inSITES - Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance

inSITES
Newsletter for Staff, Physicians & Volunteers
of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
people,
exceptional care
exceptional
September 2012
Inspiration Awards Shed Light on Unsung Heroes
An excerpt from the article by Melissa Murray, Seaforth Huron Expositor
Some are nominated for their enduring smiles, others for their hard work and most for their commitment to
healthcare. On Tuesday, May 29 about 135 people gathered to celebrate the faces of Huron Perth
healthcare. Nineteen individuals and nine teams were nominated for Inspiration Awards ranging from most
valuable player to rookie of the year to the growth and fulfillment award.
For Laura Overholt, organizer of the Healthcare Inspiration event and project manager of Health Kick,
the best part of the evening is hearing the personal stories about the individuals that are nominated.
“I wish we could tell all of the personal stories that come in on the nomination forms,” said Overholt.
“Every last nomination was extremely worthy and people realize it’s not just winners or those that are
nominated. Everyone in the industry is worthy of an award.”
Kathy Chambers of Clinton works as a Clinical Resource Nurse in the Emergency room at the Clinton
Hospital. Before wanting to be a nurse, Chambers wanted to be a teacher, then after a visit to the hospital
she changed her path. “It sounds kind of cheesy,” commented Chambers. Chambers has worked in Clinton
for the past 31 years and fell into working in the emergency room when the director of medicine at the time
convinced her to try it. “Being in emerge you get to see people get better quicker, you get to see so much.”
Chambers likes working in rural communities because of the relationships she is able to form with the
patients. But it also provides a challenge because you live in the area you work in. For her it is great to see
someone doing well around town, but you also have to face community members if the best outcome isn’t
reached. “A lot of days you remember more of the bad than the good,” she said. “There is more to the
hospital than the nursing, but it is definitely a morale booster to receive the award,” said Chambers. “There
are a lot of unsung heroes.”
The nominations for all 11 HPHA employees appear throughout this issue! Look for this symbol
Clinton Public Hospital
St Marys Memorial Hospital
Seaforth Community Hospital
Stratford General Hospital
inSITES
From The Desk of Andrew Williams
As I reviewed this edition of inSITES, I was reminded, yet again, of the wonderful team of
caring people we have working and volunteering right across the HPHA.
This is reflected in the number of nominees we had for the Healthcare Inspiration Awards,
nominations made by peers who see first-hand the daily commitment to excellence that
exists across our organization. I had the pleasure of attending the Awards Ceremony in
Seaforth and was remarkably impressed with the nominees from right across Huron and
Perth.
This commitment to excellence is also clearly understood by those we care for. Excerpts
from feedback received from patients are included in this edition and, as I see them all, I
can say that those included are reflective of the majority of feedback we receive. Strong
relationships with those we serve are fundamental to our success. The increased emphasis on Person and
Family-Centred Care will further strengthen these relationships. Our move away from visiting hours to a
system more reflective of individual patient and family needs sends a wonderful message around the
priority we all place on addressing the needs, desires and preferences of those we serve.
I had the pleasure of attending a “Volunteer Tea” this past week which, on its own, was an incredible
reminder of the key role volunteer’s play across the HPHA. One of the volunteers mentioned that her
granddaughter had attended the HPHA orientation that week and commented specifically that she had
never been welcomed so openly by an organization and its people. That little example summed it all up for
me, “Exceptional People, Exceptional Care!”
Mark your calendars for the HPHA Christmas party on November 16, 2012 at the Arden Park.
More details to follow!
Process Optimization Brainstorming Session July 2012
With detailed planning progressing over the summer
months on integrating Person-Centred Care (PCC) and
Process Optimization (PO) into our day-to-day work
lives, participants on previous PO project teams were
re-united for a brainstorming session (see photo on right)
on their recommendations for implementing Lean
concepts and principles across all HPHA units &
departments over the next 12 months.
Topics discussed included:
1. Process Optimization – Where we’ve come from and
where we’re heading
2. Huddles/metric boards – Best organizational practices & recommendations
for standardizing (see mock-up to the right)
3. Focused Lean education – Recommendations on format & content
4. Future Directions – Ongoing opportunities to maximize on our Champions experiences
Stay-tuned for more PCC & PO project activities coming to all HPHA units & departments this year!
