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CENTRAL Zone NEWS Zone Your Health Care in Your Community 2013 DECEMBER

Th“e new centre means more people can be treated closer to home rather than having hours of travel time — Cancer survivor Kim Rideout

SIMPly grand Central Albertans have reason to celebrate with the grand opening of the Central Cancer Centre in Red Deer. From left: Mona Udowicz, Community Oncology Director of Radiation Therapy; Dr. Paul Grundy, Leader of Cancer-Control Alberta; and cancer survivor Kim Rideout. It’s expected the centre will receive Paul Rotzinger photo | up to 15,000 visits a year. PAGE 3 volunteering births Putting good health bonds of friendship on your table When Dorothy Falesau volunteered to cuddle fragile ’Tis the season of total temptation as well as newborns at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre renewed resolve. We help you resist the first and nearly 12 years ago, she never knew the impact it regain the second by offering some simple steps would have – both on her – and on the to help you make healthy choices for family of one child she cradled. PAGE 5 a healthier lifestyle. PAGE 6

Health Advisory Councils bring the voice of communities to AHS. Join the conversation.

Connect with your local Health Advisory Council 1-877-275-8830 403-943-1241

[email protected] www.albertahealthservices.ca/hac.asp PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s translating health care As a public health education aide – and expert translator – Susana Hamm helps bridge language and cultural differences DR. evan lundAll kerry bales Story by Heather Kipling | Photo courtesy Susana Hamm Central Zone executive leadership team oving to a new country where you importance of vaccinations or oral health, or Looking back don’t know the customs, the culture, explain about mental health and illness.” Mor the language can be daunting. Now, For six years, Hamm has been helping interpret at a busy year imagine needing medical care for yourself or your the health care system for both Mennonite family, but not being able to speak the language patients and staff. ecember is usually a time of reflection, when we look back at what was to ask for help. She says she’s often asked why oral health is Daccomplished during the past year and Susana Hamm has lived that experience so important. look forward to what potential the year ahead and knows how beneficial it can be having an “I didn’t know a toothbrush existed when I was has in store. interpreter as a guide. growing up – we didn’t know,” she says. This year was busy on all fronts. “I grew up in Mexico and, when my family “Now I understand how important oral health Our focus remained on providing quality moved to the United States, we didn’t speak any is to your overall health and I help translate notes patient care as (AHS) English. It was very challenging adjusting to a into High German about the oral health program continued its evolution. This is a tribute to our new culture, a new country, a new way of living,” in schools to go home with children. Then, if front-line managers, health care providers and says Hamm, who is helping the Mennonite parents have further questions, I’m here to help physicians. This past spring we continued with our work population in the Two Hills area navigate the answer them. to increase seniors living options in the Central health system. “If someone phones and I don’t have the Zone through the opening of 30 new supportive “I learned first-hand how important it is to have answer, I work with the other staff, so we make living spaces in Bashaw. Other communities someone there to help you, who can explain the sure that patients get what they need.” that opened new supportive living spaces in medical system and the importance of it. Hamm also aids in fostering a better 2013 included Stettler and Lacombe. “I’ll always remember how much I appreciated understanding and acknowledgement of mental In June, we were faced with challenges that help.” health issues. brought on by the terrible flooding that occurred Now, as a public health education aide, she’s “Mental health is looked at very differently in parts of southern and central Alberta. It was providing the same help she once received to between the two cultures here. In the Mennonite no small feat to temporarily relocate all acute care patients and continuing care residents others, thanks to her fluency in Low and High culture, it is often viewed or labeled simply as out of Drumheller and in the wake of German. Low German is spoken by about ‘weak nerves,’ ” she says. “I work with them flooding in those areas. The teamwork between 22,000 Mennonites in the province. to help them gain a better understanding that staff, physicians and volunteers at multiple “I often think I’m just a interpreter, but for many mental health isn’t about nerves, that there is so sites across our zone was nothing short of people it is more than that,” says Hamm. “I help much more involved.” impressive. People were willing to help out them understand our system, which is very She can also assist in an emergency where a wherever they could to benefit the patients and different from what they have known, in a very language barrier presents itself. The Community residents, and long hours were put in to ensure different culture. It’s my pleasure to help people, Health Centre in which she works is part of things proceeded as planned. In November, the new Central Alberta Cancer to explain the Two Hills Health Centre, offering a unique Centre in Red Deer opened its doors. Many things like the position for Hamm to act as a translator between patients will no longer have to travel to patients and staff. or to receive cancer care services and “I’m just so happy treatment. The expansion includes tripling the to help and to share existing space of the current facility and adding however I can,” radiation therapy – a first for centralA lberta. says Hamm. n These are just a few of the things we have to reflect on from the past year. Along with the work done on the frontlines Susana Hamm, on a daily basis for our patients and clients, public health it’s important we acknowledge the fundraising and public awareness work of our health education aide in foundations, trusts and auxiliaries, as well as the the Community guidance and public interaction fostered through Health Centre in both the Yellowhead East and David Thompson Two Hills, helps Health Advisory Councils. Your support and translate the assistance makes a significant positive impact health care system on the health of central Albertans. for her Mennonite Providing quality patient care remains at the clients, who forefront as we move into 2014. We wish all central Albertans a safe and speak mostly Low joyous holiday season. n German.

