Indigenous Hospital Support Services

Alberta Health Services - Edmonton Zone

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Description
Facility-based Indigenous cultural support service provides First Nations (Status and Non-Status), M?tis 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). Ask your healthcare provider for more information about Alberta Health Services policy to allow spiritual ceremonies.

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

This program provides:

  • Advocacy - Patient advocacy, healthcare navigation services, and health literacy support.
  • Connection to Resources - Case management, coordination of care, and referrals to connect with community services (i.e., NIHB support, referral to a clinic or community agency, equipment funding referral, help with forms, transportation assistance). Logistical support for discharge planning and follow up.
  • Cultural Support - Support for Indigenous patients to incorporate their traditional & spiritual practices during their hospital stay (i.e., smudging support, prayer, singing).
  • Education/Awareness - Collaboration with patients and healthcare providers around spiritual, cultural, and other needs to facilitate culturally safe, patient and family-centered care. Provide information about Indigenous history, policies, or IWC services/programs.
  • End of Life Support - Supporting patients, family members or nursing staff at the end of a person's life.
  • Meetings/Rounds - Support for patients, families, and staff in family conferences. Attend unit/nursing rounds.
  • Psychosocial Support - Assisting with social supports, listening, trauma, loneliness or isolation, domestic issues, bereavement, coping techniques, etc.
  • Translation - Support translation of an Indigenous language to English or connect patients with translation services.

This service is available on-site in hospitals and public health centres. Upon request, staff can be present at hospital rounds, medical appointments, and case conferences.

Indigenous Hospital Support Staff also gather traditional medicines, educate about ceremonial protocol, and are available to healthcare staff for consultation on a diverse range of Indigenous patient issues.

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


Key Provider: indigenous hospital support services
Eligibility
Yes, First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit peoples and their families.
Application Process
Service Access: By Appointment, Healthcare providers and community agencies can make referrals. Patients and families may also self refer. See locations for contact information.
Referral Process: No


Waiting Period: No,
Telephone
780-735-5963
Web Site
https://www.ahs.ca/ihp
Email
IndigenousWellnessCore@ahs.ca
Languages
Interpreter/Translation services
Fees
Fee: No


Fee Reduction: N/A
Membership Fee: N/A
Accessibility
Wheelchair access: Yes -
Other disabled access: Yes - Elevators
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Last Verified On
July 2, 2024
Address
10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB, T5H 3V9

This facility provides a range of healthcare services including a 24/7 emergency department.


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