Our People Story Spring 2022 - Alberta Health Services
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Our People Story
Spring 2022
2 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022
Table of contents
Looking to the future.................................................................................... 4
We are AHS.................................................................................................. 6
We care........................................................................................................ 8
COVID-19: We rise to a global threat.......................................................... 10
We support our people............................................................................... 12
We strive to be diverse and inclusive.......................................................... 14
We strive to be healthy............................................................................... 16
We are constantly learning.......................................................................... 18
We are teachers and mentors..................................................................... 20
We pursue excellence................................................................................. 22
We’re in our communities........................................................................... 24
We celebrate our people............................................................................. 26
Our People Story | Spring 2022
This AHS document
was prepared by Community Engagement
and Communications, and Human Resources.
To comment, email jodie.wade@ahs.ca
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 3
Looking to
the future
During one of the most difficult We have strengthened our staff mental
periods in Alberta healthcare history, health supports to ensure you get the
our people have done more than ever help you need when you need it. And
to support Albertans and each other. we’ve further expanded and committed
Every employee, physician and volunteer our efforts to build a safe, welcoming and
has gone above and beyond with their inclusive organization. Our focus remains
selflessness, flexibility, understanding and on safety, access and quality of care for
compassion. Albertans who need us, while moving the
You continue to rise to meet every organization toward greater efficiency,
challenge, and you should be proud value and integration. None of this would
of how you have navigated through be possible without your dedication.
the biggest public health crisis of our Your commitment to quality care
lifetimes. continues to be an inspiration. From
Despite all you have faced, AHS taking the extra time to listen to a
continues to accomplish great things. colleague who needs to talk, to helping
We have accelerated our virtual care calm a child who is afraid of needles, to
offerings so more Albertans can get granting the wish of an end-of-life patient
the care they need in their own home. to see a sunset one last time—every
Greg Turnbull, AHS Board Chair
4 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022
AHS Foundational
Strategies
day you live AHS’ values of compassion,
accountability, respect, excellence and
safety.
Once again, the AHS Board and I
want to thank each and every one of you.
Let us move forward with optimism that
brighter days are ahead.
AHS has four foundational strategies
—Greg Turnbull, QC supporting our efforts to deliver safe,
Board Chair high-quality, patient and family-centred
care to Albertans:
• Patient First Strategy strengthens
AHS’ culture and practices to ensure
patients and families are at the centre
of all healthcare activities, decisions
and teams.
• Our People Strategy is about how
we support each other and create
a culture in which we all feel safe,
healthy, valued, included, and able
to reach our full potential.
• Strategy for Clinical Health
Research, Innovation & Analytics
generates, shares and uses evidence
in the delivery of care to improve
patient outcomes and to solve the
complex challenges affecting the health
system.
• Information Management/
Information Technology (IM/IT)
Strategy focuses on making the right
information available to the right people
at the right time across the health
system, so that providers and patients
have access to complete information
at the point of care and to learn from in
the future.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 5
We are AHS • AHS has five geographical zones
of care—South, Calgary, Central,
The health of all Albertans lies at the heart of everything Edmonton and North.
we do and everything we are at AHS. No matter where
• These zones help AHS provide
you are in the province, we are there for you when you decision-making at a local level,
need us most. and enable AHS to listen to and
respond to local communities,
As a high-performing healthcare maintaining and/or improving their health.
local staff, and patients and
organization, we dedicate ourselves We share our knowledge, too, with
clients.
to delivering safe, quality, patient- and students from colleges and universities
family-centred care to more than four across Alberta and Canada who choose • Province wide services—
million Albertans. We live in various rural to receive their clinical and practical including emergency medical
and urban communities working 24 education alongside us. services; population and public
hours a day, seven days a week, 365 We bring our own stories and values to health; Indigenous wellness core;
days a year. We are comprised of over the workplace based on our professional diagnostic imaging; and quality
112,000 employees, 6,000 volunteers training and personal experiences that and safety—work in cooperation
and over 9,000 medical staff. We are help shape and strengthen who we with the zones to deliver care.
leaders, mentors and teammates. We are are. We are guided by our rich diversity,
• AHS works at providing more
diverse. We are unique. And we all do shared core values and competencies,
community-based resources and
great things every day. and a common understanding of what’s
services for Albertans, including
We work at 900 facilities across the important, taking care of Albertans and
addiction and mental health,
province, including hospitals, clinics, each other. We are stronger together,
long-term care, supportive living,
continuing care facilities, cancer and by creating a culture that includes
palliative care and home care.
centres, mental health facilities and and engages our workforce, we will
community health sites. We have an continue to do amazing things.
extensive network of community-based
services designed to assist Albertans in
AHS Vision AHS Mission AHS CARES
To provide a patient-focused,
quality health system that is
accessible and sustainable
for all Albertans.
6 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022
We are there through
every stage of life Statistics from 2020–2021
ED
1.55 million
Emergency 602,300
department visits EMS events WE PROVIDE PATIENT- AND
FAMILY-CENTRED CARE
6.58 million 2.5 million We provide comfort and caring, perform
Outpatient visits*
Total hospital days life-saving surgery and conduct groundbreaking
research.
46,600 We welcome babies into the world, help
Births 737,200
Cancer patient people recover from serious injuries and illness,
visits and support them through physical, emotional
and mental health challenges—at every stage of
2.29 million 1.8 million life. And, when healing is no longer possible, we
Calls to Health Link provide compassionate care and support.
Health Link COVID-19 calls
We promote healthy living in communities.
We immunize, and prevent disease, disability
3.6 million
72.99 million COVID-19 tests
and injury.
Lab tests We teach, learn from our colleagues and
mentor and train students from universities and
colleges within Alberta, across our nation and
1.65 million 2,800 many other countries.
