Crowsnest Medical Clinic
A Crowsnest Pass healthcare team known for going above and beyond for locals and visitors has been awarded this year’s RhPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Hero Award.
A three-member committee awarded high marks for the staff’s advocacy and innovation in improving patient access to healthcare and their commitment to volunteer efforts outside of work. The Rhapsody Awards Selection Committee is comprised of a rural physician, a rural healthcare professional and a member of a rural community with connections to attraction and retention of health professionals.
Twenty-nine staff members from the Crowsnest Medical Clinic in Blairmore, Alberta, were recently nominated for the annual RhPAP award which recognizes rural healthcare providers that demonstrate superior commitment to their patients, healthcare team and community.
“The team of physicians, [nurses] and administration/reception work hard to ensure that each patient feels heard and that their concerns are considered carefully,” notes Sherri-May Hotchkiss, Crowsnest Pass Health Centre site manager, in her nomination support letter.
“They work together to provide a continuous feeling of trustworthiness from the moment they are greeted ‘hello’ and wished a ‘good day.’ This spirit of consideration is evident in not only the time they take discussing concerns with patients, but the practice of leaving blocks of time open should there be an urgent request to be seen.”
Hotchkiss isn’t the only one who values Crowsnest Medical Clinic.
Monica Zyla has been without a physician for 14 months. Despite missing her retired doctor, she hasn’t felt abandoned as other members of the team fill in the gaps.
“I have not fallen through the cracks at all and I wonder how they do it all with 5,000 patients, 2,000 of which do not have an assigned physician. It is the heroic dedication to their work and patients that ensures we are not lost.”
The dedication of staff permeates through the entire community as many volunteer for local sporting organizations and participate in fundraisers and other activities. The clinic also partners with the University of Alberta and University of Calgary to serve as a preceptor site for medical learners.
This nomination is one of many recognitions the clinic has received over the years, stresses Nolan Schaaf, director of clinical and quality improvement with the Chinook PCN.
“I have personally witnessed the broad contribution of the [clinic] team, as they have grappled with increasing strains on the healthcare system…. The team has demonstrated resilience, creativity and collaborative spirit to provide the best of care.”
Check out the full list of Rhapsody winners and nominees here.