TOP: The GRH Dr. Bill Black Auditorium officially re-opens it doors on June 27th after extensive renovationsBOTTOM LEFT: The GRH Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic (ACDC) Team celebrates 40 years of serviceBOTTOM RIGHT: A special thank you to David & Manon Fraser for their valued contributions to the several GRH key initiatives with the Glenrose as formal Patient and Family Advisors

“Once you set aside the acute phases or crises that mark injury or disease, much of modern health care is indeed rehabilitation in one form or another.”~ Dr. David Naylor, Former President, University of Toronto (2005 - 2013)

Building Abilities for LifeTM

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

Monthly RepoRt to the Foundation & FRiends oF the

GlenRose Rehabilitation hospital (GRh)June 2018

GRH Leader in Communication Access We are striving for the GRH to be a leader in Communication Access for all. The Inpatient Communication Access Initiative, developed by Speech-Language Pathologist Lori Nimcan, aims to provide equal access to communication for patients who have an identified communication disorder. The Communication Access Symbol, originating from CDAC, is used to identify strategies to support individuals as well as those who are trained to provide communication access. At the GRH strategies to support individuals are being identified and training of our staff, patients and families has begun.

GLENROSE NEWSLEADER IN PROVIDING SPECIALIZED TERTIARY REHABILITATION ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

Communication Access Symbol Communication Disorders Team

ZERO G Arrives at the GRHIn May 2018 the Zero G unit was installed at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. We have 6 therapists who are certified to operate the unit. Our implementation team is rolling out staff training that will encompass 3 disciplines; Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Recreation Therapy. Patients from all diagnostic groupings and across all divisions may benefit from therapy sessions that incorporate the Zero G.

The Zero G is a robotic body weight support system on an overhead track. Patients wear a harness that connects to the Zero G robot as it tracks their movements from above. Zero G prevents falls and uses dynamic body-weight support to partially unweight the patient in a “reduced gravity” environment. This off-loading allows patients to practice functional skills soon after an injury or illness. Patients practice skills such as walking, stair climbing,

moving from the chair to the bed or getting up from the floor safely. As the individual progresses, the amount of dynamic support can be decreased so the person does more under their own capabilities. Because Zero G protects them from a fall, individuals are encouraged to push their limits without the fear of falling and have the confidence to push further than they would have without Zero G.

GRH Cochlear Implant ServicesIn the 2017-18 year, the GRH Cochlear Implant Service received funding for extra audiology services through Surgical Uplift dollars allocated via Alberta Health Services. The service increased the audiologists on the team by 0.6 FTE. Through the incredibly hard work of the team they were able to increase the number of patients seen by 14%, the number of completed appointments by 19% and the number of direct patient hours by 34%! The GRH Cochlear Implant Service is a multidisciplinary team consisting of Audiologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Otolaryngologists, Social Work, and Psychology. Services are provided to almost 600 pediatric, adult and geriatric patients throughout Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The first 100 patients were implanted in the first 15 years of the service, between 1986 and 2001; in the following 17 years, almost 500 patients have been implanted. Last year, 37 adults were implanted and 4 of those received bilateral implants; 20 pediatric patients received implants and 9 of those received bilateral implants.

GRH Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic (ACDC) Celebrates 40 Years of ServiceThe Adult Convulsive Disorder Clinic (ACDC) is proud to serve patients with epilepsy and their families for over 40 years. The clinic was founded on November 14, 1977 with 11 patients registered to the program. It was located in the little brown and white trailer just outside the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. In 1983, staff discussed the possible utilization of a “micro-computer” for efficiencies, and submitted a proposal to obtain a computer! The ACDC’s goal and philosophy has always been to offer rehabilitation services to people with epilepsy with difficult to control seizures, who require frequent medical reviews, lifestyle education, medication management, and counseling through clinic and telephone appointments. Each patient seen at the ACDC is assessed with all efforts being made to assist the individuals to live within their community as independently as possible. Education and counseling is provided on employability, safety, medications, legal aspects of driving, sexuality and reproduction, hereditary aspects, lifestyle, nutrition, dental care, housing, and recreation. The ACDC staff have participated in numerous information sessions highlighting topics such as Trends in Epilepsy, Advances in Epilepsy Surgery, Epilepsy a Historical Perspective, Pregnancy and Epilepsy, New Emerging Pharmacological Treatment for the management of patients with Epilepsy, and Epilepsy and Medical Marijuana: Pros & Cons. Over the decades, the ACDC has received national and international recognition through participation in clinical studies and attendance at Canadian and international conferences, education symposiums, and poster presentations. The ACDC fosters a better quality of life for individuals with epilepsy by providing care and management for the most difficult to control seizures along with support and education to assist the complex needs of the individual.

