Patient Navigator Agreement Signed with Capital Health of Edmonton
For Release #08-107
May 7, 2008
WHITEHORSE - Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers announced that an agreement has been signed with Alberta's Capital Health region to provide assistance to Yukon patients who are referred to Edmonton for medical care.
"Yukoners who need treatment outside of the territory often do not have family and or friends to help them navigate the health care system, which can be confusing and intimidating, particularly to someone who is not feeling well," said Cathers. "Through this agreement, Capital Health's Northern Health Services Network (NHSN) will provide support to Yukoners receiving health care in Edmonton, and help them access the services and care they need."
"Our NHSN team helps northern patients and families navigate their way through our health system, addressing language, cultural, spiritual barriers and addressing issues as they arise," said Joanna Pawlyshn, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer for Capital Health's Royal Alexandra Hospital.
When a Yukon patient is being transferred to Capital Health region, the NHSN care team consisting of a Medical Director, Patient Care Director and four registered nurses with northern experience will be notified so they can provide support to Yukon patients while they are in the Capital Health region.
NHSN team nurses in Edmonton will also be notified of services available in Yukon so they can take them into account when making discharge plans, added Cathers.
Representatives of the Northern Health Services Network (NHSN), based at Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital, are in Whitehorse this week meeting with community health nurses and Whitehorse General Hospital staff to provide education sessions on what services Capital Health can provide for Yukon patients in the south.