Prairie Mountain Health Authority bridges communication gap

Times Contributor    

 

It is often said that someone sitting on the outside looking in has a unique perspective of what is actually happening. A little publicized health care voice, advocating for this area’s health issues, hopes to bring that skill home to communities and Alberta Health Services (AHS). 

A member from the Prairie Mountain Health Authority came to make their presence known in Wheatland County council on June 10.

“I am very excited to be here at council, to get the word out about the Prairie Mountain Health Authority,” said Chairman Larry Albrecht. “You are one of the first councils who have asked us to come out and present.”

Albrecht said Prairie Mountain Health Authority – Zone 2, is one of 12 authorities in the province. Their area of response covers west from Banff, to Gleichen east, Didsbury north, to Claresholm south. Each zone’s role is to go out into the public, rotate open meetings throughout their area, to engage with the public on health issues and generate ideas of what can be done to improve quality and accountability in the health care system. The group then reports back to Alberta Health Services (AHS) with the public concerns. 

Albrecht said they have developed good communication channels that promote activity by the province. They are not paid by AHS and remain independent from AHS to eliminate bias, or concerns about control. Prairie Mountain Health Authority is not a decision-making body, nor do they advocate for individual problems or lobby groups, but Albrecht said they do give highly-considered information that is used by AHS in decision making processes.

“We are that public voice that delivers information to Alberta Health Services at senior levels,” said Albrecht. “We don’t want to be perceived as a government body, but we are happy to say we have the minister’s ear,” said Albrecht. 

Albrecht said AHS is massive and constantly under flux, which often makes it difficult for the public to address their issues and see results. By participating in the open discussion sessions and surveys, Albertans have a chance to make their concerns known.

Some of the issues discussed in 2013 were communication processes, scopes of practice, patient care safety, primary care networks and the confusion over the development of family care clinics, worker compensation forms, cancer treatments, staff and physician feedback processes, workforce strategies, laboratory  services, transportation services, and seniors health.

There are also special speakers on health care issues, and in the 2013 report the group indicated a desire to expand their contact to include non-English speaking communities.

Albrecht said they are also looking for more rural members to serve with the authority, as they try to make the panels as diverse as possible so they may respond to diverse needs.

 “Our conversations are diverse and urban and rural populations are represented,” said Albrecht.

For more information on their organization and the schedule for open meetings, check out www.albertahealthservices.ca/1818.asp or e-mail (prairiemountain@albertahealthservices.ca).