Sprains, cuts and scrapes can hurt a lot, but don’t usually require I am injured the emergency department. You have other health care options If you’re unsure, we’re here to help s Call a nurse at: Health Link Alberta 1-866-408-5465 Find health information at: MyHealth.Alberta.ca Visit a: Family Doctor, Pharmacist, Walk-in Clinic, or Urgent Care Centre

For more options: albertahealthservices.ca/options Emergency is here for you if you need it. Use it wisely. www.albertahealthservices.ca There are plenty of health care options available. Learn yours by visiting the AHS website. i n y o u r z o n e PAGE 3

cancer care closer to home New central Alberta Cancer Centre opens its doors to patients Story by Heather Kipling | Photos by Heather Kipling and Paul Rotzinger |

adiation therapy now has a new home in Red Deer. R The new Central Alberta Cancer Centre, located adjacent to the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, officially opened Nov. 25, bringing radiation therapy to the area for the first time, as the new facility expands cancer services available for central Alberta residents. And for those who have had to travel for radiation therapy, having more care Kim Rideout concurs. The breast can mean a lot of travel for people to Edmonton options closer to home is good news cancer survivor had to leave her home or Calgary, which takes them away from the indeed. in Red Deer and travel to Calgary on a support of their homes and families. “This is a wonderful addition to central Rideout regular basis for radiation therapy. “The care that will be available here will Alberta,” says Red Deer resident Morris “The commute placed additional stress mean that the majority of people who need Flewwelling. on an already stressful situation for both me and radiation in central Alberta will be able to access Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009, he my family,” she says. “That travel time is better that treatment close to home, comforted faced a series of radiation treatments in 2010. spent healing. Having the services here is so and supported by their families, friends and Receiving those treatments meant the active important. This centre is so important.” community.” family man and community member had to add With the opening of the new centre, Red Deer Hubley says bringing radiation therapy online daily trips to Edmonton to his schedule. becomes the fourth city in the province to offer in Red Deer will also help improve access for all Not only was Flewwelling facing a frightening radiation therapy, joining Edmonton, Calgary and Albertans, no matter where they live. disease and a treatment regimen of radiation . The new Central Alberta Cancer Centre facility and chemotherapy, he also spent a lot of time With the two radiation vaults in the facility – also offers additional outpatient clinics, a medical separated from his family. and room for a third to come on board in the day unit with treatment areas for chemotherapy “It was a long drive every time I had to go, and future – radiation therapy will be provided to and pharmacy services, including a satellite it was tiring and stressful,” says Flewwelling, about 600 new cancer cases. pharmacy for cancer medications. The new who received treatments in Edmonton for 39 “Having radiation therapy in Red Deer brings facility offers treatment for multiple cancers, consecutive weekdays. many benefits,” says Brenda Hubley, Executive including lung, breast, gastrointestinal and “Now we have radiation therapy here and Director of Community Oncology, CancerControl, prostate. that is going to enable more people to receive Alberta Health Services. “We anticipate that we’ll see an increase to treatment closer to home. It’s a benefit to all of “Depending on each patient case, radiation about 15,000 patient visits in the coming year,” central Alberta.” treatments can go on for many weeks and that says Hubley. n The opening of the new Central Alberta Cancer Centre in Red Deer means a state-of-the-art facility for central Albertans. Clockwise from top left: exterior of the new building; the vault where patients receive radiation offers a lightbox painted with scenery, easing the clinical feel of the room; new computed tomography (CT) scanner; and day treatment areas that are both comfortable and semi-private.