Seasonal influenza Addiction and mental
immunizations health beds/spaces We engage with people, patients and
families to gain meaningful input. We work at
900 facilities located in 145 small and large
communities across Alberta providing virtual
26,200 8,500 care and care in:
Food safety Acute care
inspections beds/spaces • Emergency departments
• Urgent care centres
• Acute care hospitals
27,700 117,900
• Mental health/addiction centres
Long-term care • Corrections centres
Unique home
and supportive care clients • Cancer care facilities
living beds/spaces • Continuing care centres
• Outpatient clinics
Our people
• Public health clinics
Statistics as of March 1, 2022
Engagement
167 1,200 patient and family advisors
9,003 serving on
112,393 Physicians Midwives
Employees 12 Health Advisory Councils,
4 Provincial Advisory Councils
Serving
and
6,239 4.4 million
Volunteers Albertans
1 Wisdom Council
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 7
We care
Care is what we do and who we are. We are there for people when they need us most.
Just like the paramedics who made a ‘final trip’ to end-of-life care a magical one.
Even on her ‘final trip’ to end-of-life want to see before we go.” Hunt, Zentner and their supervisor Dean
care, Mary Volk enjoyed a precious gift—a At first, Volk said no, because she didn’t Senkiw all believe that the final trip should
chance to make a truly magical memory— want to be any trouble for the pair. be something memorable.
thanks to the compassion of staff with But her family suggested they might “It’s not the first time I’ve done it and
AHS’ South Zone EMS. stop by Medalta, Medicine Hat’s historic it won’t be the last,” says Hunt. “It’s
When paramedics Tamara Hunt and ceramics museum and arts facility, where something to make the trip for them.
Kristine Zentner got the call on Sept. 17 Volk could reminisce about her youthful Something that impacts their life the best
to take Volk from her home to receive days working there before getting married. we can during their last moments. It’s very
palliative care at St. Joseph’s Home for So Zentner drove to Medalta, followed patient- and family-centred care.”
the Aged—a type of patient transfer often by a few family members, where Hunt Zentner adds: “(It’s) just giving that
referred to as a ‘final trip’—the pair knew spotted some employees outside. After person a little more dignity. A little more
they wanted to make the ride special for sharing with them the reason why an say in how their care goes. Or normalcy
her. ambulance had arrived and the nature of in a not-normal time. We let them know
“I’ve been in this job for 16 years,” says their visit, Hunt asked if there was any way they’re important to us. Every patient is
Hunt, who assisted that day. “I believe that they could sneak inside for even a minute. important.”
the final trip is a very important one—and “Well, that turned into a whole private On similar trips—whether it’s buying ice
I have always been the type of person to tour,” adds Hunt. “The people at Medalta cream, impromptu photo shoots or simply
ask them if they have anywhere in the city were unreal, so full of compassion. There opening the ambulance doors to take in a
that means something to them, that they were tears at the end of it.” view of nature’s splendor—the South Zone
Sharing the love Words of gratitude from Albertans
“Went in for day surgery “Thank you to the many “Thank you. Thank
and I can’t say enough people who care for you. THANK YOU. I
positive [things] about us. Those who keep want you to know that
the experience, the healthcare facilities I appreciate what you
staff, the facilities, the clean and safe; who are doing, most of it
treatment, the care...all top notch. I provide hands-on care that supports I’ll never fully comprehend, to help
greatly appreciate the care, concern our well-being; who work behind the our people. I’m sorry you have to go
and attention paid by the people I scenes to expedite supply chain; and through this awful time, and I hope
encountered today. Thank you so those whose small acts of kindness you know that there are countless
much, it was a truly great experience, I buoy our spirits.” Albertans beside and behind you that
was very impressed.” think you are heroes. Your sacrifices
—Lynn M., March 26, 2021 are not lost on me. I wish you rest,
—Al Moes, Aug. 27, 2021 respite, and time with the people
you love. I hope you don’t have to
keep fighting much longer, but know
that you have many allies with you.
Sending you love.”
—Anonymous, Oct. 22, 2021
8 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022
THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE
SHAPE OUR ORGANIZATION
We are driven by hope, compassion
and a desire to help.
Our interactions with patients,
clients and their families are
meaningful and rewarding in
countless ways. The importance
of what we do is reflected in their
voices:
• Sharing the Love: Thanking
Our People: a website where
South Zone paramedics Tamara Hunt and Kristine Zentner, at right, helped to Albertans can share their
create a special ‘final trip’ memory for their patient Mary Volk and her family, as appreciation for teams on the
they transported her from home to end-of-life care recently in Medicine Hat. frontlines and behind-the-scenes
and where employees may visit
to recognize the impact their
EMS team aims to live and breathe the workers as well as families. hard work is having during the
AHS values of patient-focused care. “It’s not about us. It’s not about me pandemic.
“Mary deserved everything that we had when I do it,” says Hunt. “But when we • Thanks For Caring: a website
for her,” says Zentner. “When you’re with a have a memorable moment like that, it’s featuring posts of online
patient, they’re the most important patient something you never forget.” messages of gratitude for care or
at that time.” Senkiw adds: “We should all be striving support received from any person
Unfortunately, there isn’t always the time to do this kind of thing. It’s part of our working in any role at any AHS
or opportunity to add something special mission at AHS to be patient-focused— site.
during these trips, but when such beautiful and I’m very proud of our team.” • Because You Cared: a video
moments happen, they move healthcare series in which Albertans thank
their care providers.
