CHAMPIONS OF CARE: You make a difference Foundations & Thank you! Health Trusts FOR A LOOK AT THE IMPORTANT WORK DONE BY FOUNDATIONS, TURN TO PAGES 6-7

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

again,“ i say to all, ‘ay-hay’ (thank you) for all the support from the liaison

— Louisa Wildcat

strong ties Aboriginal Health co-ordinator Claudette Yellowbird, left, consults with 100-year-old Louisa Wildcat, who accessed services from the hospital after finding out a Cree-speaking advocate would be there to support her and her family. It’s all part of Health Services’ Aboriginal Health Program. PAGE 3 setting priorities where they’re needed most n the face of it, budgets might seem boring, We are not suggesting it will be easy. It will mean and youth, and those at the end of life. I think you will but here’s why what we are doing now is difficult choices, involving programs and services that agree we must be there for them. We must do more Oso important to our patients, families and may have been part of Alberta Health Services for for the people who need more care. We need more communities. many years. community-based care, and we need to focus more There are three essential parts to the budget What are those priorities? Why the need to find on wellness because, in the end, it’s about taking care approved by our Board earlier this month: those cost-savings? of people, and that’s what setting priorities is all about. • We will spend new dollars on growth. Because we are also adding more Continuing In short, we’ll spend more of your health dollars • We will increase spending to meet increased Care spaces in Alberta this year at a cost of about where patients need it most. demand. $50 million. We will increase investment in operating We’ll do that in part by reducing administration • We will find cost-savings and redirect those costs for new facilities, such as the Alberta Children’s overhead costs by 10 per cent over three years. dollars to where they will have greater impact. Hospital Neonatal Unit, and the new Red Deer cancer We are eliminating pay-at-risk for all executives Budgets are all about setting priorities and making facility. We will increase spending on Primary Care and effective April 1, 2013, and commencing a review of choices. We will find $220 million in cost-savings Mental Health and Continuing Care by almost 10 per executive compensation. You can find more details at across the health system, which will be redirected to cent. Spending on Emergency and other outpatient www.albertahealthservices.ca/8241.asp. Difficult higher priorities. To put it simply, we will move dollars services will increase by 6.4 per cent. Spending decisions, yes, but necessary as over the next two to where they will make a bigger difference. on inpatient acute nursing care services, including or three years we change the way health care is At the same time, the Board and Senior medical, surgical, intensive care, obstetrics, pediatrics provided to make it easier for patients to get what Management have directed the Zones and program and mental health, will increase by 4.6 per cent. they need when they need it. n and portfolio leaders to ensure that patient care is not And we will spend more in support for the frail – Stephen Lockwood, affected. elderly, the vulnerable, complex high-needs children Board Chair, Alberta Health Services PAGE 2 l o c a l l e a d e r s

DR. evan lundAll kerry bales Medical Director Senior Vice-President Central Zone Central Zone RECOGNIZING OUR VOLUNTEERS

