Cafeteria Services

This service is responsible for all in-house food and drink, and catering in Alberta Health Services facilities. Third-party operated food and drink outlets, and vending machines are available in various Alberta Health Services facilities. The team is dedicated to providing fresh, high-quality food and drinks at competitive prices.

Cafeteria Services - Healthy Trendz

Offers fresh food that people can buy at AHS hospitals and facilities. Vending machines are also available.

Cancer Patient Navigation and Tumor Triage Coordination

This service supports clients and their families by:

• providing accurate information for patients so they can make informed decisions about their next steps
• helping patients prepare for tests and cancer treatments by explaining test results and treatment choices or by referring patients to other resources or services
• improving coordination of care by working with other healthcare providers
• helping patients prepare for medical visits by explaining ahead of time what to expect
• helping patients access financial resources and community supports

Tumour Triage Coordinators focus their care to patients at the beginning stages of the cancer journey, but they can connect patients and families to other healthcare providers as needed.

Cancer Treatment and Care - Cancer Care Centres

Cancer centres are located within local regional hospitals / health centres. They deliver a range of treatments and care options to cancer patients as close to home as possible, including outpatient chemotherapy, education, and support.

Contact a centre for information or educational material related to cancer.

Chemotherapy / Systemic Cancer Locations

This service uses systemic treatment (anti-cancer medicine) to treat cancer. This may include:

• immunotherapy
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• hormonal therapy

Classes and/or resources are available.

Computed Tomography

Computed tomography, also known as "CT Scan" or "CAT Scan", is when pictures of the body are taken using radiation and computer-enhanced imaging.

Cross Cancer Institute

Services offered at the Cross Cancer Institute may include:

• Cancer Information Centre
• Chemotherapy / Systemic Cancer Locations
• Mammography
• Palliative Radiation Oncology Clinic
• Physical Therapy Breast Class
• Radiation Therapy Locations

Cross Cancer Institute Patient Orientation

Provides important information tailored to patient / family preferences:

• this informative session helps prepare patients for their care experience and includes: overview of services and resources available; suggestions for dealing with the emotional challenges of living with cancer; encouragement to participate actively in one's care and an orientation to the facility and process of care
• if possible, it is recommended that patients and / or family members attend a session prior to their first appointment with an oncologist

Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources

Provides psychological, social, and spiritual support to cancer patients and their families, including:

• Individual Counselling
• Support Groups
• Social Work Services
• Spiritual Care Services

Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources - Individual Counselling

Services include:

• counselling about how to deal with emotion stress
• information about resources to help with discharge planning and personal affairs
• spiritual counselling

Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources - Social Work Services

Cancer Care Social Workers are professionally trained registered social workers who can provide you with support and information on:

• medical coverage
• resource information for transportation to appointments
• locating affordable accommodations for out of town patients and their families
• overview of available financial options during treatment
• referrals to Psychology and Spiritual Care Services
• personal affairs  (wills, personal directives, enduring power of attorney, etc.)
• assessment of need for and referral to appropriate community resources
• planning for discharge from hospital
• problem solving and difficult decision making
• supportive counselling

Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources - Support Groups

All groups are professionally facilitated.  Groups bring together individuals who share a common experience.  In the group members may no longer feel alone or different.  They may realize that their reactions and emotions are a normal response to the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. 

A wide variety of support groups are offered with new sessions beginning in the fall, winter, and spring. 

Please call the Department of Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources for a current list of support group offerings.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

The types of tests provided in Diagnostic Imaging are included below.

Please click on the test you require to see the locations that are being offered:

• Computed Tomography (CT scans)
• General Radiography (X-ray)
• Interventional Radiography/Angiography
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Mammography (Mammograms)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET, PET/CT)
• Ultrasound
• Echocardiography
• Fluoroscopy

Energize

You will learn:

• about factors relating to cancer-related fatigue
• how important health eating is
• ways to manage your time and energy
• why exercise and movement are so important in helping manage fatigue

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a real time x-ray like a video, which is used by physicians and staff to assist imaging throughout the body during exams.

General Radiography (X-Ray)

General Radiography uses x-rays to produce images of the structures inside the body, particularly bones. X-ray beams can pass through the body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through.

Gift Shop and Bookstore

A gift shop and bookstore that sells:

• gift items and snacks
• headwear items
• clothing items 
• magazines, newspapers, gently-used books
• vending machines (drinks, snacks) close to the shop

Book donations are accepted.

Health Information - Access and Disclosure

In accordance with Alberta’s Health Information Act, this is a service which enables the release of individually identifiable health information with or without the consent of an individual.

Health Information / Records Management

Provides patients with information from their health records

Completes patient charts, collects data, data entry and coding, collects patient information, dictates notes, and transcribes inpatient and outpatient charts.