STRONG PARTNER WITH PATIENTS & COMMUNITY IN SUPPORTING PATIENT-GUIDED CARE

GRH Formal Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Program AccomplishmentsIt is very impressive what the Alberta FES Interest Group, co-chaired by Isabel Henderson, Senior Operating Officer, GRH, and Louise Miller, President, Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Centre Society (SCITCS), have accomplished in such a short period - a formal FES program at GRH with built-in transition to community, new FES Special Advisor position created at GRH, FES Research Program launched at the University of Alberta Hospital, tracking of provincial FES utilization, first international FES conference for Alberta held in May 2018, first-in-the-world international FES guidelines coming on board, strengthened FES collaboration between Edmonton and Calgary, improved collaborations between universities and facilities and better uptake of FES by our community partners across the province. Many thanks to our amazing committee members who have worked tirelessly to realize the use of the FES cycle to enhance patient rehabilitation goals.

As Dr. Chester Ho, SCI Research Chair says, “This is exactly what we should be doing for rehab in Alberta – producing the evidence, implementing clinically across the continuum of care and sharing the results nationally/internationally!”

GRH Tours Representative from Chinese Hospital Investors GroupOn Friday June 15th, Dr. Lois Macklin, Senior Consultant, GRH Research, Innovation and Technology Development and Dr. Chester Ho, Spinal Cord Research Injury Chair at the University of Alberta, provided a site tour for Mr. David Wang, Director of Health with the Zhejiang Xinkerui Health Management Company.

Mr. Wang heads an investor group who is in the late planning stages for the construction of 2 new hospitals in Hangzhou, China. The first will be a 500 bed dedicated Rehabilitation Hospital and the second, a 300 bed advanced Cancer Care Facility. He was very impressed with what he observed at the Glenrose and asked many astute questions. In particular, he was interested in the administrative protocols for running a fully dedicated rehabilitation hospital and the opportunity for professional exchange programs.

Mr. Wang also met with David Dyer, Executive Director at the Cross Cancer Institute and toured the Sensory Motor Adaptive Rehabilitation Technologies (SMART) Lab at the University of Alberta. Mr. Wang expressed an interest in working with both the Glenrose and the Cross Cancer Institute as his hospital projects develop over the coming months.

Accessible Canada Act Introduced in ParliamentPromoted as the “most significant progress for people with disabilities in over 30 years” on June 20th the Accessible Canada Act was introduced in Parliament by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities. Over the past year an inclusive and accessible consultation with Canadians with disabilities and with the disability community has occurred, including sessions held at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. “This historic legislation would enable the Government of Canada to take a proactive approach to end systemic discrimination of people with disabilities.” (Government of Canada, June 20, 2018)

Thank you to David & Manon FraserA huge Thank You! David, a former patient, and his wife Manon have been members on committees and have contributed to several key initiatives with the Glenrose as formal Patient and Family Advisors. We are very grateful for all of their time and expertise, and they have directly informed our work related to patient & family centred care, transitions in care, optimizing patient access to Glenrose, Self-Management Support, and our Glenrose Strategic Plan, to name a few!

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK, TEACH & LEARN

GRH Audiology Service Annual RetreatThe GRH Audiology Service held their annual retreat this year on April 25th. Time was spent reviewing the year and looking ahead at the year to come. In the past year Audiology has been busy contributing to the Edmonton Zone Implementation of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Provincial Program. The Glenrose team has trained both hearing screeners and audiologists across Northern Alberta and have helped implement the screening programs at the Royal Alexandra postpartum units and NICU and the Stollery NICU and are continuing to work on implementation at the Sturgeon and Fort Saskatchewan postpartum units. The team has also added audiologist services to the Cochlear Implant Service. We have added 4 new team members this year: Beatrice To, Alexa Guse and Winnie Alex, Audiologists and Inka Talya, Therapy Aide (hearing screener). The retreat was a great time for the team to reflect on the work they did, to do some team building and to have some fun!