n addition to the dedicated health care professionals caring for our patients and Iresidents every day, there is another group hard at work, giving back their time and energy. And that group is our dedicated volunteers. The support of health care volunteers in dates back more than 100 As a nurse practitioner, Krista Rawson is an important member of the team for cancer patients. years. The role was introduced at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre in 2009. Today, our volunteers continue this special tradition of generosity, providing A guiding hand A cancer diagnosis immeasurable support to our staff as one of our most valuable resources. Volunteers Nurse practitioner helps patients is still a huge blow add extra care to the quality health care navigate the trials of cancer and people need patients and residents receive. Story by Heather Kipling and James Stevenson | help working their Every day across the Central Zone, Photo courtesy Alberta Cancer Foundation | “ hundreds of hours are logged by volunteers, way through it urse practitioner Krista Rawson spends auxiliary members and community groups — Krista Rawson, nurse practitioner of all abilities who provide an array of her days helping patients at the Central services to our facilities and community NAlberta Cancer Centre (CACC) in programs. Red Deer make decisions about their cancer For her work, Rawson was awarded the Pfizer In 2012 alone, over 200,000 hours of care – trying to navigate them through various Award of Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice service was contributed by volunteers, treatments and options. by the Canadian Association of Nurses in young and old alike. From hospital visitors, “I’m just one person in a net that catches Oncology. musical entertainers and workshop people when they’re in crisis,” says Rawson. The clinical practice award is given for facilitators, to immunization clinic “Curable or not, a cancer diagnosis is still a leadership in the development of oncology volunteers, laboratory greeters, mealtime huge blow and people need help working their patient care. Eight awards of excellence are assistants and pet visitation volunteers, way through it. handed out annually. volunteers fill many roles. “My role is to spend time guiding patients “Having Krista on site has improved the safety Additionally, more than 300 auxiliary through their treatments. Sometimes my and quality of care provided to our patients,” members in communities across the role is medical, sometimes it is counsellor says CACC nurse manager, Myrna Kelley. Central Zone raise funds that help benefit and sometimes it’s as a cheerleader – all are Rawson works with patients with breast, health care. Members also support resident important for patients and their families.” lung or gastrointestinal cancers, as most nurse birthday programs, holiday gift purchases, Nurse practitioners like Rawson are advanced practitioners focus on specific types of cancer. annual bursaries and therapy programs. practice nurses who, through additional From meeting with newly diagnosed patients, to Hundreds of local community groups also education, are licensed to diagnose and manage developing treatment plans, to following up with contribute, giving generously of their time chronic illnesses, order diagnostic tests and those who haven’t seen a physician in a while, and talents. prescribe treatments and medications. They can she contributes to the care of 30 to 50 patients Thanks to all of our volunteers for the manage independent clinics and carry their own each week. important contributions they make every patient caseload. “There is nothing like having people talk about day. Their dedication and commitment Rawson began at the CACC in 2009 and what is important to them to remind me of what strengthens our communities and, most became the facility’s first nurse practitioner. is important,” says Rawson. importantly, makes a difference in the lives “We worked on integrating the role of the “I’m grateful for those opportunities. of those we serve. n nurse practitioner into the care team and lay the “Patients and staff have been so receptive to groundwork for which patients I might work with,” me, and their acceptance has been critical to she says. this being successful.” n GET THE CARE YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT + Health Link Alberta + Walk-In Clinic IT HAPPENS. + Family Doctor + Community Health Centre + Emergency

