Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council ANNUAL REPORT Bringing the voice of communities to build a better health system.

Transcription

1 Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council ANNUAL REPORT Bringing the voice of communities to build a better health system.

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3 Table of Contents Message from the Official Administrator, Alberta Health Services 2 Introduction 3 Who we are 3 What we do 4 How we are accountable 4 The 12 Health Advisory Councils 4 Province-wide Advisory Council Confenference 5 Council of Chairs 6 Province-wide Engagement Opportunities 6 Message from the Chair, Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council 8 Who we are 9 What we have accomplished 10 Engagement of the public 10 Provide feedback and advice to Alberta Health Services 10 Promote and participate in activities that enhance the health of residents 11 What we have learned 12 Contact information 13 Appendix 1- Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council map 14 1 Page Annual Report

4 Greater Edmonton Annual Report Message from the Official Administrator, Alberta Health Services The Health Advisory Councils across the province provide an important link to the communities and people Alberta Health Services (AHS) serves. AHS appreciates the insight Council members bring and the role they play in community engagement. Through their regular meetings, attendance at community events and larger engagement sessions, they hear feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and share it with AHS leaders in order to help strengthen the health system in Alberta. It was another busy year for all Councils. In addition to their ongoing engagement activities, AHS looked to them to provide input into a number of important initiatives including the AHS continuing care resolution team, strategic clinical networks and other items related to health service delivery. This was also the first full year for the Council of Chairs. It is comprised of all HAC Chairs as well as the Chairs of the Provincial Advisory Councils (PACs). The Council of Chairs meets regularly to share ideas, best practices, common issues and perspectives from all areas of the province. I have appreciated the meetings I have had with them. The thoughtful dialogue and observations they bring to the table are invaluable. On behalf of AHS I would like to thank all HAC members for their service this past year. Their dedication and commitment strengthens our communities and most importantly, makes a difference each and every day. The time and expertise they generously give is deeply appreciated. Dr. Carl Amrhein Official Administrator Alberta Health Services Annual Report Page 2

5 Introduction Health Advisory Councils (HACs) were established in 2009 under section 9(4) of the Regional Health Authorities Act (1994). The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Board approved the bylaws by which the Councils were established, that were then approved by the Minister of Health and Wellness. The AHS Board appointed 15 members to each Council following a province-wide recruitment drive in September Councils act as an advisory body to AHS according to the Council Charter and Bylaws issued. Members are required to reside within the geographic area of the Council to which they are appointed. Council members serve a term of three years to a maximum of six years. Who we are As HAC members, we play an important role in supporting the strategic direction of AHS 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 AHS is an important way to ensure that services are more responsive to the needs of those who use them. We reflect the diversity of the communities we serve across Alberta, both urban and rural. We have a broad interest in health issues and the health and well-being of the communities we live in. Together we are working to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. 3 Page Annual Report

6 What we do We are focused on one thing - listening to the public s thoughts and ideas on health care in Alberta. We do this by: gathering information and public input about health, health needs and health services for the residents of the communities we serve; providing advice to AHS regarding health issues, health needs and health priorities, access to health services, the promotion of health, and other matters; 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 AHS, providing feedback from the public to support the strategic direction of AHS. In this role, we provide: a public perspective on what is working well in the health care system and areas in need of improvement; engage residents and report what they are saying regarding health services in their area; a role in considering information from AHS about local issues or trends; feedback to AHS on matters pertaining to health services and delivery; an avenue to discuss creative solutions with AHS for improving health care while representing the diversity of the local and regional perspective; a link between local communities and AHS leadership; and, guidance on 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. We embrace our differences as the key element feeding our prosperity. As Council members, we aim to provide a voice to our communities and a connection to AHS. The geographical areas for each Council were developed based on a number of criteria. Where possible, AHS respected historical travel patterns of Albertans and ensured that more remote areas of the province had a presence on Councils. Once the criteria were considered, the following 12 Health Advisory Councils were identified: Annual Report Page 4