“The work of all “My sincere thanks We are fuelled by knowledge,
caregivers and and appreciation to all discovery, science and evidence.
administration at AHS the frontline workers; AHS is shaped by the health
should be revered and a special thank you needs of individuals, families and
applauded during these to the biomedical communities, and with the input
difficult times. Sending you my full engineering technologists. Without of patients and families, as well as
admiration, support, gratitude and them installing and maintaining all local, provincial and Indigenous
friendship wrapped in a warm and the equipment used in hospitals advisory councils.
comforting virtual hug. You got this!” and clinics, the nurses and doctors
Our roots can be traced to the first
wouldn’t be able to treat the patients.
—Bernie, Oct. 1, 2021 clinics and hospitals in the province.
Biomedical engineering technologists
We stand on more than 150 years of
are often forgotten, [but play a] vital
advances and innovations in caring
role in healthcare.”
for people.
—Sharon, Dec. 3, 2021
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 9
COVID-19
We rise to a global threat
March 5, 2022, marked the two-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19
in Alberta. Two years and many waves later, our people continue to go above and beyond
to take care of patients, and each other.
When the fourth wave of the COVID-19 if I could be of any help here. I’ve always making them better. And some of these
pandemic pushed the healthcare system respected my colleagues, always knew it people, you can’t make them better. It’s
to the brink, an urgent call went out was a very difficult job to work here, and I heartbreaking.”
for more space, equipment, resources just wanted to be of help to them.” “Naturally, we’re accustomed to looking
and especially staff to swiftly boost ICU Jena, who’s been a surgeon at the after sick people,” adds Dr. Carl Nohr,
capacity. hospital for 14 years, now accepts shifts associate zone medical director in the
In response, doctors and nurses from to assist in the COVID-19 acute care unit south zone.
diverse backgrounds put up their hands at MHRH. “But never this many at a time—and
to ask: “How can I help?” One of many Working alongside him is Registered with such severe illness. That’s taxing, on
who answered the call across the province Nurse Michele Welford, who has 30 years peoples energy, on their ability to manage
was Dr. Debakanta Jena, an orthopedic of OR and ambulatory care experience. their day-to-day lives—so when we have
surgeon at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital “This is different than anything, even individuals willing to step forward and work
(MHRH). when there was a trauma in the OR, this outside their normal job description to help
“I really couldn’t stop myself from is different,” says Welford. “The patients out, it really lowers the temperature a bit
coming down and trying my best to are sick. Some of them you can’t help, for everyone on the team.”
help,” he says. “It’s a completely different and in nursing, we’re supposed to be
skill-set, but I felt it was my duty to see helping people, we’re supposed to be
How we helped
Since the start of the pandemic, AHS employees have:
Treated
Delivered
6.9 MILLION 27,000
Provided
3.3 MILLION
doses of the COVID-19 vaccine COVID tests Albertans in
our hospitals
Received the COVID-19 vaccine Built and operationalized
Answered
97% oftimeAHSemployees
full and part- 90+ vaccine and
assessment centres
5.5+ MILLION and across the province
calls to Health Link 99.8% of physicians
10 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022COVID-19
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Debakanta Jena dons personal protective equipment
before assisting in the care of COVID-19 patients. Jena has stepped up to support
colleagues in acute care at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Our people make a difference
“Went in for day surgery and “We had to make
I can’t say enough positive adjustments to staffing
[things] about the experience, levels quickly. Our teams
the staff, the facilities, the worked extra shifts and we
treatment, the care...all top brought in all the casual
notch. I greatly appreciate staff we could to help. We
the care, concern and attention paid by the also worked with others within Alberta
people I encountered today. Thank you so Health Services so they could redeploy
much, it was a truly great experience, I was hundreds of staff to Health Link to be able
very impressed.” to help us manage the calls.”
—Dr. Graham Tipples, Alberta Precision —Yvonne Ewanicke, Health Link site
Laboratories’ medical-scientific director of manager on adjusting quickly to meet
public health, whose team stayed up all the growing demand for health advice
night Christmas Eve to validate the variant and information by Albertans.
with multiple testing.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 11We support our people
The past two years of this pandemic have been difficult, especially for those in
healthcare. AHS provides a variety of supports to help the physical, mental, emotional
and spiritual well-being of staff and physicians. One such support is the Staff Wellness
Centre at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
With staff fatigue and burnout a growing The centre was unveiled in October or engage with tactile activities such as
issue during the pandemic, a quiet space 2021 thanks to the teamwork, site colouring or clay—all designed to offer
has been set aside at Red Deer Regional leadership and staff from Spiritual Care, each person multisensory options for
Hospital Centre (RDRHC) for physicians Volunteer Resources, Environmental respite.
and staff struggling with the day-to-day Services, Protective Services, Facilities “A place like this is a dedicated space
challenges of COVID-19. Maintenance & Engineering, Information just for staff, where they can come and be
The Staff Wellness Centre has been Technology and Infection Prevention themselves, have a good cry, sit quietly,
created temporarily from the hospital’s Control. Financial support came from the do what they need to do to refresh so
Moose Cottage, a space that in typical Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. they can go back to work or go home—
times serves as a cozy area of respite “It was important to create this space because they have families and they need
for patients and family members who because our leadership team was to compartmentalize and avoid taking their
need a break away from the hospital concerned for the well-being of our emotions and troubles to their families,”
room. Because Moose Cottage is usually physicians and staff during the fourth wave says Tracey Stagg, spiritual care team lead
volunteer-run—and the volunteers are of the pandemic and wanted to create a for the Central Zone.
currently unable to work at the site due space to support frontline caregivers who While in the space, staff can also read
to the pandemic—the space was sitting are experiencing stressful times,” adds about support resources available through
empty. Gulka. the Employee Family Assistance Program.
