2009 News Releases
December 31, 2009
AHS extends condolences to reporter, soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Alberta Health Services extends sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang who is the first Canadian journalist to die in the conflict.
December 23, 2009
Vaccination clinics re-open in Calgary January 4
The three influenza vaccination clinics in Calgary will close for the holidays at 7 p.m. this evening, Wednesday, December 23, 2009, and will reopen for six days beginning Monday, January 4, 2010.
December 23, 2009
Vaccination clinics re-open in Edmonton January 4
Mass influenza vaccination clinics in Edmonton will close for the holidays at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 and will resume Monday, January, 4, 2010.
December 11, 2009
Some H1N1 mass immunization clinics closing
Vaccine also being offered through some family doctors, pharmacists and employer clinics
December 11, 2009
Health Advisory Council appointments complete
The Alberta Health Services Board has appointed members to nine Health Advisory Councils.
December 10, 2009
OIPC confirms AHS responded responsibly to virus incident
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) has found that Alberta Health Services (AHS) did not fail to safeguard health information and took a prudent and responsible course of action in responding to a computer virus that briefly infected the AHS-Edmonton network in May 2009.
December 4, 2009
One million and counting
Alberta Health Services has now vaccinated over one million Albertans, protecting them from the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza virus.
December 3, 2009
Second quarter 2009-2010 financial results released
Alberta Health Services today released second quarter financial results for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
November 20, 2009
H1N1 vaccine available to all Albertans over six months of age
Given a positive resolution to the national vaccine shortage, and good uptake of vaccine among the highest-risk groups previously announced, Alberta's H1N1 immunization program will expand to include all members of the public starting Monday, Nov. 23.
November 19, 2009
Albertans appointed to Health Advisory Councils
The Alberta Health Services Board has appointed members to three HealthAdvisory Councils.
November 18, 2009
Children and their families next to receive H1N1 vaccine
Starting Friday, November 20, Alberta’s H1N1 immunization program will expand to include all children under 18 years of age as of November 1, as well as their immediate family members and caregivers living in the same household.
November 17, 2009
Update on administrative savings initiatives
Alberta Health Services today released an update on administrative cost-savings initiatives identified and developed since a single provincial health system was formally created on April 1st this year.
November 16, 2009
Province’s H1N1 vaccine program expands
Seniors next to receive vaccine.
November 13, 2009
More highest-risk groups eligible for H1N1 vaccine
First responders next to receive vaccine.
November 10, 2009
Targeted H1N1 immunization of priority groups expands
National vaccine shortage continues.
November 7, 2009
Update: H1N1 vaccination clinics
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been asked to clarify the recent announcement about expansion of the H1N1 vaccination program for high risk people.
November 6, 2009
Targeted H1N1 immunization of priority groups expands
National vaccine shortage continues.
November 6, 2009
AHS investigation into inappropriate use of H1N1 vaccine
Conclusion of investigation into inappropriate use of H1N1 vaccine.
November 4, 2009
Board Chair & CEO Statement: Inappropriate use of H1N1 vaccine
Alberta Health Services leaders learned that H1N1 vaccinations were provided to players and families of the Calgary Flames and, as a result, disciplinary action has been taken and an investigation is continuing.
November 3, 2009
Targeted immunization of children, pregnant women to begin later this week
Due to the unexpected national shortage of the H1N1 vaccine, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Health and Wellness today announced plans to begin targeted immunization of Albertans at high risk.
October 31, 2009
H1N1 clinics suspended due to vaccine supply issues
After consulting top senior public health officials from across Alberta, and with a reduced supply of H1N1 vaccines expected to arrive in the province starting next week from the manufacturer, we have ordered the suspension of all immunization clinics in Alberta effective immediately
October 29, 2009
AHS Board announces two-year management wage freeze
Alberta Health Services' Board of Directors today approved a two-year salary and wage freeze for management and non-union staff
October 29, 2009
Calgary Influenza Assessment Centre opening October 30
Alberta Health Services will open an Influenza Assessment Centre (IAC) in Calgary, October 30 at 8 a.m.
October 29, 2009
Edmonton Influenza Assessment Centre opening October 30
Alberta Health Services will open an Influenza Assessment Centre (IAC) in Edmonton on Friday, October 30 at 8 a.m.