7 The Province-wide Advisory Council Conference Each year, members from the 12 HACs and the two Provincial Advisory Councils (PACs), Cancer and Addiction & Mental Health, come together from across the province to meet. Various AHS program and Zone leaders attend this province-wide conference for the opportunity to share pertinent information and connect with Advisory Council members for feedback. The conference also provides a forum for council members to network and share best practices. The 110 members present at the 2014/15 conference had the opportunity to provide feedback to the following areas: AHS Priorities - A complete review of the AHS priorities was provided to advisory council members present. The presentation included the annual planning cycle inputs and outputs. Patient access and system flow; quality and safety and key foundations were the topics of conversation. Members asked questions and provided feedback. The Continuing Care Resolution Team (CCRT) - The CCRT was tasked to study current concerns in AHS continuing care, identify themes, and recommend potential opportunities for resolution of these concerns. They used the input received at the conference to inform their draft recommendations and work plan. AHS Patient First Strategy - The Patient First strategy ensures patient and family centred-care are at the forefront of delivering seamless and effective health care to Alberta. A presentation was provided and group conversations were held with an opportunity to provide written feedback. The input provided at the conference was incorporated into all the feedback received and recommendations were reviewed by the Strategy s implementation steering committee. 5 Page Annual Report

8 Rural Health Review - The purpose of the review undertaken by the provincial government was to further understand the needs, challenges, and concerns of Albertans living in small rural communities. Council members were engaged during the conference and asked for input specific to challenges with health services in their communities and possible solutions. Continuing Care - Access to Designated Living Options - Input received at the conference was used to make the policy and procedure revisions. Feedback was compiled with feedback from other stakeholders in a summary. Council of Chairs A Council of Chairs, comprised of the 14 Advisory Council Chairs, was announced in September 2013 to serve in an advisory role to AHS Official Administrator. The Chairs bring forth common concerns and input at a provincial level. During the course of the year, the Council of Chairs provided feedback on the AHS Health Plan, performance measures and AHS priorities. They also provided feedback on health innovations specific to intellectual property and the preferential access corporate directive. In addition, the Council learned about the advance care planning goals of care designations and was provided the outcomes from a values session held at the University of Alberta. Alberta Health Services President and CEO, Vickie Kaminski met with the Council to provide operational updates and Dr. Carl Amrhein, AHS Official Administrator, engaged the council about proposed changes to the board structure of AHS. Province-wide engagement opportunities Various programs and departments within AHS shared engagement opportunities with the advisory councils over the past year. The following opportunities were put forth to the councils and they had the choice to participate, through one method or another, to learn about the program or initiative and provide feedback. Strategic Clinical Networks (SCNs) - Engagement Development Section - Upon development of the strategic clinical networks, a group in the AHS Executive Leadership program consulted with members of the advisory councils to gain feedback on what the meaning and benefits are of SCNs; how SCNs should communicate and how to broadly engage the public. Apple Magazine Editorial Council - Apple Magazine, a health and wellness magazine produced by AHS, sought a volunteer member for their editorial council to bring forth the public perspective to issue editorial planning meetings, story outlines, and review the magazine prior to publication Annual Report Page 6