Left to Right: Mareika Purdon, Isabel Henderson, Manon Fraser,

David Fraser.

GRH Strategic Plan Monthly ActivitiesTo keep the GRH 2018 - 2023 Strategic Plan at the forefront, making sure that staff, physicians, volunteers, and patients/family members all have opportunities to become familiar with the key elements of the plan, and to integrate it into our everyday work we have organized a series of monthly activities and events. For the month of May we held a Strategic Plan Scavenger Hunt asking participants to read through Strategic Direction #1 - A leader in providing specialized tertiary rehabilitation across the lifespan and answer key questions. June’s activity was a word search puzzles that promoted Strategic Direction #2 - A strong partner with our patients and community in support of patient-guided care. Participants were asked to submit their completed documents and were entered into a draw for a prize each month. Congratulations to Christine Foisy, winner of the Scavenger Hunt in May and to Kathleen Johnson, winner of the Word Search Puzzle in June. Stay tuned for more fun activities for the months of July and August!

Assisted Hand Assessment (AHA) Certification Course – Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaThe GRH with support from the GRH Foundation & CHILD-BRIGHT SPORT Camp (Dr. John Andersen, GRH Pediatrician), the GRH Learning and Development Centre and the GRH Occupational Therapy Department hosted the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) Certification course from May 28-31, 2018 led by instructors Lena Krumlinde-Sundholm, Reg OT, PhD and Lisa V. Wagner, DHS, OTR/L.

The AHA training was a valuable asset allowing staff to build practical skills and increase their confidence in assessment. Those in attendance built on their capacity in assessing bi-manual hand use and will be able to use standardized descriptive terminology for reporting on the non-preferred hand. Both healthcare workers and patients will benefit from the program planning that can now occur such as research and appropriate goal-setting that is obtainable and rewarding for parents and their children. 35 participants from Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Toronto, Colorado and California developed new knowledge and skills which will benefit patient assessment and treatment. This was the first time the course has been offered in Western Canada, made possible through funding from the GRH Foundation Circle of Courage, the Alberta Health Services Group Learning Initiative Fund, and the Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists.

May’s scavenger hunt winner:

Christine Foisy

June’s word search winner:

Kathleen Johnson

GRH Electronic Locks ProjectWe are pleased to announce that the Electronic Locks Project has been approved. This is to address the electronic locks on the GRH site, including the Research Building, that are failing due to the upgrade with the computer systems. All existing locks will be upgraded to an electronic proxy card access lock system.

Alberta Clinician Professional Practice Council (ACPPC)We are pleased to announce that the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) has endorsed an expanded purpose, functions, and membership of the Alberta Clinician Council which is reflected in a change in title to Alberta Clinician Professional Practice Council (ACPPC) and change in terms of reference. To accomplish its purpose, the ACPPC is recruiting five (in total) Registered Nurses from the Calgary, Central, Edmonton, and North Zones.

Isabel Henderson, Senior Operating Officer, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital who is on the membership along with the members of the ACPPC, will continue to advise ELT on organizational priorities, and will also help identify, champion and support initiatives related to collaborative care, quality and professional practice. This council will also support collaboration among the provincial discipline specific professional practice councils and provide an opportunity for alignment between health professions groups.

The ACPPC will help ensure clinicians can continue to play a valuable consultative role to the AHS ELT while helping advance the Patient First, Our People, Clinical Health Research, Innovation & Analytics and the Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) Strategies.

Glenrose Volunteers ProfiledHarnett BhullarHarnett Bhullar is a 19 year old University of Alberta student with dreams of being a surgeon. To give her an understanding of what it’s like to work in health care she’s been volunteering with the MoveEZ program helping patients stay active. For the last two years she’s been coming to the Glenrose every Monday to escort patients on short walks and to socialize with patients.

