at every level of the organization have joint planning and decision-making authority with operational leaders, meaning faster decision-making closer to where care is provided. DR. KEVIN SHELLY WORRY PUSCH
alberta: zone by zone edmonton zone Population: 1,295,164 • Life expectancy: 81.9 years • Hospitals: 14 north zone Communities: • Gibbons • Stony Plain Population: 478,979 • Life expectancy: 79.7 years • Hospitals: 34 • Beaumont • Leduc • Thorsby Communities: • Fort MacKay • Kinuso • Slave Lake • Devon • Morinville • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • Smoky Lake • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • Beaverlodge • Fox Creek • Manning • Swan Hills • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • Mayerthorpe • Thorhild Saskatchewan • Spruce Grove • Bonnyville • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • Grande Prairie • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • Onoway • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • High Level • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • High Prairie • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,544,495 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • Westlock • Life expectancy: 83.5 years • Hospitals: 14 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Whitecourt Communities: • Chestermere • Nanton • Falher • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • Claresholm • Okotoks • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • Stavely • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • Turner Valley • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • High River Population: 470,490 • Life expectancy: 80.1 years • Hospitals: 30 Communities: • Galahad • Mundare • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • Three Hills SOUTH zone • Bentley • Hardisty • Olds • Tofield Population: 298,169 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 79.9 years • Hospitals: 14 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Vegreville Communities: Pass • Milk River • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • Foremost • Oyen • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Fort Macleod • Picture Butte • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • Bow Island • Granum • Pincher Creek • Drayton Valley • Lamont House • Wetaskiwin • Brooks • Irvine • Raymond • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • Cardston • Lethbridge • Redcliff • Eckville • Lloydminster • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • Magrath • Taber • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • Crowsnest • Medicine Hat • Vauxhall
Zone News Editor, Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s north Zone: Sara Warr IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Phone: 780.830.3523 (printer places on) Email: [email protected] Zone News – North Zone is published Mail: 2101 Provincial Building, 10320 99 St., monthly by Alberta Health Services to This paper has been certified to meet how to Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 6J4 inform Albertans of the programs and the environmental and social standards services available to them, and of the work of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) To see North Zone News online, please visit being done to improve the health care and comes from well-managed forests reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5824.asp system in their communities. and other responsible sources.
This year, put health care Foundations & on your Christmas list. Health Trusts
Your Foundation | Your Community | Your Health Giving Is Healthy. Your Gift Matters. Check out a foundation in your area today.
www.albertahealthservices.ca/give [email protected]
www.albertahealthservices.ca Be sure to visit our website for health advisories around the province.