About
The Northern Alberta Vascular Centre (NAVC) is dedicated to providing the best vascular surgical care for those in need across northern Alberta and our neighbours. We believe that great care begins before the surgery and continues past a patient’s discharge home.
NAVC provides all inpatient and outpatient vascular care to over two million people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Territories. The program attracts top surgical specialists and physicians in the field and performs about 2,300 procedures a year. This good work is performed under the aegis of Covenant Health in partnership with Alberta Health Services. NAVC is a vital part of Covenant Health and holds true to Covenant Health values and continuing the healing ministry of Jesus.
Vascular disease affects many different groups for many different reasons, raising unique challenges for patients and their families. Any surgery or procedure can potentially be a life-changing event. Patients from communities that are difficult to reach or have limited resources can present difficulties in getting medical care, both in the hospital and in the community.
We understand this at NAVC, and we will work with you and your families to understand your unique situations.
Location
The centre is comprised of several different units working in concert. The Pre-admission clinic is located on the main floor of the St. Marguerite Building attached the Grey Nuns Community Hospital.
On the second floor of the hospital is our state-of-the-art operating rooms with two dedicated theatres for vascular surgery. More dedicated vascular surgery theatres are planned.
Unit 41 is a 24-bed in-patient unit that specializes in pre- and post-operative care of vascular patients. The Intermediate Care Unit is a four-bed observation unit dedicated to vascular surgery attached to Unit 41. Unit 41 boasts an on-site rehabilitation area to facilitate recovery and extensive physician and pharmacy support.
Our team
Our team, comprised of a dedicated core of surgeons, a strong rehabilitation team, compassionate and informed nursing staff, extensive physician coverage and dedicated pharmacy support, is committed to working with those affected and their families and loved ones to provide the best possible care and the best possible outcomes.
Vascular care providers
Surgeons
Your surgeon will visit periodically to see how you are recovering. There is also a team of resident physicians who will see each patient.
Vascular associate/Hospitalist
The hospitalist serves vascular patients in IMCU and Unit 41. Their role is providing ongoing care of our patients following surgery, in consultation with the surgeons.
Transition coordinator (TC)
The transition coordinator works closely with the physician, nursing and rehab teams to organize services for you when it’s time to go home. The TC coordinates all services available to help you safely return home or to the appropriate facility. These services can include Home Care, which includes wound care and medication assistance and further rehabilitation at another site. Please note that all services and facilities have acceptance criteria. Please ask your nurse if you need to speak to the TC.
Nursing
We have a great team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and health care aides. The nursing team is the foundation of the unit and patient recovery. Our RNs and LPNs will give you medication, provide wound care, complete your overall assessment and provide education about medication, discharge and recovery. Our health care aides will help with bathing and meals.
Going through the pre-admission clinic? Ask your nurse for information on smoking cessation and nicotine replacement therapy.
Want to quit smoking after your surgery? Please ask your nurse about quitting. They will get you in touch with our respiratory therapists.
Diabetic teaching
Our Diabetic Centre can provide education for diabetic patients who need it. Our diabetic education nurses can see you on the ward or in the clinic itself after your discharge. Please let your physician team or nurse know if you would like to see a diabetic education nurse.
More about the diabetes clinic
Nutrition counselling
There is a dietitian available to review your eating habits. If you have any questions about the food available at the hospital or are looking for advice once you’re home, our dietitian can assist you. Please let your nurse or physician know if you have diet-related questions.
More about nutrition counselling
Pharmacy
There is a dedicated pharmacist for vascular patients. You may have a meeting with the pharmacist before going home to review your medications, especially if they have been changed during your stay.
Rehabilitation
Unit 41 has a physical therapist and an occupational therapist on the ward Mondays through Fridays. Our rehab team is here to get you moving and help with equipment at home if necessary.
A rehabilitation room is attached to our unit. You may spend some time with the rehab team in this room regaining your strength. NAVC also works closely with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.
Patients who have had an amputation may be eligible to stay at the Glenrose for further recovery and rehabilitation. Prosthetic fitting is one of the services offered at the Glenrose. The Glenrose may see some patients on an outpatient basis. Please be aware that the Glenrose has limited beds and specific criteria for admittance. If you’ve had an amputation, our Glenrose liaison will visit you to discuss what the Glenrose can offer you.
Social work
Our social workers are available to all patients. They can help you access services, finances, transportation and legal support. Please ask your nurse if you wish to speak to a social worker.
More about social work
Spiritual care
Our pastoral care staff routinely visit the unit to offer spiritual support to those in need. You can also request that our pastoral care staff come and see you. Please ask your nurse if you would like to request this service.
More about spiritual care
Wound care
NAVC has a team focused specifically on wound care. Vascular patients have poor circulation due to vascular disease. This can make the healing of surgical incisions and other wounds take longer and are more complicated than patients without vascular disease. Our wound care team will propose wound care solutions and follow up closely with each patient they see.