Sylvan Lake’s Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team (HART) 2025 in Review: Our Continuing Focus

“While the committee does not have hiring or staffing authority, its role as a connector between the community, healthcare professionals, and external stakeholders remained central throughout the year.

Advocacy and System Support

“As we reflect on 2025, the year marked an important period of growth, learning, and refinement for HART.

“Building on the foundation of previous years, the committee strengthened how we work, deepened relationships, and remained focused on creating a welcoming and sustainable environment for physicians and nurse practitioners practicing at Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care (AACS).

“Advocacy continued to be a key area of focus. HART supports efforts to advance the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre toward an Urgent Care Centre model with expanded hours and staffing, consistent with our purpose of supporting reliable daily access to care.

“Through ongoing engagement with municipal leadership and external partners, the committee helped keep community healthcare needs visible and prioritized. With the leadership and advocacy of Mayor Megan Hanson and Councillor Teresa Rilling, meaningful progress was achieved. This included formal engagement with the province and confirmation that the provincial budget 2025 includes “planning budget for upgrading SLAACC. Pre-planning is underway to consider upgrading the SLAACC to an urgent care centre (UCC).

“The Town’s continued administrative support, combined with the involvement of Council members and dedicated community volunteers, reinforced the collaborative foundation that supports HART’s mandate.

Supporting Stable Healthcare Access in Sylvan Lake

“Consistent with HART’s mandate, efforts in 2025 remained focused on reducing closures and supporting the attraction and retention of physicians and nurse practitioners at the Advanced Ambulatory Care Site (AACS).

“This year brought a notable improvement in operational stability at the Advanced Ambulatory Care Site (AACS). Closures were significantly reduced, with only 9 closures in 2025 compared to 38 in 2024.

“While recruitment alone cannot fully resolve access challenges, the reduction in closures demonstrates meaningful and hopeful progress. The addition of nurse practitioners to the AACS team in 2025 was a particularly positive development. Feedback throughout the year highlighted the value of expanded roles and collaborative care models in improving patient access and easing system pressures. In total, AACS supported approximately 22,000 patient visits in 2025, an average of more than 430 patients per week.

“Over the past three years, seven physicians have relocated to Sylvan Lake, strengthening local healthcare capacity. Many of these physicians completed their training outside of Canada, which means additional licensing and integration steps are required before they can take on a full schedule. As a result, it can take time before the full impact of their presence is felt in the community. Many of these new physicians have already begun contributing shifts at AACS, helping to improve continuity of care and overall service stability.

“HART recognizes that challenges remain in the healthcare system, and many factors, including physician availability and provincial policies, are beyond our direct control. The committee does not recruit physicians or nurse practitioners directly, and that Alberta Health Services is often needed to help fill these roles.

“While recruitment processes take time, creating a welcoming and supportive environment locally can make a real difference. When healthcare professionals feel valued, connected, and part of the community, they are better able to provide consistent care and contribute to improved access for residents. HART will continue to focus on fostering this sense of community as a key part of supporting healthcare on the ground.

Recognition and Retention Through Community Connection

“Building and maintaining strong community connections is central to retention and aligns directly with HART’s role in fostering a welcoming healthcare environment.

“The annual Healthcare Appreciation Night at a Sylvan Lake Gulls game continued to be a highlight in 2025. Designed as a relaxed and family-friendly event, it provides healthcare providers and their families with an opportunity to feel appreciated without added pressure. The evening remains a meaningful way for the community to collectively say thank you.

(Image Credit: HART)

“Equally important are the more personal expressions of gratitude that occur throughout the year. Personalized thank-you cards, notes from patients, and direct messages from community members allow physicians and nurse practitioners to feel seen and valued in a lasting and meaningful way. These individual gestures, alongside public recognition, contribute to a culture of appreciation that supports long-term retention.

“HART also prioritized welcoming visiting physicians, students, residents, and locum practitioners. Informal lunches, introductions to local businesses, and opportunities to experience the community help visitors feel supported and connected during their time in Sylvan Lake, strengthening both short-term experiences and long-term recruitment potential.

(Image Credit: HART)

Strengthening How We Work

“In 2025, HART made intentional changes to improve effectiveness and ensure alignment with its mandate and scope. The committee clarified its purpose, reaffirming that its role is to support the attraction and retention of physicians and nurse practitioners rather than direct involvement in staffing decisions. This clarity has helped focus efforts on areas where HART can realistically influence outcomes.

“The committee adopted a more project-based approach to support clearer communication, more consistent follow-through, and better use of member expertise. Meeting frequency was adjusted to support timely updates and shared understanding of progress, and expectations for participation were clarified. Committee roles were also refined to better support project work and to create flexibility for involving community members and external partners when their expertise is beneficial.

“To support continuity as membership evolves, HART developed a New Member Orientation resource to ensure incoming members can quickly understand the committee’s role, priorities, and ways of working. HART continues to benefit from members with strong connections to both Sylvan Lake and local healthcare. Their lived experience and practical insight help keep the committee’s work grounded in community needs and informed by real-world perspectives.

Membership Transitions and Looking Ahead

“The end of 2025 also marked the completion of terms for Kandis Orge, Onsy Tawadrous, and Councillor Teresa Rilling. We extend our sincere thanks to those who contributed their time, insight, and commitment over the past term. Their dedication helped shape the progress outlined in this review and laid the groundwork for continued success.

“As we begin 2026, we are excited to work with new members who will help guide the next phase of HART’s work. We are pleased to welcome Juanna Thompson, Gail Sanders, and Councillor Holly Bilodeau. Their perspectives and community connections have already revitalized discussion and brought some great new ideas and engagements. With renewed energy, a strong foundation, and ongoing community support, HART entered 2026 focused on sustaining momentum and continuing to support a community where healthcare professionals feel valued, connected, and proud to call Sylvan Lake home.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column/op-ed suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.

by Sylvan Lake Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team

Sylvan Lake’s Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team (HART) 2025 in Review: Our Continuing Focus

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