August 11, 2023
This AHS Update does not include a section on COVID-19 reporting. The number of patients with COVID-19 in ICU and non-ICU hospital beds is currently stable. We are prepared to resume COVID-19 reporting in this update in the event of increasing COVID-19-related hospitalizations that could add further capacity pressure on our teams and on the health system.
We are working to urgently address four key priorities. They are:
Much of this work is underway. We will continue to use this update to highlight actions being taken to address our priorities.
Reducing surgery wait times
Surgical wait-list update
AHS partners with recognized improvement organization
Caregiver support available
If you are caring for an elderly or sick family member, there are supports for you through the Employee and Family Assistance Program. (more...)
Mental Health Wellness - how nature affects mental well-being
Dr. Nicholas Mitchell talks about how getting outdoors, especially in green spaces, can improve one’s mental well-being. (more...)
CEO video message – explore the archives
The AHS vlog is on a break for this edition of AHS Update, but I encourage you to check out the archives to learn about the work of our great teams. (more...)
Review the updated Do Not Use List of Abbreviations policy
The Do Not Use List Of Abbreviations, Symbols, And Dose Designations For Medication-Related Documentation Policy and resources have been revised. (more...)
Check out the latest Green ‘n Healthy Newsletter
The latest edition of The Office of Sustainability’s newsletter features green strategies to consider while driving. (more...)
Influenza site champions needed
Help improve staff access to influenza immunization by becoming a site champion. (more...)
I want to re-iterate how proud I am of the work you do, whether you are providing care on the frontlines or work behind the scenes to support Albertans. You are the best at what you do, which I know takes a lot of effort. With that, it’s important we find time for breaks when we can. This week’s mental wellness moment is a great reminder about the importance of getting outdoors. As Dr. Mitchell says, it’s proven to improve both mental and physical health. So if you can, I encourage you to get outdoors now and again to recharge and enjoy the sunshine.
With enduring gratitude and appreciation,
Mauro Chies
AHS President & CEO
August 11, 2023
Please print and share with your teams as needed
This AHS Update does not include a section on COVID-19 reporting. The number of patients with COVID-19 in ICU and non-ICU hospital beds is currently stable. We are prepared to resume COVID-19 reporting in this update in the event of increasing COVID-19-related hospitalizations that could add further capacity pressure on our teams and on the health system.
We are working to urgently address four key priorities. They are:
Much of this work is underway. We will continue to use this update to highlight actions being taken to address our priorities.
As of July 24, approximately 56 per cent of cases on the surgical waitlist at adult facilities were within clinically appropriate wait times, virtually unchanged from two weeks prior.
AHS partners with recognized improvement organization
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with the Institute for Healthcare Optimization (IHO) to improve patient outcomes and experience as part of the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI). IHO, is a non-profit organization that works with hospitals and health systems. IHO methodologies will help AHS drive further improvements in surgical flow and patient outcomes.
The Institute will initially focus on supporting AHS teams in process and outcome improvement in six of our larger acute care sites: Chinook Regional Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital.
The goal of this work, coupled with other ASI projects, is to continue to improve patient experience, staff and physician experience, better utilize capacity, and improve collaboration and support for primary care providers, surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Next steps are to establish working groups at the six sites, and for the IHO to do a deep dive into existing data and analytics provided by AHS teams. Following that, IHO will help teams develop models and simulations that will lead to site-specific improvement recommendations and actions.
More will be shared in the weeks to come as this work moves forward.
Caring for an elderly or sick family member while juggling other commitments can be challenging. Elder and Family Care can help you find your family member housing, coordinate care from a distance, set up palliative or respite care, and more.
When you call the client services centre, you will be asked some questions to ensure you receive personalized support. A caregiving specialist will help you navigate the options and resources available to you.
If you feel overwhelmed about any issue, call the EFAP intake line any time at 1-877-273-3134. Physicians can contact the AMA Physician and Family Support Program, a confidential 24/7 support line at 1-877-767-4637.
Questions? Contact wellness@ahs.ca.
In this Mental Wellness Moment, Dr. Nicholas Mitchell — Provincial Medical Director for Addiction and Mental Health with Alberta Health Services — talks about how getting outdoors, especially in green spaces, can improve one’s mental well-being.
The AHS vlog is on a break for this edition of AHS Update, but I encourage you to check out the archives to learn about our great teams.
The Do Not Use List Of Abbreviations, Symbols, And Dose Designations For Medication-Related Documentation Policy and educational resources have been updated:
The purpose of the clinical policy is to ensure that dangerous abbreviations, symbols and dose designations are not used in medication-related documentation within AHS.
Visit Insite to learn more. Questions can be directed to practice.consultation@ahs.ca.
Green isn’t just a colour in our logo—promoting green initiatives is also an important part of who we are as an organization. AHS’ Office of Sustainability quarterly newsletter highlights green initiatives being done by AHS staff and sites to help reduce our carbon footprint.
The latest edition of The Office of Sustainability’s Green ‘n Healthy newsletter features green strategies to consider while driving.
AHS strongly encourages our people to get immunized against influenza as part of a strategy to keep patients and staff safe.
Site champions play a key role in supporting this as they improve access to the vaccine and promote the importance of getting immunized. Last year, site champions provided nearly 60 per cent of immunizations to our people compared to other vaccine providers.
Ahead of this year’s campaign, we need the support of additional site champions. Learn more through these resources:
I want to re-iterate how proud I am of the work you do, whether you are providing care on the frontlines or work behind the scenes to support Albertans. You are the best at what you do, which I know takes a lot of effort. With that, it’s important we find time for breaks when we can. This week’s mental wellness moment is a great reminder about the importance of getting outdoors. As Dr. Mitchell says, it’s proven to improve both mental and physical health. So if you can, I encourage you to get outdoors now and again to recharge and enjoy the sunshine.
With enduring gratitude and appreciation,
Mauro Chies
AHS President & CEO
