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Programs & Services


Indigenous Hospital Support Services

Facility-based indigenous cultural support service provides First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis and Inuit peoples and their families with: help feeling comfortable in the hospital, making referrals, support for discharge from the hospital, and talking to healthcare providers about Indigenous culture (e.g. smudging, Elder services).

This program provides support and health information to healthcare providers, Indigenous patients / clients and their families through personal visits. Specifically, this includes:

  • case management
  • patient advocacy
  • cultural teaching
  • patient / client language interpretation
  • health literacy support
  • logistical support for discharge planning for Indigenous peoples


This service is available on-site in hospitals, public health centres and in the community. Upon request, staff can be present at hospital rounds, medical appointments and case conferences. This program will communicate with the healthcare team to ensure provision of culturally sensitive healthcare service.

Patients and clients may also be asked about their healthcare experience to help ensure they receive the best possible healthcare.

Contact Details

Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre

Address
5800 57 Avenue
Ponoka, Alberta
T4J 1P1
Telephone
403-783-3341 (Switchboard)
Fax
403-783-6907
Email
indigenoushealthprogram@ahs.ca
Hours of Operation
Note
Service hours not available.
Access
Service Providers May Include
aboriginal hospital liaisons
Eligibility

First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit peoples and their families.

Service Access

Healthcare providers and community agencies can make referrals. Patients and families may also self refer. For more information email program.


Wait Times

For healthcare professionals, referrals should be made electronically in the Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM). The new order is called Aboriginal Liaison Referral. All Aboriginal Hospital Liaison staff will also be using the SCM MPR to complete their clinical documentation.

Service Languages
Cree, Interpreter/Translation services
Service Locations
Also Known As
Acronym
AHC
Previous
Aboriginal Liaison Program, Indigenous Cultural Helper Services, Indigenous Health Coordinator Services, Indigenous Hospital Liaison Services
Other
First Nations Health Liaisons Coordinator, Hospital Liaison and Traditional Wellness Counsellor