PFCC - Newsletter

You can learn about Patient and Family Centred Care activities at Alberta Children's Hospital by reading our monthly e-newsletter - Together We're Better. This newsletter will give you insight into Family Centred Care Initiatives, profile our Family Centred Care champions, and keep you up to date on upcoming education opportunities. Archived copies are available on the FCRC website.

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October 2026 Edition

ACH PFCC Week 2026 - October 16th to 22nd

You are invited to participate in the 15th annual Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) Week at Alberta Children's Hospital.


This year, the theme is Building Exceptional Care Together.

 

Throughout the week, we shine a spotlight on PFCC by raising awareness, encouraging meaningful action, and recognizing the exceptional work taking place across our hospital.

Check out the displays and activities highlighting the theme of the week in the hospital’s main gathering space (cafeteria) starting Friday, October 16th through Thursday, October 22nd.


Patients, families, healthcare providers, and staff are encouraged to answer the question “How do you build connection and partnership?" Write your response on a building block shape to add to our display to be entered into a draw for a gift card.



Check out what the team challenge entries did with a foam board and building blocks to visually represent the theme and vote for your favourite. The winners will be announced at Thursday’s celebration.

PFCC Week Events

Monday October 19th: 12:00pm-1:00pm

A Kick Off Event will launch PFCC Week in the main gathering space. Come to the cafeteria to check out displays, hear some musical entertainment by the New West Symphony Chorus, and enjoy some cake!


Wednesday, October 21nd: 12:00pm-1:00pm

Join us for the Piano Hour in the main gathering space. Feel free to stop by and enjoy the tunes.


Thursday, October 22nd: 11:30am-1:30pm

Come join us for a Celebration Event in the main gathering space. There will be a live Lego building activity, popcorn, crafts, and a photo booth. Complete the scavenger hunt by checking out each station to be entered into a draw prize. 


A ceremony to celebrate the PFCC Champions and announce the winners of the Team Challenge will begin at 12:15pm. 


To learn more about Patient & Family Centred Care (PFCC) and the events during PFCC Week, visit the PFCC Week page.

Patients, Families, and Caregivers!


We invite you to recognize staff (clinical and non-clinical), physicians, and volunteers at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, Child Development Centre, and Rotary Flames House, for building a strong foundation of patient and family centred care during your healthcare journey. Please tell us about a staff member(s) who partnered with you to create an exceptional care experience.

All nominees will receive a PFCC Week 2026 Champion certificate and button from the ACH PFCC team, to recognize their exceptional care at this hospital.


To submit your nomination, fill out this online form or email the PFCC team at achpfcc@ahs.ca. You are more than welcome to submit multiple nominations.

ACH Allied Health Grand Rounds

Presents: Patient & Family Centred Care: Building Exceptional Care Together


Thursday, October 15th @ 11:45-12:45 Hybrid Presentation Format



Join us for an engaging session to explore the evidence-based impact of Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) and its practical application within Allied Health.


We will examine the building blocks of PFCC through research and patient and family stories. 


Participants will take away practical approaches to strengthen communication, partnership, and collaborative goal setting with patients and families.


Email to register.

AHS Patient Experience Showcase

The Engagement & Patient Experience team is hosting three Patient Experience Showcase webinars to celebrate Patient- and Family-Centred Care Week.


During these one-hour sessions you will hear from teams across the healthcare system who are using the principles of patient- and family-centred care to advance their work.



We invite you to view the list of presenters, share this opportunity with your team(s) and register to attend:

·        Monday, Oct. 19, 12-1 p.m. | Register

·        Wednesday, Oct. 21, 12-1 p.m. | Register

·        Friday, Oct. 23, 12-1 p.m. | Register

Welcome Tonya

We are pleased to welcome Tonya to the team as a new Family Mentor! Here's an introduction from Tonya:


"I am a mom of four, and my youngest daughter’s complex medical needs have made ACH a big part of our family’s life for the past 11 years. With her currently being followed by eight different clinics, we have spent countless hours at ACH through appointments, procedures and hospital stays, and have definitely come to know the hospital well! 

Outside of ACH, life with 4 keeps us busy! I love to have an active role in the kids’ sports, planning our next vacation, and spending time with our newest family member our fur baby Louie. 


My own experiences as a medical mom are what first led me to become involved at ACH. I began volunteering with Bedside Connections in 2018 and have spent approximately five years on the ACH Family Advisory Council. I’m so excited to now return as a Family Mentor, a role I previously loved and found incredibly fulfilling.


Having spent so many years on the parent side of healthcare, I understand how overwhelming hospital life can sometimes feel. I’m looking forward to connecting with other families, sharing what I’ve learned along the way, and hopefully making their time at ACH feel a little more comfortable and familiar."

The Alberta Quality Dimensions for Health

In our May Newsletter we had announced that the ACH Family Mentor program was recognized as a recipient of the Health Quality Alberta Patient Experience Awards. 


As part of this recognition, Health Quality Alberta supported the creation of a video that tells the story of the Family Mentor Program, and the meaningful difference Family Mentors make every day. Through shared lived experience, compassionate support, and a deep understanding of the family journey, Family Mentors help families feel heard, connected, and supported during some of their most challenging times.


We are excited to share this video with you as an opportunity to learn more about the role of Family Mentors across ACH and to celebrate the remarkable work they do.


The call for submissions to the 2027 Patient Experience Awards is now open, check out information on applying here.