You will receive one newsletter per month.
Please let us know if you have anything you would like us to highlight in upcoming editions.
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- PCN News / Updates
- Important Referral Information for Primary Care Physicians
- Continuing Medical Education
- Local Support Groups
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Local Home Detox Working Group Seeking Input from a Canmore-Based Family Physician |
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The Banff Mineral Springs Hospital formed a working group to develop and pilot a local Home Detox Program. Efforts are supported by a grant from Covenant Health Foundation and leadership from
Sarah Lonz, Manager of Acute Care.
Dr. Steve Shigeishi (Alpine Medical Clinic) and Dr. Monica O’Gorman (Bear Street Family Physicians) are providing input to the processes. We are now seeking feedback from a Canmore-based primary care physician. The role of physician members is to comment on physician training needs and gaps in the draft algorithm and resource materials.
Action oriented meetings are scheduled every 1-2 months.
Here are the next steps:
- complete treatment protocols (February)
- survey physicians (March)
- finalize algorithm (March)
- identify training needs (April)
- finalize community/online recovery resources, eligibility criteria and treatment protocols
Are you a physician working in Canmore and interested in providing input? Contact Yvette Penman at ypenman@bowvalleypcn.ca.
The next online meeting is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 10.
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AHS Survey: Physicians’ Perception of Pharmacists Prescribing
Opioids and Controlled Substances
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Practicing Alberta physicians are invited to take a 10 minute anonymous survey exploring perceptions of pharmacists prescribing opioids and controlled substances. You can take the survey here.
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Province of Alberta Vaccination Rates
by the numbers (as of February 3, 2022):
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8,345,443 doses administered
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89.9% of Albertans 12+ with at least 1 dose
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86.2% of Albertans 12+ fully vaccinated
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Dr. Barrick on Mountain FM
Paxlovid information
Paxlovid was approved by Health Canada earlier this month, Alberta began offering the oral antiviral treatment to eligible patients earlier this week, read more.
Local Primary Care Response to Omicron:
In response to a request from Alberta Health, Bow Valley PCN has outlined a local response. The response, supported by the PCN Not for Profit Board and Banff and Canmore Hospital leaders, includes 3 priorities:
Safety: To preserve the workforce and reduce risk of spread
- includes PPE and Rapid Test resources / processes
Communication: Communicate supports to providers / patients
- includes decision making supports and resources for patients and providers
Capacity: To preserve capacity and support health system viability through appropriate care across the continuum
- includes a range of online and phone supports to primary care and emergency and acute care services.
- should Bow Valley resources become overwhelmed the PCN is positioned to launch a COVID Access Clinic Model 2.0 where PCN staff provide resources to patients who call during week day office hours. Where helpful, PCN staff can arrange virtual care appointments with a PCN physician member. Special thanks to physician members who have offered to receive referrals to provide short term virtual care.
For more details on any of the components of the Response Plan refer to the email distributed to physician members on January 12, 2022.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Bow Valley Pharmacies:
Over 1,300 Alberta-based pharmacies are providing COVID-19 immunization with either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines. To find out where you can get vaccinated visit www.ab.bluecross.ca. Bow Valley pharmacies offering vaccines are listed on the PCN website.
Primary Care Clinics:
Alpine Medical Clinic is providing Moderna and Pfizer vaccines as supplies are available. Appointments must be booked in advance. Please check the clinic website for availability.
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For more information related to COVID-19, visit ahs.ca
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Upcoming Community Classes |
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starts Thursday, March 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
An 8-week interactive group program for those interested in improving relationships whether family, personal or work.
Course dates March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14 & 21.
Tuesday, March 8 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is pervasive and persistent.
Learn more about treatment options, the role of exercise and how to enhance and improve function when living with fibromyalgia.
Tuesday, March 15 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This workshop will focus on learning the symptoms, causes and therapeautic treatment options to help patients find relief and better manage this painful condition.
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Moving on with Persistent Pain |
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The Bow Valley PCN runs the Chronic Pain Program, a free program for those who have been living with Chronic Pain for six months or more.
"I was at a loss as I had been dealing with this pain by myself for 15 years and these classes really did change my life and my attitude.There is so much information to gain from attending and everyone who I dealt with has been absolutely amazing."
- Jarold Ketterer, a patient who has lived with chronic pain for more than 15 years recently shared his experiences in the Bow Valley PCN Chronic Pain Program, read more...
