April 30th was the last formal meeting of our Youth in Transition Patient and Family Advisory Council. For the past two years, this Council has met bi-monthly to provide their input and feedback on projects related to the transition from pediatric to adult care. From the idea stage to implementation, the members had a significant impact on the development of three major pieces of work – the ACH transition pathway project, the AHS transition webpages, and the transition navigator study.

At the meeting, the group and those who consulted with them, celebrated their achievements. A display highlighted the many ways that the patient and family voice had influenced the work that was done. Members expressed their appreciation for the dedication and commitment to repeatedly get their input and use it and staff spoke about the benefits of having a group to readily access over time. As one staff member expressed – “your stories and experiences have changed my perspective”.

Members of the Council will continue to be involved as advisors on our Patient and Family Centred Care Network. They are also willing to be brought together, on an as needed basis, to consult on transition work.

We are grateful to all of the patient and family advisors who took part in this Council!

Last month, several of Alberta Children’s Hospital site operational and physician leaders rounded with patients, families, and front line staff on Units 2, 3 and 4. The leader rounding team connected with 17 patients/families and 12 staff.

 As reported by one participating leader, “it was a very positive experience. It was great providing families and staff with an opportunity to share their experiences – to celebrate our successes with them and recognize areas of improvement for even better care.” Rachelle Van Vliet, Senior Project Manager.

ACH site leaders are committed to conducting leader rounding the first Thursday of every month. Site operational and physician leaders will round on different areas within the hospital, including Inpatient Units, Outpatient Clinic areas, and the Emergency Department.

If you are interested in learning more about ACH Site Leadership Rounding, please contact Juliana.harris@ahs.ca

Neirreth Jonnson, Family Advisor and Peer Mentor with Family to Family Connection, accepted an invitation to be a team member for an AHS Improvement Way project. Here's her reflections on her experience.

I felt strongly that my input from both spheres was valued and regarded as important to the project. This, to me, is the very definition of patient-and-family-centered care. As a parent, I felt empowered and heard. As a peer mentor bringing forth the voices of other families, they too were also heard. It would have been easy to feel intimidated to be among a group of medical professionals, but the entire team were welcoming, appreciative and viewed me as an equal partner. It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to be a part of this project. I am thankful and humbled beyond words to have witnessed the hard work and great desire that the ASD Diagnostic Clinic has to provide families with the best possible services.  

or via telehealth at ACH in Room B2-200.