“Initiatives like this are one of the many Located on the third floor of RDRHC, As Stagg acknowledges, the spiritual
ways we can show staff our appreciation the centre features a rotation of activities to care team has had a number of difficult
for their efforts in this pandemic, and help staff to rest, create and work through conversations with staff, in addition to
our support for their physical, mental, emotions. Healthcare workers who want those with patients and families, who
emotional and spiritual well-being,” says to step away on a break will find space struggle with the effects of the pandemic.
Jodi Gulka, executive associate with to relax in a recliner by a fireplace, listen “There have been times staff want to
RDRHC administration. to therapeutic music, read, reflect, journal do one thing and can’t (due to current
Supporting mental health
Some current supports:
• Our COVID-19 internal intranet site outlines the many get ahead of any adversity.
resources available to support our workforce, including • Our people and Albertans may subscribe to Togetherall;
a resilience, wellness and mental health resource guide a free, online peer-to-peer mental health support network
regularly updated as new supports become available. where individuals can discuss their lived and living
• The AHS weekly all-staff emails regularly include mental experiences with mental health.
health resources and supports. • Over the past year, a number of webinars and blogs were
• There is consistent and regular promotion of our Employee created on various topics related to mental health.
and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and the Alberta • The Physician Wellness, Diversity and Development portfolio
Medical Association’s Physician & Family Support Program. worked with the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI)
• Our people can use the EFAP Resilience App, Headversity, to develop three-hour workshops on Trauma Informed
that offers the skills to proactively build mental health and Leadership, delivered by trainers certified through the CTRI.
12 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022HERE ARE A FEW OF THE
MANY RESOURCES GUIDING
HOW AHS SUPPORTS OUR
PEOPLE
Front-line Leader Advisory
Council
This group of front-line leaders from
across AHS zones and programs
provides feedback on corporate
initiatives, as well as input on issues
concerning front-line leaders.
Alberta Clinician Professional
Practice Council (ACPPC)
This group is a multidisciplinary
forum for clinicians to share
knowledge, experience and
expertise that supports decision-
making on key AHS programs.
Our People Strategy
This strategy is about creating a
culture at AHS in which all employees
feel safe, healthy, valued and included
Tracey Stagg, spiritual care team lead for Central Zone, welcomes all to the Staff and able to reach their full potential.
Wellness Centre at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
Our People Survey and Pulse
Survey
restrictions) and that moral distress is as a means to share reflections on the
These two surveys help AHS
so difficult. For example, where families day, personal struggles and uplifting
leaders gauge, assess and
want to be present while their loved one messages—as a way of connecting and
continually improve workforce
is going through illness, and they can’t,” inspiring one another. Journaling offers a engagement.
says Stagg. powerful form of self-expression and self-
“As the waves come and go, there’s reflection to reduce feelings of isolation Joint Workplace Health and
hope and then there isn’t, adrenaline and and build understanding among peers. Safety Committees
then there isn’t. Families are tired, staff Says Stagg: “When leaving a message 206 committees comprised of
are tired. We roll with the waves.” on the journal, you never know who you workers and managers from
Staff at the centre are also encouraged will inspire today or in the future.” local AHS sites and programs
to contribute to a journal—placed there promote health and safety in their
workplaces.
Our words Human Resources Contact Centre
In-house team providing support
“Compassion, kindness and “As leaders, we can feel for HR inquiries by phone and
empathy for all in our care, the pressure to do it through an online portal. Includes
a team dedicated to resolving
and each other, are central all and not show any
management-related issues for
to everything we do, every vulnerability. When we
leaders.
day.” make mental health
part of our everyday Insite
—Shawna Syverson, conversations, we make it normal.” Our internal website provides quick
senior operating officer,
Foothills Medical Centre. access to organizational updates,
—Dr. Mircea Fagarasanu, programs, resources, and learning
senior program officer, opportunities.
Workplace Health and Safety.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 13We strive to be diverse
and inclusive
The AHS workforce is comprised of a diversity of ethnicities, religions, gender identities,
ages and sexual orientations. AHS continues to support diversity and inclusion in many
ways, while also recognizing where we can learn and improve, together.
As a community-based occupational is the first time in my career I’m having well. We not only need to call out major
therapist in a smaller community, I am conversations about the impact of racism, instances of racism, but we also need
often the only visible minority in the room. both at work and at home with my to speak out against microaggressions.
I joined the Ethnic Minority Workforce children. Racism impacts the well-being and safety
Resource Group to connect with others It’s made me feel like I have a voice and of not only our staff, but the care we
across the organization and when the I matter. I’m looking forward to taking my provide to all Albertans.
Black Lives Matter and the increasingly own education further in this area. I really believe in the Anti-Racism
vocal white nationalism movements I hope when people read the AHS Position Statement and I’m hopeful that,
took place across the border, I couldn’t Anti-Racism Position Statement they together, this is the first step of many to
pass up the opportunity to be part of the understand that racism is real within AHS. address racism within AHS.
Anti-Racism Advisory Group. I wanted to Members of our group were vulnerable We can affect change.
address the issues I see living and working and brave to share their experiences, but This excerpt is taken from the AHS Work
in southern Alberta. there were also many who shared their Safe Blog written by Shobha George-
Looking back at the year of work the experiences in the focus groups and in the Jansen, occupational therapist, Children’s
Anti-Racism Advisory Group has done, survey. Allied Health.
[it] has definitely changed me. I’m already We as an organization need allies to
seeing things in a different light and this stand up, speak out and be brave as
Anti-racism
As part of our continued efforts to build a safer, more welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued,
healthy and safe, in May 2021, after almost a year of comprehensive consultations and preparations, guided by the Anti-
Racism Advisory Group, AHS released an organization-wide anti-racism position statement:
“
Alberta Health Services (AHS) will combat racism and
discrimination in all forms. AHS will lead by example
with a goal to become a healthcare organization that is
inclusive, respectful and treats everyone with fairness,
“
equity and equality regardless of race.
