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Weekly Clinical Updates 

Marking the first year of Primary Care Alberta

Dear colleagues,

It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since Primary Care Alberta took its place in our healthcare landscape. So much has changed, and so many of you have given your time and effort to help us settle into our roles – thank you for your generosity, wisdom, and understanding.

Over the past year, we’ve assembled an organization of some 5,300 staff who are committed to improving the health of Albertans and the communities they live in. Throughout this journey, one thing has become abundantly clear: our strength lies in how we work together. The partnerships we’ve formed – with each other in PCA, across primary care partners, and with teams throughout the broader healthcare system – have enabled us to lay a solid foundation for the work ahead.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are filled with enthusiasm and anticipation. New developments in public health, virtual health, primary care technology and team‑based care are just around the corner. These opportunities will only reach their potential if we continue to show up as cohesive, coordinated teams – combining our diverse expertise, perspectives and talents.

At the same time, we are realistic. The work ahead of us will be challenging and complex, including the organization and implementation of Regional Primary Health Care Networks. Strengthening primary care will depend on our ability to collaborate seamlessly across agencies, sectors and communities. 

We feel strongly that, with dedicated and experienced partners like you, PCA can be a positive force for the healthcare system and for Albertans. When we move forward together – aligned, supportive and connected – we amplify the impact each of us can make.

As much as we will be cheering on our fellow Canadians in Milan this month, we’ll be cheering even harder for our healthcare colleagues across the system. We’ll be there with you on the field, helping you do what you do best – keeping Albertans healthy and well.

Warm regards,

Dr. Ernst Greyvenstein
Chief Medical Officer, Primary Care Alberta

Dr. Kimberly Hogarth
Chief Nursing Officer, Primary Care Alberta

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Health care aide regulation

The regulation of health care aides (HCAs) under Alberta’s Health Professions Act (HPA) came into force on Feb. 2. The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) has become the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta, formally assuming responsibility for regulating HCAs in addition to licensed practical nurses.

For more information see: 

These fact sheets provide important details regarding which health providers may be required to register to continue practicing as HCAs and what employers need to be aware of.

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Webinar: The Next Chapter in Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV Screening Explained

Join Primary Care Alberta and AMA-ACTT Feb. 11, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. for an interactive webinar designed to support primary care providers and clinic teams in implementing HPV primary cervical cancer screening using Alberta’s new pathway. The session outlines the updated eligibility criteria and explains how to interpret HPV screening results, manage appropriate follow-up and referral steps, and integrate the screening process into routine workflows and patient counselling.

You’ll hear from Dr. Lisa Stevenson, family physician and chair of the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program Advisory Committee; Dr. Sarah Glaze, colposcopist and chair of the Alberta Colposcopy Quality Improvement Committee; and Dr. Jack Pang, medical lead for the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Program, as they share practical insights on real-world application and alignment with provincial recommendations to support sustainable cervical cancer screening in primary care. 

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Cancer Care Alberta workshop

Cancer Care Alberta is pleased to announce the 15th annual Strengthening Linkages Workshop on Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. The event will be held virtually via Zoom. There is no cost to attend, and family physician credits will be available. Topics include:

  • General Practitioner in Oncology program

  • Hospitalist programs at tertiary cancer centres

  • Lung cancer screening

  • HPV and high-risk breast cancer screening 

  • Lung cancer and multiple myeloma updates.

For more information visit Strengthening Linkages Workshop | Alberta Health Services. Or, contactStrengtheningLinkages@albertahealthservices.ca to register.

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RhPAP rural healthcare awards

Do you know a rural healthcare hero in your community who deserves recognition? The Feb. 27 deadline to nominate for the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Rhapsody Awards is fast approaching.

You can easily submit a nomination online with just one letter of support. Categories include:

Award recipients receive: 

  • A community celebration held in the recipient’s honour

  • A $1,250 donation to a local cause chosen by the recipient 

  • A professional video highlighting the recipient’s accomplishments.

Get more information or submit a nomination.

 

Have your say on heart health in Alberta

Caring for Our Hearts is a provincewide initiative led by the University of Alberta Foundation, in collaboration with Acute Care Alberta and Primary Care Alberta, aiming to reduce the devastating impact of vascular and metabolic heart disease across the province. 

The initiative team is eager to ensure this work reflects real experiences from communities across Alberta.

A short survey (about 10 minutes) is now open. Your feedback will help highlight what’s working well, identify gaps and inform meaningful improvements to heart health for everyone in Alberta.

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AHS offers classes on high-protein cooking

Led by AHS dietitians, the Rebuilding Health: High-Protein Cooking class supports anyone needing a high‑protein diet, including older adults, people with cancer and those preparing for or recovering from surgery. In‑person sessions continue at the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen, while virtual delivery expands access across the province.

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