9 Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) - Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition - The Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition SCN provided a summary of priorities to members and an online feedback tool sought feedback on how to make diabetes, obesity and nutrition care better. The feedback and comments helped prioritize what the SCN would work on over the next three years. Alberta Vascular Risk Reduction Initiative (RxEACH) - The Alberta Vascular Risk Reduction study, designed to help patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease to reduce their risk for major cardiovascular events, was presented to a number of council members who provided feedback on how to further share and promote the study. Continuing Care Quality Committee - An urban and a rural council member were sought to be part of the Continuing Care Quality Committee. The committee, developed to ensure quality and safe care is provided through coordinated and collaborative oversight to the monitoring, improvement and operational delivery of the quality continuing care services in Alberta, wanted the public perspective brought to the table. Alberta Clinical Pathways Steering Committee - An advisory council member was sought to bring forth the public perspective to the committee. The objectives of the committee were to determine what resources are required to properly implement clinical pathways in Alberta, and to prioritize where these resources would be directed. Patient First Steering Committee - A member from the Council of Chairs was sought to bring forth a provincial public perspective to the committee. The Patient First strategy ensures patient and family centred-care are at the forefront of delivering seamless and effective health care to Alberta Public Website Review - Advisory council members were asked to review the home page of the AHS website and provide feedback about the ease or challenge to locate and access information quickly. The feedback, sought through a questionnaire, helped to determine the necessary revisions for the home page on the AHS website. Virtual Career Event - Rural Health Advisory Councils are very supportive of the "grow our own" health personnel concept thus an invitation was extended to councils to view one of the strategies used by AHS. The online event was developed to familiarize students with student engagement opportunities; educate students about career streams at AHS and generate proactive interest in health care careers. Continuing Care Resolution Team (CCRT) - A number of teleconferences were held to provide opportunities for advisory council members to provide input to the CCRT. The team was tasked to study current concerns in AHS continuing care, identify themes, and recommend potential opportunities for resolution of these issues. Following these conversations, further engagement, a status update and timelines were provided to council members at the annual province-wide conference. Health Link Alberta - An overview and update was shared about Health Link Alberta and MyHealth.Alberta.ca. Feedback was requested to gain a better understanding of the needs of individual communities and seek input into the development of new marketing strategies to reach specific demographic groups and underserved populations. 7 Page Annual Report

10 Message from the Chair, Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council (HAC) along with the other HACs and the Provincial Advisory Councils have continued to forge forward and persevere in the evolution of our healthcare system. The past year has witnessed tremendous growth and changes, from that of our Health Minister, to the appointment of Ms. Vickie Kaminski to the role of President and CEO, AHS. Along with these changes has come the opportunity for a continued and expanded dialogue with healthcare leaders through the formation of the Council of Chairs. I am confident the HACs will continue to be vocal advocates for our communities ensuring that both their concerns and commendations are heard. The Greater Edmonton HAC has actively engaged our communities throughout the year with regularly scheduled meetings. Our members have attended several events such as Homeless Connect in Edmonton, Communities in Bloom in Beaumont and various school open houses throughout Edmonton as a means of garnering public feedback on health services. Members of our HAC also sit on various subcommittees such as the Strategic Clinical Pathways, and have attended various conferences. Our Council has continued to hear concerns in relation to access to mental health and addiction programs for adults and children alike, as well as, seniors health concerns ranging from program access, housing and placement in various care facilities, lack of available services in rural areas and cultural considerations for our Aboriginal population. On a positive note, a common theme heard from several community members was that once one was able to access the healthcare system, the care received was exceptional. The Council has been privileged to have the regular attendance of dedicated executives from AHS at our meetings to provide updates and answer questions raised either by community members, or those on the council. We extend our gratitude to Dr. David Mador, Vice President and Medical Director, Northern Alberta, and Deb Gordon, Vice President and Chief Health Operations Officer, Northern Alberta. These individuals and so many others have been instrumental in keeping us informed. In closing, I would like thank all of the individuals, groups and organizations for taking the time to share their feedback, concerns and suggestions on how Alberta can continue to grow as a leader in providing healthcare excellence. I wish to thank all of those Council members who have completed their terms for their hard work and dedication. Without these individuals, the great work we have accomplished over the years would not have taken place. Finally, I would like to recognize the Community Engagement Team, namely, Arley Nelson, Naomi Shopland and Mary Mueller, whom have and continue to provide dedication and support to the overall functioning of the Council. Sincerely, Brenda Chomey, Chair Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council Annual Report Page 8

