October 30, 2017
Lucille Partington has served as Chair of the Peace Health Advisory Network for almost six years.
Story by Lisa Laferriere | Photo courtesy of Lucille Partington
Lucille Partington is living her passion for supporting local healthcare initiatives.
About six years ago, Partington, 72, joined Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) Peace Health Advisory Council (HAC) — a group of volunteer community members who provide input to AHS about what is working in local healthcare services and where improvements are needed.
“I can’t get over how wonderful the Alberta healthcare system is,” says the Sexsmith resident. “I really enjoy speaking with members of the community to understand their healthcare concerns and, for example, helping them understand where to go when they’re sick.”
A teacher for more than 30 years, Partington is no stranger to working with groups of people with different backgrounds and experiences. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1965 and still works as a substitute teacher at local schools in Sexsmith.
She’s also a member of the local Catholic Women’s League, the South Peace Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee and sits on the Board for the Northwest Alberta Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Network. Prior to the 2009 formation of the Health Advisory Councils, she served as a member on the former Queen Elizabeth II Regional Hospital Board.
As Chair of the Peace HAC for nearly six years, Partington says one of the most important messages she hopes to share is how important it is to take care of oneself.
“It’s important for people to educate themselves about what’s happening with healthcare in the province and in their community,” she says.
“For example, we don’t need to be running to the emergency department for every little thing. There are options out there, and people need to know where to go.”
One of the most recent initiatives Partington has been involved with is helping to increase access to mental health care.
“We’re pretty excited about some of the mental health initiatives that are happening in our area,” she says. “The council spent a lot of time working with government to have the Grande Prairie mental health beds move to the new hospital after it opens instead of staying at the QEII. We heard that was important to people, and we helped to make that happen.”
Stacy Greening, Senior Operating Officer for the QEII Regional Hospital in the North Zone, has worked with Partington over the years.
“Lucille’s passion and dedication to community healthcare has definitely made a difference to those living in the North Zone and we are grateful for her time and efforts,” says Greening. “It’s people like her who help us better connect with local residents and give them a strong voice. The Health Advisory Councils are critical and, most importantly, impactful.”
Partington agrees. “Everyone should have a passion for health – and that’s all you need to get involved,” she says.
As for future AHS initiatives, she says she’s excited about efforts to help seniors live at home for as long as possible.
“Lately, most families have expressed a vested interest in the health of a sick, elderly person — whether it be a family or friend — and I’m really excited to be a part of the change to continuing care that’s happening.”
The Peace HAC covers communities in the northwestern corner of the province, representing municipalities such as Grande Prairie, Valleyview, Fairview and Beaverlodge. Members of the public are welcome to attend an advisory council meeting. See more information here.