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

Camrose Seniors Outreach Nurses Seniors outreach nurses work closely with health care professionals, community agencies, and families. They also provide education on the signs and symptoms of mental illness and appropriate clinical interventions. Services are provided for seniors in their own homes, lodges, assisted living and/or supportive housing residences, continuing care facilities, and general hospitals. For more information, contact the Camrose Addiction and Mental Health Clinic, 4911 47 St., Camrose, or call 780.679.1241.

Studios Alberta operates specially designed apartment complexes, such as the Northbridge Teen and Young Adult complex in Ponoka pictured above, in five Central Zone communities. Sexual Health Clinic This Red Deer clinic is staffed by public finding a place to call home health nurses and physicians to provide Story and photos by Heather Kipling | sexual health services to teens and young adults (age 25 and under). Services include wo years ago, Mike Isenor wasn’t exactly was able to provide insight and suggestions for birth control information and prescriptions, sure where he would lay his head, but today Studios Alberta, based on what had been learned testing and treatment for sexually transmitted he has a place to call his own. with previous housing projects. T infections; HIV testing, and pregnancy Following discharge from the Centennial Centre Rent, which is kept affordable, includes water testing. Visit 4755 49 St., Red Deer, or call for Mental Health and Brain Injury, Isenor admits but tenants are responsible for their other utilities, 403.346.8336 or 1.888.346.9414. he worried about having a roof over his head. as well as maintaining their home, explains But thanks to good working relationships within Lowden. Suites are available – but not exclusively the Central Zone – to Addiction between Studios and Mental Alberta and Alberta having a place Health clients and Health Services has helped me Assured Income (AHS) Addiction for the Severely and Mental Health, get back into Handicapped Isenor is one of “life, back into recipients. many individuals the community “They must be who have access able to live on their to safe, affordable – Mike Isenor, who was given access to affordable own, but they can housing. housing following discharge from the Centennial have Addiction Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury In five communities and Mental Health Environmental Public across the zone – workers or other Health: Recreational including Ponoka, community support Water Drumheller, Olds, and – staff come and be with them, and we work closely Public health inspectors approve pool Studios Alberta operates specially designed with those support teams,” says Lowden. plans, inspect pools and other water facilities apartment complexes that provide self-contained The initiative is funded by the Government to ensure the water is sanitary and safe, bachelor suites for single adults with private of Canada through the Canada Mortgage and and educate operators on proper pool entrances opening onto a community courtyard. Housing Corporation and the Province of Alberta maintenance. The local community health “It’s a great place to call home,” says Isenor, through Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs, centre may accept water samples for testing of his suite in Ponoka. “Everybody here knows under the Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing for E. coli and other bacteria. For information everyone else; it’s good to have close neighbours Agreement. or to contact an inspector, call your local who you can visit with and who can help out if The facilities in Olds, Drumheller, Vegreville community health centre, or Health Link someone needs a hand. and Three Hills also contain barrier-free suites, Alberta at 1.866.408.5465. “It has made a big difference for me.” designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Having a place for patients to go following While the suites provide a sense of home, they discharge is an important piece of the puzzle, says also add to the tenants’ self-confidence, says Craving Change Terry Zibin, Care Manager, Transition Housing and Mary Saunders, who has been involved with If you struggle with your eating habits, Recovery with AHS Addiction and Mental Health. Studios Alberta since it began. eat for comfort or in response to emotions, “It is one of the cornerstones for people to do “It is a second chance for many people,” she this workshop is for you! Craving Change well in a community – having a place to live. With says. “We all want to be treated fairly and having will help you understand why you eat Studios Alberta, we’re able to have this option a place to live that is safe and affordable helps the way you do and identify your triggers for people coming out of the Centennial Centre them rebuild.” for problematic eating. You will learn for Mental Health and Brain Injury, as well as the That’s something with which Isenor agrees. many strategies to help you change your mental health units at Red Deer Regional Hospital “It can be hard to adjust back to life once eating habits and feel more in control of Centre,” he says. you’ve been in hospital,” he says. “Having a place your eating. Call your local community “It is a housing model that helps them succeed has helped me get back into life, back into the health centre or Health Link Alberta at in the community.” community.” 1.866.408.5465 for session dates and Six years ago Colin Lowden, president of For more information on Studios Alberta, visit locations in the Central Zone. Studios Alberta Suites, connected with Zibin, who www.studiosalberta.com. n