albertahealthservices.ca/options 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 Aboriginal Health co-ordinator Jackie Norman, left, and Katlyne Ducharme share a laugh at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Ducharme is one of many people benefiting from the support of AHS’ Aboriginal Health Program. Building cultural bridges Story and photos by Adam Eisenbarth | t hasn’t been an easy life for Katlyne Ducharme. The 22-year-old has battled Ialcohol and drug addiction for much of his life. But, as he takes the steps to turn his life around at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Ducharme is thankful for the support he’s receiving from Jackie Norman, an Alberta Health At Alberta Health Services, we care for you, your family, your friends and your neighbours. We’re Services Aboriginal Health co-ordinator. tapped into the unique health needs of communities across the province. And so, when First “Jackie comes to visit me at the unit from time Nations people noted there was a need for health care liaisons to provide advice and support for to time. She’s been really supportive and has Aboriginal populations, AHS created the Aboriginal Health Program. helped me realize that I can get through this, and start helping others like she is.” “I make regular rounds through the hospital, language, with Yellowbird interpreting. Norman is one of three Aboriginal Health co- providing support to our Aboriginal patients,” “I never really wanted to use this service ordinators in Central Zone. Along with her office says Gladys Bigelow, a co-ordinator in Rocky knowing that communication would be a in Red Deer, she is also stationed in Ponoka. The Mountain House. “They often appreciate seeing problem because I speak fluent Cree. co-ordinators have been in place for more than a another Aboriginal there to support them. “Now that I am in care, I have full support from year now. They’re comfortable to express any concerns the Aboriginal Health co-ordinator who interprets “We’ve seen a real need for a cultural adviser or questions they have, and we’re able to work and advocates for me and for my family. Again, I who can provide support and be there for the together to find solutions.” say to all, ‘Ay-hay,’ (thank you) for all the support Aboriginal population,” says Norman. The co-ordinators address a wide range of from the liaison.” “Since this is a fairly new position, much of our potential obstacles, including language barriers, The Aboriginal Health co-ordinators are work has involved reaching out to First Nations cultural differences, transportation issues, system available to all Aboriginal people who access communities and health care providers to get a navigation and more. health care in Central Zone. This includes Status sense of the needs of each area.” “Often when our clients come from reserves, and Non-Status First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Ducharme says the impact of this support they’ve never accessed the health care system They also support all health care providers system has been very clear for him. before,” says Claudette Yellowbird, a co- in Central Zone, who require information or “I was ready to walk out of here a couple ordinator based in . assistance in caring for their Aboriginal patients weeks ago. I didn’t want to be here,” he says, of “It can be a culture shock when they walk into or residents. n a frustrating time in his rehabilitation. “Jackie met the hospital for the first time. We help explain me as I was walking out and she’s been working to health care providers the cultural and social to help me get through some tough times. If it perspective that our clients are coming from.” Healthy communities weren’t for her, I would have left a long time ago, For 100-year-old Louisa Wildcat, Yellowbird’s The Aboriginal Health Program provides and I think it would be a much different story for presence in the hospital is crucial. Wildcat was additional support to Aboriginals and health me right now.” hesitant to enter the hospital until she discovered care providers, in an effort to improve the capacity of Alberta Health Services to respond The co-ordinators are adaptable, working with a Cree-speaking supporter would be there. to the needs of the Aboriginal community. For their clients and health care providers to “I am very happy from the bottom of my heart more information on Aboriginal Health, visit ensure strong communication, to hear that liaisons were hired to www.albertahealthservices.ca/aboriginal.asp. and effective solutions work with our Aboriginal people for everyone. in the hospitals,” says Wildcat in AHS Central Zone Aboriginal Health Tracy Lee, Aboriginal Health Lead her Native Call 780.361.4111 [email protected]