11 Who we are The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council was established in 2009 under section 9(4) of the Regional Health Authorities Act (1994). The Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council was established to enhance and develop partnerships between communities and Alberta Health Services. The Greater Edmonton HAC covers an area from Legal and Fort Saskatchewan in the north to Nojack in the west, continuing southward to Warburg and eastward to New Sarepta and Sherwood Park. Our Council s geographic area contains a mixture of over 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, as well as the Alexander, Enoch and Paul First Nation communities. Within the Council area, health services are provided to over 1.5 million people, of whom approximately five per cent are of Aboriginal origin (the largest urban Aboriginal population in the province) and a small (one per cent) rural population, with many other diverse and ethnic populations represented in this service area. Our members are located in various communities across our 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, 2015 Current Members Ms. Brenda Chomey (Chair) Beaumont Ms. Sandra Woitas (Vice Chair) Edmonton Ms. Winnie Bogosoff Edmonton Ms. Donna Fausak Evansburg Mr. Alexander Kuznetsov Edmonton Mr. Gordon Phillips Edmonton Ms. Sheila Raffray Edmonton Ms. Teresa O Riordan Morinville Ms. Edith Baraniecki Edmonton Ms. Cornelia Dootjes Sherwood Park Mr. Lawrence Tymko Edmonton Past Members Mr. Sahil Gupta Edmonton Ms. Sara Hassen-Parker St. Albert Ms. Crystal Krueger Thorsby Ms. Brenda St. Germain Edmonton 9 Page Annual Report

12 What we have accomplished Engagement of the public Members of the Greater Edmonton HAC are pleased to share what we have learned from our engagement with citizens who live and receive health services in the part of the AHS Edmonton Zone we represent. We have also had several opportunities to engage with Edmonton Zone leaders and others from AHS. Public Meetings - The Greater Edmonton HAC has met with members of the public at meetings in communities throughout the Council area over the past year. Municipal leaders and other community members were in attendance at many of our regular meetings. This year we hosted our public meetings in Leduc, Sherwood Park, Edmonton and St. Albert to gather a cross section of feedback from throughout our area. Regular council meetings were promoted through the use of public service announcements sent to media outlets in the communities where meetings were held, as well as through social media. As a result, our Vice Chair was interviewed by Global Television, creating an increased awareness of the Council and the work we do, while encouraging area residents to provide feedback about the healthcare system. Stakeholders were sent invitations to meetings in their communities, and many took the opportunity to gather information about the healthcare system to report back to their groups as well as share input and concerns with council. Homeless Connect - In September 2014, four of our council members participated in the Homeless Connect event in Edmonton. This event, held two times per year, is aimed specifically toward low-income and homeless people in the area and has professionals onsite to provide dental, health care, haircuts and advice. The event saw more than 1,800 participants throughout the day and was one of the best attended since its inception. Our members asked questions and spoke with participants to obtain community feedback, as well as increase awareness of the role of Health Advisory Councils and AHS in general. They were able to engage with over 242 participants and garner feedback on these individual s health needs and concerns. The reoccurring comments they heard were that many of the participants struggled with navigating the system and accessing the services they required. Our council members did continuously hear that the Boyle McCauley Health Centre provides a high level of care and the staff at the centre was very informative and helpful. Provide feedback and advice to Alberta Health Services This year, our Council had various opportunities to provide feedback and advice to AHS 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) AHS and the Vice President and Medical Director, Northern Alberta, AHS and occasionally by other services and program leaders from the Edmonton Zone Annual Report Page 10

13 We also met with other Edmonton Zone directors to further explore health service issues which are often on the minds of the public that we engage with. Our approach is to convey public perception and experiences, while helping to identify gaps, challenges and opportunities for those services from a consumer perspective. Our Council has been privileged to receive many interesting and informative presentations at our meetings that expanded our knowledge and allowed us to bring this information to our communities. Various presentations from AHS allowed us to voice our concerns and ask questions: Strathcona Community Hospital - May On May 15, 2014, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Sunil Sookram, Medical Director, Strathcona Community Hospital about the new health centre that opened in Sherwood Park in the spring of His presentation outlined the important treatment and care provided by staff and physicians to their patients. We appreciated having a better understanding of how factors such as a growing and aging population, and technology advances can place an increased demand on our healthy facilities and professionals (see What We Have Learned section). Continuing Care Waitlist - November Our Council had the opportunity to engage in a constructive discussion with Dr. James Silvius, Provincial Director, Seniors Services, and Carleen Brenneis, Director, Transition Services, who were seeking the Council s suggestions on the question If someone requiring a living option s first choice is not available and going home is not an option, what should AHS do when they decline to be transferred to an alternate, appropriate living option to wait for their first choice? We were able to highlight specific areas that could be improved such as ensuring that patients are placed in facilities that are closer to their families and support system. Walter Mackenzie Centre and Kay Edmonton Clinic - November In November 2014, Cathy Osborn, Senior Operating Officer, University of Alberta Hospital/Mazankowski Heart Institute/Kaye Edmonton Clinic, gave a comprehensive overview of the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, and the Walter Mackenzie Centre (see What We Have Learned section). Emergency Medical Services Update - February Darren Sandbeck, Chief Paramedic, AHS, and Dale Weiss Executive Director, EMS Operations, Edmonton Zone, AHS, updated the Council on structural and reporting changes, and highlighted the areas of focus for EMS as a whole. This included the development of a master EMS services plan, completing a consolidated dispatch model, focusing on facilities and fleet, and completing the epcr Provincial Rollout. Promote and participate in activities that enhance the health of residents Members of our Council try to attend public events where possible so we can engage with our communities, learn information, hear feedback and promote the work that we do. 11 Page Annual Report