Harnett says, “My favourite part about the position is simply interacting with all these different people who have great stories to tell! I absolutely love listening to them tell their amazing stories”.

Thanks for all the volunteering you do at the Glenrose Harnett!

Lesley KarpiakLesley Karpiak, Glenrose volunteer, is creative, thoughtful and loved by our patients. Lesley has dedicated 690 hours of volunteer work over the last 5 years in a wide variety of roles. Lesley helps with the Recreation Therapy Geriatric Art Group as well as works in our Patient & Family Resource Centre. During Seniors Week, she was instrumental in creating an art project with patients called “Birds on a Wire.” Many thanks to Leslie for her dedication and service to patients and families.

A LEADER IN RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Patient Pathways In an ongoing effort to improve patient and family experience at the Glenrose, a quality improvement team has completed a project looking at the patient and family experience when coming into or leaving the Glenrose. The team included Mareika Purdon, Manager of Transition Services and Respiratory Therapy; Alyson Kwok and Laura Mumme, Healthcare Improvement Specialists; Heather Lissel, Project Manager; Barb Traill, Coordinator of the Patient and Family Resource Centre; and Dave and Manon Fraser, Patient and Family Advisors. Dave and Manon helped to guide the project from start to finish, which included focus groups with patients, families and staff from the adult inpatient units. The majority of the subsequent recommendations, such as an information letter for patients entering the Glenrose and a single point of contact for patients and families, have already been put into practice at the Glenrose. In June 2018, Alyson presented a poster on the project at the 8th International Conference on Patient- and Family-Centered Care in Baltimore, Maryland.

GRH Autism ResearchThe Autism Research Centre at the Glenrose is co-directed by Drs. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum and Joanne Volden. The GRH Autism Research Centre houses a multi-faceted research program, emphasizing strong provincial, national, and international leadership, community engagement and opportunities for trainees. The Autism Research Centre is focused on early detection/diagnosis and treatment, health care needs, and patient/family perspectives related to care experience, collectively aimed at improving quality of care for individuals with ASD across the lifespan.

Highlights of current research includes: • Improving Methods for Early Detection, Diagnosis,

and Treatment of ASD: Funding support from Brain Canada of $600,000 over 3 years. This project aims to establish a new cohort of high-risk infants (have older sibling with ASD) to assess how early dysregulation of attention and emotion influence communication skill development and risk of ASD. These features are intervention targets in our ongoing clinical trial of the ‘Social ABCs’ augmented with computerized attention training. The Social ABCs is a parent-mediated intervention for toddlers showing signs of ASD. This intervention has been used successfully to improve functional speech and shared smiles between parents and their children at our partner sites in Halifax and Toronto. Partnering with experts from the UK, and using cutting edge eye tracking technology, we hope to improve on these positive effects by including an attention-training component. This study has important clinical implications, as the Social ABCs is a relatively low cost intervention with potential to be easily implemented in community settings.

• National Longitudinal Study of ASD (‘Pathways in ASD’): Funding support from CIHR Foundation Grant of $500,000 over 7 years. Edmonton continues to be one of five sites contributing to this national longitudinal study of newly diagnosed preschool children, aimed at identifying child, family and community factors that help optimize developmental trajectories in ASD. A CIHR Foundation Grant supports follow-up of this cohort to transition into high school (Phase III).

• Improving Health Care for Children with ASD: The Autism Treatment Network: Funding support from Autism Speaks of $350,000 over 3 years. Edmonton participates as an Autism Learning Health Network, a multi-site quality improvement initiative aimed at improving patient care and developing infrastructure to support intervention trials. We have also started a telehealth-based educational initiative for community professionals, called Autism ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), aimed at assessing its impact with primary care providers on their knowledge, clinical practice, and self-efficacy in caring for children with autism.

Centre for Aging Brain Health & InnovationThe Centre for Aging & Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) was established in 2015 to encourage, support and drive innovation in aging and brain health with funding of $124 million, the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. CABHI does this using a series of programs that go from support for clinician initiated projects, clinician-scientist research endeavours to support for collaborations with not-for-profit industries. Their ultimate aim is to improve quality of life for the world’s aging population.