www.albertahealthservices.ca Do you have concerns about your health? Visit the AHS website for symptom information. p a y i n g i t f o r w a r d PAGE 5 volunteering There’s nothing like Visit Us Online

carrying a crying, CancerControl Alberta a little love sick child and CancerControl Alberta reduces the impact feeling the calmness of cancer on all Albertans and provides expert and friendship “ care and support for patients from their first settle over them symptom to survivorship. Its goal is to be Story by Heather Kipling | a leader in cancer prevention, diagnosis, Photos by Darci Shave | – Dorothy Falesau, Pediatric Caring Cuddler at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre treatment, survivorship and palliative care, ho knew more than a decade ago that all on a foundation of world-class research. the simple act of volunteering to hold Visit CancerControl on the web at www. Wa baby in need would develop into a in the life of one child and one family,” says albertahealthservices.ca/8109.asp for friendship that would span the years? Falesau, who has had the opportunity to support information on cancer programs and services, Certainly not Dorothy Falesau who, for more hundreds of babies and their families over the resources for patients, news updates and than 12 years, has been a Pediatric Caring years. research studies. Cuddler at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Even when Denton was able to take Chas (RDRHC). The Caring Cuddler program is home, the friendship remained. Falesau youtube a request-based program co-ordinated by celebrated Chas’s first birthday with the family Check out fun and informative AHS the Volunteer Resources Department where and, although the she lost contact with them for videos on YouTube. From health topics to volunteers work in the pediatric and neonatal a number of years, the friendship was rekindled information about our programs and facilities intensive care units. last December. – and maybe even a few dance numbers – “There’s nothing quite like carrying a crying, “On the Saturday after Christmas, I got up early we have more than 100 videos for you to sick child and feeling the calmness settle over and drove to Calgary on a snowy, cold day to watch. Go to www.youtube.com, search them as you rock, walk, and sing,” says Falesau. have breakfast with Lucy and her family,” says “AHSChannel,” and check back regularly. “For parents to know that their child is in kind, Falesau. “I arrived with great excitement to meet gentle care, so they can get a break from the them and, when I walked up to the house and hospital, is a very big relief.” rang the bell, this young freckle-faced boy met FACEBOOK It was certainly a relief for Lucy Denton, who me at the door and greeted me with a big hug. AHS Volunteers on Facebook was one of the first mothers Falesau met when “It was Chas, now almost 12 years old. I had Volunteers are among AHS’ most valuable she began volunteering. Denton’s son, Chas, such a wonderful time and I look forward to resources. Their time and energy provide was born premature and was transferred from spending more time together.” immeasurable support to our staff and add to Canmore to RDRHC. The lasting friendship is something that the quality health care patients and residents “I was in quite a state by the time we got to Volunteer Resources Co-ordinator Darci Shave receive. Volunteering is also an excellent way Red Deer,” says Denton. “I was very worried says illustrates the impact Caring Cuddlers can to explore careers, learn useful skills, and about Chas and was often in tears. Meeting have. make new friends. Go to www.facebook. Dorothy was so helpful. She was there to help “Volunteers can create such a connection with com/AHSVolunteers. me navigate the world of hospitals. She was patients and their families,” says Shave. “It’s always happy to talk when I needed to talk something very special to be a part of. They can and her shoulder was always ready if I needed have a lasting impact.” n TWITTER somewhere to cry. I made a Several new AHS social media accounts friend for life.” are designed to link you to the health The Caring Cuddlers information, resources and support you need program involves more than – when and where you need it. Connect with 30 volunteers who are all our Health Advisory Councils, get information screened to ensure that about careers, read the latest news releases they have experience and find out what’s happening in your zone. with children. Go to www.albertahealthservices.ca/ Parents work with Dorothy Falesau, socialmedia.asp and start following us! unit staff to set up far left, poses Follow your zone @AHS_CentralZone sessions where with, from left, for health information and news: volunteers can Chas Denton, the • Worried about your teenage driver? help whenever baby she cradled Help them keep it safe behind the wheel the parents nearly 12 years using smart risk strategies: http://bit. can’t be ago as a ly/15JQpxMsing. with their volunteer • If you have a chronic disease like children, and hospital #diabetes, #fibromyalgia or #celiac to support parents cuddler, and disease, try Better Choices Better Health. when they need it. Chas’s mom Register at 1.877.314.6997. “It really does Lucy and • Dragging yourself out of bed every day? give you a warm, brother Jack. Developing routines can help improve your fuzzy feeling that Above, sleeping habits: http://goo.gl/6H2Rn. even something Falesau, left, • Dress up broccoli for your picky eaters’ as seemingly with newborn plates: http://bit.ly/NydKOm. simple as cuddling Chas and Lucy • Talk honestly and openly with your kids makes a world pictured nearly about the effects of #drugs and #alcohol: of difference 12 years ago. http://bit.ly/148ubVx.

Download the AHS mobile app for iPhone or Android H • Emergency department wait times • Health care locator • More… www.albertahealthservices.ca/mobile.asp

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 take control of portion sizes Losing muscle mass is part of the aging process, and muscle mass burns calories. Although your calorie needs may decrease by 15 to 20 per cent between the ages of 40 and 70, your need for most vitamins and minerals stays the same or can even increase. Cutting out junk foods with extra calories and eating foods rich in nutrients, such as brightly coloured vegetables and fruit and whole grains is a good way to watch your calories while maintaining a healthy diet.

