Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

AHS

GPRH becomes an “AHS first” after installing a new ventilation system

Apr 11, 2023 | 2:47 PM

The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital has become the first Alberta Health Services site to make infrastructure changes so Indigenous patients can do traditional ceremonies, such as smudging.

Now, when a patient asks for the opportunity to smudge, an on-site Indigenous Coordinator alerts maintenance staff, and a unique part of the hospital’s computerized ventilation system will redirect the room’s air to the outside of the building, rather than circulating it back through the facility.

With the whole process typically taking less than 20 minutes.

Shannon Dunfield, Manager of Indigenous Health and Diversity in AHS North Zone said in a release.

“The service has improved the hospital experience for many indigenous patients, offering the ability to smudge is a huge step towards reconciliation, this helps people feel welcome, comforted, and culturally safe when they come to the hospital.”

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Since this system became operational last year, it’s already been used over 200 times, and Candace Edey, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Grande Prairie said in a release, the idea came about after the Indigenous Engagement Committee suggested making smudging more accessible.

“Our Facilities Maintenance and Engineering team then worked to create this new process to ensure smudging is available in a timely manner,” said Edey.

So far, this is the only AHS site to facilitate smudging this way, but through the ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action‘, health organizations, including AHS, have been tasked to incorporate traditional healing practices and create same standards of care across Alberta.

AHS, in particular, said in a release, they are committed to a consistent approach to accommodating traditional ceremonies, across the province.