Greater Edmonton HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Transcription

1 Greater Edmonton HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT Healthy Albertans. Healthy Communities. Together. 1

2 Table of Contents Message from the Chair of the Board, Alberta Health Services 3 Introduction 4 Who we are 4 What we do 5 How we are accountable 5 The 12 Health Advisory Councils 5 Council of Chairs 6 Combining the voice of Albertans with Alberta Health Services 6 Providing feedback to Alberta Health Services initiatives 7 Message from the Chair, Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council 9 About us 10 What we have accomplished 11 Engage the public 11 Provide feedback and advice to Alberta Health Services 12 Promote and participate in activities that enhance the health of residents 13 What we have learned 13 Contact information 14 Appendix 1 Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council Map 15 2

3 Message from the Chair of the Board, Alberta Health Services Advisory councils are an important part of the health care system in Alberta. Council members are passionate about health care and committed to their communities. Their activities over the past year have been a testament to that dedication. The conversations these volunteers have with their neighbours, networks, and local leaders, and the thoughtful input they provide to Alberta Health Services is greatly valued and appreciated. By listening to and speaking with the people across Alberta about health care services and the health matters that are important to them, advisory councils help identify current or developing health needs. They also ensure public input to plans or proposals that are being considered. The information they gather is provided to the Alberta Health Services Board and management, contributing to the decision-making process and ensuring timely awareness of what is working well within the health care system and what might be improved. Continuing to draw on Albertans for feedback will help us to meet our mission of providing a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. On behalf of the Alberta Health Services Board, thank you to all advisory council members for your service, your commitment, and your hard work. You provide valuable insights which help us improve health care delivery. Sincerely, Linda Hughes Chair, Alberta Health Services Board 3

4 Introduction Health Advisory Councils are a vital and valued connection between Alberta Health Services and Albertans, providing insights and input on a variety of health care initiatives, issues and plans. Members offer personal, community and regional perspectives to the province s health care services, from development through to delivery. The councils act as advisory bodies to Alberta Health Services according to the Council Charter and Bylaws. Members are required to reside within the geographic area of the council to which they are appointed. Councils meet regularly with community members, Alberta Health Services project leads, and Alberta Health Services leadership. Established in 2009 under section 9(4) of the Regional Health Authorities Act (1994), councils are comprised of 15 members who are appointed by the Alberta Health Services Board of Directors. Members serve a three-year term, to a maximum of two terms, or six years. Who we are As Health Advisory Council members, we play an important role in supporting the strategic direction of Alberta Health Services by engaging members of our communities throughout Alberta in a respectful, transparent and accountable manner. Public participation is essential to improving the quality and accountability of health services. Working in partnership with Alberta Health Services is an important way to ensure that services are responsive and address the needs of those who use them. We reflect the diversity of the urban and rural communities we serve across the province. We have a broad interest in health issues and the health and well-being of the communities in which we live. Together, we are working to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. 4

5 What we do Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council We are focused on ensuring the public s thoughts and ideas on health care in Alberta are considered in health care service planning. We do this by: gathering information and public input about health, health needs and health services for residents of the communities we serve; providing advice to Alberta Health Services regarding health issues, health needs and health priorities, access to health services, the promotion of health and other matters; and, promoting and participating in activities that enhance the health of residents in the communities where we live. How we are accountable We act as an advisory body to Alberta Health Services, providing input from the public to support the strategic direction of Alberta Health Services. In this role, we: provide a public perspective on what is working well in the health care system and where improvement is needed; engage residents and report to Alberta Health Services what they are saying regarding health services in their area; play a role in considering information from Alberta Health Services about local issues or trends; provide feedback to Alberta Health Services on matters pertaining to health services and delivery; discuss creative solutions with Alberta Health Services for improving health care while representing the diversity of the local and regional perspective; provide a link between local communities and Alberta Health Services leadership; and, help develop strategies to further engage the community on health care delivery. The 12 Health Advisory Councils Alberta has a diverse population, from long-established communities to quickly expanding urban centres. As council members, we aim to provide a voice to our communities and a connection to Alberta Health Services. The geographical boundaries of the councils reflect historical travel patterns of Albertans and ensure that more remote areas of the province have a presence. 5