Size matters • Pay attention to food portion size; larger portions equal more calories, and smaller portions are key to cutting calories, without giving up good taste and It’s never too late to make good choices nutrition. NEW YEAR, • The answer to portion sizes is in the toward a healthier lifestyle. By taking these palm of your hand! A serving of meat or small steps, you can make big strides in alternatives is equal to the size of the palm NEW YOU your health and that of your family of your hand, and a serving of cheese is equal to the size of your thumb. Story by Colleen Seto | For healthy eating resources, visit applemag.ca • Plan your meals around whole grain t’s hardly news that healthy foods are You can afford to eat well products and vegetables and fruit. Try to important to a healthy lifestyle – at any age. “Eating well does not have to cost more,” says fill two-thirds of your plate with these two I A consistent diet of healthy foods is also one Sekulic. food groups. of the best defences against diseases such as She suggests buying vegetables and fruit fresh obesity, heart disease, tooth decay and in season, choosing beans and lentils instead of type 2 diabetes, to name a few. Time, money, meat once or twice a week, and stocking up on tips for making healthy effort, access, appetite, taste, knowledge and canned goods and staples such as pasta when choices interest can all affect our food choices. they go on sale. To eat better and feel well, try to limit: If you want to improve your eating habits, “Prepare your meals at home; eating out is • Desserts, sweets and added sugar Alberta Health Services dietitians offer a variety much more costly,” she says. in coffee or tea. of programs and services, such as one-on-one Choosing healthy foods • Added fats such as nutrition counselling and community classes “There is no such thing as a best food,” says butter, margarine, salad on healthy eating topics. Programs vary by Berg. “Choose foods from Canada’s Food dressing and oils. community, so it’s best to check online using the Guide and read food labels to help meet your • High-fat snack AHS health care locator (albertahealthservices. nutrient needs.” foods such as chips ca/3058.asp; click on Find Programs & Services, That means choosing foods with little or no and deep-fried foods. followed by Service Type, then Food and added fat, sugar or salt. She also recommends • Sugary soft drinks, Nutrition and select your city or enter your postal eating whole-grain products, drinking milk or a sweetened drinks, and code). fortified soy beverage every day, and having two alcohol. Kelly Berg and Karol Sekulic, both AHS or more servings of vegetables and fruit at each For smarter snacking, choose: registered dietitians, also offer the following meal. • Low-fat and high-fibre snacks more nutritional advice and resources. Sekulic also advises that families eat together. often to avoid unneeded calories. You do have time to prepare healthy meals “Studies show that eating as a family improves • Healthy foods such as fruit, low-fat “Healthy meals don’t have to take a long time the type and the variety of food we eat, and yogurt, celery or whole wheat crackers. to make,” says Berg. helps children develop healthy food habits. • An apple (if you crave sweets) or low- She suggests planning meals and making a When children see their parents eating well, they sodium crackers (if you crave salt). shopping list for them. Also, keep your kitchen will too.” stocked to help put meals together quickly, and A great place to start you and your family’s choose healthy pre-prepared foods to save path to healthy eating is at healthyeating Building Healthy Eating Habits time, such as prewashed salad and cut-up startshere.ca. Healthy eating is easy when you make raw vegetables. You can also prepare meals in “You’ll find information and tools to help and reach a few small goals. advance and freeze them so you don’t have to make the healthy choice the easy choice,” • List your reasons for healthier eating: cook every day. Berg says. n Do you want to improve your health? Feel better? Set an example for your kids? Eat, celebrate and stay healthy • Think about a few small changes you can make. Choose ones you can keep Whether perfecting your family’s favourite recipe, taking on the turkey task doing. for the first time, or simply enjoying the culinary skills of a friend, where • Don’t try to change everything at once. there is a holiday celebration, there is usually food. And lots of it. Unsure how to enjoy all the tastes, without packing on • Set an easy goal you can reach, such unwanted pounds? Concerned about keeping your feast free of as having a salad and a piece of fruit every food-borne illness? day. We’re here to help. Find the simple tips you need • Make a long-term goal, too, such as to enjoy healthy and safe holiday eating at: www. having one vegetarian dinner a week. albertahealthservices.ca/turkeytips.asp.

