by Morinville News Staff
Alberta Health Services (AHS) have appointed Heather Hirsch, an Indigenous woman, and 19-year-veteran in frontline health care, to the Board.
Hirsch holds an Advanced Studies in Critical Care Nursing Level 1 certificate from Mount Royal University in Calgary and obtained her Registered Nurse diploma from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton.
“The AHS Board has been hard at work for the last year making sure our health system is meeting the growing and changing needs of Alberta families,” said Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman in a release Thursday. “Hirsch’s appointment means we have another competent, passionate member who will bring her perspectives as an Indigenous woman and frontline health worker to the table.”
When the new AHS Board was appointed last fall, the government said it was committed to ensuring the Board was diverse by reaching out to Indigenous communities. The government said Thursday, Hirsch was appointed after a rigorous recruitment process.
Linda Hughes, Alberta Health Services Board Chair, said Hirsch is a
“terrific addition” to the board.
“I look forward to the perspectives, skills and personal and professional experiences she’ll bring to our discussions,” Hughes said. “AHS serves all Albertans, and our board strives to reflect and hear from our province’s unique communities and diverse voices. Heather brings an important voice to our table and will help make our health system better and more inclusive.”
Hirsch has consulted on various Indigenous programs and also consulted on the curriculum for the development and delivery of the Indigenous Nursing Program at Bow Valley College.
“I am very humbled and passionate about the Alberta Health Services Board work that lies ahead,” Heather Hirsch said. “I look forward to adding to the collective wisdom of the board.”
