Provincial News

Gynecology joins FAST June 2024

Starting June 10, the Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) central access program will accept referrals for gynecology in North, Central, Calgary, and South Zones. Edmonton Zone FAST will continue to accept colposcopy referrals until more reasons for referral are added this fall.

The FAST program’s expansion to gynecology – alongside general surgery, orthopedics, urology, and vascular surgery – will improve patient access to specialty care through better coordination of referral intake and triage. FAST will expand to all surgical specialties by late 2025.

Find more information at ahs.ca/fast or by reviewing the Provincial Adult Gynecology Referral Pathway available on albertapathways.ca.

General surgery to join FAST province-wide February 2024

On February 26, general surgery will join the Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) program in Central, South, North and Calgary Zones. General Surgeons practicing in Edmonton Zone are already receiving referrals via FAST.

FAST is a central access and intake program that receives surgical referrals and sends them to a next-available surgeon with the shortest wait time, to a specific provider/clinic/site or an out of Zone provider.

Take a sneak peek of the provincial general surgery referral pathway launching in February.

FAST will be expanded to all surgical specialties by 2025. More information can be found at ahs.ca/FAST.

Vascular Surgery Joined FAST on November 27, 2023

On November 27, 2023, vascular surgery was added to the Facilitated Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) program. FAST is a central access and intake program that receives surgical referrals and distributes them to a next available surgeon with the shortest wait time, a specific clinic/provider/site or an out of zone provider.

Referring providers who refer into FAST for vascular surgery should review the new Provincial Adult Vascular Surgery Referral Pathway for referral instructions and can submit referrals via fax, Alberta Netcare eReferral or Connect Care using the outgoing referral process.

For more information, visit ahs.ca/FAST

Prevention is Protection; Get Immunized Against Influenza

This year more than ever, we need everyone to get immunized against influenza. Protect yourself, your co-workers, our patients and the community from getting sick and help reduce the strain on our healthcare system as we also battle COVID-19.

Staff currently working in an AHS facility can connect with the site champion on their unit, find a roving cart or check Insite for other options to get immunized.

Staff are also encouraged to get the influenza immunization at one of the options listed below.

• All Albertans, aged five and older, can get immunized at their local pharmacy or many doctors’ offices. Check with your pharmacy or doctor’s office to confirm vaccine availability and/or age eligibility.
• AHS public health clinics are offering influenza vaccines to children under age five and their family and household members by appointment only. Appointments can be booked at ahs.ca/influenza.

Note: Staff who receive influenza immunization from a pharmacy, doctors’ office or public health clinic are encouraged to report their immunization status.

Find more information about this year’s influenza immunization campaign on Insite.

Information in Your Zone

North | Edmonton | Central | Calgary | South

North Zone

Refer to provincial news at this time.

Edmonton Zone

Refer to provincial news at this time.

Central Zone

Refer to provincial news at this time.

Calgary Zone

Refer to provincial news at this time.

South Zone

Refer to provincial news at this time.