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 support Helps grieving families recover Story by Kerri Robins | Photo courtesy Bryce Sheppard | t was a hard, emotional time for Ponoka resident Marcie Prediger, following the loss of Iher son three years ago. Pregnant with twins, one of the babies, Cole Prediger, died at 27 weeks in utero and was delivered stillborn. Her other son Cade, now a healthy three-year-old, was in special care for three days following delivery and joins his brother Madden, now five. “It’s a lonely road,” says Prediger. “I had to carry Cole until Cade’s delivery on Sept. 3, 2010. It was so hard knowing I had one healthy son while mourning the loss of his twin.” But a Perinatal Bereavement Program in Red Deer is helping families like Prediger’s through the emotional pain and loss of perinatal death – defined broadly as a miscarriage, stillbirth or early neo-natal death where death occurs within a few hours or days of birth. “The focus of our program is to provide The Prediger and Stiles families just after the ‘Our Hearts Remember Walk.’ From left: Madden emotional support to parents and families Prediger in front of mom Marcie, husband Allan Prediger with son Cade in front, Karie Stiles with grieving the loss of their baby,” says Heather her hands on son Nate’s shoulders and husband Scott behind her, and sons Aidan and Connor. Moon, social worker, acute care, obstetrics unit and a perinatal bereavement counsellor at the 300 teddy bears were donated to the hospital. “People think a mom will get over a Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. For the families, this walk is a way to remember miscarriage right away and forget about it – and “We provide grief support, assist the family and honour their babies. And, while the main that’s just not true,” says Stiles. “But there is with practical decisions for a final resting place goal of the program is to help families with loss, light at the end of the tunnel and we’re lucky that and gather small keepsakes, like baby blankets it’s also about educating health care staff on how Aidan and Connor now have their brother Nate, or tiny handprints and footprints to remember to provide support to grieving families. who’s six years old.” their baby,” says Moon. “We want people to understand that death John Donald, Board Chair of the Red Deer Supported by the Red Deer Regional Health prior to birth or during labour and delivery holds Regional Health Foundation, is grateful for the Foundation, the Perinatal Bereavement Program the same grief as for anyone else you hold dear,” program and the help grieving families receive. began in 1992. says Moon. “My heart goes out to those people grieving Part of the program is an annual “Our Hearts Prediger’s sister Karie Stiles also found ways these losses,” says Donald. “On behalf of the Remember” walk and gathering, with the to cope through the program. Stiles suffered foundation and our donors, we are privileged to inaugural walk taking place on Sept. 22. two miscarriages after the birth of her sons support the program.” Perfectly timed to herald the international Aidan, now 13, and Connor, now 11. Her first For more information on donations to the month of perinatal loss and bereavement each miscarriage occurred at eight weeks gestation perinatal bereavement program, visit www. year in October, the walk raised over $5,000 and and the second at 