In October 2021 36 recommendations followed of how AHS can continue working towards a safe, welcoming, inclusive
and anti-racist organization with a culture that we all want to be a part of.
14 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022AHS HAS CREATED
A CULTURE OF DIVERSITY
AND INCLUSION (D&I)
We have developed many programs,
resources and education materials to
recognize the diversity of our people
and to ensure our staff feel safe and
supported. We have a dedicated D&I
centre of expertise that offers education
and resources to physicians, staff,
leaders and volunteers on topics such
as unconscious bias; intergenerational
relationships; improving the experience
for LGBTQ2S+ people; power, privilege
& oppression, allyship, and more.
Shobha George-Jansen (middle left) with her family. D&I sessions, webinars and e-learning
modules led or supported by the
diversity and inclusion centre of
expertise reached an audience of
13,597 in 2021 making it the highest
year yet. Since the creation of the D&I
centre of expertise in 2016 they have
reached over 60,000!
D&I works to reduce barriers across the
organization. Examples include inclusive
washrooms and facilities, reflection
rooms and indigenous cultural spaces.
We have a D&I Council whose purpose
is to help set the pace, direction and
actions to create a safer and more
inclusive environment for everyone who
is part of and interacts with AHS.
We formed an AHS Anti-Racism
Advisory Group—a subcommittee of the
D&I Council—to develop a consistent
and comprehensive approach to AHS
anti-racism activities. Members of the
Advisory Group represented Indigenous,
Our words
Black, People of Colour and Jewish
workers from across AHS.
We support the formation of Workforce
“When the Gender X option “I’ve met individuals Resource Groups (WRGs) including:
opens in e-People, I’ll be outside of and within AHS • Proud Together LGBTQ2S+
taking advantage of it. It’s who’ve seen my potential • Women in Leadership in EMS
exciting to have an option and who actively support • Diversity and Racial Equity (DaRE)
that suits who I am. To me me on my journey. My We offer many resources to support,
it’s a sign of respect and allies convinced me “to develop and grow our Indigenous
validation of who I am as a person and go for the gold” and have helped workforce and education to build a
that I’m respected as such. It’s as simple me succeed. I’m so thankful and better understanding of Indigenous
and basic as that.” appreciative of their support.” history.
—Ren Braul, registered nurse —Cheryl Smith-John, We are proud to be recognized as one
operations manager of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
for the fourth consecutive year.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 15We strive to be healthy
AHS encourages teams to stay balanced physically, mentally and socially. Peer-support
programs, like the one at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, are just one of the many
ways we support that.
Staff at Red Deer Regional Hospital The program’s primary goal is to crafts.
Centre’s (RDRHC) emergency department support colleagues after critical incidents They also have a “kudos corner”—two
have developed a peer-support program or in difficult work situations. The team bulletin boards in the physician and staff
to lean on one another through these provides confidential peer-to-peer support, break rooms—which provide space for
tough times. post-incident debriefs and assistance to colleagues to post handwritten notes
“We noticed when COVID started, our connect with professional support when of encouragement or gratitude for one
staff were feeling more isolated, and less requested. another.
connected to each other than we had One of the initiatives gathers staff “Sometimes, it’s about a nurse having a
been before,” says Natalie Anderson, a regularly via Zoom to allow for specific rough shift, or it’s someone who’s thankful
registered nurse and peer support team debriefs, or to generally touch base with for something that happened, and it’s just
lead for RDRHC’s emergency department them about how they’re navigating the a way to change the perspective into a
and Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory pandemic. positive,” says Anderson.
Care. “That is so important for morale, and Another way staff showed recognition
“We used to be able to go into the break especially in the work that we do,” adds for one other was through their 30 days of
room and have lots of people laughing and Anderson. “We see a lot of things that are gratitude initiative. Late last year, nurses
joking, but now have a limit of five, and we hard to look at, and sometimes talking to and support staff were invited to place
must be distanced, and we can’t share each other about those things is the way their names in a draw for a daily prize,
food anymore—so we had to look for through it.” courtesy of department physicians. The
new ways to bring some of that joy back, The team is also working on setting up peer-support program places emphasis
to connect and make our way through Zoom meetings so staff can gather for fun on staff recognition, as having their hard
challenges.” activities such as cooking classes, yoga or work acknowledged by colleagues gives
Supporting our workforce
To support our workforce to be healthy • How you move (e.g. ergonomics, • Physical activity and fitness (e.g.
and well, AHS has a variety of resources client and material handing AHS fitness centers, discounts at
and supports on important topics: supports, etc.) local fitness facilities, etc.)
• Family resources (e.g. pregnancy • Immunization (e.g. employee • Safe and respectful workplaces (e.g.
and parental leave resources, child information, rates, etc.) diversity and inclusion, prevention of
care resources, etc.) • Mental health and psychological violence, etc.)
• Financial wellness (e.g. financial safety (e.g. supporting mental • Stress and resiliency (e.g. stress
supports, financial wellness health at work, resiliency supports, management program, resiliency
assessment) understanding psychological safety, coaching, etc.)
• Healthy eating (e.g. overview of what how to support someone who is • Sleep and fatigue (e.g. fatigue—
healthy eating is, meal ideas and struggling, etc.) what is it and how it impacts work,
recipes, etc.) • Occupational hygiene (e.g. asbestos, managing shift work, etc.)
noise management, etc.)
16 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022RESOURCES HELPING
IMPROVE THE HEALTH
OF OUR PEOPLE
Psychological Health and Safety
Action Plan
The plan outlines the organizational
direction and goals towards
supporting the psychological safety
of our workforce.