October 29, 2009
Tips for safe trick-or-treating
While Halloween is a fun time for youngsters, the excitement of the night combined with costumes, the weather, and darkness can also make it dangerous
October 27, 2009
Fifth Calgary H1N1 vaccination clinic opens October 28
Alberta Health Services is opening a fifth H1N1 vaccination clinic in Calgary, October 28 at 8:30 a.m.
October 26, 2009
H1N1 vaccination clinics now open
Alberta Health Services will begin offering the H1N1 vaccination in mass vaccination clinics across Alberta on Monday, October 26
October 23, 2009
H1N1 vaccination begins Monday, October 26
Alberta Health Services will begin offering the H1N1 vaccination in mass vaccination clinics across Alberta on Monday, October 26
October 23, 2009
Tricks for healthy teeth
For many parents, monitoring the amount of candy their children eat at Halloween can be a frightening task
October 21, 2009
Alberta prepared for second wave of H1N1
Vaccine will be available to Albertans starting October 26
October 13, 2009
Seasonal influenza clinics start October 13
Seasonal influenza clinics begin October 13 across the province
October 8, 2009
Safe food preparation for turkey dinner
As many residents will be gathered around the dinner table with family and friends this weekend, Alberta Health Services has some advice to help make your holiday feast both happy and safe
October 6, 2009
Team named to guide Alberta Hospital Edmonton implementation plan
Health and Wellness Minister Ron Liepert has named the team that will work with Alberta Health Services on plans to expand community care options for Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) patients
October 6, 2009
Premier broadens stakeholder involvement in Alberta Hospital Edmonton transition
In keeping with his commitment that no patient will be moved from Alberta Hospital until appropriate community-based care is available
October 1, 2009
Hand washing key to keeping germs at bay
Alberta Health Services is encouraging parents to teach their children the importance of washing their hands at home to help stop the spread of germs and illness at school
September 24, 2009
Healthy teeth at school
Alberta Health Services has some advice for parents worried their children's teeth might be neglected now that they are heading back to the classroom
September 21, 2009
United Nurses of Alberta Code of Conduct complaint
Code of Conduct complaint filed by the United Nurses of Alberta against Alberta Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Stephen Duckett
September 17, 2009
Bus safety critical for both students and drivers
With students back in school, the yellow school buses have started running again. While travel by school bus is one of the safest modes of transportation, it's important to remind your children how to act safely in and around the bus
September 16, 2009
Community Living expansion adds almost 800 new spaces
Alberta Health Services has launched a three-year, three-step coordinated plan to add almost 800 community living options, improve access to mental health care, address pressure on Emergency Departments and make better use of hospital beds for acutely ill patients
September 15, 2009
2009-2012 performance measures
Alberta Health Services President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stephen Duckett, today released the organization’s performance measures and his own agreement with the Board to achieve priority objectives, including reductions in Emergency Department wait times
September 15, 2009
Drug resistant H1N1 case confirmed
Alberta Health Services has recorded a single case of drug resistant pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus
September 11, 2009
Helping kids cope with stress at school
Dealing with stress is nothing new for adults, but for kids stress can be a scary feeling that is difficult to deal with
September 10, 2009
Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 marks Suicide Prevention Day, an internationally recognized event designed to raise awareness and dispel some of the myths related to suicide
September 02, 2009
Additional ventilators purchased for H1N1 preparedness
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 continues to circulate and as fall flu season approaches, it is highly likely that an escalation in the number of serious cases will occur in Alberta and across Canada
August 29, 2009
Emergency care capacity to increase in Edmonton
The Alberta government is investing $18 million to improve access to the emergency department at the Stollery Children's Hospital
August 26, 2009
Patient care remains priority
The next phase of a multi-year framework to develop a sustainable, balanced budget for Alberta Health Services begins in September
August 21, 2009
Keep your child's immunizations up to date
Alberta Health Services is reminding Albertans Immunization is the most effective way to protect your children, family and friends against childhood diseases such as chicken pox, mumps, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio
August 14, 2009
Move to community-based mental health care accelerated
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is continuing the evolution of community-based mental health treatment in the province, and is accelerating its move away from a largely institution-based system
August 13, 2009
Blue-green algae advisory
Alberta Health Services is advising residents that blue-green algae is currently present in the waters of Lake Isle in the counties of Parkland and Lac St. Anne
July 31, 2009
Take precautions during blue-green algae blooms
Alberta Health Services would like to remind recreational water users to take precautions this summer as toxin producing blue-green algae blooms can develop in area lakes
July 24, 2009
Practice sun safety in summer weather
Residents heading outdoors this weekend are reminded to protect themselves and their families from the harmful effects of the sun
July 14, 2009
Board approves new Health Advisory Councils
Albertans will continue to provide input on local health issues across the province with the establishment of Health Advisory Councils.
