Cafeteria Services

Cafeteria services offer food and beverages at Alberta Health Services facilities. Catering services and vending machines are available at some sites. Each cafeteria services site team is dedicated to creating great food, inspiring healthy eating, and providing outstanding customer service to support the health of Albertans.

**Please note hours of operation may vary from site to site.

Cafeteria Services - Healthy Trendz

Cafeteria services offer food and beverages at Alberta Health Services facilities. Catering services and vending machines are available at some sites. Retail Food Services create and serve delicious food made with high-quality ingredients that support healthy living.

Cafeteria Services - Sun Room Café

All profits from the Sun Room Café are used by the CCI (Cross Cancer Institute) Volunteer Association to enhance patient care and comfort at the site.

Cancer Treatment and Care - Cancer Care Centres

Cancer centres are located within local regional hospitals / health centres. They deliver a range of treatments and care options to cancer patients as close to home as possible, including outpatient chemotherapy, education, navigation, and support.

Contact a centre for information or educational material related to cancer.

Chemotherapy / Systemic Cancer Locations

This service uses systemic treatment (anti-cancer medicine) to treat cancer. This may include:

• immunotherapy
• chemotherapy
• targeted therapy
• hormonal therapy
• radiation therapy

Classes and / or resources are available.

Colposcopy Clinic

Provides diagnostic testing procedures including:

• colposcopy
• LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure)
• biopsies and laser treatment

There is physician consultation and support as well as ongoing patient teaching.

Computed Tomography

Computed tomography, also known as "CT Scan" or "CAT Scan", is when pictures of the body are taken using radiation and computer-enhanced imaging.

Cross Cancer Institute New Patient Orientation

Provides important information tailored to patient / family preferences; this informative session helps prepare patients for their care experience and includes:

• overview of services and resources available
• suggestions for dealing with the emotional challenges of living with cancer
• encouragement to participate actively in one's care
• an orientation to the facility and process of care

If possible, it is recommended that patients and / or family members attend a session prior to their first appointment with an oncologist.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography uses ultrasound to study the structure and function of the heart, including blood flow through the heart and its valves.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a real time x-ray like a video, which is used by physicians and staff to assist imaging throughout the body during exams.

General Radiography (X-Ray)

General Radiography uses x-rays to produce images of the structures inside the body, particularly bones. X-ray beams can pass through the body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through.

Gift Shop and Bookstore

A gift shop and book store that sells:

• giftware
• cancer headwear
• clothing and accessories
• gently-used books
• vending machines (drinks and snacks)

Health Information - Access and Disclosure

In accordance with Alberta's Health Information Act, this is a service which enables the release of individually identifiable health information with or without the consent of an individual.

For health information, please contact the hospital or health care centre where you received treatment.

For detailed instructions, frequently asked questions and forms, please visit Access & Disclosure | Alberta Health Services.

Health Information / Records Management

Completes patient charts, collects data, data entry and coding, collects patient information, dictates notes, and transcribes inpatient and outpatient charts.

Indigenous Hospital Support Services

This program provides:

• case management
• patient advocacy
• cultural teaching
• patient/client language interpretation
• health literacy support
• logistical support for discharge planning, counseling, and traditional Indigenous healing services for Indigenous peoples

This service is available on-site in hospitals and public health centres. Upon request, staff can be present at hospital rounds, medical appointments and case conferences.

Aboriginal Cultural Helpers also gather traditional medicines, educate about ceremonial protocol, and are available to healthcare staff for consultation on a diverse range of Indigenous patient issues.

Patients and clients may also be asked about their healthcare experience to help ensure they receive the best possible healthcare.

Interpretive Services and Hard of Hearing Services

AHS has formalized the use of telephone and video as the preferred options for language interpretation and American Sign language (ASL) interpretation. These new practices will continue throughout the pandemic and going forward.

Interventional Radiography / Angiography

Interventional Radiography is a sub-specialty of Diagnostic Imaging (radiology) that uses imag-guided procedures for both therapeutic and diagnostic Purposes. Interventional radiography can be done using x-ray, CT, Ultrasound or MRI images and are done to diagnose and treat disease in almost every organ system.

Angiography, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a radio-opaque dye and a specialized x-ray camera to take pictures of the blood flow in specific blood vessels (arteries or veins) or blood flow within the heart itself. Sometimes treatments are done during an angiogram.

Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services provides collection of blood and body fluids for tests ordered by your doctor or healthcare provider including a comprehensive range of routine and specialized lab testing and clinical consultations:

• blood and body fluid sample collection
• biochemistry and toxicology
• electrocardiogram (ECG)
• genetics and genomics
• urinalysis
• transfusion medicine
• hematology
• coagulation studies
• microbiology
• public health testing
• serology
• surgical pathology
• cytopathology
• autopsy pathology
• student practicum training for medical lab technologists and medical lab assistants

Note: Some locations may not offer the full range of testing. To confirm availability of a specific test, contact the location.