CABHI is funding 2 projects underway at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH): a pilot test (co-funded by the GRH Foundation) of repetitive transcranial stimulation to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and the further development of the Grocery Game to improve cognitive skills. Recently Spenser Giffin and Jonathan Suckling from CABHI were in Edmonton and made a presentation to staff about the organization. The picture shows Gwen Dziwenko (OT) and Mike Cimolini (RTD) demonstrating the Grocery Game to Spenser and Jonathan.

Funding for CABHI has come from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science, and the Baycrest Foundation.

AWARDS & HONOURS

How Artificial Intelligence (AI) will Impact RehabilitationArtificial Intelligence (AI) strives to make intelligent systems capable of human-like decisions, but to do so faster and better. AI systems “learn” by improving performance through interpretation of past patterns, actions taken and assessing the success of the outcome. Learning requires large amounts of data referred to as “big data”. Data is gleaned from us all the time, often without our knowledge. We see the effect of this in personalized marketing with each visit to the internet causing changes to the pop-up sites that bombard us. The hope is that artificial intelligence techniques can be used by health professionals and patients without the requirement for detailed technical knowledge. AI promises more customized treatment, increased patient engagement, and reduced load on the medical system.

The Glenrose has purchased AI systems such as:• The Ekso, a bionic exoskeleton which uses robotic AI to help people who have had

a brain injury, stroke or spinal cord injury relearn to walk. The Ekso measures the wearer’s shifts in balance, weight and posture, and motors in the suit’s knees and hips auto-adjust to deliver the right amount of power that’s needed to walk.

• Video gaming referred to as “games for health” or “serious gaming” are used at the Glenrose. The Glenrose Grocery Game is being developed with the support of a grant from CABHI (Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation).

• The myoelectric training tool is used to increase the speed and success for amputees to learn to use their powered prostheses, and improve artificial limb function.

Ekso

Kudos to GRH StaffThe ongoing dedication to maintain the values of AHS is recognized and appreciated!

‘My brother, Bruce was a patient on Unit 4A recently. I was amazed at the quality of care he received. The OT staff (including Joanna a student OT) were very professional and took extra steps to know Bruce and find ways to engage and encourage him. A highlight of his care was his PT Brenda and assistant Amanda. Admittedly Bruce was a challenging patient with complex physical, emotional and psychological needs but Brenda and Amanda managed his rehabilitation brilliantly. Brenda advocated for his special needs and used humor and great skill to help him walk again. Bruce's greatest fear was being given up on. Brenda told me in an early conversation "I never give up on anyone." I thought this was too good to be true --- but it was. I am forever grateful.’

AHS Recognized for Integrated Health System‘Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been identified as being one of the top five most integrated health systems in the world. The 18th International Congress on Integrated Care held in Utrecht, Netherlands, recently identified AHS as a global leader in the area from more than 200 submissions from around the world.

“That is great news for Albertans and an important achievement for Canada,” says Dr. Verna Yiu, AHS President and CEO. “We are doing exceptional work in this area — and although there is still more work to be done we are very proud of this recognition for AHS.” The Congress, held May 23 - 25, brought together healthcare leaders from 43 countries and numerous health systems from within those countries.

“Congratulations to AHS and all of its hardworking staff for this outstanding achievement,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “Alberta is in a unique position to have one health authority that works collaboratively with its partners to support the health needs of all Albertans. We know there’s more work to do to build a truly integrated health-care system, but this recognition tells us we’re making significant progress and we should be proud of our accomplishments so far.”’ (Reprinted in part from AHS Interchange AHS News and Views June 21, 2018 - Bruce Conway, AHS)

GLENROSE EVENTS

Dr.Milos Popovic Wins Jonas Salk Award for his Functional Electrical Stimulation work with MyndMove‘TRI Research Director and Senior Scientist Dr. Milos Popovic has been named this year’s Jonas Salk Award recipient. The award is presented by the March of Dimes Canada to “a Canadian scientist, physician or researcher who has made a new and outstanding contribution in science or medicine to prevent, alleviate or eliminate a physical disability.”

