10 Together

Tell your story

• Turned it into something good

  by Judy, over 7 years ago

  5 years ago, I was a patient at FMC for 2 months, during which I needed 3 emergency, life-saving surgeries (over a 3 week period). During this time I also experienced delirium and sepsis. My illness was sudden and unexpected. I survived. It took awhile, but I decided to try volunteering with AHS as a Patient and Family Advisor, in part to see if I could turn what happened to me into something good. I have been a volunteer for a year and my current area of interest is Family Presence - I believe this initiative could have a positive... Continue reading

  5 years ago, I was a patient at FMC for 2 months, during which I needed 3 emergency, life-saving surgeries (over a 3 week period). During this time I also experienced delirium and sepsis. My illness was sudden and unexpected. I survived. It took awhile, but I decided to try volunteering with AHS as a Patient and Family Advisor, in part to see if I could turn what happened to me into something good. I have been a volunteer for a year and my current area of interest is Family Presence - I believe this initiative could have a positive impact on countless patients.

• Objects in mirror...

  by Jim.Savory, over 7 years ago

  Has it really been 10 years!? This a great time to reflect on where we have been and where we are going in the field of Addictions. A decade ago we were the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission; fast forward to 2018 and we are part of Alberta Health Services (AHS) integrated health system. The recovery-oriented model that was always present in our work is being embraced by the health care system as a whole, and with the recent launch of the Patient First Strategy…… there is an even larger focus on including clients as active participants on their... Continue reading

  Has it really been 10 years!? This a great time to reflect on where we have been and where we are going in the field of Addictions. A decade ago we were the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission; fast forward to 2018 and we are part of Alberta Health Services (AHS) integrated health system. The recovery-oriented model that was always present in our work is being embraced by the health care system as a whole, and with the recent launch of the Patient First Strategy…… there is an even larger focus on including clients as active participants on their care. The new Harm Reduction Policy that comes into effect February 2019 strengthens our commitment to client and family centered care and aligns with AHS values of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and safety.

  The Addiction Counselling Initiative (2014-2018) contributed foundational resources and documents that promote practice excellence:

  The Provincial Addiction Practice Council (PAPC) was formed to provide provincial leadership and collaboration that supports communication, best practice, professional development and concurrent capable approaches that advance practice excellence as it relates to addiction prevention, health promotion, and treatment.

  The Practice Standards for Addiction Counsellors were developed and outline standards that addiction counsellors are expected to meet to ensure quality and safe patient –centered addictions services across AHS. They describe AHS’ professional expectations, practice, supervision, and provision of Restricted Activity in relation to addictions counselling.

  The Addiction Counsellor III and IV provincial job descriptions were launched to provide consistency in qualification for addiction counsellors throughout the organization.

  Technical Competencies and Role Clarity documents were developed to promote and enhance the skills and knowledge needed to highlight addictions as a specialized field.

  The Provincial Addiction Consultations Service has been implemented to support staff and managers with practice related questions and can be accessed by e-mailing practice.consultation@ahs.ca.

  When AHS was formed, our motto became “We are One” and the goals has been to goal is to ensure clients and their families receive the most appropriate care in a timely manner. Using a collaborative approach to integrated and person-centre care places addiction counsellors as important contributors within multidisciplinary teams and across the continuum of care, from promotion and prevention to treatment.

• Giving back

  by Kathleen, over 7 years ago

  I came to Canada from Northern Ireland via England in 2000.  I wanted to give back to the community of Pincher Creek that had welcomed us so I decided to volunteer.  I did so in a few organizations but now I concentrate on AHS.  I make and fill Christmas stockings for the local hospital, I volunteer at flu and mammogram clinics, visit in the hospital and, best of all, I volunteer to help a handicapped lady at remedial aquafit each week.  As a patient I have really appreciated the work volunteers do for our community.  Volunteering for AHS has given... Continue reading

  I came to Canada from Northern Ireland via England in 2000.  I wanted to give back to the community of Pincher Creek that had welcomed us so I decided to volunteer.  I did so in a few organizations but now I concentrate on AHS.  I make and fill Christmas stockings for the local hospital, I volunteer at flu and mammogram clinics, visit in the hospital and, best of all, I volunteer to help a handicapped lady at remedial aquafit each week.  As a patient I have really appreciated the work volunteers do for our community.  Volunteering for AHS has given me the opportunity to meet new and interesting people and I feel that, in my small way, I'm helping others.

