Operational Clinical Networks
Reshaping health care together for a better today and tomorrow
Operational Clinical Networks (OCNs) are working to reshape health care in different service areas (Strategic Clinical Networks, or SCNs, focus on an particular area of health) to help AHS and its zones provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
Similar to the SCNs, OCNs are helping reshape health care by working towards:
- Improving the patient experience and outcomes
- Ensuring care is available when it’s needed
- Providing Albertans with the best health care for generations to come
OCNs will work with the different SCNs to help them meet their service needs in that area of health. For example, Surgery OCN has worked with the Bone and Joint Health SCN on improving wait times for hip and knee surgeries by improving access to the operating room.
SCNs and OCNs are designed to work together to make the best use of the experience and expertise each group can bring to improve health outcomes and patient experience.
Who’s involved in the networks?
Anyone can be involved in the work OCNs are doing. The core teams of each network include representatives and clinicians from health care professions, government, research and academic partners, community and not-for profit groups and patients and their families.
Networks have also been working to ensure representation from all five zones and different areas (rural, urban and regional) within their core membership.
By drawing upon the experience and expertise of everyone involved in health, AHS will be able to best meet the needs of patients.
As a patient if you are interested in getting involved visit Patient Engagement to learn more.
What OCNs are up and running?
Currently, there are three OCNs up and running:
Critical Care
The Critical Care OCN is led by Ms. Nancy Guebert as vice president and Dr. David Zygun as senior medical director with Ms. Patty Wickson as executive director. This OCN is committed to creating a seamless critical care experience for the patient, provider and systems perspectives.
Through consultation Critical Care wants to learn, gather, and share information about the different Intensive Care Unit (ICU) systems across Alberta. This will help support the network’s activities, link together the different ICUs, and serve the needs of the stakeholders involved.
Emergency
The Emergency OCN is led by Dr. Brian Holroyd as senior medical director and Ms. Nancy Guebert as vice president with Mr. Jim Graham supporting as executive director.
The Emergency OCN is committed to developing and supporting a provincewide approach to ensure that the delivery of emergency care for Albertans is appropriate, patient-focused, timely, safe, and aligned with quality standards.
Surgery
The Surgery OCN is led by Dr. John Kortbeek and Dr. Doug Hedden as co-senior medical directors and Ms. Shawna Syverson as vice president. The leadership is supported by Ms. Rachel De Souza as executive director.
The Surgery OCN work to improve access to quality, safe and sustainable services for patients and families across Alberta.