Dr. Popovic won the award for his pioneering research that led to the creation of MyndMove, a device that restores voluntary hand and arm motion in people suffering from paralysis caused by stroke or spinal cord injury. The technology relies on functional electrical stimulation to artificially generate body movements and create new neural pathways to recover function. It has been licensed for use in Canada, is currently available at designated clinics across Canada (17 clinics) and has undergone a pilot launch into the US market (with two clinics in Michigan). This life-changing device represents a major advance towards restoring the loss of physical disability and has the potential to help a great number of people.’ (Reprinted in part from https://t.co/6xrWkMSHQh https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UHNResearch&src=hash)

7th China International Senior Services ExpoThe International Federation on Ageing (IFA) was honoured to provide an address at the 7th China International Senior Services Expo (CISSE2018) this May. In the speech Mr. Greg Shaw, Director of International and Corporate Relations, noted that "The nation’s chronic disease prevention efforts through health promotion campaigns, community-wide screening, and improving provision of care and financial security of older people have proven beneficial, however further advancements and resources are necessary, enhancing the importance of the 7th China International Senior Services Expo."Other speakers included Zhang Meiying, Vice Chairman of the 11th CPPCC; Liu Guanghe, the first President of China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service; Zhang Shiping, former Vice Chairman and Secretary of the Secretariat of All-China Federation of Trade Unions; and Li Wanjun, Director of Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau.

Festival of HealthThe GRH was pleased to be represented at this year’s Festival of Health. Presented by the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry on Saturday, May 26th this free public event offered interactive displays, rapid-fire presentations on hot health topics, and an “ask the experts” Q&A session. Thank you to Mareika Purdon, Carol Wilson and Dr. Chester Ho for representing the hospital!

GRH Vendor Fair & Wound Care Education SessionsOn June 21st a Vendor Fair was held in the Glenrose Gymnasium to learn more about wound care products as part of the Wound Care Education Half Day Session. On the agenda was: Compression Therapy & Wound Management, Negative Pressure Therapy, Barrier to Wound Healing, and Diabetic Foot Inspection.

Community ConnectionsCommunity Connections was created as an outreach initiative for nonprofit community agencies to share their program and service information with patients, families and staff. The representatives are on site from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and located at the main entrance of the hospital next to the information desk. During senior’s week in June, the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (Sage) presented information on new initiatives including Health Services at Sage. Other agencies who have participated in Community Connections are: Edmonton Public Library, Alzheimer’s Association, Edmonton Transit, Cerebral Palsy Association, AHS Better Choices Better Health®, Parkinson Alberta, Deaf and Hearing Alberta and Alberta Motor Association.

Grand Re-Opening GRH Dr. Bill Black AuditoriumOn June 27th a grand re-opening of the Dr. Bill Black Auditorium was held. Isabel Henderson, Senior Operating Officer, GRH, introduced special guests Mrs. Marlene Black, Dr. Sandra Black and family to the event.

Dr. Bill Black’s relationship with the Glenrose spans five decades, starting when he joined the Glenrose in 1964. He was the Medical Director of the Northern Alberta Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for 20 years and the GRH Site Medical Director from 2001 – 2004. He is recognized as a Canadian leader in the prevention and treatment of cardiac disease.

The auditorium has been in operation for five decades. This newly renovated space will accommodate approximately 120 people and is the only comprehensive teaching space at the Glenrose. Many enhancements have been made, including lighting, power assist doors, aesthetic and acoustical product on walls and ceilings, accessible stage, state of the art audio/visual conferencing technology, new seating including table trays, power and USB ports to name just a few.

Special thanks goes out to our GRH Accessibility Committee, Facilities, Maintenance & Engineering, Dan Blum, Lisa Froese, Grace Maier, Shelley Bowers and Kristina Kumar, who were instrumental in the design and completion of the renovations.

Annual GRH Canada Day BBQIn celebration of Canada Day GRH physicians, staff, volunteers, patients and their families attended the Annual Canada Day BBQ on June 27th. Held in the GRH Courtyard and hosted by the Work on Wellness (WOW) Committee, the BBQ was a resounding success! Attendees enjoyed burgers, music, and ice cream.

A special thank you goes to AUPE: Local 54, Chapter 02 (Health Care General Support Services) who generously sponsored the ice cream from Pinocchio Ice Cream and to Terry Nicholson-Knudson for organizing.

