Amazing Together Every Day
Alberta Health Services (AHS) recognizes our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 and Treaty 8, and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and eight Metis Settlements. AHS also acknowledges the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.
October 10, 2025
Answering the call: Health Link 811 celebrates 25 years
Health Link 811 turned 25 years old this month. Over the past quarter-century, registered nurses and other health professionals have received 27 million calls, providing Albertans across the province with trusted and accurate health information and advice.
“Many things have changed over the years but our commitment to trusted health supports has remained constant,” says Primary Care Alberta CEO Kim Simmonds. “Our strong and mighty team of around 800 professionals is here to support Albertans live their best lives — and is always a call away.”
Health Link launched on Sept. 19, 2000, with 40 employees serving callers in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Three years later, Health Link expanded to serve Albertans across the province and, in 2015, the service adopted the easy-to-remember 811 number. (more...)
Save lives, immunize — walk-in clinics now open
Protect yourself from seasonal respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 by getting immunized at a Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) walk-in clinic.
Before attending a WHS clinic, please review the eligibility criteria:
To get immunized:
Questions? Visit Seasonal Immunization for Workers.
Benefits annual allocation dates announced
Please take note of the dates below to make your choices for your 2026 Annual Allocation:
Watch for additional details and instructions.
Access child care and parenting support
The impact of school closures can create challenges for families with school-aged children. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone. There are resources and support available to help you through this time.
Your Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides:
Additional resources include:
Questions? Email wellness@ahs.ca.
Register for project management lunch and learns
Join our new monthly interactive lunch and learn series hosted by Clinical Project Support Services. Discover how you can apply effective project management tools and techniques to successfully execute your projects. Over the next 12 months, we will be offering eight interactive sessions using MS Teams, from noon to 1 p.m. To register, click the links below to add the sessions to your calendar.
Oct. 29 — Defining Success: Clarifying Project Scope & Requirements. Register.
Nov. 26 — The Project Safety Net: Tools for Risk & Issue Management. Register.
Find out more about the upcoming sessions. Questions? Contact clinicalproject.supportservices@acutecarealberta.ca.
Join us for infection-prevention presentation
AHS highlights the importance of infection prevention in keeping everyone safe on Global Handwashing Day (Oct. 15) and during Infection Prevention and Control Week (Oct. 20-25).
Staff are encouraged to test their knowledge with a hand hygiene quiz and join a special online presentation on Oct. 20 (noon to 1 p.m.) with Dr. Bonita Lee, associate professor, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry – Pediatrics, University of Alberta, presenting: Let’s Make Measles a Memory. She’ll explore the why, how, where and who of measles prevention. To attend, join our Zoom call.
These activities highlight the big impact of simple actions — such as cleaning hands — in keeping patients, staff and visitors safe. Questions? Visit AHS Infection Prevention and Control.
What you need to know about updated Family Presence Policy
The Family Presence: Designated Family/Support Person & Visitor Access Policy has been updated. The policy establishes family presence as a standard of practice across all care services, fostering the ongoing advancement of patient- and family-centred care, including AHS’ Shared Commitments.
Those providing care to patients need to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to supporting family presence.
Key updates include:
Visit the Family Presence Policy Suite for new resources to support you.
Questions? Email patient.engagement@ahs.ca.
Microsoft files on Insite are changing
The way Microsoft files (Word, Excel and PowerPoint files) open on Insite is changing. Currently, if staff click a Microsoft file that is linked on Insite (e.g., branding templates), a temporary copy of the file opens in the desktop version of the app.
Starting Oct. 15, these files will open in preview mode directly in the web browser. Staff will need to save the file before they can begin editing. Follow these instructions in the User Guide.
PDF files that are linked from Insite will not change. These files will continue to open in your web browser.
This change is happening because of Microsoft’s recent licensing changes. Questions? Visit Microsoft 365 Web Apps.
Alternative transportation program for non-urgent patients expands
Emergency Health Services-Alberta (EHS-Alberta), in partnership with Health Link 811, is expanding its 911 shared response program in Calgary and Edmonton to include alternative transportation for patients who need in-person medical assessment but do not require an ambulance.
This six-month pilot project builds on the EHS-Alberta/Health Link 811 Shared Response program launched in 2023 that transferred non-life-threatening 911 calls to Health Link nurses.
Eligible low-acuity callers in Calgary and Edmonton who are advised by a registered nurse at Health Link 811 to see a doctor within 24 hours may be offered a taxi service to the nearest hospital emergency department (ED) or urgent care centre (UCC), if they do not have another way to get there, at no cost to the patient. (more...)
Alberta retinal program made permanent
Over the past decade, the Retina Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Program for Intraocular Disease (RAPID) pilot project has been giving patients sight-saving injections directly into the eye, using advanced medications.
Building on this success, Alberta’s government recently launched a new permanent program, the Alberta Retinal Treatment Program. The new program will expand eligibility by 2,000 Albertans, increase treatment options from three to six drugs, and allow all ophthalmologists in Alberta to participate.
The permanent and expanded program will ensure patients have more choice in their care and better access across the province. These injections protect vision, prevent further loss and give patients a chance to maintain their independence and quality of life. In 2024-25 alone, almost 23,000 Albertans received care through the pilot, with seniors making up three-quarters of those treated. (more...)
$3M gift supports cutting-edge theatre for Calgary
New Stephen and Paula Kennedy Auditorium at Foothills Medical Centre will boost healthcare innovation. (more...)
Women’s Health Golf Tournament raises $130,000
Calgary Health Foundation event supports programs, research and innovations in women’s health. (more...)
Enjoy five stories in this week’s Work Safe Blog on the importance of wellness in the workplace. (more...)
Indigenous artwork celebrates community and inclusivity (more...)
Adult Day Program fosters care and connection (more...)
New fetal monitor a heartfelt addition for Taber
With community support, Taber & District Health Foundation adds portable fetal heart monitor to its maternity unit. (more...)
Portable oxygen packs support patient outings
Brooks & District Health Foundation buys portable oxygen concentrators so patients can enjoy small outings. (more...)