Indigenous Health Program

Program objectives include:

• providing an effective, patient-centered approach for improving care to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples and communities through specific services
• working with health zones to facilitate the development and delivery of health services for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples
• facilitating accessible, culturally safe, equitable health service delivery for all First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and peoples

Also provides the following:

• cultural and spiritual support for First Nations (Status and Non-status) Métis and Inuit patients and families. Collaborates with healthcare providers around spiritual, cultural and other special needs to facilitate culturally safe and family-centered care. This role also offers a specialized mental health and addictions focus including group and individual support
• diabetes education using a holistic and cultural approach for First Nations (Status and Non-status) Métis and Inuit patients and families. Within our chronic disease mandate, the Anderson Hall clinic provides a four day, culturally-based, holistic diabetes education program, as well as 1 day follow-up appointments with the wellness team. For more information on the Indigenous Wellness Program visit Indigenous Wellness Program
• advocacy for support of Indigenous patients and their families across the continuum of care: from healthcare facilities to community services. Promotes awareness and consultation between patients, families, communities, and AHS staff
• help for Indigenous patients navigating the cancer care system in providing consistent, coordinated care and ensure they feel safe and comfortable in a clinical setting. This role also develops culturally sensitive relationships with other health care providers

Interpretive Services and Hard of Hearing Services

Provides interpreters (including sign language) for people with cancer.

Interventional Radiography / Angiography

Interventional Radiography is a sub-specialty of Diagnostic Imaging (radiology) that uses imag-guided procedures for both therapeutic and diagnostic Purposes.  Interventional radiography can be done using x-ray, CT, Ultrasound or MRI images and are done to diagnose and treat disease in almost every organ system.

Angiography, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a radio-opaque dye and a specialized x-ray camera to take pictures of the blood flow in specific blood vessels (arteries or veins) or blood flow within the heart itself. Sometimes treatments are done during an angiogram.

Laboratory Services

This service provides a comprehensive range of routine and specialized lab testing and clinical consultation, services may include:

• blood and body fluid sample collection
• biochemistry and toxicology
• urinalysis
• transfusion medicine
• hematology
• coagulation studies
• microbiology
• serology
• surgical pathology
• cytopathology
• autopsy pathology
• student practicum training for medical lab technologists and medical lab assistants

Look Good Feel Better

A free workshop to support women with cancer. Each woman gets cosmetic products and learns makeup tips to help manage side effects from their treatments. Information is also provided about hair and headwear. For more information about wigs, scarves, hats, skin care, and makeup, see our website.

Lowdown on Down There

Provides help with:

• vaginal pain
• loss of sexual interest
• questions about vaginal health

Participation involves completion of surveys as this program is offered as part of a research program.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to form images of the body.  The technique is widely used in hospitals for medical diagnosis, staging of disease and for follow-up without exposure to ionizing radiation.

Used for many exams, including: head, spine, heart, bone / joints, and abdomen.

Mammography

Mammography is a type of x-ray to look for growths or changes in breast tissue.

Mind Your Memory

In a supportive group environment you will gain information on:

• how cancer and cancer treatments may affect your memory
• making proper nutritional choices that feed your mind and your body
• strategies that you can use to maximize your memory

Nuclear Medicine

Clients swallow, inhale, or are given a needle with a radiotracer before their exam. Radiotracers go to a specific body part so the camera can take pictures. (tests may take a number of hours to complete; patients may be required to return later that day or the next day to complete exam).

Radiotracers are also given to treat diseases like thyroid disease.

Occupational Therapy

Cancer and cancer treatment(s) can disrupt people's lifestyle. Everyday activities, such as feeding or dressing oneself may become difficult or even lost. When illness or emotional problems interfere with the cancer patient's normal function, the occupational therapist works with the patient to evaluate and develop skills and strategies for activities of daily living necessary for self-care, as well as home, work and leisure activities. In addition to therapeutic services, the occupational therapist may assess for and loan specialized equipment such as adapted equipment for bathrooms, dressing or eating aids.

Oncology And Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship Program

A variety of in-person programs and services for patients (and their partners) in Calgary and Edmonton. Telehealth consultations are available to patients across the province. Patients can now get help in the privacy of their home. Topics covered include:

• female sexuality and cancer
• male sexuality and cancer
• erectile dysfunction
• vaginal health
• lose of sexual desire
• fertility

Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program

Cancer drugs are provided, without charge, to registered Alberta cancer patients through specific locations in the province.

Please refer to the Alberta Health Services Cancer Drug Benefit Program.

Palliative Care Consult Program (Inpatient)

Uses a team approach to help patients and their families. The patient’s and family’s wishes guide planning and providing care.