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Wednesdays, starts February 23 | 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
An 8-week program of interactive sessions that focus on the mind-body connection and lifestyle factors, highlighting simple changes and goal setting. Topics include: exercise, nutrition, sleep, medication, managing grief, stress, relaxation skills and coping strategies.
Course dates: Feb 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, April 6 & 13.
Held via Zoom.
Facilitated by: PCN staff Jolene Gunn (Pharmacist) and
Kiley Torti (Active Living and Health Promotion Consultant)
Prior to participation the PCN requires completion of a PCN Waiver, exercise clearance from your family doctor (we will arrange for this) and an intake form. This is the Bow Valley Primary Care Network’s Chronic Pain Program.
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Sexual Health Awareness Week - February 14-18 |
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February 14-18, 2022 is Sexual Health Awareness week in Canada. We are pleased to share three new feature stories on different sexual health topics and corresponding local resources:
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IMPORTANT REFERRAL INFORMATION FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS |
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Grief Support from the
Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley
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Referrals for grief support and/or non-medical palliative supports may now be directed to the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley (PCSBV).
The first cohort of PCSBV volunteers recently completed 30+ hours of training to become client-care volunteers. Training included the role of the volunteer, grief companioning, emotional/psychological supports, physical aspects of dying, family dynamics and boundaries, effective communications/power of listening, cultural awareness and more. Volunteers will have access to ongoing continuing education.
The Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley can receive referrals for:
- Adults (18+) grieving any death loss
- Adults (18+) recently diagnosed with a life-limiting illness as well as individuals further along in their prognosis
- Adults (18+) actively dying
Volunteers are matched, supervised and supported by the Volunteer Coordinator (currently Bill Harder). Referrals will be contacted by Bill Harder, Palliative and Grief Support Navigator, for intake and support. Appropriate referrals will be connected to volunteers. This is a free service.
Clients may self-refer or be referred by a Bow Valley agency or provider.
Referrals may be made by calling the PCSBV office at 403.458.0433 (confidential voicemail may be left) or by emailing bill.harder@pcsbv.ca
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CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION |
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CanREACH Training - Opportunities still exist! |
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Through a provincial grant the Bow Valley PCN has been able to offer support for PCN physician members to participate in CanREACH training.
CanREACH is a patient-centered mental health in pediatric primary care program, adapted for Canadian Primary Care providers. The program is accredited by CFPC.
We are happy to recognize the following physician members who completed CanREACH training –
8 PCN physician members from 5 clinics!
Congratulations to the following members:
- Dr. Chantal Badger, Ridgeview Medical Centre
- Dr. Kendra Barrick, Ridgeview Medical Centre
- Dr. Elaine Desnoyers, Lake Louise Medical Clinic
- Dr. Mette Hoegh-Petersen, Bear Street Family Physicians
- Dr. Shona Imlah, Lake Louise Medical Clinic
- Dr. Christa McPherson, Ridgeview Medical Centre
- Dr. Emma Morin, Ridgeview Medical Centre
- Dr. Robin Simms, Stoney Health Services
Two additional courses are scheduled for 2022. The May session is fully subscribed but the Bow Valley PCN has been able to arrange for CanREACH to hold up to 3 spots for final CanREACH program of 2022.
Here is information and an application form for the condensed program scheduled for September 9-10, 2022. PCN grant funding covering registration fees is available for physician members approved to participate.
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Grief Support Walking Group
This is a no-cost, drop-in grief conversation group open to all 18+ who are grieving. Find out when and where upcoming events will be through the group page on facebook.
Participants walk and chat for about 30 minutes and then stop for a guided conversation on the themes of loss and grief.
Every Wednesday: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
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Parkinson Association of Alberta Canmore Support Group
This Support Group is open to individuals with Parkinson's Disease, spouses, care partners, family members and friends.
The group provides opportunities to learn up-to-date information on Parkinson’s, share tips and resources, connect with the Parkinson's community and attain support.
2nd Thursday of each month from 1:30 – 3:00 pm
For information or to register contact: Emma or Jordan at 403-243-9901
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Bow Valley Stroke Support Group Meeting
This group is for those who have experienced a stroke. This is your opportunity to meet other stroke survivors: to hold space for the experience of each other, to offer and receive inspiration and offer support along the long journey of recovery. The Bow Valley Support Group meets for fellowship, education and to share action plans to gain encouragement.
NEXT Zoom meeting: Thursday, Feb 17 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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