Other Resources: F.A.Q.'s | Case Studies
Open Arms Patient Advocacy Society is pleased to provide patients with a list of related organizations that may assist in bringing clarity to a medical situation. There are numerous agencies that can aid a patient in gaining knowledge and receiving support.
Taking full advantage of these free agencies can be vital to the health of a patient. These organizations specialize in medical problems and can direct a patient to the proper support and treatment.
Feel free to contact these organizations. They are here to help!
Important Health Care Agencies
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services is the primary government organization responsible for the management of the Alberta’s health system. All issues relating to the health care system can be directed to this agency. Contact Alberta Health Services by phone at: 310-0000
To learn more please visit Alberta Health Services.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
The CPSA is the primary agency that governs all Physicians and Surgeons. Every doctor must be licensed by this agency and they are responsible for reprimand and patient concerns involving a specific doctor.
To learn more about this agency or to place a complaint visit http://www.cpsa.ca/ or call 1-800-661-4689 (Complaints), or 1-800-561-3899 (Public Inquiries).
College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA)
The CARNA is the professional and regulatory body for Alberta’s 37,000+ registered nurses (including nurse practitioners).
To learn more about this agency or to place a complaint visit https://nurses.ab.ca/ or call 1-800-252-9392.
Office of Alberta Health Advocates
1. Office of Seniors Advocates – Provides advocates to assist seniors in all issues concerning their well-being.
2. Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate Office – Provides advocates for patients with mental health concerns.
3. Health Advocate – Promotes self-advocacy and supports Albertans in dealing with their concerns about health services.
To learn more about these agencies visit Alberta Health Advocates or call 1-780-422-1812.
Ombudsman
The Alberta Ombudsman responds to complaints concerning provincial government authorities and designated professional organizations. Learn more by visiting Alberta Ombudsman.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
To learn more about this agency or to place a complaint visit Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Protection of Persons in Care
A safe and secure environment, where people are free from abuse and neglect, is necessary for well-being and quality of life. Protection for Persons in Care promotes prevention and responds to reports of abuse of adult Albertans receiving care or support services from publicly funded service providers. These include: hospitals, seniors’ lodges, nursing homes, mental health facilities, shelters, group homes, addictions treatment centres, many settings funded by the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program, and other supportive living settings. To learn more please visit https://www.alberta.ca/protection-for-persons-in-care.aspx.
Canadian Mental Health Association
The CMHA manages all aspects relating to the mental health of all Canadian citizens.
To learn more and to find your local CMHA, visit Canadian Mental Health Association.
Child Abuse Information
There are province-wide, regional and local Child Protective Services in Alberta, found in cities and communities. Use 310-0000 to get the local office number or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-5437 to speak with a case worker.
Know Your Rights
Canada Health Act
The Act sets out the primary objective of Canadian health care policy, which is to protect, promote and restore the physical and mental well-being of residents of Canada and to facilitate reasonable access to health services without financial or other barriers.
To learn more please visit Canada Health Act.
Alberta Health Act
The new Alberta Health Act came into force on January 1, 2014. The Act sets out Alberta’s commitment to the principles of the Canada Health Act. The Act also calls for the adoption of a Health Charter and the establishment of a Health Advocate.
To learn more please visit Alberta Health Act.
Alberta Mental Health Act
The Mental Health Act of Alberta was enacted to provide safeguards, supports and supervision, for mentally ill individuals.
To learn more please visit Alberta Mental Health Act.
Helpful Organizations & Contacts (Calgary Region)
Foothills Medical Centre
Main: 1-403-944-1110
Social Work Services: 1-403-944-1560 (support for patient, info for long-term care)
Brain Injury Rehabilitation clinic: 1-403-944-4500
Peter Lougheed Centre
Main: 1-403-943-4555
Social Work Services: 1-403-943-4700 (support for patient, info for long-term care)
Rockyview General Hospital
Main: 1-403-943-3000
Social Work Services: 1-403-943-3466 (support for patient, info for long-term care)
Association for Rehabilitation of Brain Injury
1-403-242-7116 (not long term advocate, severe 24hr rehabilitation, not for profit). Visit https://www.arbi.ca/ for more info
Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society
1-403-521-5212 (assigns Care giver, aids in rehabilitation, helps with housing, helps with AISH). Visit https://sabis.ab.ca/ for more info.
Calgary Urban Project Society
CUPS provides help for the homeless as well as people with mental health issues. They can aid with AISH and financially for medications. CUPS also have their own physicians and psychologists.
To learn more please visit CUPS or call 1-403-221-8797.
Helpful Organizations & Contacts (Edmonton Region)
University of Alberta Hospital
1-780-407-8822
Misericordia Community Hospital
1-780-735-2000
Royal Alexandra Hospital
1-780-735-4111
Alberta Lung Association
1-780-488-6819
Brain Care Centre
1-780-477-7575 (Will provide long term advocacy)
MS Society
1-780-463-1190 or toll free on 1-800-268-7582 (will provide long term advocacy)
Legal Contacts and Information
Open Arms cannot help clients who wish to go to court, but here are contacts that may be able to help
Calgary Legal Guidance
1-403-234-9266 (free half hour advice, community walk-ins)
www.clg.ab.ca
Catherine Langolis
222 – 1100 8th Ave SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3T8
403-531-9300
https://langloislegal.com/
Brian Devlin QC
202 – 1215 13th Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 3J4
403-457-6727
https://lawfiftyone.com/brian-devlin/
Christian Legal Fellowship
CLF provides free advice for people requiring legal services and aids clients in accessing legal assistance.
Learn more by visiting www.christianlegalfellowship.org.
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— Mary Smith, patient and mom of two.