Wellness Champion Network
Staff can lead change for better
health by being a Wellness
Champion. The network now has
more than 450 members. The
Sandy Polis, a volunteer at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, gets a high-five objectives are to:
from Teddy the dog as part of pet visitation for staff during the pandemic. • Promote overall well-being
• Inspire people to stay active and
make healthy choices
• Plan local and virtual wellness
meaning, a sense of belonging and others said that a few minutes of “dog
initiatives
connection across teams. conversation” or a fur-baby hug is balm for
Another well-received initiative is the pet their soul. Employee and Family Assistance
visitation program, offered by Volunteer Volunteer dog handler Sandy Polis Program (EFAP)
Resources. Three days a week, one of consistently receives thanks from all for the EFAP provides 24/7 confidential
three friendly dogs and their handlers few minutes of chill time a friendly pooch and free services including lifestyle
drop by to visit staff in emergency, making provides. and specialty coaching, short term
meaningful connections and promoting “It’s just a little momentary break from counselling, and other health and
healing. the stress of the day,” adds Polis, who wellness supports covering a range
“Staff appreciate this program. A few intimately understands the need to de- of topics such as nutrition, lifestyle
changes, grief and loss, legal or
minutes of these visits provide comfort stress, thanks to her 35-year career as a
financial concerns, workplace issues,
and a sense of gratitude,” says Brenda psychiatric nurse prior to retirement.
relationship issues, career and
Farwell, co-ordinator, Volunteer Resources “I’ve had so many people tell me they retirement planning, addiction, and
at RDRHC. were having a bad day and Teddy, or one mental health issues.
Staff have said they are grateful for of the other dogs, just turned it around. It
EFAP also includes the Headversity
these precious moments every day, while makes a world of difference.”
app, a resilience trainer which
supports proactively building mental
health and getting ahead of any
Our words adversity.
Respectful Workplaces and the
Prevention of Harassment and
“As healthcare providers, “Part of our wellness
Violence
we need to lead by journey has been
example and become figuring out what A full range of resources, supports
and training are provided to create a
immunized against works—and finding the
safe work environment, and promote
influenza. The more of us positive in what’s been
respect and inclusiveness.
who do, the more we’ll be a tough time. By being
able to create communities of immunity open and having conversations about Change the Conversation
to protect the people we care about.” wellness, we’ve been able to identify— This initiative helps our workforce
and voice—what we need to be at have conversations about how to
—Robyn Harrison, communicable our best.”
disease consultant, Workplace develop safe, healthy, inclusive and
Health & Safety; Infectious Disease respectful working relationships
—Thyra Marleau, administrative
Specialist, Edmonton Zone support, Environmental Services by bringing all of the supports and
resources needed on a topic to one
place.
17We are constantly learning
Healthcare and learning go hand-in-hand. At AHS, we know this is key to improving
patient care and services. And why we have so many resources to support learning, like
the Knowledge Resource Service—a one-stop shop that provides staff and physicians
with the latest access to scientific information and resources from all over the world.
Elizabeth Aitken has seen a lot of our electronic catalogue of resources. We to the bedside. Studies show working
change since she began her healthcare now literally have thousands of electronic with library staff leads to better patient
career in 1994. journals and e-books, as well as multiple outcomes and fewer adverse outcomes,
“I started out in Calgary, which includes databases AHS staff can access.” and we’re glad to be part of that.”
10 years at the University of Calgary. They The KRS supports evidence-informed Due to safety reasons and to help stop
provided library services for healthcare decision-making and quality patient care the spread of COVID-19, KRS had to close
in the area at that time,” says the senior by providing staff with access to, and their physical sites temporarily. But that
consultant for collections with the support in using, high-quality evidence didn’t stop them from being a key player in
Knowledge Resource Service. resources. This includes point-of-care the pandemic response.
Library services across AHS have resources such as Dynamed, journal article “We were prepared,” says Aitken.
since been brought together under one databases, subject guides, e-journals, “We are already a virtual team, and
umbrella—Knowledge Resource Service assistance with literature searching and our resources are digital in nature. We
(KRS)—which celebrates 10 years of more. dedicated a team of librarians to support
service this year. “Having so much access to scientific the Scientific Advisory Group, providing
“When we started to amalgamate, we information and resources from all over in-depth resources and literature searches,
took a good, hard look at what library the world really helps the people who are with speedy turnaround times. We also
services needed to become,” adds Aitken. providing healthcare,” says Aiken. vastly increased staff and physician access
“We focused on equitable access to our “We help get them the best information to e-books, journals and databases from
services across the province and building to make good decisions—bringing KRS across the world.”
MyLearningLink in 2021–2022
2,575
2,201
courses
distinct
2,306,327 delivered
virtually logins
courses
(Required Organizational Learning)
584,495 ROL course completions
17,892
learning
1,207,796
447
sessions new courses
scheduled learning hours
for our people
added
18 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022EDUCATION HELPS US
IMPROVE OUR WORK
AND OUR LIVES
MyLearningLink
This 24/7 online learning and content
management system provides a single
point of access to over 2,500 AHS
learning opportunities on a variety of
provincial or zone-specific topics.
Required Organizational Learning
These courses are essential for all
employees and ensure our staff are
informed about important health
and safety policies, organizational
commitments, emergency
procedures, and legal and privacy
requirements.
Over its first 10 years, the Knowledge Resource Service has grown to support
evidence-informed decision-making and quality patient care by providing staff Your Learning, Your Way
with access to, and support in using, high-quality evidence resources. This advanced tool allows our people
to map out options for learning across
KRS continues to be a valued resource As for the future, Aitken says it’s a bright beginning, developing, advancing,
for staff and physicians, explains Morgan one. and mastering levels. This tool allows
Truax, Director of Knowledge Resource “We’ll continue to bring our expertise learners to find the right learning asset
for their needs, both in topic, and level
Service. and support our clients to make good
of skill/knowledge.