16 weeks. rdrhfoundation.com. n Alberta: Bring your voice to health care Story by Kristin Bernhard | every request my family had with a smile, and always said when credit is deserved, health leaders in provided a huge amount of comfort for my tell others; when there are issues with our province ... family. Words cannot express the gratitude I “Ianother, tell them so it can be corrected.” have for the care my grandma received.” These words, as told by Calgary-area resident want to include First-time parent Diana, from , Scott, capture the essence of engaging the our voices in the shared her story of the day her son was born: public, and underscore the value of the Albertan “ “The staff at the hospital made the decisions they make voice. It is thus fitting that Scott shared this with experience wonderful. We couldn’t have asked Alberta Health Services (AHS) using its newest – Louise Starling, David Thompson for better staff to take care of us … thank you engagement platform called, simply, Your Voice. Health Advisory Council member very much for making this one of the best Launched this fall, the channel for feedback experiences in my life.” is just one way AHS is inviting Albertans to help A visit to the Your Voice website (www.alberta This avenue for public participation is welcome strengthen their health care system. healthservices.ca/yourvoice) and the effort news to Louise Starling, a member of the David “We cannot build Alberta’s health care system to offer even more ways to speak with AHS is Thompson Health Advisory Council (HAC). without Albertans,” says Colleen Turner, AHS evident, be it in first-hand patient story videos, “Your Voice asks an important question for all Vice President Community Engagement and the online submission tool, or the “postcards” of Albertans to answer for themselves – what does Communications. “By expanding the opportunities thanks to care providers or services. health mean to you?” says Starling. “It invites for public participation, we are able to hear diverse Meighan, from the Edmonton-area, wrote Your Alberta’s communities, families and individuals to perspectives that will directly impact the future of Voice to thank the intensive care unit staff and join the health conversation.” the system, and of care, here in Alberta.” physicians at the University of Alberta hospital in Comprised of volunteer members, the David The Your Voice submissions are shared with Edmonton for the care given her grandmother: Thompson HAC is one of 12 councils in Alberta AHS leaders and the teams dedicated to building “My grandma’s nurse Cindy was exceptional, that act as another channel for feedback a responsive health system. and went above and beyond her job between AHS and the communities in their area. “First-hand perspectives are vital to the description in the end-of-life care she provided “Health leaders in our province are committed to success of services,” says Turner. my grandma and my family. She was kind and building an even better health system; they want “Having these meaningful conversations helps caring, ensured my grandma was pain-free, to include our voices in the decisions they make.” AHS increase the safety, transparency and explained everything that was going on in a For more information on Your Voice, visit accountability of the health system.” way we could all understand, acknowledged www.albertahealthservices.ca/yourvoice. n