Red Deer and Ponoka area Jackie Norman, Aboriginal Health co-ordinator Call 780.361.4320 [email protected]

Wetaskiwin area Claudette Yellowbird, Aboriginal Health co-ordinator Call 780.361.4375 Claudette.yellowbird@ albertahealthservices.ca

Rocky Mountain House area Gladys Bigelow Aboriginal Health co-ordinator Call 403.844.5296 [email protected]

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

Helping you help yourself Services in your community At Alberta Health Services, your health is our priority. You aren’t satisfied with cookie-cutter solutions to health care, and neither are we. That’s why we’ve created a number of free workshops that are aimed at helping you help yourself to stay healthy. They’re tailored to your needs and, as Aleah Lacey discovered, they can make a positive difference in your life.

Story and photo by Adam Eisenbarth |

hroughout the Central Zone, Alberta Health Central Zone Area Manager for the Alberta Services workshops are helping Albertans Healthy Living Program (AHLP), has heard before. Tlike Aleah Lacey reshape their lives. “Often we find that people want to make The free workshops cover a variety of topics, lifestyle changes, but they just don’t know including heart health, weight management, where to start,” says Mailer. “These sessions MEND: Mind, Exercise, nutrition, diabetes care, chronic illness can help give people some direction and Nutrition, Do It! management and more. They are provided motivation.” The whole family can learn how to make as part of the Alberta The workshops are healthy lifestyle choices with MEND. This Healthy Living Program. offered throughout the is a free program for families and children “It turned out to be an year to 37 communities ages two to 13. MEND empowers children awesome experience across Central Zone. and families to become fitter, healthier and for me,” says Lacey. The sessions are led by happier. Participants learn about: “It was eye-opening, Alberta Health Services • Healthy eating and mealtime habits. the support and the (AHS) professionals who • Active play. information that they share their expertise in • How to read food labels. provided.” group discussions. • What correct serving sizes look like. Last year, the “We’ve found that • Behaviour change strategies. 43-year-old Red Deer the group environment • Building self-esteem. resident participated in really reaffirms to people For more information, locations and Better Choices, Better that they’re not alone in dates, please call Ponoka at 403.704.1146, Health, a series of whatever they’re going Camrose at 780.672.0141, or Red workshops designed through,” says Wendy Deer at 403.309.8211, or visit www. to help individuals Volkart, an AHS client albertahealthservices.ca/MEND.asp. cope with long-term health educator and health challenges such AHLP facilitator in Red as diabetes, heart Deer. Addiction Services: disease, high blood “It’s a great resource Business & Industry Clinic pressure, chronic pain, for anyone looking to A specialized addictions treatment depression, and more. access information and clinic for employees experiencing serious Lacey has suffered support so that they difficulties resulting from alcohol or from depression With the support of the Alberta Healthy Living can make well-informed substance abuse. The Business & Industry throughout her life, but Program, Aleah Lacey has recently built a new decisions for the good Clinic assists in helping to reintegrate the stress management and improved lifestyle. of their health.” employees back into the workplace. techniques and active Through the sessions, The clinic offers customized treatment living advice she received have played a positive Lacey also discovered other AHLP workshops, programs, a multidisciplinary team role in sparking a new sense of optimism as she such as Diabetes: the Basics, and Weight Wise. approach, and a family program. Services builds a healthier lifestyle. These sessions helped her address other aspects are provided by addiction counsellors, “The facilitators made it a wonderful experience. of her health. physicians and registered nurses. Their kindness and understanding made a big “I’ve quit smoking, I’ve lost more than 40 Contact Northern Addictions Centre at difference, and they present the information in a pounds, and I am much more active now,” says 1.780.538.6316; or toll-free at positive, engaging manner.” Lacey. “I feel so much more empowered and in 1.800.419.1149; or for 24-hour Lacey’s experience is one Maureen Mailer, control of my health.” n assistance, 1.780.538.5210; or visit www. spring into action businessindustryclinic.ca. For more information, or to register for Learn how to manage Type 2 Diabetes, or Diabetes Education Centre sessions in the Alberta Healthy Living Pre-diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The centre serves adult and pediatric Program, call 1.877.314.6997. Find the • Heart Wise (One session). Build a heart- patients, including those with chronic or schedule of Central Zone workshops under healthy lifestyle with information on healthy reactive hypoglycemia, pre-diabetes, Type 1 the ‘Central Alberta’ heading at www. eating, exercise, and more. and Type 2 diabetes, and gestational albertahealthservices.ca/668.asp. • Weight Wise (10 individual sessions). diabetes. The centre provides care and AHLP workshops in Central Zone include: Learn effective weight-management strategies support, and educates patients to make with information and tools related to physical changes in their lives by managing their • Better Choices, Better Health activity, nutrition, stress management and goal diabetes. The centre in Red Deer, at 4755 (Six-session series). Gain confidence and setting. Each session is independent from the 49 St., now has extended hours: 8 a.m. develop skills to overcome the physical and others, allowing participants to choose the to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 8 emotional challenges of living with long-term specific information topics they would like to a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays health conditions. access. and Thursdays. Call 1.877.314.6997. • Craving Change (Three-session • Supervised Exercise (Eight-week Limited diabetes services are also available series). Develop an improved relationship with program). Guided sessions that can help in , Wetaskiwin and . food, and identify problematic eating triggers. participants learn how to exercise safely while A physician’s referral is not required. • Diabetes: the Basics (One session). living with a chronic condition.

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 Visit Us Online

Relaxation Audio Tracks Taking a few moments to relax may help to ease pain and stress. It can also lower blood pressure and loosen tense muscles. Visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca and search “relaxation audio” to listen to short audio tracks that lead you through different relaxation exercises. All you need is a quiet space.

Information for Seniors Alberta’s seniors want to keep themselves healthy, strong and be independent as long as possible. The Alberta Health Services website has information that can help. Find programs and services, explore care options and discover health information that is specific to seniors. Visitwww. albertahealthservices.ca and click the “Information For” tab to find out more.

Health Care Locator Finding the health care you and your family need when you need it is easier than ever Joy Bruca has been a pet care volunteer at the Hospital and Care Centre for almost 20 with AHS’s online Health Care Locator. Are years. Along with her feathered friends, she offers a warm welcome to long-term care residents. you looking for a specific type of program or service? Do you need to find your nearest community health centre or hospital? Simply Volunteer’s flying high visit www.albertahealthservices.ca and click on “Find Health Care” to get local information in seconds.