Infection Prevention and Control measures in place at ACH
Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises the public that high level infection prevention and control measures in place at the Alberta Children's Hospital provide a high level of protection against the potential spread of the H1N1 virus
June 30, 2009
Alberta Health Services Board approves 2009/10 budget
The Board of Alberta Health Services today approved a 2009/10 budget aimed at ensuring access, quality and sustainability of health care services for Albertans within the context of escalating health costs
June 11, 2009
Alberta continues to monitor H1N1 flu virus
Alberta is ready to respond with its Pandemic Response Plan as World Health Organization raises its pandemic level to Phase 6
June 04, 2009
Precautionary fire smoke health advisory
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Parks Canada are working on a number of prescribed burns in the Central Alberta Rockies
May 06, 2009
Fires cause poor air quality in Edmonton area
Fires burning north of Edmonton are resulting in air quality deterioration due to smoke (fine particulate matter) in Lamont and Fort Saskatchewan
April 28, 2009
Alberta confirms two new cases of human swine influenza
Two cases of human swine influenza have been confirmed in Alberta, one in Calgary, and the other in northern Alberta
April 27, 2009
Alberta on alert for swine influenza
Alberta Health and Wellness issued a media statement on April 26, 2009 on human swine influenza
April 07, 2009
Province allocates AHS $550 million funding increase
Today's provincial budget allocated Alberta Health Services a $550 million funding increase for the 2009/10 fiscal year
April 01, 2009
Midwifery now part of publicly funded services
Alberta Health Services - together with the Alberta Association of Midwives and Alberta Health & Wellness - today announced that an agreement has been reached for public funding of midwifery services in the province effective April 1, 2009
March 26, 2009
New Health Information Centre to serve Stettler & area
The David Thompson Health Region Foundation and Alberta Health Services are pleased to announce the official opening of the Stettler Health Information Centre at the Stettler Hospital & Care Centre
March 24, 2009
baby steps campaign launches in central Alberta
AHS and the Tobacco Reduction in Childbearing Years (TRICY) committee today announced the launch of baby steps – a campaign encouraging pregnant women in central Alberta to quit smoking
March 23, 2009
Registration services for health care insurance expand
Beginning April 1, Albertans will be able to register for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan or update their information at 20 different registry agent offices across the province
March 20, 2009
EMS transition on track for April 1
April 1, 2009, brings a fundamental shift in the way ground ambulances will be governed and administered across Alberta
March 16, 2009
Peace Country health care properties to go smoke free
AHS is promoting a healthy, smoke-free environment outside all of its properties in the Peace Country region of the province
February 26, 2009
Grande Prairie Bone and Joint Clinic now open at QEII Hospital
Alberta Health Services is proud to announce the opening of the new Grande Prairie Bone and Joint Clinic at the QEII Hospital
February 24, 2009
Philanthropists inject over $312 million into health system
Largest fundraising campaign to date in Calgary’s history a success
February 06, 2009
Fort Chipewyan cancer study findings released
A study of the cancer incidence in Fort Chipewyan finds levels of the rare cancer cholangiocarcinoma are not higher than expected
February 05, 2009
Mother of twins declines media comment
A patient at Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre who is the focus of media attention concerning the birth of twins is asking the media to respect her wishes for privacy
February 04, 2009
Charges filed in fatal basement suite fire
Alberta Health Services – Calgary, has filed charges in connection with the fatal basement suite fire that occurred January 26, 2009
January 30, 2009
New health centre opens in Edmonton's Southwest
Access to health services now closer for fast-growing Rutherford
January 28, 2009
Top Australian health leader attracted to Alberta
AHS Board Chair, Mr. Ken Hughes has announced that Dr. Stephen Duckett, Chief Executive of the Centre for Healthcare Improvement for Queensland Health, Australia has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of AHS
January 20, 2009
Bleeding Disorder Clinic Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Alberta Health Services is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Dr. John Akabutu Comprehensive Centre for Bleeding Disorders
January 16, 2009
Alberta Health Services marks National Non-Smoking Week
Provincewide events planned to promote cessation and prevention
January 15, 2009
Aspen area clients being contacted
Aspen is contacting clients since it was recently determined that vaccines stored at some Community Health Services Offices have been exposed to storage temperatures outside of the recommended levels
