A report, prepared by the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Public Health Quality Team, was presented to the board Dec. 18.
Lynnda Berg, vice-president Primary Care, identified the five major health-related challenges for the region's population are: poor social determinants of health, including lower rates of employment, income and education; high rates of HIV; transience and homelessness; management of illness outbreaks; and low rates of immunization.
The region is working with many community-based organizations on a variety of initiatives to address the health-care problems of marginalized populations and individuals and families struggling with a variety of health and social challenges.
Traci Hobson, nursing unit manager for the emergency department, presented action plans regarding the results of the Victoria Hospital Emergency Department Patient Experience survey, which was conducted earlier this year by the Health Quality Council.
An Emergency Department Utilization Group, involving physicians, nurses and other providers, is identifying how patient and work flow can be improved in the department. This includes adding an additional staff person to assist with triaging, the reassessment of patients in the waiting room, assisting with outpatient medications and dressing.
Another initiative is the development of a "fast track" area. This will included the designation of a room in the department that provides privacy for the patient, allowing nurses to initiate orders and allow for the laboratory to perform ECG and sample testing.
