Public invited to launch of bariatric-friendly hospital initiative

MEDICINE HAT — Local residents are invited to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital to learn what it means to be a bariatric-friendly hospital.

The Bariatric-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launching this Wednesday (Jan. 30), aims to improve the healthcare experience for people who have a body weight of greater than 113 kg, or 250 lbs., and have identified bariatric care needs, such as assistance with mobility.

The public is invited to the launch event in the Ambulatory Care Building at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 5 St. S.W.

Drop by anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to learn more about how AHS is improving the care of adult patients with bariatric care needs by supporting healthcare providers to become more knowledgeable about the complexity of obesity, and increasing patient safety by ensuring proper equipment is readily available.

Recently donated equipment, such as special beds and lifts, will be on display, and bariatric patient advisors and project leads will be on hand to answer any questions.

In Alberta, about one-in-three hospitalized patients are obese and are staying in hospital longer than non-obese patients. Patients with obesity are in hospital for a variety of reasons, not just for bariatric surgery, and are at significantly higher risk for injury and complications due to inadequate facility design, equipment, and/or staff competencies in bariatric care.

The Diabetes, Obesity and Nutrition Strategic Clinical Network, the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, and AHS staff are hosting Wednesday’s event.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.