We would also like to acknowledge Lynnae Blum for all her hard work in organizing the BBQ and to thank all the volunteers who helped make this another successful event.

National AccessAbility Week May 27 – June 2, 2018‘This is a time for Canadians to promote inclusion and accessibility in our communities and workplaces, and celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. It is also a time to recognize the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces who are actively removing barriers to give Canadians of all abilities a better chance to succeed. We need to change the way we think, talk and act about barriers to participation and accessibility, and we need to do it right from the start, not as an afterthought. An inclusive Canada is one where all Canadians can participate and have an equal opportunity to succeed in their workplaces and communities. National AccessAbility Week aims to bring this perspective to the forefront for Canadians, and highlight some of the important initiatives the Government of Canada and its partners are undertaking to bring about this change. Please take a moment to review the video that Voice of Albertans with Disabilities has released to promote Accessibility for everyone. https://vimeo.com/271520478’(Reprinted in part from Voice of Albertans with Disabilities May 28, 2018)

Minister David Hanson Visits the GlenroseOn May 17th Minister David Hanson visited the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to learn more about the Driver Evaluation and Assessment Service and the Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment process that we provide. Minister Hanson took part in a Driving Simulator session which was followed by a discussion on raising awareness about the fitness to drive services in Alberta.

Glenrose Recreation Therapy Department Hosts a Celebration of Seniors The Recreation Therapy department at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital proudly hosted a variety of events on June 2 - 9, 2018 in celebration of Seniors’ Week. To honor the accomplishments and valuable contributions of seniors connected to our hospital and within our surrounding community, we started off the celebrations early on May 18th with an Intergenerational Art Project entitled “Birds on a Wire”. Patients and family members of all ages were invited to add their unique thumbprint “bird” to a canvas that will be displayed on site at the Glenrose. The “Birds on a Wire” theme was re-visited on June 6th where patients were invited to learn how to make greeting cards for their loved ones using a variety of art mediums and techniques; some of our patients even discovered a new passion for art! Seniors were able to fulfill their musical desires with a Singalong event hosted by the Glenrose’s own Matt Day, Musician in Residence, and again at the Seniors’ Week Social, where participants enjoyed refreshments while listening to the talents of a Natalie and Nat King Cole tribute band. Members of the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) graciously set up a Community Connections information booth on June 7th and a resource table was set up in the Quiet Atrium throughout the week for patients and their families to increase their knowledge of community supports and programming. To conclude Senior’s Week, the Glenrose TEMPO Orchestra provided an unforgettable performance on June 9th, where participants were able to spend time with and show appreciation for seniors in recognition of their positive impact on our lives.

Brain Injury Awareness MonthBrain injury is a silent epidemic. In Canada, brain injury is the number one killer and disabler of people under the age of 44. Acquired brain injury is defined as a non-degenerative and non-congenital insult to the brain that may result in a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and result in impaired cognitive, physical, emotional and/or behavioral functioning. The social, emotional and economic consequences of brain injury are devastating not only to the survivors themselves, but to family members, caregivers, support workers and the community at large.

The theme for Brain Injury Awareness Month (BIAM) 2018 was Building Connections after Brain Injury and Stroke. We saw a variety of activities around the community that provided information about brain injury, focused on abilities after brain injury and stroke, and provided opportunities to make connections for survivors and their families.

The Brain Care Centre hosted their annual Kick-Off Breakfast with key note speaker Dr. Sylvain Roy, President of the Ontario Psychological Association, and an advocate for persons with disabilities experiencing homelessness; along with a full day conference on Brain Injury, Homelessness, and Addiction. The annual Glenrose education session on June 8 was organized by the Interagency Committee for Brain Injury and Stroke. The session Creating Trauma Sensitive Environments and Interventions was presented by Carolyn Lord, Registered Psychologist.

Other events included a provincial community of practice meeting with the Foothills Medical Centre, Halvar Jonson Centre, and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, the Networks Activity Centre Annual BBQ, as well as Adult Grand Rounds: New Findings in Neurodegenerative Diseases following Traumatic Brain Injury with special focus on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Dementia presented by Dr. Raj Thiara, Medical Lead, Adult Brain Injury Program, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

A special thank you to all of our patients, families, community partners, and staff who made the 2018 BIAM a success!

