AHS making volunteering possible as pandemic continues


BY JUSTIN SEWARD insight magazine


Volunteers are vital to many organi- zations and that includes Alberta Health Services. However, like many other organiza-


tions,the AHS volunteer base was reduced substantially by the COVID-19 pan- demic. “On March 17,AHS temporarily suspended the majority of volunteer programs to limit the number of people in AHS facilities and help slow the spread of the COVID-19 pan- demic,”said AHS Volunteer Resources. “However, AHS sites were still able to


request volunteer support as needed, and some volunteer programs and initiatives were adapted to support patients and residents while following public health orders and respecting safe physical distancing.” AHS made adaptable programming avail- able - depending on the zone - including: con- necting with patients and residents through phone calls, teleconferencing apps (Skype or Zoom), window visits and Letter Garden and site beautification, driving support for Meals on Wheels and lab driver programs (transport- ing samples from rural sites to urban centres)


were other additional programming. It was back in June that AHS relaunched vol-


unteer programming in support of acute care health services and issued a guidance frame- work, which is available on the AHS website. “The resumption of volunteer programs


varies from site-to-site, depending on service needs and the ability to meet COVID-19 requirements.All volunteer programs in long- term care facilities remain closed,”said AHS Volunteer Resources. AHS had 1,302 volunteers who put in 23,468 hours in July 2020.By comparison, at the same time last year, there were 4,778 volunteers who gave 76, 818 hours. “AHS is continuing to look for ways to safely engage volunteers to support patient care during our pandemic,“said AHS Volunteer Resources. “Volunteers who are not comfortable about coming back are also being offered opportu-


nities to be cross trained in other volunteer programs.” AHS says if a volunteer’s role was in a facility and they are hesitant about coming in, then Health Services will offer them an opportunity in their home care or community programs. A new mandatory orientation has been implemented to ensure volunteers are com- fortable with the COVID-19 protocols. AHS volunteers are engaged in activities such as patient visitation, patient and family advisors,way finders and greeters, spiritual care, auxiliary members,pet visitation and much more.Volunteers also run many of the gift shops in our hospitals,provide support at AHS clinics, assist with research, and create items for patients from their homes, including hats, blankets, and care packages. Volunteer Resources is also accepting new


volunteer applications.More information can be found on AHS.ca.


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insight magazine september 2020 - 5


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