Supporting people
Page 2
inSITES
Moving Forward with Person and Family-Centred Care:
New Person-Centred Visiting Hours
One of the guiding principles of the HPHA Strategic Plan
2011-2014 is “Strengthening PARTNERSHIPS with
patients, public and providers”. Our organization is
committed to advancing a culture of person centered
health that is responsive to patients’ expressed needs,
desires and preferences. Patients, their families, and
other partners in care are respected as essential
members of the health care team, helping to ensure
quality and safety. In order to strengthen this partnership
with patients and families, we are implementing person
and family-centred visiting guidelines to replace our
previous visiting hours, effective October 15, 2012.
By opening our visiting hours to meet the individual needs
of patients, we will enrich the partnership between the
patients, their support team and healthcare providers,
enabling a more meaningful engagement and
involvement of family and friends in the care and management of patients. The end result of this enhanced
partnership will be improvement in the quality and safety of patient care, both while they are in hospital and
when they return home.
The current restricted visiting hours were put into place during the SARS outbreak of 2003, to provide the
precautions necessary at that time to protect our patients and staff. When the need for heightened precautions
ended, many hospitals, including the HPHA kept the more restrictive visiting hours in place. This has changed
in recent years with the advancement of Patient/Person and Family-Centred Care, and most hospitals in the
province have discontinued the practice of restricting visiting hours. In the HPHA, some patient care areas
have supported flexible visiting hours for a number of years, so the new guidelines will not result in significant
changes for the staff, patients and families in these areas. In other areas where the visiting hours are more
strictly enforced, these changes will be significant.
The new guidelines were developed in conjunction with the Interprofessional Practice Council and Nurses
Practice Council, and are intended to be flexible in order to respond to the diverse and individual needs and
preferences of each patient, as well as to assure the safety of patients, families, and staff. With the new
guidelines, families and other partners in care are welcome 24 hours a day according to patient preference,
condition and care needs. Patients define their “family”/support team and how they will be involved in care,
care planning, and decision-making, and this information is then documented in Meditech. Their “team”
provides support, comfort, and important information during inpatient care experiences as well as ambulatory
care experiences, emergency room visits, and in the transition to home and community care.
The number of people welcomed at the bedside at any one time will be determined in collaboration with the
patient and family. Recognizing that this will be more challenging in rooms with more than one patient, the
guidelines address the challenge of meeting individual patient preferences in semi-private and ward rooms. In
these situations, this negotiation will include the other patient(s), their families and other partners in care. The
guidelines also indicate that visiting may be interrupted to provide patient care, and to protect the privacy of the
patient and/or other patients in the same room. Continued on page 4
September 2012
Strengthening Partnerships
inSITES
Moving Forward with Person and Family-Centred Care:
New Person-Centred Visiting Hours Cont’d
In order to ensure the safety and security of our patients and staff, all entrances will remain locked at night, from
8:00 pm to 8:00 am. When the main entrance to the hospital is locked, entry to the Stratford General Hospital,
Clinton Public Hospital and St. Marys Memorial Hospital will be through the Emergency Department. At Seaforth
Community Hospital, entry will be through the Admitting entrance on the north side of the building. Family/
support team members who are providing support between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am will be asked to
advise the unit staff when they are arriving to or leaving the unit.
The Person and Family-Centred Visiting Guidelines are available on MY Alliance, along with a more detailed
document entitled “HPHA Statement of Philosophy for Visiting and Family Participation in Care”. It is important
that all staff, physicians and volunteers understand and implement the guidelines into practice in all of our
patient care areas effective October 15, 2012. The guidelines will also be posted on the HPHA website for
public availability.
