06 Nov 2020
Meet Bonnie from Crowsnest Pass
Bonnie is a member of the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre Quality Council, and also volunteers there with the bereavement and palliative care programs.
What first interested you about the position?
I am passionate about the operations of our CNP Health Care Centre, especially involving the care and well-being of our patients, both in Acute Care and Long-term Care.
How would you describe what you do to someone interested in this position?
You are there to enhance the patient's care and well-being, NOT direct it. You should be empathetic to the situations that the families and the patients are dealing with. You should listen more and talk less.
Thank you, Bonnie, for your contributions to make AHS better. All that you do has a huge, positive impact on patient and family centred care!
05 Nov 2020
Meet Lynne from Lethbridge
Lynne is part of the South Zone Quality Council, and has participated in the South Zone Family Presence Review project. She is also on the South Zone planning team for PFCC Week.
What first interested you about the position?
I became involved as a PFA because I was angry and frustrated with my partner’s experience during his healthcare journey. I didn't want this to be acceptable and was prepared to do something to work toward improving healthcare in Alberta.
Why did you become a PFA, and why do you continue?
I was approached to become a PFA. I was willing to see if I could be heard by becoming a supplement to the system. I continue because I still have hope.
Thank you, Lynne, for your contributions to make AHS better. All that you do has a huge, positive impact on patient and family centred care!
04 Nov 2020
Meet Jill from Foremost, Alberta.
Jill first joined the Provincial Patient and Family Advisory Group in 2014, and has been involved with many projects provincially and in the South Zone since that time.
How would you describe what you do to someone interested in this position?
Because I live some distance from any healthcare facility, I do not have the opportunity to do many hands-on things. Mostly I am involved in numerous meetings via Skype or Zoom. I just listen and give my view of what is being discussed from a patient and family viewpoint.
What is one exciting thing you would like to share about this position?
I was involved with ConnectCare from the design phase right to implementation in the Edmonton Zone. In August I was asked to be part of the Primary and Integrated Health Care Innovations Network Summer Learning Series. This was a national series and Alberta's part was on big data. I spoke about ConnectCare and what benefits it would provide for Albertans.
Thank you, Jill, for your contributions to make AHS better. All that you do has a huge, positive impact on patient and family centred care!.
04 Nov 2020
Meet Joel from Lethbridge, Alberta.
Joel is currently involved with the Provincial Patient and Family Advisor Group, Chinook ED Quality Council and many others. He also volunteers with Spiritual Care at Chinook and is part of the South Zone planning team for PFCC Week.
What first interested you about the position?
I have been through the AHS system, having had a couple spine surgeries. I had many doctors and nurses caring for me, and received ongoing treatments. They made me whole, and I wanted to give back to AHS. I want to be a voice for other patients and families, to assist and improve AHS and the care they provide.
How would you describe what you do to someone interested in this position?
I listen and collaborate with the other people on the committees I sit on. They may be a PFA like me, a front-line AHS employee, nurse, doctor, high-level executive, or even the president of AHS. I am accepted as an equal and give my opinions and suggestions, all the while thinking what another patient would think or want.
Thank you, Joel, for your contributions to make AHS better. All that you do has a huge, positive impact on patient and family centred care!
04 Nov 2020
Meet Cynthia from Medicine Hat
Cynthia has worked with the Child/Youth Adolescent & Mental Health Consultation/Liaison team, and looks forward to other opportunities to contribute to quality teams and projects in AHS.
What first interested you about the position?
I wanted to understand more about how to get connected to a mental health team in my community. I work with many parents in my circle that are raising challenging kids (those with sensory and/or difficulties surrounding mental health) and I desire to be a part of this networking so more people can easily access help.
What is one exciting thing you would like to share about this position?
That my city is full of agents for change in this area!
Thank you, Cynthia, for your contributions to make AHS better. All that you do has a huge, positive impact on patient and family centred care!
03 Nov 2020
November 4th 12-1pm
Register Here
Join this webinar to watch a Patient and Family Digital Story premiere discussing virtual health during COVID-19 and beyond, participate in a discussion with the storyteller, and learn about what you can do to optimize the patient experience in virtual care interactions.
Staff members at South Zone acute care sites will be wearing this sticker all week, inviting you to have a one-on-one conversation about what patient and family centred care means to you.