6 Council of Chairs The Council of Chairs is comprised of 12 Health Advisory Council Chairs as well as two Provincial Advisory Council Chairs (Addictions & Mental Health, and Cancer). This group bring forth common concerns and input at a provincial level. The June 2015 meeting focused on governance and the development of a new board for Alberta Health Services. At the October 2015 meeting, the discussion was held about the terms for the Health Advisory Council members and the need for recruitment of council members. The Health Advisory Councils were pleased with the announcement of a new Board for Alberta Health Services in October A meeting was held in March 2016 with Alberta Health Services Board Chair Linda Hughes, Interim President and CEO Verna Yiu and the advisory council chairs. The Board approved recruitment to commence and adopted two changes to the bylaws: one for a formal application process for those whose two terms have expired; the second was a change to the election of Chairs from annually to bi-annually. Combining the voice of Albertans with Alberta Health Services Through participation on the following Alberta Health Services committees, Health Advisory Council members were able to bring forth the public perspective to planning. Apple Magazine Editorial Council: Apple Magazine, a health and wellness publication produced by Alberta Health Services, includes a Health Advisory Council member on their editorial board to offer a public perspective to editorial planning meetings, story outlines, and review the magazine prior to publication. 6

7 Continuing Care Quality Committee: Both an urban and a rural Health Advisory Council member have input on the Continuing Care Quality Committee to bring forth the public perspective. The committee was developed to ensure quality and safe care are provided through coordinated and collaborative management to the monitoring, improvement and operational delivery of quality continuing care services in Alberta. Health Link and MyHealth.Alberta.ca: Two Health Advisory Council members participate on the provincial overview committee to provide the public s perspective. The Health Link Advisory Council provides a forum for discussion of ideas, issues, and concerns related to the planning, implementation, evaluation of the Health Link service, and makes recommendations for action. It also advises and provides opportunities for Health Link service development and marketing opportunities in the five zones of Alberta Health Services. Health Link Alberta provides telephone health program and service advice as well as way-finding. MyHealth.Alberta.ca provides health information and tools, symptom overviews, videos and health care locator information for numerous health concerns. Patient First Steering Committee: A member from the Council of Chairs was sought to bring a provincial public perspective to the committee. Patient First is an Alberta Health Services initiative that aims to identify and promote patient- and family-centred care practices through engagement with patients, clients residents and health care providers. Health Advisory Council members also sit on the Patient First Steering Committees in each Zone. Providing feedback to Alberta Health Services initiatives The Health Advisory Councils partnered with Alberta Health Services to provide input on a number of key initiatives over the past year. Following is a sampling of these initiatives. Influenza Immunization Campaign: Health Advisory Council members were invited to participate in a video project for the influenza campaign. Members were invited to take videos on their smartphone answering the question: I got my flu shot because In addition, councils were also asked for flu-related story ideas to help highlight the importance of immunization. Protection for Persons in Care Act: Council members assisted in developing a new public reporting initiative for the Protection for Persons in Care Program. Alberta Health shared documents it planned to publicly post for the Protection for Persons in Care Program. The documents, available on the Alberta Health website, were the overview of decision summaries for cases of abuse in public-funded adult living facilities. Council members provided their perspectives on a number of questions posed to them about the documents. Change Day: Councils were invited to call into the launch of Change Day, a social movement that asked Albertans to make a pledge to improve their own health or the health care system. Helen Bevan, Chief Transformation Officer with the United Kingdom s National Health Services Institute for Innovation and Improvement shared how to activate change agents, lead transformation, share knowledge, and build bridges. Staff, physicians and volunteers were called on to be part of Change Day. Change Day Heroes were sought and encouraged to share their pledge, and inspire their friends, families and coworkers to get 7