For more information please contact any of the following leaders:
Mary Cardinal, Vice President Clinical Programs (ext. 8206)
Donnalene Tuer-Hodes, Chief Nurse Executive and Program Director of Surgical Care (ext. 2505)
Dianne Gaffney, Corporate Lead Professional Practice (ext. 2316)
Grace Dolmage, Healthcare Inspiration MVP & Inspiration Award Nominee
Although, not currently in active nursing, Grace Dolmage started her career at Seaforth
Community Hospital as an R.N.A. She returned as Secretarial/Administrative Support after
the birth and parenting of her three children in 1986. Since this rehire, she has changed
and added to her many administrative duties and many titles of her job descriptions such
as Secretarial/Administrative Support, Administrative Assistant, Nursing Secretary. She
has assisted with secretarial duties with planning/delivery of physician recruitment, minute
taking at meetings of the Health & Safety Committee, Seaforth Local Advisory Committee,
Hospital Foundation, Medical Staff and Clerical Support. She has mentored co-op
students, assisted with the orientation of new staff, assisted volunteers including pastoral
and student volunteers (formerly known as Candy Stripers), videotaped in-services, seen
several model changes of photo copiers, word processing prior to the implementation of
personal computers with DOS, the floppy disk to diskette, then CD/DVD/Video
conferencing to memory sticks and use of laptops at meetings for minute taking (no IT department in those days
for assistance). Also in her repertoire she also had been delegated to take staff photos of ID badges.
Presently, Grace is our hub. If anyone has a question you go to Grace and she will have the answer and if she
doesn’t, she isn’t long looking it up and delivers to you. She is the connection with our community and hospital
as she knows s many people. She is on top of things keeping all aspects of the hospital life moving and
progressing. Her reliability and faithfulness is comforting and admirable. Many a night she will be seen leaving
at 6:00 pm. Long past quitting time after a long day’s work.
Staff are already fearful of what a void will be placed at Seaforth Community Hospital when she retires the end
of May. Her quiet presence will be certainly missed and never replaced as she is a true friend, mentor,
associate, and team player. Her dedication has been proven tenfold. Thank you Grace for all you do for us and
Seaforth Community Hospital.
Improving Performance
Page 4
inSITES
Kathy Chambers, Healthcare Inspiration MVP Award Winner
It is with great pleasure for me to nominate Mrs. Kathy Chambers, RN to receive the Most
Valuable Player award. Kathy is a clinical resource nurse in the emergency department of
Clinton hospital, where she has worked since May 1986. She welcomes new staff with
open arms. Kathy is the most approachable person I’ve ever come across. She has a
gentle disposition with a pleasant smile that really makes anyone – staff or patients – feel
at ease. She is greatly respected by all physicians and staff.
Kathy goes to great measures for the ER staff. She is an excellent communicator! She
sends out internal email communications that keep us all on the same page with the left
hand talking to the right hand. While many might take this to be part of her job, in other
facilities I have worked, it is not. I appreciate this so much. Kathy listens to staff concerns
and sets forth to get our training needs that we require, such as updates on certain hospital equipment, or new
medications, etc. Phoning you at home and making you aware of upcoming education in-services. When
arranging such in-services, she keeps in mind to offer times that suit all staff working all the different shifts. This
makes the department function more efficiently, let alone improving patient safety and having better patient
outcomes. In attempts to keeping the department organized, she arranges and chairs a monthly ER staff
meeting. She even provides every staff person a copy of those minutes and actions in their mailbox. The “to-do”
list that comes for that meeting, Kathy personally looks after and again arranges the appropriate outcome for
each item and makes her staff aware. This demonstrates she wants nothing but the best for her ER
department.
Aside from the administrative work, her patients like to see her, too. With her being a local girl, a local face in an
emergency situation can certainly help make the most anxious and scared person feel much more reassured.
Kathy does not hesitate when called, on her days off or after hours, to come in and assist in the department
when patient acuity is at its max. She steps up to the plate to assist with ambulance transfers to tertiary care
centres, again, all on off-hours. Kathy understands and appreciates what it’s like when one needs help and I
wish to thank her for that!! She’s just a great person and I enjoy when I get the chance to be on the same shift
as her.
I enjoy working with Kathy, she is always calm and collected, never raising her voice when tension is high and
whenever she decides to retire, it will be a great loss for the Clinton hospital and the patients it serves. Thank
you all for your consideration of this great lady!
Around the Alliance!
Team Nurse: Dianne Miller, Sarah Johnston,
Cheryl Hohner, Marg Draper and Kim Kruse
at the CPH Golf Tournament where $500
was raised for the CPH Foundation!