“Last year, we assisted with more than choices, and build more online tools and
2,600 literature searches, had 24,000 apps to support care at the bedside. Employee Development Program
article requests, and provided support We’ll also continue to build relationships New to AHS, this 12-week program
through more than 2,000 online chat with groups such as Health Professions, is designed to support personal
sessions. Our team is happy to support Strategy and Practice, as well as libraries and professional development. It is
everyone with the evidence-based and universities from across the province. targeted to motivated employees with
information they need.” “We have a terrific team. As AHS grows a growth mindset, who are looking to
and evolves, so will we.” grow their personal and professional
skills.
Our words
Your Learning Series 2021–2022
A professional development
opportunity for our senior and
executive leaders (including executive
“I think all across the “Listen. Ask Questions. education alumni) that provides the
board—clinical or Never stop learning. In most current thinking and practices
non-clinical—everyone in leadership, change management,
organizations as large as
employee engagement, and personal
should take advantage AHS, as you build your
transformation, while integrating the
of learning opportunities. career, you’ll meet a lot five LEADS domains.
I’d also encourage of people along the way
them to remember that they aren’t who have roles you never even knew Certificate Programs
going to do everything right at first. existed. Everybody has a different Certified instructors deliver a variety of
Give yourself some time to learn—it’s piece of the puzzle.” courses such as basic and advanced
a really big organization.” cardiac life support, and neonatal
—Ashley Luchka, business analyst resuscitation to specific groups of
—Jeff Gillis, manager, staff.
Talent Management Strategies,
Talent Acquisition
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 19We are teachers and
mentors
At AHS we believe in the power of knowledge and sharing that with the next
generation. That’s why we offer so many opportunities for students and young
professionals to gain hands-on experience and build their skill sets.
“Eye-opening” and “transformational” This unique project to send a cohort of U of C, and through that came the idea
are just two of the ways University of students for a northern rural practicum was of having practicum students (go to rural
Calgary nursing students are describing co-ordinated by Fadumo Robinson, Alberta areas).”
their experiences on their three-and-a-half Health Services (AHS) Associate Chief “Fadumo called me in December and
month practicum at the Northwest Health Nursing Officer, and Angie Mann, Director asked if we would take U of C students,
Centre in High Level and the St. Theresa of Clinical Operations for Area 1 in the and I was ‘yes, how many can I take?’
General Hospital in Fort Vermilion. North Zone. adds Mann, herself a graduate of the U
“I believe this has been the most “The opportunity came up because we of C, who was also excited by the group
transformational experience of my lifetime,” were working closely with the University concept.
says Hafsah Syed, one of the six students of Calgary to discuss if they could extend “You have to remember the life of a
who arrived in High Level in mid-January. “I their programming to have cohorts in student, right? It’s one thing to support
have always lived a sheltered, privileged life some of the rural areas,” says Robinson. them in the workplace, but when they
in the big city suburbs. Stepping outside of “Specifically, we were looking at LPN to RN leave work and they’re here for three-and-
my comfort zone and experiencing a new bridging. We wanted to offer the program a-half months, away from their family and
life in Fort Vermilion has been an adventure locally, so people will stay. We have a ‘grow 12 hours from home. How do we support
and a breath of fresh air.” our own’ nursing committee with the them on their days off? If they come as a
Student opportunities
1,075
3,800+
AHS hired
paid internships RN/RPN and LPN
for young people graduates
within 12 months of graduation
In 2021–2022, AHS provided 25,145 1,987
student placements with a total of students recruited
3,901,443 learning hours for
post-secondary
students
20 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022WE BELIEVE IN
LEARNING TOGETHER
At AHS, we never stop learning. We
offer a variety of opportunities to
grow and learn from each other.
Communities of Practice (CoP)
Across AHS, communities of
practice (CoPs) meet regularly to
learn from one another and to find
ways to improve service quality.
CoPs are available to all our
workforce and provide members
with opportunities for meaningful
interactions; the capacity to build
information pathways; improve
staff engagement; and enhance
individual and team capacity to
address patient needs and service
University of Calgary nursing students were treated to a local bus tour when they delivery at the point of care.
arrived in January for their practicums at the Northwest Health Centre in High Level Currently there ae 74 CoP’s across
and St. Theresa General Hospital in Fort Vermilion. AHS and a CoP Sharepoint site has
been developed for all employees
group, this gives them a connection outside Robinson says the concept of sending to learn more about where their
of work, and they have a family.” the students as a group to rural facilities is interests may align.
Mann organized housing for the six a viable process for a number of reasons. Mentorship
students, four of whom are working in High “One, we don’t ever have all of the
Level and two in Fort Vermilion. placements we need in the urban settings, A mentorship relationship is a
mutually beneficial process that
Being part of a group has made the and two, I think these students are getting
creates and contributes to new
experience exceptional, says Syed. “It’s the exposure of a lifetime,
opportunities for both the mentor
made all the difference! Being in a group of “It’s a different kind of nursing. It’s a more and the mentee. It provides an
students provides me a sense of comfort, holistic and well-rounded kind of nursing; opportunity to grow as you reflect
security and belonging. High Level and they’re getting the exposure they would and share insights—together, learning
Fort Vermilion embrace students with open simply not get in an urban setting.” from each other.
arms—and I truly feel valued and loved.” Many program areas throughout AHS
Our words
offer mentorship supports including
nursing, Allied Health and EMS, to
name a few.