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f simulation gives ems and students great direction Story by Heather Kipling | Patient actors were in full injury and trauma “This is the kind of collaborative learning that or a group of nursing students from the makeup courtesy of Roxanne Stelmaschuk, should be offered everywhere, to give both University of Alberta, a recent exercise an Alberta Health Services (AHS) engagement nursing students and EMS staff a chance to see Fwith Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in advisor with Workplace Health and Safety. both sides of the stretcher. Camrose provided the opportunity to experience Stelmaschuk is also a registered nurse and an “If nurses can know and understand what the what goes into patient care on both sides of the emergency medical technician, as well as an role of EMS staff is in care, and what they’re stretcher. instructor for the Lakeland Paramedic EMS doing, it is in the best interest of patients.” Nursing students at the university’s Camrose program and a guest lecturer for the U of A The realistic simulation provides students with site took part in a mock mass casualty exercise nursing program. a different learning opportunity as the addition of last month that allowed them a chance to see, “The makeup really helps make it more real, it actors to serve as patients brings the interaction and attend to, patient actors alongside EMS evokes emotions and reactions that one would between nurse and patient to a different level staff, from the point of pick-up, to arrival at the have when seeing such injuries in real life,” says for students, while helping EMS keep their skills emergency department. Stelmaschuk. sharp. n local Central Zone executive leadership team: cENTRAL Dr. Evan Lundall zone leadership Kerry Bales AHS embraces local leadership and zone-based decision-making. Right here in central 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. EVAN KERRY LUNDALL BALES alberta: zone by zone edmonton zone Population: 1,186,121 • Life expectancy: 81.8 years • Hospitals: 13 north zone Communities: • Gibbons • Stony Plain Population: 447,740 • Life expectancy: 79.8 years • Hospitals: 34 • Beaumont • Leduc • Thorsby Communities: • Fort MacKay • Kinuso • Slave Lake • Devon • Morinville • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • Fort Vermilion • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • Beaverlodge • Fox Creek • Manning • Swan Hills • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • • Thorhild • • • Grande Cache • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • • Medley • Valleyview • • Grimshaw • • Vilna calgary zone • Conklin • High Level • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • High Prairie • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 13 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Communities: • • 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: 453,469 • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 31 Communities: • Galahad • • • Bashaw • Hanna • • Three Hills SOUTH zone • Bentley • • Olds • Population: 289,661 • Breton • Hughenden • Ponoka • Trochu • Camrose • Innisfail • Provost • Two Hills • Life expectancy: 80.3 years • Hospitals: 13 • Castor • Islay • Red Deer • Vegreville Communities: Pass • Oyen • Consort • Killam • • Vermilion • Bassano • Fort Macleod • Picture Butte • Coronation • • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • Pincher Creek • • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • Bow Island • Irvine • Raymond • • Lamont House • • Brooks • Lethbridge • Redcliff • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • Cardston • Magrath • Taber • • • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • Crowsnest • Milk River

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