• Being a volunteer

  by Walton4352, over 7 years ago

  I am from Stettler Alberta. I was going to get a job that pays money, and the only thing I thought I could do was at a fast food store. My mom and mental health worker thought maybe a volunteer at the hospital gift shop. I have been there almost a year and I love doing it. I have come to meet different people(some regulars and plenty of new people). I even like my co-workers. That’s how I became a volunteer.

  I am from Stettler Alberta. I was going to get a job that pays money, and the only thing I thought I could do was at a fast food store. My mom and mental health worker thought maybe a volunteer at the hospital gift shop. I have been there almost a year and I love doing it. I have come to meet different people(some regulars and plenty of new people). I even like my co-workers. That’s how I became a volunteer.

• From Patient to Volunteer

  by doreenrockliff, over 7 years ago

  Seven years ago I was on life support in FMC ICU due to septic shock.  Months, multiple surgeries and rehab later I spent a lot of time informing myself about sepsis and felt the need to spread awareness. This evolved into an involvement with patient engagement activities and the beginning of my experience as an AHS volunteer.  Subsequently I learned of the need for volunteers on the FMC Intensive Care Unit.

  It is my pleasure to assist in the Family area of ICU providing support, refreshments and guidance on accessing any needs.  As a former patient I know what my... Continue reading

  Seven years ago I was on life support in FMC ICU due to septic shock.  Months, multiple surgeries and rehab later I spent a lot of time informing myself about sepsis and felt the need to spread awareness. This evolved into an involvement with patient engagement activities and the beginning of my experience as an AHS volunteer.  Subsequently I learned of the need for volunteers on the FMC Intensive Care Unit.

  It is my pleasure to assist in the Family area of ICU providing support, refreshments and guidance on accessing any needs.  As a former patient I know what my family went through and how life provides challenges for families and friends of patients.  If it seems that it may help, I can even provide the comfort of saying I was once a patient on this unit.

  It feels wonderful to be able to give back to this unit for the care I experienced and it has helped me immensely in my long term recovery by filling the gap in my memory of a time when I was too sick to know.

• Cuddles Cure

  by talmiller, over 7 years ago
  

  My husband and I were volunteering with Community Therapy Dogs Society and Strathmore Victim Services when an opportunity came up at Peter Lougheed Centre to take our 6 year old Sheltie, Darci, for visits.  We started on the Vascular Unit and not soon after we were asked if we would like to try visiting the Emergency Department providing support to both staff and patients.  It didn't take long and we realized how perfect this environment was for us and of course Darci.  No matter how incredibly busy this ED is the staff remains kind yet efficient with patients. Calgary Police... Continue reading

  My husband and I were volunteering with Community Therapy Dogs Society and Strathmore Victim Services when an opportunity came up at Peter Lougheed Centre to take our 6 year old Sheltie, Darci, for visits.  We started on the Vascular Unit and not soon after we were asked if we would like to try visiting the Emergency Department providing support to both staff and patients.  It didn't take long and we realized how perfect this environment was for us and of course Darci.  No matter how incredibly busy this ED is the staff remains kind yet efficient with patients. Calgary Police Service, EMS, nursing staff, support staff, doctors . . . we are proud that Darci is considered to be part of the care team at PLC.  

  Darci now visits 3 times a week with the option for staff to call us in if there is a need.  Sam and I have stepped away from Victim Services and now devote our spare time to sharing Darci with those that need her.  A patient once said that "cuddle cure" . . . Darci may not cure illnesses, but we love that she has become part of the healing process for many people and not just the patients.  

  Tanya and Sam

  About the Volunteers:

  Darci is a 6 year old Sheltie.  Previously a show dog, she decided that she enjoyed snoozing on the couch and back rubs were much more rewarding.  Today, her favorite part of her visits are the naps she takes with patients and the back rubs from the staff.

  Tanya is has been a high school teacher for 20 years.  She currently works in mental health and special needs providing students with the resources and skills to be successful in high school as well as the confidence to move on and be happy and productive adults .

  Sam is a mechanical engineer with a vast background in automotive and oil and gas sectors.  He most enjoys field work and connecting with the public.