The health care system is about so much more than the medical care you receive. It’s about you and your journey, and how to make it as easy – even enjoyable – as possible. That’s TWITTER where Joy Bruca comes in. A volunteer at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Bruca looks Follow your zone @AHS_CentralZone for after a small trio of feathered friends that bring a huge amount of, well, joy, to the centre. including updates on local AHS resources, programs and services. Story by Adam Eisenbarth | Photo by Laine Dahms • One energy drink can contain as much trio of cheerful chirpers adds a pleasant volunteer time is with the residents. Along with as 500 mg of caffeine. It would take about tune to each day for visitors and residents caring for the birds, Bruca spends time visiting 14 cans of cola to equal that amount: bit. Aat the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, with residents as they enjoy their feathered ly/1095p8q. thanks to long-time volunteer Joy Bruca. friends. • Over-the-counter medicines can be very Bruca cares for three budgie birds that are “The longer I work here, the more attached I get dangerous for children if used improperly. Be routinely enjoyed by long-term care residents and to the residents. They appreciate the company sure to read labels carefully: goo.gl/2zB9t. their visitors. and it’s just nice to be here and spend time with • Self-management can help in coping with Bruca has been volunteering at the facility them,” she says. #arthritis. Learn how: bit.ly/11jCbGA. since 1994, where she has taken care of birds Throughout nearly 20 years of volunteering • The Interactive Health Symptom-Checker and other pets that bring some extra cheer to at the facility, she is amazed by the connection is a great resource for anyone experiencing residents. The budgies are located at a gathering made between residents and the pets. signs of illness: goo.gl/PbxcQ. area in the unit so that residents can enjoy the “Even if the residents are unable to talk, it’s • Children’s health is linked to their parents’. birds as often as they please. almost as if they can talk to the animals. It’s a Looking after your own health can help the “They’re really good birds. They love to sing great experience for me to see them interact.” whole family: #familyhealth goo.gl/o0V7s. for the residents and they’re always looking for Volunteer Resources co-ordinator Laine Dahms attention,” says Bruca. says the birds are a popular attraction at the long- APP The birds bring a unique experience to the unit term care unit. The reactions of residents tell all. and, with many residents from rural areas, the “Staff members often mention that they’ve seen MedHF is a tool designed to assist pleasant chirping is a welcome tune. residents sitting up close to the cage, enjoying clinicians caring for patients with heart failure. “It’s really a great form of entertainment for the their songs. And the visitors love to see the birds Developed by Alberta Health Services’ residents,” says Bruca. “Many of them are from as well, especially the children.” Cardiovascular Health and Stroke Strategic the country, and it seems to bring back good Dahms says that the facility wouldn’t be able Clinical Network, the MedHF iPhone app memories to hear the birds singing. Others are to offer this unique opportunity if it weren’t for uses algorithms that support health care just bird lovers who enjoy having some time with Bruca’s commitment. professionals in the initiation, titration, them. It’s good therapy.” “Joy makes this all possible. She ensures the assessment and monitoring of four drug And although she loves to care for the birds, birds are well cared-for and she makes this area a classes commonly used to treat heart failure. the biggest enjoyment she gets out of her great place for families to visit.” n Now available on the Apple App Store.