September 2012
Strike a pose! Shirley Veenendaal,
Roseanne Hulbert and Kim Holmes do
just that at the SGH Staff Association
Golf Tournament.
Repeat Champions!
Joanne Hayter accepts the
Chester Energy Challenge
Trophy on behalf of CPH!
Congrats!
Supporting people
inSITES
Where in the World Have HPHA Staff Been Lately?
Dreams Can Come True.
Dianne Wood, RN Seaforth Site— Alaska
Injuries from an accident in 2007 resulted in my husband Ralph being
paralyzed from his mid-chest down. Now a paraplegic he thought his
dream to one day travel to Alaska had been crushed.
Five years post accident our confidence and Ralph’s upper body
strength was at its best and we had the urge to travel like our friends
were at our age. Fear of the unknown and accessibility concerns
escalated as we thought of leaving our comfort zone at home.
On June 20th we left on a seven day cruise of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Lots of preplanning and research into cabin set up, accessible tours and
medical support resulted in a positive experience. Princess Cruise Lines
provided us with staff who had specialized training for stewardship and
transfers on and off the ship.
The highlight of the trip for Ralph was the
helicopter tour. The helicopter was equipped
with a portable lift which allowed him to
experience not only the ride and mountain view
but also to land on the “blue ice” of the glacier.
We saw lots of whales and watched the
glaciers calving. The weather was unusually
warm and the scenery was breathtaking as
seen in the photo taken at Emerald Lake,
Yukon.
When there is a will...there is a way! Put Alaska on your dream list. Disabled or not, cruising is the way to go.
A Trip of a Lifetime.
Linda Faulhafer, CRN Stratford Site—Alaska
July 28—August 12. My husband Wayne and I embarked on
an Alaskan Cruise. We set sail aboard the Sapphire Princess
from Vancouver, stopping at Ketchikan and Juneau, cruised
through Glacier Bay, stopped at Skagway and disembarked at
Whittier. Our excursion continued by rail to Denali and
Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge and then back to Anchorage.
The weather was great, shopping was great (Wayne bought a
hat) and nature’s wonders were spectacular. The majestic
Mt. McKinley was in a splendid state of crowing glory—as seen
in the photo.
The grand finale was a side trip to Fort St. John, BC to visit
long-time, seldom seen friends Jim and Jay Morrison and then
to Grand Prairie, Alberta to visit our niece, Amy.
The art of “tourist” was quickly acquired and perfected!
Strengthening Partnerships
Page 6
inSITES
Where in the World Have HPHA Staff Been Lately?
A Vision Mission.
Eunice Russell, RN Clinton Site— Peru
The past two summers I have gone to Peru on a Vision Mission with
Medical Ministry International. Both summers I spent in Ayacucho,
Peru. Our team did assessments on approximately 3500 patients and
dispensed approximately 1200 pairs of prescription glasses, plus many
readers and sunglasses. Around 125 surgeries were done, mostly
cataracts with some pterigiums and approximately 5 strabismus
surgeries, done by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Of the
cataract patients, 15% were functionally blind with light
perception or had motion only vision. When we weren’t
with patients we were able to visit a number of Inca sites
with lots of steps and climbing. The Inca’s built in very
inaccessible locations!
Barb Robinson, Healthcare Inspiration Award Winner
Barb Robinson has been a team member of the Surgical Program for thirteen years.
Although there are several extraordinary nurses working in the Huron Perth Healthcare
Alliance, Barb is unique in the qualities she brings to the nursing profession, the Surgical
Program, her peers and most importantly, the patient and their family. In general, she is
a caring and compassionate person and so these qualities flow naturally to the patients
and families she cares for. Barb is a team player in all respects. She is proficient in
developing and sustaining therapeutic relationships, and is respected by all regulated
and non-regulated health professionals. Staff members trust her judgment and seek her
advice.
Barb is a mentor to nursing students and new hires on the Surgical Unit. She provides excellent support to
those who need ongoing guidance, and provides opportunity and challenges to enhance development. Barb
is always willing to share her knowledge and wisdom with new-comers. She is insightful in identifying the
needs of the learner and thorough with her teaching methodology. She applies adult learning theory at the
level of the learner; patients, families and students.