The programs goals are to:

• manage and relieve symptom issues (for example: pain, nausea, anxiety),
• help patients and families cope with social and emotional distress
• support discharge from acute care to an appropriate alternative setting
• assist patients and families with grieving
• support research and education activities that advance palliative care

Palliative Care Program

All patients and their families can access palliative care. At home in the community or in hospital, the primary care provider, such as the family physician, attending physician, or nurse practitioner, provides palliative care. If the primary care provider requires a palliative care consultation for symptom management or assessment for consideration for hospice admission for end of life care, a referral for consultation can be made.

Palliative care consultation is delivered by specialist interdisciplinary care teams:

• the Palliative Community Consult Team (PCCT)
• the palliative care programs at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) and the University of Alberta Hospital (UAH)
• the Symptom Control and Palliative Care Team at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI).

When the consult team works with the patient, family, and primary care team and determines that the patient meets hospice admission criteria, the patient is placed on a Zone-wide wait list for the next available hospice bed. The waitlist is managed by Transition Services and works closely with hospice site managers.

Should a patient’s symptoms be challenging and complex to manage, the patient can be transferred to the Tertiary Palliative Care Unit at the Grey Nuns Hospital to be managed by a specialist interdisciplinary palliative care team. Referral is via a palliative care consultant.

Palliative Radiation Oncology Clinic

Provides the following:

• palliative radiotherapy treatment for patients with a metastatic malignancy requiring symptom control
• assessment of multidisciplinary supportive care needs
• education regarding symptom management

Parking Services - Edmonton Zone

Parking Services is responsible for operating public and staff parking stalls at Alberta Health Services health care facilities and other locations. 

Parking Services is an ancillary operation, which means that no government-provided health care funds may be used to build, lease, maintain, repair or manage parking areas. Fees collected from parkers are used to cover these costs.

For more information about parking maps, paying a ticket or appealing a ticket visit the website.

Patient and Family Resource Centre

This service provides a large collection of books, DVD's, credible websites and pamphlets covering topics including:

• cancer types and therapies
• coping with cancer
• bereavement
• nutrition
• exercise
• inspirational & motivational stories

A computer workstation is available for use in this area and there is a comfortable seating area.  Specially trained volunteers staff the Centre and make every effort to answer requests for information from our resources or refer to those individuals or agencies who may be able to help. Students may be given specific time or resource number limits on loans. Lending period is 3 weeks for books and A / V materials. A maximum of 3 items may be borrowed at a time.

Patient Email Well Wishes

As part of our support for patient care and comfort, friends and family of inpatients at hospital and health care facilities can send well wishes via email. Sites participating in the program will receive the message, will ensure that the message is only "well-wish" (any other type of communication will be deleted) and will arrange for delivery within 3 business days. A couple of important reminders - the electronic delivery system is not a secure connection, so please don't add any confidential information to your message. Plus the "well-wish" system does not allow for replies or confirm receipt / delivery confirmation.

Patient Food Services

Patient Food Services ensures patients receive the diet the doctor or dietitian orders. Our team of dietitians, food service supervisors, and qualified cooks plan and continually improve menus.

In some centers we provide food services for staff and visitors (cafeteria). Refer to the specific site contact information for hours of operation and location.

Patient Information

Services offered:

• responding to patient location inquires
• providing direction on a patients whereabouts

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is available to both inpatients and outpatients. Physical therapists at the Cross Cancer Institute assist patients recovering from physical dysfunction resulting from their cancer or cancer treatments. Together with the patient, the physical therapist will evaluate patient needs, diagnose physical therapy problems, establish plans of care, and evaluate their effectiveness.

Physical Therapy Breast Class

This patient education class is taught by a physical therapist. The class provides breast cancer patients with:

• information about some possible problems (shoulder and muscle stiffness, swelling, cording) that may occur with breast cancer treatments;
• advice about strategies for recovery following treatment;
• description of exercises that help to get the shoulder moving and keep it moving well;
• information about the benefits of being active;
• tips to realize, identify and lower their risk of developing arm problems after breast surgery or radiation treatment;
• a helpful group setting where patients can ask questions and share concerns

Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography

The person is given a radioactive substance that collects in certain cells in the body. These cells can then be detected and the PET/CT combined gives a clear picture of the size, shape, and location of the abnormal cells.

Power of Nutrition

This class teaches people with cancer about eating healthy to help them stay strong during their treatment.

