AHS South Zone introduces Indigenous Hospital Liaisons – The Pincher Creek Voice

Harley Crowshoe, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Health, AHS – The role of the Indigenous Hospital Liaison was introduced to Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) in December 2015, through Alberta Health Services’ Indigenous Health Program in South Zone.

The first liaison worker, Suzan Heavyshields, was tasked with introducing the program to staff and patients. The role involves:
– helping patients and their families feel comfortable while the hospital
– providing support during their hospital stay
– making referrals for on-reserve (Blood Tribe and Piikani Nation) and off-reserve (Lethbridge and Area)
– advocating for patients and families
– helping plan and support patients’ discharge from hospital
– talking to health-care providers about Indigenous cultural, spiritual practices and ceremonies, (e.g., Sweetgrass Ceremonies, Elder Services) if required during a patient’s stay at the hospital.

Read More: http://www.pinchercreekvoice.com/2017/04/ahs-south-zone-introduces-indigenous.html