Barb is an ongoing learner and independently determines her own learning needs. She attends conferences,
skills days and in-services to keep competent, current and excel in her profession. Barb does not always
look to the organization or leaders to provide her with these opportunities. She takes the time and finances
what she feels is important to her practice, and what is important to support her in educating others.
Barb comes to work with a smile and is always pleasant to work with. She is flexible and goes about her
work in a calm, confident manner. Her entire patient assignment can change or a patient’s condition may
drastically deteriorate, and yet Barb maintains her composure and keeps her thought processes in check.
She accepts whatever comes her way and does it with utmost professionalism. There seems to be no
challenge too big for Barb.
As a manager, I know the patients and families that Barb cares for are receiving the best of care, both
physically and psychologically. I know the people she works with will have an opportunity to express their
concerns and be heard. I know that at the end of the shift, Barb has given her “all” to the tasks at hand and
those she has come in contact with. I highly recommend Barb for this award. If she wins, she will be very
humble, appreciative and so, so deserving.
September 2012
Improving Performance
inSITES
Renal Care Closer to Home: Satellite Dialysis Unit
The Stratford Dialysis Unit is one of 9 satellite units within the
London Health Sciences (LHSC) Regional Renal Program. We
provide service for Stratford and surrounding area with varied
demographics. We have been in place for 15 years and operate
Monday to Saturday. There are 6 treatment stations and we have
27 patients who receive hemodialysis three times a week. A
dialysis treatment ranges 3-4 hours in length. We have 2 full-time,
5 regular part-time and 5 casual part-time Registered Nurses who
care for our patients along with 2 regular part-time and 2 casual
part-time Dialysis Unit Assistants (DUA’s). Two members of our
registered staff have their Canadian Nurse’s Association
certification in nephrology nursing.
The training program for Registered Nurses requires a 6 week program at the LHSC unit and 2 weeks in the
Stratford site. A buddy system is in place for further support. A DUA receives a two week training program in
LHSC and one week at the Stratford site.
We recently received new Fresenius 5008 dialysis machines and the majority of staff attended an eight hour
training session with the Fresenius clinical applications specialists. Each staff had to complete a Practical
Competency and General Knowledge exam. The implementation process was very successful. All staff and
patients agree that the new machines are a positive change in our program. This new technology will better
enable us to mimic the natural kidney function for the removal of uremic toxins and fluid. This will enhance
patient quality by providing highly effective treatment. We will also be able to further improve dialysis outcomes
with the use of individual patient treatment cards. As we use the machines, we will continue to learn the
advantages it has.
In the past 2 years, based on the RNAO best practice guidelines and studies done by London Health Sciences
Center we have implemented 2 new practices. The Shower Technique and Regional Foot Assessment
Program were both started here as a part of a program –wide initiative. Follow-up surveys have indicated that
both programs have improved patient quality. These “best practices” have been cited in our nephrology
journals as well as presented at various nephrology conferences and workshops.
The Dialysis Unit Action Council was initiated in April 2012 and the staff is actively
involved with a number quality improvement initiatives. Staff performed a “5S”
Lean process on the Medical Supplies cart to SORT, STRAIGHTEN, SHINE,
STANDARDIZE & SUSTAIN the supplies. We reduced the stock and made it
easier to access the high demand items. Changes were implemented with unit
furnishings allowing improved access to the bedside and meeting infection control
standards.
The Stratford dialysis satellite is a valuable asset to HPHA. It allows patients with end stage renal disease the
ability to receive their dialysis treatment, in a “normal” setting (quoted from one of our patients!). We work in
partnership with LHSC to provide the best care possible for our patient population. We are grateful for the
support we receive from our colleagues as well as outside service providers, ie. CCAC and patient
transportation.