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 o u r p a r t n e r s move your mood helps children program makes ‘cents’ adopt or rekindle Penny drive on successful journey to Move Your Mood “healthy, active Story by Kerri Robins | Photo by Trish Wendland lifestyles n for a penny, in for a pound, the saying goes. in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, such – Joe Bower, Child and Adolescent And people throughout central Alberta and as yoga, squats and pushups, along with trips Mental Health Unit teacher in Red Deer Isurrounding rural areas are definitely in for the to outdoor parks, as well as a local recreation pound, contributing to a number of successful centre in Red Deer. penny and coin drives – proving the penny is still “To see a child suffering from depression, and self-esteem, helps relieve stress, and worth some bucks. feelings of hopelessness or low self-esteem, is a wonderful tool for building social and Furthermore, those pennies are going to a smile or laugh for the first time in months, is communication skills.” worthwhile cause – Move Your Mood. satisfying – it’s why I’m here,” says Jensen. A joint effort between The Red Deer Regional A program designed to help children aged 17 And Denise Fredeen, Health Promotion Health Foundation, Alberta Health Services and under and their families cope with mental Facilitator and Move Your Mood co-ordinator, Mental Health, and the Red Deer College Rural health challenges, Move Your Mood helps them has a great vision for the program. Health Research, the foundation has raised understand that a healthy lifestyle includes “Our hope is that Move Your Mood programs almost $58,000 for Move Your Mood – funding physical activity and movement – and this will exist in children’s homes, schools and activity programs and classroom resources, promotes positive mental and physical well-being. communities so that movement becomes part of along with needed renovations to the Child and Joe Bower, Child and Adolescent Mental their daily lives,” says Fredeen. Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the Red Deer Health Unit teacher in Red Deer, sees a lot of “The goal is to teach kids the importance Regional Hospital Centre. “cents” in the program. of physical activity because it improves mood Approximately 1,123 children per year access “When children start mental health care experiencing depression, centres throughout central addiction, eating disorders Alberta. and attention deficit John Donald, Board disorder, they turn inward, Chair of the Red leading to isolation and Deer Regional Health inactivity,” says Bower. Foundation, is pleased “But Move Your Mood with the positive response helps children adopt or throughout communities rekindle healthy, active in central Alberta. lifestyles – and that leads “As a father, my heart them to look outward to goes out to all parents people for help.” who are watching their While the focus of Move child deal with a mental Your Mood is holistic health challenge,” says in nature by looking at Donald. children’s overall health “I am proud to be part and wellness, movement of improving children’s and physical activity are a mental wellness and hope key part of daily routines. that these changes help, Jenn Jensen, recreation support and work to therapist assistant with heal each child and their the Child and Adolescent Karen Oatway, centre (in blue shirt), Fund Development Officer, Red Deer Regional Health family.” n Mental Health Unit at the Foundation, and the Grade 8 students at Eastview Middle School in Red Deer, celebrate a For more information, Red Deer Regional Hospital penny drive to raise money for Move Your Mood — a program that’s successfully helping please visit www. Centre, works with children children deal with mental health challenges through physical movement and exercise. rdrhfoundation.com. taking health care personally Story by Kristin Bernhard | wonderful group of professionals. As the professionalism of the ot only does Don Whittaker listen weight began to come off, the team and I surgery teams, the personal to the feedback of his community began to discuss bariatric surgery as a method attention provided by the Nabout health services in his role to help maintain weight loss. recovery teams, and the as Chair of the Yellowhead East Health I had surgery for a gastric sleeve on Sept. 7, followup care after being Advisory Council, he is also an Albertan 2011, followed by the total replacement of my released from the hospital. Don Whittaker who has experienced health services first right hip on Nov. 26, 2011 and, most recently a On my journey to regain a healthy lifestyle, I hand. This is his story: total replacement of my left hip on Feb. 14. haven’t had one negative experience, leaving Besides working hard with my family on our Today, I am walking with only the assistance me with confidence in the health care system. farm, I also had the privilege of serving in my of a cane, and continuing the weight loss (180 The experience and knowledge that I have community, county, and province. lbs. to date). The wheelchair is parked, the gained by working with the health systems Unfortunately, I neglected to take care of diabetes is gone, and other health concerns in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, plus my myself over the years, resulting in deteriorating are being managed. I now have the ability to personal experience, has led me to continue health and quality of life. I had become obese, not only putter in my home and yard, but I am on with the Yellowhead East Health Advisory weighing 440 lbs., with Type 2 diabetes, also looking forward to volunteering more. Council. As a council, we have the opportunity high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and The success of my story begins with the to not only share and receive information deteriorated joints. support of my family and the support and care from senior administration of Alberta Health I decided that I needed to take responsibility of the staff and programs provided by Alberta Services, and the Board of AHS, but also and begin to look after myself. Health Services. I have been overwhelmed with the Minister of Health and the MLAs who After testing and interviews, I was accepted by the effectiveness and concern for patient represent our region. into the Weight Wise program at the Royal care and recovery, evidenced in the teaching For details on the Yellowhead HAC, visit Alexandra Hospital. I was supported by a provided by the pre-operative teams, the www.albertahealthservices.ca/1815.asp. n

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 Foundations & Health Trusts CHAMPIONS OF CARE

photo by Adam Eisenbarth

Four-year-old Graham Venema, centre, helps deliver a fire-truck play-centre (originally a child’s fire-truck bed) to the pediatric unit at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The fire truck was donated by the Red Deer Firefighters Association Local 1190 on behalf of the Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity. Firefighters, from left, Brad Hilker-Readman, Dave Bain, Kevin Sitter, and Graham’s dad Jason Venema, delivered the truck, which is helping kids in the unit escape from their troubles and enjoy some play time. The firefighters purchased and transformed the bed into an interactive centre, complete with an LCD screen, DVD player and X-Box 360. Local businesses (Dales Upholstery, Rocky Mountain Phoenix, Choice Audio) also helped with the project. The donation was part of ongoing renovations to the pediatric unit, supported by the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. Your gifts and donations help support local health care throughout Alberta. Donations of any size, or your gift of time to a cause of your choice, have profound impacts on the local care of patients, their families and your community. Your Gift Has An Impact Make an impact today

Be a Champion of Care for your local foundations and the people and programs they support in your community

