Covenant Health Canada

Sometimes, a gut feeling can save a life. When a Covenant Health nurse followed up with a geriatric patient, she sensed something was wrong. Acting on her instincts, she made a home visit—and found herself in a life-or-death situation. This experience inspired our Community Geriatric Psychiatry team to take action, launching enhanced suicide risk assessment training and policy reviews. These changes are equipping healthcare staff with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to better support seniors facing mental health challenges. From immersive simulations to improved collaboration, this is how we're setting a new standard in community mental health care. 👉 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4fHn944

We’re hiring an Occupational Therapist at the St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge! Apply today! https://bit.ly/4jbv8cO Located in the heart of beautiful Lethbridge and minutes from Henderson Lake, St. Michael’s provides care for those who have complex needs in a warm, homelike setting. We’re looking for a 0.5 FTE Occupational Therapist - this position gives you the opportunity to work in a vibrant, supportive environment with the flexibility to balance your interests. Relocation assistance may be available if you’re considering moving to Lethbridge.

Are you a healthcare student ready to make a difference in northern Alberta? The Northern Alberta Development Council (NADC) offers a bursary of up to $7,000 per year to support your education in exchange for a commitment to work in the region after graduation. We're hiring for healthcare roles at Bonnyville Health Centre—this could be your next opportunity! Why not take your career to the next level while working in a vibrant rural community? By combining the NADC Bursary with a role at Bonnyville Health Centre, you can alleviate educational expenses and embark on a fulfilling career path. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/3Zg5SsH

The Misericordia hospital's new emergency department is the first step to bringing expanded services to West Edmonton and surrounding communities now and in the future. Have you had the chance to explore the department's virtual tour? Check it out: https://bit.ly/3uFJvkU

It’s not just about creating a space for Indigenous comfort; it’s the respectful process that truly honours it. Valerie Courchene, Indigenous Care Liaison at the Misericordia Community Hospital and 13-year Covenant Health veteran, has organized many important Indigenous cultural events at both the Misericordia and Grey Nuns hospitals. Valerie wants Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who attend these events, like the smudge ceremony and drummers round dance, to feel welcome and equal. She explains that a round dance is a traditional ceremony that brings people together to celebrate, heal and honour life. “When the drum goes, it’s beating as your heart beats. You get a feeling of acceptance and community.” Valerie acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before reconciliation is universally felt at Covenant Health, but she continues to have hope. “Cultural education and training must continue to happen, and we (Indigenous communities) must be given a chance to share and be listened to. Let’s mend this bridge,” she says.

📢 We are thrilled to announce that Tim Spelliscy will take on the role of Board Chair for Covenant Health, effective January 1, 2025! With an incredible career spanning 42 years in broadcast media, a remarkable track record of community service and seven years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors, Tim is uniquely positioned to guide us through the opportunities and challenges ahead. His deep understanding of our mission and his unwavering commitment to compassionate care will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our healthcare services and build vibrant health communities across Alberta. We are also deeply grateful to The Honourable Ed Stelmach, who has been an exceptional leader as our Board Chair. Ed will remain on the board as Past Chair in 2025, ensuring a seamless transition. Please join us in welcoming Tim as our new Board Chair and supporting him in advancing our mission of compassionate care and vibrant health communities. 👏

The NICU team at the Grey Nuns hospital are advocates for skin-to-skin care. 🤝 Skin-to-skin care, where a newborn is placed directly on the parent's bare chest, is well-known for its physical and emotional benefits. Research from the Canadian Paediatric Society has shown that it stabilizes the baby’s: 🟣 Breathing 🟣 Heart rate 🟣 Body temperature It also strengthens the bond between parent and child, reducing stress and fostering emotional well-being. A new chair being used at the hospital allows fathers to continue skin-to-skin contact while their newborn is transported and admitted to the NICU. Read more: https://bit.ly/4h6v8Kb

One year ago, we transformed emergency care—today, we celebrate the impact on our community. 👏 We're commemorating one year of operations after opening the doors to the new emergency department at the Misericordia Community Hospital in November 2023.  This ambitious project was made possible through partnerships with: 🔵 Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman Architects 🔵 Alberta Health Services 🔵 Alberta Infrastructure 🔵 PCL Construction This collaboration resulted in a state-of-the-art healthcare facility built with patient experience as the core focus. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZqME3q

“When Terry spoke of Indigenous cancer patients hitchhiking to and from chemo, it brought tears to my eyes,” says Bonnie (Bucher) Tejada, chief mission and ethics officer for Covenant Health. Listening to Métis Knowledge Keeper and breast cancer survivor Terry Gardiner speak about her experiences gave Bonnie a vivid picture of the barriers beyond the hospital or clinic that many Indigenous patients face. This helped Bonnie expand her perspective and challenged the assumption that our healthcare services are user-friendly and accessible. “We sometimes focus on what we offer within our four walls and less on how people can access what we offer. Learning about some of the specific barriers increased my perspective on some of the unique care needs.” Addressing Indigenous healthcare inequities is an essential goal for Covenant Health on which everyone agrees, says Bonnie. The organization acknowledges that it is in the beginning stages and wants to do this work properly. “To be fostering places to learn the truth and to explore our own truth in terms of providing institutional care in Alberta is incredibly relevant as a Catholic healthcare provider,” says Bonnie. “There is a moral imperative to be doing reconciliation in tangible ways. Awareness is increasing each year in the organization, and I’m happy to say we are moving forward with a community engagement plan over the next few months.”

Fun times at the OTC Christmas Mingle! ✨🎄 From festive treats to wonderful conversations, we truly felt the warmth of the One Twelve Campus community. A special shoutout to everyone who helped organize this memorable event – your hard work brought the Holiday spirit to life!