20 Filipino Journal
Alberta
The Pulse of the Filipino Community
New strategy bolsters province's fight against cancer
The Legislature by Naresh Bhardwaj MLA, Edmonton Ellerslie and Chair, Capital Region Caucus
Albertans will see improved cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and support as the government moves forward with a bold new plan to fight cancer. The plan, Changing Our Future: Alberta’s Cancer Plan to 2030, maps out 10 strategies to transform coordination of care for patients, clinicians and researchers, with the goal of preventing most cancers, curing more cases of cancer, and reducing the suffering of those affected by cancer. “Every day, 42 Albertans learn they have cancer. We expect that to grow to 73 new cancer cases a day by 2030. We aim to change that,” said Health Minister Fred Horne. “Even though we have exceptional cancer care, we need to do more starting today. To wait means losing the opportunity
to get ahead of the curve and that will end up costing much more in lives and in dollars.” The plan calls for a provincial approach to cancer management so all parts of the system - from prevention to screening, treatment and care - can work together for the best possible outcomes for patients and families. The plan aims to reduce wait times for treatment, generate more seamless quality care, and improve the use of leading-edge research and clinical trials to support patient care. A key element of the plan creates CancerControl Alberta, a new operating division in Alberta Health Services, which will bring all of Alberta’s cancer facilities and programs under one umbrella. A cancer stewardship committee will be created to support implementation of the plan. “CancerControl Alberta builds on the foundation of an already impressive provincial cancer program. Our program will be amongst the best in the world, increasingly based on evidence, much generated by research that will be carried out as an integral
part of CancerControl Alberta,” said Dr. Paul Grundy, Senior Vice President and Senior Medical Director of CancerControl Alberta. “The new entity will provide far greater leadership and have responsibility for the full cancer control spectrum, providing expert care and support for patients from their first symptom to survivorship or palliation.” The plan will make better use of existing facilities and staff, and build or expand cancer facilities in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer and Grande Prairie. A new billion-dollar cancer centre in Calgary will serve outpatients, inpatients, and cancer research, and the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton is making upgrades worth $67 million. The plan will be integrated with other provincial strategies, such as the Tobacco Reduction Strategy, further development of Family Care Clinics and Primary Care Networks for enhanced primary health care, the ongoing Healthy U campaign, and development of health care infrastructure and palliative care capacity.
May 2013
The Calgary Airport Authority Receives Award for Life Saving Equipment at YYC
Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo, Calgary, AB. – The Calgary Airport Authority’s Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program, which was introduced in to the airport almost a decade ago, was recognized by Alberta Health Services, Emergency Medical Services, Calgary Metro with a Citizen Recognition Award in a ceremony at the site of a recent AED life-saving event at YYC. On February 15, passenger David Dexter’s life was saved thanks to the quick action of emergency response personnel and the availability of an AED. In the case of Mr. Dexter, the EMS crew who attended the scene stated, “The fact that an AED was immediately available was definitely a key element in the positive outcome of the patient.” YYC’s AED Program is extensive and continues to grow as the airport expands. There are currently 25 AEDs located throughout YYC, which can be accessed quickly and easily during a medical situation
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by emergency responders, airport employees, and the public. The AED program at YYC includes monthly inspections of all AEDs located throughout the terminal and an extensive training program. The program, hosted by The Calgary Airport Authority and a variety of airport partners, is available to all Team YYC members and ensures that employees throughout YYC have the equipment and training to save a life. It’s truly an airport community initiative. EMS reminds the public that calling 9-1-1, starting CPR immediately, and getting an AED to the patient as quickly as possible increases a person’s chance of survival. In most cases, an airport AED can be applied to a patient prior to EMS arriving due to the quick response of airport staff. The award from EMS was presented to YYC recognizing the Calgary Airport Authorities ongoing commitment to this life saving program.