The Royal Alexandra Hospital sees many patients who do not have access to the necessities of life, including fresh clothing, hygiene products, reading glasses, walking aids, and more. The "Clothing Patients for Discharge" program addresses the needs of patients as they prepare for hospital discharge to continue their healing journey outside of hospital walls under the best possible conditions.
Here is how: The social work team at the Royal Alexandra Hospital is amazing and knows that some patients require additional support. This team is here to help these patients in every possible way by providing them with clothes and other essential resources. Before the implementation of the "Clothing Patients for Discharge" program in November 2023, the social work team’s closet relied on donations from other staff members, which meant that not all items donated suited the needs of the patients. Additionally, there were always more patients who needed clothing upon their discharge than the team had available.
The "Clothing Patients for Discharge" program has a tremendous, measurable impact on the Edmonton community since it cares and provides for those who face significant issues, such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises. It is a program that allows patients to regain their dignity, increase their courage, and prevent further health challenges to minimize rehospitalization. Additionally, this program helps sustain our environment by using items that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
The “Clothing Patients for Discharge” program is fantastic project that fits well with the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s mission to establish equity, diversity, and inclusivity for the patients who seek treatment at the hospital.