Volunteer Ice Cream Sundae SocialThe GRH thanked our volunteers for volunteering over 170,000 hours last year with a Volunteer Ice Cream Sundae Social on Thursday, June 21st. GRH volunteer, Susan Chimera, was presented with her 25 year service pin at the social. Susan has volunteered over 160,000 hours delivering newspapers to patients.

Glenrose volunteer Susan Chimera (middle)with Coordinators, Volunteer

Resources Daryl Richel (left) and Colleen Mayes (right) at the Volunteer

Ice Cream Sundae Social

Farewell to President & CEO GRH FoundationOn June 27th an event was held in the GRH Cravings Café to say a fond farewell to Wendy Dugas, President & CEO, GRH Foundation.

During Wendy’s tenure, the Foundation has seen significant growth and raised millions of dollars in support of patient care at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Wendy leaves the Foundation in a very strong position for future growth and we sincerely thank her for her contributions and leadership during her time as President & CEO. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her new career! Recruitment to the position of GRHF President & CEO is currently underway.

For more information contact:

Isabel HendersonSenior Operating Officer, GRH

Email: Isabel.Henderson@ahs.ca

GLENROSE UPCOMING EVENTS

Glenrose Courage Awards Mark Your CalendarNovember 1st | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

3rd Annual Courage Ride for Rehab - Register TodayPlease register today for the 3rd Annual Courage Ride for Rehab on September 8th. Consider putting in a department/unit team or join the “Glenrose Tour des Friends” team! It’s easy and fun! Registration fee is only $75 per rider. The ride is not a race, but a fun ride around Pigeon Lake. Do as much or as little as you can.

To register please visit: https://glenrose.dojiggy.com/ng/index.cfm/b62e276/regCatalog/regfees/?p=ac17a73a

For more information please contact Lindsay Burnham at 780.735.6124 or lindsay.burnham@ahs.ca.

Your Support Can Make A DifferenceTo donate scan the QR code square above with your smart device or click here to visit the Glenrose Foundation website.

Become a Glenrose volunteerScan the QR code square above with your smart device or click here to email volunteer resources

Join The Randomized Rehab Coffee TrialsIt’s coffee, but it’s so much more. The initiative matches two people at a time of their choice. The pair can discuss any topic they like. Discussion can take place via phone, face-to-face, Skype, etc. You will be paired with someone new for as long as you wish to participate. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/GlenroseRehabilitationHospital/videos/2461693857389308/ or to register email Lynnae.Blum@ahs.ca.

Spotlight on Innovation: Health to HomeNovember 7th | 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.The GRH invites you to an event focused on solving the challenges faced by people with disabilities as they transition from healthcare to home settings. The Event includes the Spotlight on Research Breakfast; Keynote Speaker Dr. Geoff Fernie, Senior Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute; Pitch Sessions Ideas, Clinical Challenges & Solutions; Exhibits & Poster Presentations; Innovation Workshops; Networking Opportunities; and Panel Discussions. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, contact grhlearninganddevelopmentcentre@ahs.ca.

50th Canadian Association for Pediatric Health Centres (CAPHC) ConferenceThe Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation (GRHF) is co-sponsoring the 50th Canadian Association for Pediatric Health Centres (CAPHC) Conference October 21 - 23, 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta. CAPHC brings together health care leaders from across Canada to network and share innovative practices in the field of pediatrics. A poster presentation will demonstrate scientific and quality improvement projects which highlight unique programs, interventions or initiatives. Local, Canadian and International health care leaders supporting pediatric programs will present at pre-conference workshops and concurrent sessions. The theme for this year’s conference is “Fresh Thinking. Brave Ideas”. The event is capped off with a gala to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. Our Glenrose pediatric leadership teams have been participating in the conference planning and look forward to hosting a tour of the Glenrose, showcasing the Courage in Motion Centre (CIM), I CAN Centre for Assistive Technology, the Oilers Interactive Learning (OIL) Centre, Prosthetics & Orthotics Services and the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre (BTACC). We look forward to welcoming our colleagues from across Canada!