8 involved. Many council members pledged to be part of Change Day. Their pledges were uploaded to the Change Day website and shared through social media. We are AHS: Health Advisory Councils were invited to participate in We are AHS, an interactive photo project featuring the 123,000 physicians, staff and volunteers who make Alberta Health Services what it is a caring organization with people who pour their heart and soul into providing service. Throughout 2016, We are AHS will introduce these people as well as patients and families through snapshots and personal stories. Every day in 2016, the We are AHS webpage is featuring a new quote and photo. It is a tribute to all who have made the decision to work or volunteer in health care Vision: Health Advisory Councils were pleased to be part of a significant engagement effort with staff, physicians, volunteers and external partners to create a new vision statement for Alberta Health Services. The final statement displayed above is the result of a vote and more than 12,000 comments. The new vision statement demonstrates Alberta Health Services' commitment to patients, families, partners, and the passion for working together to care for Albertans. Values: Values help Alberta Health Services achieve this vision by providing a foundation for decision-making. They also help attract and retain the people who best fit the vision as well as the organization s culture and goals. Values also have a direct impact on brand and reputation, providing stakeholders a set of criteria against which to measure performance. Therefore, it s important that values reflect the heart and core of the organization people and its stakeholders. With this goal in mind, Health Advisory Councils were asked to validate draft value statements. People Strategy: Alberta Health Services developed a People Strategy, inclusive of staff, physicians and volunteers, designed to guide the organization as it evolves. Its goal is to strengthen the workforce and emphasize a workplace that values people, health and safety. Ultimately, the People Strategy aims to improve patient experiences and outcomes through greater workforce engagement. Prior to broad circulation, the document was shared with Health Advisory, seeking their input about the approach, the content and how the strategy reflected Alberta Health Services. 8

9 Greater Edmonton Annual Report Message from the Chair, Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council An annual report provides the platform from which we can reflect on and recognize the efforts of many. It also forces us to review and assess the path that has been travelled for the past year with the purpose of learning from our past decisions and actions, so we can better promote healthy communities and healthy Albertans. Our health care system is complicated, complex, ever-changing and challenging. This continues to be is true for people who work in the health care field and those who need to rely on its services. Organizationally, systemically, operationally, politically and economically Alberta Health Services has been fraught with changes in leadership, organizational structure, competing mandates, shifting priorities and dwindling resources. Health Advisory Councils are also caught in this current. The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council is down in members. Fewer people on council means fewer opportunities for community engagement because not enough people are available to share the responsibilities. It also means that the voices from those communities previously represented are missing from our conversations. The dedication of the Alberta Health Services representatives who work with the Health Advisory Council is inspiring and hopeful. Thank you to Dr. David Mador, Deb Gordon and Naomi Shopland for your commitment to ensuring that concerns are heard and responded to, questions are answered and our feedback to you is respected and incorporated. The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council looks forward to being a key player in the development of strategic plans for the Edmonton Zone and provincially. Together we are better. The excellent presentations from different Alberta Health Services departments provided Health Advisory Council members with good information to take back to their communities. Thanks to the many presenters who have generously shared information on addictions, mental health, physician recruitment, homelessness and continuing care. Thank you! Several of our members participated in providing feedback on the development and dissemination of materials for the Health Link 811 campaign. Council members also contributed to the development of the Alberta Health Services vision statement. The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council is also committed to increasing public awareness of and accessibility to the Health Advisory Council. As such, meetings have been held in Evansburg, Devon, Fort Saskatchewan and the Alberta Hospital Edmonton. We promote public attendance at the meetings. We continue to have a lot of work to do. With meaningful participation, a full complement of health care staff, a full slate of Council members and continued infrastructure support, a lot can be accomplished. Sincerely, Teresa O Riordan Chair, Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council 9