The class includes information about:

• staying at a healthy body weight during cancer treatments
• how foods can help manage the side effects of cancer treatments

You’ll also be given nutrition handouts and be able to speak with a dietitian

Protective Services

Protective Services responsibilities include:

• safety of patients, staff, and visitors
• protection of hospital and personal property
• patrolling and observing activities in all areas of the hospital
• prevention and detection of criminal activities
• investigations conducted into security and fire-related matters
• responding to security alarms, fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous situations
• access control
• lost and found
• fire safety
• safe walking
• assisting with parking

Psychosocial and Spiritual Resources - Spiritual Care Services

Services are offered to people of all cultures, spiritual beliefs, and life orientations, including people who are:

• in distress and wanting one-to-one or family support
• struggling with meaning in life and death
• wrestling with experiences of loss, self-worth, being in the hospital, or feelings of being isolated
• looking for support with ethical decision making
• in need of prayer or religious rites
• wanting to explore their understanding of the Divine/God
• coming to terms with bad news or with a future which has become more uncertain

Services include:

• one-to-one spiritual counselling
• connecting with community religious and spiritual leaders
• prayers, rites, and sacraments
• help dealing with difficult situations or issues of life and death
• spiritual support for patients and their family members
• support with life and health issues within each patient’s personal belief system
• dealing with ethical concerns or problems

A multi-faith Prayer Centre is located on the first floor of the Cross Cancer Centre by the gift shop and provides a quiet sacred environment for meditation, prayer, and reflection.

Radiation Therapy Locations

Provides radiation therapy for treating tumours.

Registration

Patient Registration

• registers and pre-registers patients and collects demographic and financial information.
•  registers patients for  inpatient admissions, ambulatory clinic appointment, and  emergency department services

Social Work

Assesses clients' needs and gives support to help them deal with illness or injury.

Services include:

• help addressing concerns of clients, families, and members of the healthcare team
• information and education (e.g., making good decisions, caregiver stress, career or work options, end-of-life care, child care options)
• referrals to community resources and services (e.g., financial help, accommodation, transportation)
• help solving conflicts within families and with the healthcare system
• speaks with government agencies and departments on behalf of clients
• support as clients transition home or to another care setting

Speech Language Pathology

Provides assessment and treatment for problems caused by cancer treatment, including:

• swallowing
• speech
• language
• voice
• problems with the thinking process

Services are provided in the hospital, and in the community.

Spiritual Care

Offers spiritual and emotional support for patients, families, and staff in the hospital. Services are for people of any religion or culture and may include:

• help dealing with difficult decisions or issues of life and death
• help talking about ethical concerns or problems
• bereavement (grief) counselling

Support is available through:

• compassionate staff members
• prayer, ritual, or ceremonies
• spiritual counsel
• help linking people to their faith community
• a space set aside for private prayer and services

Switchboard

These services include:

• answering incoming telephone calls
• transferring telephone calls and
• giving out authorized telephone numbers

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Community Liaison Program

Offers support to people who are no longer receiving cancer treatment and need palliative care at home.

The Community Liaison Nurse telephones or meets with the patient and family and helps arrange the services that are needed.  Care is then transferred to the family doctor and Home Care.

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Consult Program

The Pain and Symptom Control Program is for patients at the Cross Cancer Institute who are having problems with pain or other symptoms from cancer. Depending on his / her needs, a patient may see either several team members during a half-day Pain and Symptom Control Clinic appointment, or only a few team members during a shorter visit outside of the clinic. The patient is followed by the team until pain or other symptoms improve. Management is then continued by the family doctor.

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Telehealth Program

This clinic helps patients with the pain and symptoms associated with cancer by providing  real-time support to physicians caring for cancer patients in rural and remote communities.

High-definition televisions link the remote care centre to a multi-disciplinary team at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The team can then assess the patient without the patient leaving his or her home community. The patient may still require travel to Edmonton during their care, but many parts of the care can be provided to the patient through Telehealth.

Available to patients located within the area of the:

• Grande Prairie Associate Cancer Centre
• Peace River Community Cancer Centre
• Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre
• Central Alberta (Red Deer) Associate Cancer Centre
• Camrose Community Cancer Centre
• Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre
• Lloydminster Community Cancer Centre
• Barrhead Community Cancer Centre
• Hinton Community Cancer Centre

Patients may be able to access this program in other communities in northern and central Alberta, depending on the availability of staff and facilities 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging test that captures images of soft tissue organs, blood vessels and tissues using high-frequency sound waves (no radiation).  Ultrasound is also known as sonography. 

Not all tests are offered at all sites. Call the location for more information.

Van Shuttle Service

Provides free shuttle service to appointments at the Cross Cancer Institute to clients from out of town. Clients are picked up at their hotels or bed and breakfasts and returned after their appointment.

Donations are accepted to support the service.

Volunteer Resources

Our volunteer roles share a commitment to improving the quality of the patient and family experience.

Volunteers are:

• way-finders who help guide patients and families around our busy facilities,
• friendly visitors who spend time with our socially isolated patients,
• patient and family advisors who provide input and direction to AHS on numerous committees,  
• supporters of our volunteer retail operations - where the proceeds are returned to AHS to provide patient care and comfort.

For general information about volunteering with AHS please visit our website.

Wig Service and Hair Alternatives

Service includes wig fittings and head shaves.

More information and demonstrations:

Look Good Feel Better:

• Tips & Suggestions
• Video Library 

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute:

• How to tie a headscarf