• Consort Hospital Foundation • Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre Foundation • Coronation Health Centre Foundation • Ponoka and District Health Foundation • David Thompson Health Trust • Provost and District Health Foundation Supports: | Sylvan Lake | Bentley | • Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Innisfail | | Olds | | Hanna | Rimbey | • Stettler Health Services Foundation • Hospital Foundation • & Area Health Foundation • Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation • Viking Health Foundation Supports: Drayton Valley Health Care Centre | • Wainwright & District Community Health Foundation Breton Health Centre | • Wetaskiwin Health Foundation • Area Health Foundation www.albertahealthservices.ca/give

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer with Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca PAGE 8 i n b r i e f high-tech doll no child’s play ealth providers at the Vermilion Health Care mannequin are designed to address that 10 per cent of Centre are receiving leading-edge training to babies who are in distress,” says Darlene McQuid, AHS Hdeal with newborns in distress with the purchase area manager for the County of Vermilion River. of a pediatric “baby doll.” The pediatric mannequin has realistic veins, an The lifelike, child-sized mannequin is a patient umbilical cord, throat and mouth, and a chest that simulator on which health providers can practise expands when the simulator ‘breathes’ – all of which infrequently performed procedures and build specialized allows AHS’ provincial simulation program teams to skills so they’re prepared to deal with emergency develop emergency scenarios for local health providers. situations involving newborns. “The simulations are very realistic, cover a wide range Darlene McQuid, AHS area Fifteen babies were born at the local Alberta Health of scenarios, and help us keep our skills up to speed.” manager, right, holds a training Services (AHS) facility last year. says Barb Snelgrove, the facility’s acute care manager. doll. With her is Barb Snelgrove, “Generally speaking, 90 per cent of babies are The purchase of the mannequin was made possible acute care manager for the born without serious issues. Our simulations with this by the Vermilion Rotary Club. n Vermilion Health Care Centre.

Zone Medical Director Dr. Evan Lundall cENTRAL local Senior Vice-President Kerry Bales zone leadership 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 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 • • Devon • Morinville • Athabasca • Fort McMurray • Lac la Biche • • Edmonton • St. Albert • Barrhead • • La Crete • Spirit River • Evansburg • Sherwood • • Fox Creek • Manning • • Fort Park • Berwyn • Glendon • • Thorhild Saskatchewan • Spruce Grove • • • McLennan • Trout Lake • Boyle • • Medley • Valleyview • Cold Lake • Grimshaw • Onoway • Vilna zone • Conklin • • Peace River • Wabasca/ • Edson • • Peerless Lake Desmarais Population: 1,408,606 • Elk Point • Hinton • Radway • • Life expectancy: 82.9 years • Hospitals: 13 • Fairview • Hythe • Rainbow Lake • Communities: • Chestermere • Nanton • Falher • Janvier • Redwater • Worsley • Airdrie • • Okotoks • Fort Chipewyan • Jasper • St. Paul • Zama City • Banff • Cochrane • Stavely • Black • Cremona • Strathmore Diamond • Didsbury • Turner Valley • Calgary • Gleichen • Vulcan central zone • Canmore • Population: 453,469 • Life expectancy: 80.7 years • Hospitals: 31 Communities: • Galahad • Mundare • Sylvan Lake • Bashaw • Hanna • Myrnam • Three Hills SOUTH zone • Bentley • • Olds • Tofield 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 • • Consort • Killam • Rimbey • Vermilion • Bassano • • • Coronation • Kitscoty • Rocky • Viking • Blairmore • Granum • • Daysland • Lacombe Mountain • Wainwright • • Irvine • Raymond • Drayton Valley • Lamont House • Wetaskiwin • Brooks • • Redcliff • Drumheller • Linden • Sedgewick • Willingdon • • Magrath • Taber • Eckville • Lloydminster • Stettler • Winfield • Coaldale • • Vauxhall • Elnora • Mannville • Sundre • Crowsnest • Milk River

central Zone: Heather Kipling Layout and design: Kit Poole here’s Phone: 403.341.8687 IMAGING: Michael Brown FSC LOGO Email: (printer places on) [email protected] Zone News – Central Zone is published how to Mail: 43 Michener Bend monthly by Alberta Health Services to Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 0H6 inform Albertans of the programs and The paper used by Zone News is certified by services available to them, and of the work the Forest Stewardship Council, an international, To see Central Zone News online, please visit being done to improve the health care non-profit organization that promotes reach us www.albertahealthservices.ca/5825.asp system in their communities. sustainable, responsibly managed forests.

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