APL Booking Line: 1-877-702-4486 or book online.

Look Good Feel Better

Learn to manage the appearance-related impact of cancer treatment. Workshops are led by cosmetician volunteers and are available via Zoom or in-person sessions. Workshops on: makeup and skin care, hair alternatives, and post-surgical bras and breastforms.

Lowdown on Down There

Provides help with:

• managing vaginal pain
• loss of sexual interest
• questions about vaginal health

This workshop is provided by the Oncology And Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship Program (OASIS) service.

Lymphoma Diagnosis Program

The Lymphoma Diagnosis Program's role is to support patients with presentations that have a high likelihood of being a lymphoma diagnosis and expedite their care from the point of suspicion through diagnostic work-up, staging, definitive diagnosis and eventual consult with an oncologist.

This program works to ensure people with lymphoma get faster access to treatment. The program seeks to improve the patient journey, patient outcomes and standardize care delivery across the province.
Services provided by the program include:

• coordination of diagnostic and staging investigations
• care coordination by nurses who are specialized in lymphoma
• timely consults with oncologist / hematologist
• patient education and supportive care to assist with decisions about treatment options

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to form images of the body. The technique is widely used in hospitals for medical diagnosis, staging of disease and for follow-up without exposure to ionizing radiation.

Used for many exams, including: head, spine, heart, bone / joints, and abdomen.

Mammography

Mammography is a type of x-ray to look for growths or changes in breast tissue.

New Patient Referral at Cross Cancer Institute

For service information, visit the Cross Cancer Institute website.

Northern Alberta Blood And Marrow Transplant Program

Offers care and support for people having an allogeneic or autologous blood and marrow transplant or immune effector cellular therapy (CAR T-Cell).

Nuclear Medicine

Clients swallow, inhale, or are given a needle with a radiotracer before their exam. Radiotracers go to a specific body part so the camera can take pictures. (tests may take a number of hours to complete; patients may be required to return later that day or the next day to complete exam).

Radiotracers are also given to treat diseases like thyroid disease.

Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy & Survivorship Program

A variety of in-person programs and services for patients (and their partners) across Alberta. Virtual support by telephone and over zoom available to patients across the province. Topics covered include:

• female sexuality and cancer
• male sexuality and cancer
• erectile dysfunction
• vaginal health
• lose of sexual desire

Group education offered by OASIS include:

• The "Low Down" on "Down There"
• Sexual Mechanics for Men: A Workshop for Men

Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program

Cancer drugs are provided, without charge, to registered Alberta cancer patients through specific locations in the province.

Please refer to the Alberta Health Services Cancer Drug Benefit Program.

Palliative Care Consult Team (Inpatient)

PEOLC is both a philosophy and an approach to care that enables all individuals with a life-limiting and/or life-threatening illness to receive integrated and coordinated care across the continuum. This care incorporates patient and family values, preferences and goals of care, and spans the disease process from early diagnosis to end of life, including bereavement. Palliative and End-of-Life Care Alberta Provincial Framework (2014)

Our Services Include:

• providing consultative services for patients with a life-limiting illness
• collaborating closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, Home Care staff and hospital teams
• supporting patients with a life-limiting illness, and their families, with their physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs
• assessing the need and supporting the planning for care options including palliative Home Care, Tertiary Palliative Care Unit or hospice

Palliative Radiation Oncology Clinic

Provides the following:

• palliative radiotherapy treatment for patients with a metastatic malignancy requiring symptom control
• assessment of multidisciplinary supportive care needs
• education regarding symptom management

Patient and Family Resource Centre

Provides a large collection of books, AHS resources, credible websites, and various pamphlets covering topics including:

• cancer types and therapies
• coping with cancer
• bereavement
• nutrition
• exercise
• inspirational and motivational stories

Specially trained volunteers staff the PFRC make every effort to answer requests for information from our resources or refer to those individuals or agencies who may be able to help. Students may be given specific time or resource number limits on loans. Lending period is typically 3 weeks.

Patient Email Well Wishes

As part of our support for patient care and comfort, friends and family of inpatients at hospital and health care facilities can send well wishes via email. Sites participating in the program will receive the message, will ensure that the message is only "well-wish" (any other type of communication will be deleted) and will arrange for delivery within 3 business days. A couple of important reminders - the electronic delivery system is not a secure connection, so please don't add any confidential information to your message. Plus the "well-wish" system does not allow for replies or confirm receipt / delivery confirmation.