14 Our council member, J. Lawrence Tymko, participated as a public member on the AHS Laboratory Services RFP Blue Ribbon Panel, which consisted of 10 individuals from across Alberta, Canada and the U.S. overseeing 13 evaluation groups who reviewed components such as finance, quality and safety. In March 2015, our Council actively engaged with the community at two high school open houses. The members were able to receive valuable feedback from not only the parents of the students, but from the students themselves. They were able to bring back questions that had been raised and receive answers from senior leaders at AHS. What we have learned Our main role is to listen to citizens views and opinions on their experiences accessing and receiving health services, which in turn helps identify to AHS any gaps, needs, and strengths related to maintaining our health and health care delivery. It is also helpful to have some understanding of the complex work of health centre and health services delivery. Joanna Pawlyshyn, Senior Operating Officer, Royal Alexandra and Sturgeon Community Hospital (RAH), AHS gave a very in-depth presentation on the Royal Alexandra Hospital campus, which includes: The Lois Hole Hospital for Women, CK Hui Heart Centre, Regional Eye Centre, Orthopedic Surgery Centre, as well as the Centre for the Advancement of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, and Trauma. The RAH serves the areas of: Edmonton Zone; northern Alberta; western Canada and northern Canada. It is also a teaching and research facility. On May 15, 2014, we had the pleasure of hearing from Dr. Sunil Sookram, Medical Director, Strathcona Community Hospital, about the new health centre located in Sherwood Park. The Strathcona Community Hospital is an innovative facility, delivering primary health care, combined with community-based services and a 24-hour emergency department supported by on-site diagnostic services. The new facility will complement established services in the community. Our Council was also shown a new video, providing a virtual tour of the new facility. In November 2014, Cathy Osborn, Senior Operating Officer, University of Alberta Hospital/Mazankowski Heart Institute/Kaye Edmonton Clinic, gave a comprehensive overview of the Kaye Edmonton Clinic (KEC) and the Walter Mackenzie Centre (WMC). Council learned the WMC is a tertiary care centre that has 7,500 employees, 1,200 physicians, and over 1,000 volunteers. There is a very successful transplant program which does 299 solid organ transplants per year. The emergency department sees 115,000 patients annually. The facility is equipped with hybrid operating rooms where a room is capable of becoming an operating room. It also has a gamma knife and inter-surgical MRI. The KEC provides ambulatory care, diagnostics, and is also a teaching facility. It opened in July 2012 and has received many design awards. Patient Advisors were consulted during the planning of the facility in order to create a space that kept patient centred care at the forefront. These presentations have enhanced our knowledge of the health services and programs offered in Alberta. We believe that it we will be able to leverage this knowledge to not only understand gaps and needs, but to help educate the citizens in our communities on their options Annual Report Page 12

15 Contact information If you would like more information on the work of the Greater Edmonton HAC, please contact: Council Web Page Council Community Engagement Telephone Number Learn more about our Council by clicking on the links below Watch the Edmonton Zone HAC video Follow us on twitter Find us on facebook 13 Page Annual Report

16 Appendix 1 - Greater Edmonton Health Advisory Council map Annual Report Page 14