2011 Success Stories
December 22, 2011
Remote cardiac monitoring system reaches milestone
Calgary program leads country in number of patients using device.
December 15, 2011
Girl, 4, makes provincial transplant history
Cheyanne Mattern youngest patient to receive new heart, lungs.
December 12, 2011
Big save on soccer pitch
EMT provides life-saving treatment to fallen player.
December 8, 2011
New treatment for eye cancer patients
Cross Cancer Institute first in Prairie provinces to offer ocular brachytherapy.
November 30, 2011
Alberta breast cancer study extended
Research aims to pinpoint how much exercise needed to reduce risk.
November 29, 2011
Foothills ICU’s design named among best in the world
International body recognizes unit’s emphasis on patient- and family-focused care.
November 23, 2011
Winds of change for better and worse
Chinooks bring pain for some, relief for others: study.
November 17, 2011
Peer support program now available for stroke patients
Volunteer visits show ‘there can be life after a stroke’.
November 9, 2011
Capacity for cancer-diagnosing tool to triple in Calgary
Number of PET/CT scans to increase to 5,460 exams annually.
November 7, 2011
PADIS turns 25
Poison, drug info service has fielded about 900,000 calls since 1986.
November 1, 2011
Cardiologists don’t miss a beat
Procedure to correct irregular heart rhythms now available for sicker patients.
October 31, 2011
Clock ticking to heal the ticker
Study shows earlier start to cardiac rehab improves recovery
October 27, 2011
The eyes have it
Corneal transplant innovation allows patients to recover sight sooner.
October 26, 2011
Transplant first
AHS performs ‘domino’ kidney exchange between southern Albertans.
October 25, 2011
Remote control for diabetics
Research project seeks better way to monitor blood sugar.
October 14, 2011
Revolutionary heart pump transplant performed at Stollery
B.C. teenager becomes first pediatric patient to receive HeartWare.
October 3, 2011
Hearts in the right place
New risk reduction clinic points patients to healthier path.
September 23, 2011
Senses working overtime
Dynamic therapy room helps children with disabilities.
September 15, 2011
Cancer clinical trials coming to Medicine Hat
Program will be the first in Alberta outside of Edmonton, Calgary.
September 15, 2011
Cervical cancer screening expands
Program to include 680,000 additional women in province.
September 13, 2011
Swift path to cardiac rehab
Edmonton clinic provides specialized support to high-risk patients
August 22, 2011
Three AHS physicians receive research boost
Funding supports work aimed at improving health care delivery.
August 17, 2011
World-first cancer technology being developed in Alberta
‘It could revolutionize the way cancer patients are treated’.
June 15, 2011
Two primary cancer centres expanding, adding capacity
More beds, more space and better diagnostic and treatment technology — all things cancer patients and practitioners can look forward to thanks to a major funding boost at our main cancer centres.
June 15, 2011
Radiation therapy corridor to reduce travel for patients
Two years ago, a cancer diagnosis for a patient outside Calgary and Edmonton likely meant a tough decision: travel hours each day for radiation therapy or settle for alternative treatment.
June 15, 2011
AHS, partners on forefront of treatment and prevention
Alberta Health Services’ cancer experts not only treat the disease, they are at the forefront of efforts to prevent it. Research is integral to a high-quality health system, especially in relation to cancer, says Dr. Carol Cass, scientific director of research for AHS Cancer Care.
June 15, 2011
Tobacco cessation tools help Alberta butt out
When Amber Burdett became pregnant with her son Levi, it took a nudge from someone she loved to help her give up smoking.
June 15, 2011
AHS drives down wait times using Toyota's techniques
Alberta Health Services is embracing a process improvement technique, pioneered by car manufacturer Toyota, to deliver radiation therapy treatment faster and more efficiently to Albertans.
June 15, 2011
Robotic-assisted surgeries offer unparalleled precision
Albertans have benefitted from robotic-assisted gynecologic and prostate cancer surgeries since 2009.
June 15, 2011
Breakthroughs mean many kids face a brighter future
Alberta has one of the highest participation rates for pediatric clinical trials in the country, giving kids with cancer access to the latest treatments.
June 15, 2011
Patients, survivors get help for emotional side-effects
The emotional distress associated with a cancer diagnosis can be severe and debilitating.
June 15, 2011
Navigators provide patients a helpful, guiding hand
More patient navigators are working throughout Alberta to guide cancer patients through their treatment and improve their health-care experience.
March 23, 2011
Computer tool tracks, improves seniors care
RAI ‘report card’ helped Jerry regain strength, mobility.
March 23, 2011
New physician clinic serves remote residents
Weekly doctor visits boost care for Worsley region.
March 17, 2011
Bone amplification restores hearing
Being born with one ear defined nearly four decades of Michael Brown’s life.
March 4, 2011
Brain-monitoring equipment added
Technology helps physicians pinpoint source of epileptic seizures.
January 26, 2011
Bright idea in Rainbow Lake
A new program involving EMS personnel has ensured the Rainbow Lake Health Centre continues to deliver high-quality primary care, despite the departure last year of a nurse practitioner.
January 20, 2011
Little beads mark major milestones
For the young participants in the Treasure Bead program, life is measured not only by time but also by beads.
January 4, 2011
New geriatric mental health facility opens
Villa Caritas offers access, privacy, modern amenities
January 24, 2012
Cardiac program does a heart good
Edmonton expands initiative to benefit South Asian community.