• Drumheller Volunteer - Assisting with mealtime

  by LindaKrieger, over 7 years ago
  

  "I heard an announcement at church that volunteer feeders were needed in continuing care. I have always wanted to be a positive influence on those around me, so I took this God-given opportunity. Through my contact with these special people, as I seek to enrich their lives, my life is enriched and blessed.  Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Krieger - I so appreciate Judy's genuine passion for her role. What a gift she has: she can often get residents who have no appetite to eat, using a gentle touch and encouragement. Judy has provided over 300 hours of assisting residents with meals... Continue reading

  "I heard an announcement at church that volunteer feeders were needed in continuing care. I have always wanted to be a positive influence on those around me, so I took this God-given opportunity. Through my contact with these special people, as I seek to enrich their lives, my life is enriched and blessed.  Volunteer Coordinator, Linda Krieger - I so appreciate Judy's genuine passion for her role. What a gift she has: she can often get residents who have no appetite to eat, using a gentle touch and encouragement. Judy has provided over 300 hours of assisting residents with meals since she started in February 2017.

   

• The Future

  by Jessica, over 7 years ago

  In the next 10 years, I want to see AHS boost patient and family experiences, integrate more technology like telemedicine, digital health services, AI and virtual reality, be more focused on the increasingly aging population and to make hospitals feel more like home.

  In the next 10 years, I want to see AHS boost patient and family experiences, integrate more technology like telemedicine, digital health services, AI and virtual reality, be more focused on the increasingly aging population and to make hospitals feel more like home.

• COMPASSIONATE PAWS

  by lferenac, over 7 years ago

  MY AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE AND I ARE PART OF THE DYNAMIC TEAM OF THERAPY DOGS AND THEIR HANDLERS ALONG WITH OUR SUPPORTIVE AHS VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA HOSPITAL.  I LOVE SEEING THE CHANGE IN A PATIENT'S FEELINGS WHEN THEY ARE IMPACTED BY THE LOVE OF OUR FURRY FRIENDS. THE DOGS ARE SILENT LISTENERS AND SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THE PATIENT IS NEEDING IN THAT MOMENT. A WARM FUZZY HUG, A FURRY NECK TO SHED SOME TEARS, A PAW GENTLY NUGDING TO BE PET BY A STROKE PATIENT, A LONG GAZE INTO THEIR SOULFUL EYES AND JUST COMPANY FOR... Continue reading

  MY AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE AND I ARE PART OF THE DYNAMIC TEAM OF THERAPY DOGS AND THEIR HANDLERS ALONG WITH OUR SUPPORTIVE AHS VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATORS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA HOSPITAL.  I LOVE SEEING THE CHANGE IN A PATIENT'S FEELINGS WHEN THEY ARE IMPACTED BY THE LOVE OF OUR FURRY FRIENDS. THE DOGS ARE SILENT LISTENERS AND SEEM TO KNOW WHAT THE PATIENT IS NEEDING IN THAT MOMENT. A WARM FUZZY HUG, A FURRY NECK TO SHED SOME TEARS, A PAW GENTLY NUGDING TO BE PET BY A STROKE PATIENT, A LONG GAZE INTO THEIR SOULFUL EYES AND JUST COMPANY FOR ANY PATIENT FEELING LONELY.  I WISH WE COULD BOTTLE THE CHANGES WE SEE BEFORE OUR EYES AND SHOW YOU BUT FOR US VOLUNTEERS IT IS ALWAYS THERE IN OUR HEART AND WE ALL HAVE MANY IMAGES AND MEMORIES THAT WILL STAY WITH US FOREVER AND MANY TIMES WITH THE PATIENTS AS WELL. MANY OF US RUN INTO THE SAME PATIENTS LATER ON, OFTEN WHEN THEY ARE FEELING BETTER AND MAYBE COMING IN FOR A FOLLOW UP TREATMENT AND I'LL NEVER FORGET ONE GENTLEMAN TELL ME HE STILL HAS ARIA'S POST CARD ON HIS NIGHT STAND AND THAT THOSE TIMES WITH HER AT THE HOSPITAL MEANT SO MUCH TO HIM AND HIS WIFE. THIS IS WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO AND LOVE IT:)

• AHS in Reflection

  by ivandyne, over 7 years ago

  Many years of criticism by those opposed to the idea of AHS, but it's now becoming the model by which other Canadian provinces are following. #WeAreAHS

  Many years of criticism by those opposed to the idea of AHS, but it's now becoming the model by which other Canadian provinces are following. #WeAreAHS