Patient Food Services

Patient Food Services overarching objectives are to:

• Offer quality food and food choice, to support Patient Centered Care
• Work with the whole care team to ensure that Meals Matter
• Foster a positive meal experience that results in enjoyment of meals, as well as improved satisfaction and food intake that supports recovery
• Provide menus that are based on “Canada’s Food Guide” and that are adaptable for therapeutic requirements
• Offer appealing food that encourages eating for health
• Provide meal service styles appropriate to the patient population (e.g. tray service, dining room service) and meal delivery systems that support safe high quality food served at appropriate temperatures to the correct patient / resident

PFS delivers more than 31,000 patient/resident meals each day within AHS facilities.

Patient Information

Services offered:

• responding to patient location inquires
• providing direction on a patients whereabouts

Physiotherapy Breast Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

This patient education class is taught by a physiotherapist. The class provides breast cancer patients with:

• information about some possible problems (shoulder and muscle stiffness, swelling, cording) that may occur with breast cancer treatments
• advice about strategies for recovery following treatment
• description / review of exercises that help to get the shoulder moving and keep it moving well
• information about the benefits of being active
• tips to realize, identify and lower their risk of developing arm problems after breast surgery or radiation treatment
• a helpful group setting where patients can ask questions and share concerns

Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography

The person is given a radioactive substance that collects in certain cells in the body. These cells can then be detected and the PET/CT combined gives a clear picture of the size, shape, and location of the abnormal cells.

Protective Services

Protective Services responsibilities include:

• safety of patients, staff, and visitors
• protection of hospital and personal property
• patrolling and observing activities in all areas of the hospital
• prevention and detection of criminal activities
• investigations conducted into security and fire-related matters
• responding to security alarms, fire alarms, medical emergencies, hazardous situations
• access control
• lost and found
• fire safety
• safe walking
• assisting with parking

Psychosocial Oncology

This service provides help for patients and their family with coping with the stress that often comes with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Taking care of your emotional, social, spiritual and practical well-being is an important part of your treatment plan and coping.

We are a part of your oncology treatment team. We offer different types of programs and services to support your wellbeing;

• Individual, couple and family counselling
• Professionally-led support groups
• Practical support for your finances and other basic needs
• Classes and programs

Availability of programs and services changes depending on the cancer centre.

Services may be available via telephone, online platform (Zoom) or at your healthcare centre through Telehealth.

Pamphlets:

• Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Patient Navigation
• Cancer Care Drug Coverage
• Counselling and Support
• Indigenous Cancer Patient Navigator
• Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy & Survivorship (OASIS)

Pulmonary Function Lab

Services include:

• assessment and evaluation
• tests, including arterial blood gases
• treatment, including oxygen
• patient education
• follow-up

Radiation Therapy

Provides radiation therapy for treating tumours.

Registration

Patient Registration registers:

• and pre-registers patients and collects demographic and financial information
• patients for inpatient admissions, ambulatory clinic appointment, and emergency department services

Rehabilitation Oncology - Occupational Therapy

Rehabilitation has many benefits: It can help manage cancer-related pain, lymphedema, fatigue and changes in speech, language, voice quality and mobility.

The Rehabilitation Oncology program consists of a team of rehabilitation specialists including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, a physiatrist and speech and language therapists. Services vary per location, however many services may be accessed through virtual care (e.g. phone, Zoom, Telehealth):

• Central Alberta Cancer Centre (CACC) in Red Deer: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Therapy

• Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in Edmonton: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Therapy

• Grande Prairie Cancer Centre: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology

• Holy Cross Centre in Calgary: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Physiatry. Physiatrists are medical doctors specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

• Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge: Physiotherapy

• Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC): Speech & Language Therapy

Assessments and treatments are offered in-person (1:1, groups) and through virtual platforms (phone, Zoom, Telehealth).

Your doctor will get a written report after your assessment.

For more information, please visit:

Cancer Care Alberta: Rehabilitation Oncology

Rehabilitation Oncology - Physiotherapy

Rehabilitation has many benefits, it can help manage various cancer-related symptoms and side effects such as pain, lymphedema, fatigue and changes in thinking, memory, speech, language, voice quality and mobility.

The Rehabilitation Oncology program consists of a team of rehabilitation specialists including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, a physiatrist and speech and language therapists. Services vary per location, however many services may be accessed through virtual care (e.g. phone, Zoom, Telehealth):

• Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in Edmonton: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Therapy
• Grande Prairie Cancer Centre: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology
• Holy Cross Centre in Calgary: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Physiatry. Physiatrists are medical doctors specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge: Physiotherapy
• Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC): Speech & Language Therapy

Assessment and treatments are offered in in-person, group settings and virtually (through phone and online platforms like Zoom and Telehealth).

