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"Thankful for Health Link 811 Nurse and Weekend Primary Care Clinic"

About: Calgary Foothills PCN Health Link 811 Health Link 811 / Triage Nursing

(as a service user),

Early on a Saturday morning. I noticed blood on my left arm above my hand leaking in small drips. First time without realizing the cause as I had not accidentally hit with anything, I suspected it was due to some medication that I have been taking after the heart attack, last year.

I called 811 the non emergency nurse who questioned me as to my condition, as I was only concerned to the reason why I couldn't stop the leak. I used the antibiotics ointment and covered with a gauze and taped hoping it would stop.  Luckily I noticed that the blood was spreading in the bandage but had stopped leaking. Being Saturday the nurse advised me to see my Doctor soonest. As the earliest time was Monday I couldn't wait, so the nurse immediately arranged for me to see the Primary Care Doctor in the afternoon same day, Saturday.

My daughter took me to see the doctor who looked up my chart and medication and advised that the blood thinner low dose ASA could be the cause, as it was an extra medication to the one already, as I already had medication for blood thinner, a tablet one in the morning and one at supper time. I am now in the process for my cardiologist to confirm, as it may help not to have the blood leak . The Primary Care Doctor checked me to ensure that I have not suffered any internal bleeding. They cleaned up the wound and dressed it properly as the blood clot had stopped any further leak and advised to see my own doctor and consult my cardiologist to ensure that I am not in any danger. I am very thankful for the timely help from the nurse at 811 and the Primary Care Doctor to help me over the weekend without going into the emergency hospital.

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Responses

Response from Barbara Siebel, Director of Nursing, Health Link 811, Primary Care Alberta 2 weeks ago
Barbara Siebel
Director of Nursing, Health Link 811,
Primary Care Alberta
Submitted on 2026-07-06 at 12:46 PM
Published on Care Opinion Canada at 1:23 PM


picture of Barbara Siebel

Thank-you for taking the time to share your experience. Hearing how our Health Link 811 Nurse listened carefully to your concerns, recognized the need for timely assessment, and coordinated same-day care through the Weekend Primary Care Clinic is incredibly meaningful.

Your story highlights the value of clinical judgement, compassionate nursing care, and strong partnerships across the healthcare system to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time. I am pleased to hear you received the support you needed and are recovering well.

On behalf of our nursing team, thank you for recognizing the dedication of our nurses. We are honored to be a part of your care journey and wish you continued good health.

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Response from Leanne Kiss, Program Manager, Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network 2 weeks ago
Leanne Kiss
Program Manager,
Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network
Submitted on 2026-07-06 at 1:22 PM
Published on Care Opinion Canada at 1:22 PM


picture of Leanne Kiss

Hello Alij

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with receiving a timely appointment to support your care at our Primary Care Network Access 365 Clinic.

We are very pleased that the coordination between the nurse at Health Link 811 and our Access Clinic provided you with prompt service and where you felt safe and cared for by our doctor. Being able to avoid a hospital emergency department visit and seen with a timely appointment in primary care is the reason that our Access 365 Clinic exists, and it is rewarding to know when patients see the value, we bring to being a bridge to your care within the larger health system.

We hope your issue is resolving and that you will be able to follow up with your family doctor and/or specialist for follow up care soon.

Warmly

Leanne Kiss

Program Manager

Patient Engagement

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