10 About us The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council was established in 2009 under section 9(4) of the Regional Health Authorities Act (1994) to enhance and develop partnerships between communities and Alberta Health Services. The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council covers an area from Legal and Fort Saskatchewan in the north to Nojack in the west, continuing south to Warburg and east to New Sarepta and Sherwood Park. Our council s geographic area contains more than 33 communities spread across a largely urban area, including the cities of Edmonton, Leduc, St. Albert, Spruce Grove and Fort Saskatchewan. The council area also includes rural communities in Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Parkland County, Leduc County and the eastern section of Yellowhead County, and the Alexander, Enoch and Paul First Nation communities. Please see Appendix 1 for area map. Within the council area, health services are provided to more than 1.5 million people. Approximately five per cent are of aboriginal origin (the largest urban aboriginal population in the province); and one per cent are rural. Many other diverse and ethnic populations are represented in the service area. Our members live in communities across the Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council area. As council members, we aim to provide a voice to our communities and a connection to Alberta Health Services. Membership list as of March 31, 2016 Current Members Ms. Teresa O Riordan (Chair) Morinville Ms. Donna Fausak (Vice-Chair) Evansburg Mr. Alexander Kuznetsov Edmonton Ms. Sheila Raffray Edmonton Ms. Edith Baraniecki Edmonton Ms. Cornelia Dootjes Sherwood Park Dr. Lawrence Tymko Edmonton Past Members Ms. Brenda Chomey Beaumont Ms. Sandra Woitas Edmonton Ms. Winnie Bogosoff Edmonton Mr. Gordon Phillips Edmonton 10

11 What we have accomplished Engage the public Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council Members of the Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council are pleased to share what we have learned from our engagement with citizens who live and receive health services in the part of the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Zone we represent. We have also had several opportunities to engage with Edmonton Zone leaders and others from Alberta Health Services. Public meetings: Over the past year, the Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council met with the public at meetings in communities throughout the council area. Municipal leaders and other community members were in attendance at many of our regular meetings. This year, we hosted our public meetings in Evansburg, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon and Edmonton to gather a cross-section of feedback. We promoted regular council meetings through social media and public service announcements sent to media outlets in the communities where our meetings were held. We sent invitations to stakeholders about meetings. Many took the opportunity to gather information about the health care system to report back to their groups, and they shared their input and concerns with council. Homeless Connect: In April 2015, our council members participated in the Homeless Connect event in Edmonton. Held two times per year, Homeless Connect is aimed at lowincome and homeless people. Professionals are on site to provide dental care, health care, haircuts and advice. More than 1,800 participants joined in throughout the day, the highest attendance since the event s inception. Our members asked questions and spoke with participants to obtain community feedback and to increase awareness of the role of Health Advisory Councils and Alberta Health Services. They engaged with participants and garnered feedback on these individuals health needs and concerns. They heard repeatedly that many of the participants struggled navigating the system and gaining access to the services they required, particularly in the area of addictions and mental health. Racism and prejudice against visible minorities using the medical system was another common concern we heard. Many participants told council members that the Boyle McCauley Health Centre provides a high level of care, and the staff at the centre is very informative and helpful. Nurse practitioner services in Evansburg (May 2015) At our spring meeting, council heard from a group of local residents, including council member Donna Fausak, about the need for a nurse practitioner in the Evansburg area, which has seen a population increase. Residents have noticed a strain on the existing health service providers and believe an additional nurse practitioner position could ease wait times. Leduc Foundation and Heartland Housing Foundation (November 2015) Leduc Foundation The Leduc Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to providing affordable housing and services for seniors, individuals and low-income families. It services 1,009 people in the Leduc region in seniors lodges, community housing, seniors selfcontained apartments and affordable housing. The foundation has challenges, such as an unclear future for capital and operating funds, declining and inconsistent direction and lack of a federal and provincial housing strategy. 11