Your doctor will get a written report after your assessment.

For more information, please visit:

Cancer Care Alberta: Rehabilitation Oncology

Rehabilitation Oncology - Speech Language Pathology

Rehabilitation has many benefits: It can help manage various cancer-related symptoms and side effects such as pain, lymphedema, fatigue and changes in thinking, memory, speech, language, voice quality and mobility.

The Rehabilitation Oncology program consists of a team of rehabilitation specialists including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, a physiatrist and speech and language therapists. Services vary per location, however many services may be accessed through virtual care (e.g. phone, Zoom, Telehealth):

• Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in Edmonton: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech & Language Therapy
• Grande Prairie Cancer Centre: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology
• Holy Cross Centre in Calgary: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Physiatry. Physiatrists are medical doctors specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge: Physiotherapy
• Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC): Speech & Language Therapy

The speech and language pathologists / therapists provide assessment and treatment of issues and changes caused by cancer treatment including:

• swallowing
• speech
• language
• voice

Assessments may include instrumental assessments (may include Modified Barium Swallowing Studies, Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies or Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing).

Assessment and treatments are offered in in-person, groups settings and virtually (through phone and online platforms like Zoom and Telehealth).

Depending on the site / location, SLP services are provided in / out of the hospital centre (inpatient / outpatient), and in the community (ambulatory / outpatient care).

Your doctor will get a written report after your assessment.

For more information, please visit: Cancer Care Alberta: Rehabilitation Oncology

Respiratory Therapy

Respiratory Therapists participate as a member of the multi disciplinary health care team in both acute and critical care environments assisting in the assessment and treatment of cardio-respiratory disease and related conditions. Respiratory Therapists manage life support equipment such as ventilators, check lung and heart function, using specialized tests and equipment and provide patient education.

Social Work

Assesses clients' needs and gives support to help them deal with illness or injury.

Services include:

• help addressing concerns of clients, families, and members of the healthcare team
• information and education (e.g., making good decisions, caregiver stress, career or work options, end-of-life care, child care options)
• referrals to community resources and services (e.g., financial help, accommodation, transportation)
• help solving conflicts within families and with the healthcare system
• speaks with government agencies and departments on behalf of clients
• support as clients transition home or to another care setting

Spiritual Care

Offers spiritual and emotional support for patients, families, and staff in the hospital. Services are for people of any religion or culture and may include:

• help dealing with difficult decisions or issues of life and death
• help talking about ethical concerns or problems
• bereavement (grief) counselling

Support is available through:

• compassionate staff members
• prayer, ritual, or ceremonies
• spiritual counsel
• help linking people to their faith community
• a space set aside for private prayer and services

Switchboard

These services include:

• answering incoming telephone calls
• transferring telephone calls and
• giving out authorized telephone numbers

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Community Liaison Program

The Community Liaison Nurse telephones or meets with the patient and family and helps arrange the services that are needed. Care is then transferred to the family doctor and Home Care.

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Consult Program

Depending on needs, a patient may see either several team members during a half-day appointment, or a few team members during a shorter appointment. The patient is followed by the team until pain or other symptoms improve. Management is then continued by the primary care physician or nurse practitioner.

Symptom Control & Palliative Care Telehealth Program

This clinic helps patients with pain and other symptoms from cancer, living in rural communities in the northern half of Alberta (North and Central Zones), by providing support to physicians and nurse practitioners involved in their care.

High-definition televisions link the remote care centre to a multi-disciplinary team at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. The team can then assess the patient without the patient leaving his or her home community. The patient may still require travel to Edmonton during their care, but many parts of the care can be provided to the patient through Telehealth.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging test that captures images of soft tissue organs, blood vessels and tissues using high-frequency sound waves (no radiation). Ultrasound is also known as sonography.

Not all tests are offered at all sites. Call the location for more information.

Van Shuttle Service

Provides free shuttle service to appointments at the Cross Cancer Institute to clients from out of town. Clients are picked up at approved hotels or bed and breakfasts and returned after their appointment. This is a donation based service meaning every little bit counts. Donations help to continue this service for others who may not be able to afford transportation.

Volunteer Resources

Our volunteer roles share a commitment to improving the quality of the patient and family experience.

Volunteers are:

• way-finders who help guide patients and families around our busy facilities,
• friendly visitors who spend time with our socially isolated patients,
• patient and family advisors who provide input and direction to AHS on numerous committees,
• supporters of our volunteer retail operations - where the proceeds are returned to AHS to provide patient care and comfort.

For general information about volunteering with AHS please visit our website.

Wig Service and Hair Alternatives

Service includes wig loans and fittings and head shaves, as well as information about wig care.

This is a donation based service.