“It was such a valuable “They’re trying to create
Peer Support
experience. Any future a supportive situation for
class would be lucky practicum students who are Peer support connects colleagues
who share a common experience.
to have this addition going into a community that’s
Peer supporters are trained to help
to their medical not their own. It’s a great idea
others by listening, empathizing and
education. I’ve been because these communities providing appropriate resources and
raving about it since!” are quite hard to recruit to. We don’t have supports. Peer support programs
any local university program, per se, where exist throughout AHS and are an
—Celia Walker, Undergraduate we could have local students come do important part of caring for each
Medical Education student (UME) at
the University of Calgary regarding practicums.” other.
the Interprofessional Education —Kristine Crossland, mental health therapist.
She is a practicum leader for a northeastern Clinical Educators
Elective, an initiative that allows
UME students to spend a week Alberta pilot practicum program that brings Healthcare providers are supported
working alongside healthcare together several students from the same in their professional development
providers in other professions and social work program into one community. This with learning opportunities provided
fields of study. program is a collaboration between AHS and
by clinical educators, certificate
the Rural Health Professions Action Plan that
opens up rural and northern placements for course instructors and clinical
students who might otherwise be nervous practice leads.
about going into a new community.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 21We pursue excellence
When one of your core values is excellence, nothing will stop you from that pursuit.
And this commitment to always be our best improved patient care in addiction and
mental health.
AHS is the recipient of the 2021 Award The Level of Care Utilization System personalizing the services they receive
of Excellence in Mental Health Quality (LOCUS) is a clinical decision-support based on their identified needs.”
Improvement from the Canadian College of tool that organizes AMH services in a Client satisfaction data collected pre-
Health Leaders. systematic way as it supports clinical and post-implementation show significant
The award acknowledges important judgment, provides a common language improvements in many areas, with a sharp
work done by the Addiction and Mental and encourages standardization of increase in clients who feel that their needs
Health (AMH) Services Edmonton Zone decisions about appropriate services. This were met—and that they were more
team for implementing a decision- is achieved by providing information that’s involved in decisions about their care.
support tool created to improve AMH’s used to match services with client needs, “It felt so gratifying to receive this award,”
responsiveness to the needs of individuals while also ensuring client choice. says Urichuk. “We have such a large team
who reach out for help. “In preparation for this, we took a look at who really deserve acknowledgement for
“Historically, we had received feedback all of what the zone really had to offer. We all the work they’ve done in making this a
that the system can be difficult for people were all taken aback by the uniqueness success. It continues to be fulfilling to see
to navigate. There are a broad range of of some of the programs and the hidden this project moving forward in other zones.
services and it can be challenging for gems we found,” says Pam Coulson, I think it is something that can be truly
people to understand what’s available director, Addiction and Mental Health. transformative in our health system.”
to them,” says Liana Urichuk, director, “This tool has empowered clinicians Learn more about this award at cchl-
Addiction and Mental Health. “The who perform intakes to explore a full range ccls.ca.
introduction of LOCUS has made a huge of services and programs with clients. It
impact in solving this problem.” ensures clients are active participants in
We are innovators
Some current initiatives:
Unique to Canada, AHS has 11
Addressing Pressure
Strategic Clinical Networks™
malnutrition injury
(SCNs™) who collaborate with in adults 65+ prevention
clinical operations, the research
community, and Provincial A better way to care for the frail
Programs across Alberta to elderly in long term care in times
drive innovation that improves of medical urgency
health outcomes, quality,
standardization, and sustainability Acute pain management
of health care services in Alberta. focused on improving pain assessment and
management before, during and after surgery
22 OUR PEOPLE STORY
SPRING 2022INNOVATIONS HELP US
DO OUR JOBS BETTER
Connect Care
Connect Care is the bridge between
information, healthcare teams
and patients. Through a common
provincial clinical information system,
Connect Care allows healthcare
teams and patients to have consistent
Dr. Barry Bultz, psychologist, Department of Oncology at the Tom Baker Cancer information across the province and
Centre, was appointed to the Order of Canada for his tremendous contributions throughout the care journey. Once
over more than four decades to the field of Psychosocial Oncology. fully implemented, it will impact
everyone who provides care within
AHS and will transform how we
provide care.
Virtual technologies
Virtual technologies have helped
many of our workers stay connected
while working from home throughout
the pandemic. Technology is also
helping our clinical workforce to
assess, diagnose and treat many
patients outside of our bricks and
mortar.
Simulation training eSIM
eSIM (educate, simulate, innovate,
Medicine Hat registered nurse, Randi Galenzoski (pictured with her daughter), won motivate) uses simulation to give
the national Gloria Stephens Award for Excellence as an Educator of Perioperative healthcare teams the opportunity
Nursing presented by the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada. to practise a wide range of medical
procedures on high-tech adult
and child simulator manikins that
Our words breathe, blink, talk, and have pulses
and vital signs.
InfoCare
“This research is incredibly “There’s so much
InfoCare is AHS’ online resource
important for many patients paperwork that we deal for information privacy and security
all over the world, who will with at the college and it’s matters. Resources include education
benefit from these findings. so time consuming and and interactive tools, an easy process
What an amazing result tedious. Connect Care for reporting security incidents and
and an utterly fascinating made the day go more privacy breaches, and a volunteer
experience.” efficient and easy to navigate… It’s been network of InfoCare Coaches to help
—Darren Bidulka, a patient who a great experience.” mentor skills.
participated in an experimental gene
therapy treatment in Calgary to treat e-People
—Raymond Aceron, nurse practitioner
his rare, life-shortening illness, Fabry at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and a This centralized resource is available
disease. The treatment, which was Connect Care Champion online to all employees. It supports
approved by Health Canada for Human Resources functions such as
experimental purposes, was the first
payroll, HR administration, time entry
trial in Canada to use a lentivirus in
gene therapy, instead of intravenous and approval, as well as pension and
enzyme replacement therapy. benefits administration.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
ahs.ca 23You can also read