12 Heartland Housing Foundation The Heartland Housing Foundation provides safe and affordable housing for clients in Strathcona County and Fort Saskatchewan with options such as lodges, senior selfcontained apartments and community housing. Gaps the foundation is trying to help bridge are: limited spaces for people with cognitive impairment; limited options for low-income families requiring affordable accommodation and for those requiring higher levels of care; and difficulty finding rental accommodations for young singles. Provide feedback and advice to Alberta Health Services This year, our council had various opportunities to provide feedback and advice to Alberta Health Services at the zone level with senior leaders during our public meetings and in Council of Chairs meetings. Our public meetings are attended by the Vice President and Chief Health Operations Officer Northern Alberta, and the Vice President and Medical Director, Northern Alberta, and by other services and program leaders from the Edmonton Zone. We also met with other Edmonton Zone directors to further explore health service issues that are of concern to the public with whom we engage. Our approach is to convey public perception and experiences, while helping to identify gaps, challenges and opportunities in those services from a consumer perspective. Our council has been privileged to receive many interesting and informative presentations that have expanded our knowledge and allowed us to bring new information to our communities. Various presentations by Alberta Health Services allowed us to voice our concerns and ask questions. Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital (September 2015) Heather Durstling, the Site Director of Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, attended our fall council meeting to give a presentation on the three-year-old facility. We learned that the site provides a multitude of services, such as general surgery, emergency, ambulatory care, obstetrics and palliative care. We appreciated this presentation and the opportunity to ask questions. Devon General Hospital (November 2015) Our council takes every opportunity to learn more about the health care facilities and services offered in our region. In November, we held our meeting at the Devon General Hospital. Korynna Sherwood, Site Director at the Devon General Hospital, shared with us highlights of the facility, which includes a 24/7 emergency department, an X-ray, a lab, on-site home care, mental health clinics, regional palliative care, acute care and clinical Telehealth. Alberta Hospital Edmonton and Edmonton Zone Addiction and Mental Health Services (January 2016) Mark Snaterse, Executive Director of Addiction and Mental Health in Edmonton Zone, provided a presentation and escorted the council on an informative tour of the vast, multi-building Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) campus. AHE is a 334-bed psychiatric 12

13 hospital that provides assessment, diagnosis, treatment, consultation, education and research. Admission and continuing treatment at AHE can be voluntary, formal under the Mental Health Act, or in the Forensic Psychiatry Program under the Criminal Code of Canada. Patients can get many services and vocational programs on campus to improve their quality of life and accelerate treatment. In addition to learning about the AHE, we were given an overview of the Addiction and Mental Health services provided in Edmonton Zone, particularly services available for children, youth and other vulnerable populations. Triple Aim (January 2016) The Triple Aim program is dedicated to caring for the five per cent of the population who are the heaviest users of Edmonton s health system. The program focuses on the residents in the Eastwood neighbourhood, where many of the heaviest users of service reside. Several programs and departments work collaboratively to provide health services and to enhance the lives and health of the residents of Eastwood. The concept behind Triple Aim is that if residents have a better standard of living, their health will improve, which will reduce time spent in an acute care setting. It has been statistically proven that Triple Aim has a positive impact on Eastwood and the inner city. It has been instrumental in decreasing frequent acute care visits by people living in the community; and many of Triple Aim s patients have found employment and housing, reduced their use of drugs and alcohol and formed trusting relationships. Addiction and Recovery and Community Health (January 2016) Dr. Kathryn Dong gave a presentation on the Inner City Health and Wellness Program, funded by the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) Foundation and based out of the RAH. The program is designed to address health and quality of life issues of people coming into the RAH with an addiction. The program team works with each patient to manage their addiction. The program is partnered with Homeward Trust, Human Services and other community-based programs to reduce the negative social determinants impacting health. Promote and participate in activities that enhance the health of residents Members of our council attend public events where possible so we can engage with our communities, gather new information, hear feedback and promote our work. In April 2015, council actively engaged with the community at two high school open houses. The members received valuable feedback from parents and students. They brought back questions that had been raised and were able to receive answers from senior leaders at Alberta Health Services. What we have learned Our main role is to listen to citizens views and opinions on their experiences gaining access to and receiving health services, which in turn helps Alberta Health Services identify any gaps, needs and strengths related to maintaining our health and health care delivery. That information is useful because it provides Alberta Health Services with an understanding of a community s issues which may impact the complex work of health centres and delivery of health services. We have been fortunate over the last year to have increased our knowledge of the health care system through presentations, tours and discussions with experts. These presentations have 13

14 enhanced our knowledge of the health services and programs offered in Alberta. We believe that we will be able to leverage this knowledge to understand gaps and needs, and to help educate the citizens in our communities about their health services options. As a council, we will also focus our attention on health care topics and challenges that are most important to members of our communities to ensure that we share the most helpful and appropriate feedback and information. We will continue to work in our communities and with senior leaders of Alberta Health Services to ensure Albertans receive the best care possible. Contact information Council website Council greateredmonton@albertahealthservices.ca Community engagement telephone number Learn more about the Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council Watch the Edmonton Zone Health Advisory Council video Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook 14

15 Appendix 1 Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council map 15