Staff of the SGH Satellite Dialysis Unit: Shannon Adams, Coralie Dykstra, Karen Elliott, Kate Fewster,
Sherrie Gibson, Maureen Hayes, Sharon Holthuysen, Lynda King, Jacquie Martin, Julie McConnell,
Cindy Murdoch, Michelle Pepper, Carolyn Pucan, Becky Rowland, Mary Ellen Thatcher, Karen Van Ryswyck
Supporting people
Page 8
inSITES
Staff Profile: Simon Ojeerally, Manager Medicine, CPH, SMMH, SCH
Background Info: I was born in the tropical island of Mauritius (hot and
sunny all year round with nice beaches) and grew up in London, UK. I went
to school at the University in London. I also went to French school in
Mauritius. I speak and write fluent French, English and Creole (broken
French). All my families are in England and I love visiting there regularly.
Health Care Experience: Nurse training in London UK. After graduating
worked for 4 years in private hospital in London for cosmetic and plastic
surgery and met lots of famous people. Became Unit Manager at the London
Welbeck Hospital for the ICU, Cardiac and General surgery there. Left
private hospital to work in public hospital (Ealing Hospital Trust) as Ward
manager for seven years. The unit was comprised of 64 beds specializing in
Vascular, Gynaecology, Urology and Colorectal surgery. I left London UK to
take on the Coordinator position at LHSC (Victoria hospital) in 2005 on the
Vascular/Orthopedic /Trauma unit. I spent five years managing the unit on a day to day basis. Made a lot of
positive changes on the unit, the Unit Council being one of them, and it is still going strong after five years.
Spent the last two years working in the community for Paramed caring for clients with wound care and infusion
therapy as well as Palliative and Pediatric clients. I worked closely with CCAC and other community partners.
In July 2012 moved to my new position at HPHA as Manager of Medicine for Clinton, Seaforth and St Marys. I
have been here for over six weeks now and I can honestly say that I am thoroughly enjoying my new job
working with some amazing staff at all the sites. All staff members at HPHA have been very welcoming and I
have had great support from senior leadership to guide me in my new role. I’ve had the opportunity to meet all
my staff and I am getting to know them and what a great bunch they are. Together with a patient-centered
care approach we are working as a team.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my kids, swimming, travelling the world, charity events, dining, volleyball
and soccer. I still play and coach soccer all year round with the FC London soccer team.
If you could give your 18 year old self one piece of advice what would it be?: I’ve always worked hard in
anything I do with a 100 % commitment. However, life is full of surprises and the importance of family and
friends are immeasurable and I have lost close friends and family and wished I had told them how important
they were in my life but never got a chance to because you take it for granted that they will be there . So always
tell the people that are important in your life how much they mean to you.
Last movie watched: The Hunger Games Last book read: My best friend is the author so I had to read the
book: Under the Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you be doing? I would probably be working with the homeless
people in some outreach program. They are very close to my heart and would do anything I can to make their
lives better and help them.
What three items do you always have in your fridge?: Carrot cake, guacamole and pop (even though it’s
bad for you).
Coffee or Tea?: Always drank tea when I was in England and when I came to Canada became a coffee addict.
Now I enjoy a lovely ‘double-double’ a few times a day and a nice cup of tea at night time.
My quote of the day (or Simon Says!): Determination, initiative and persistence are the foundation of
success.
September 2012
Strengthening Partnerships
inSITES
Excellent Patient Care for Residents of Huron, Perth and Beyond.
Seaforth Site “An Excellent Example for Others to Follow” says a resident of Oakville
“On Wednesday, 22nd August, 2012 I had the pleasure of visiting the lovely town of Seaforth , for the
first time. I was participating in a Lawn Bowling competition. Unfortunately my happiness was short lived
because I happened to trip over some equipment left lying around and the result was a fractured left wrist.
The result was a visit to your hospital for treatment and advice. I was there for approximately three
hours. During that time I spoke with the receptionist for entry details, a Nurse for details of the accident, a
Doctor for examination and treatment, and the X-ray technician for further examination.
I was impressed with the way I was treated. The staff were considerate, polite and very professional in
their respective responsibilities. An excellent example for others to follow....thank you to all the personnel who
helped me that day.”
“Perioperative Services offered at Clinton Site are Top Notch”
“I want to let you know that the services offered at Clinton are top notch. The staff there is professional,
courteous, and friendly. They make you feel welcome and relaxed while at the same time make certain that
you understand the routine and procedure you are about to undergo. They are efficient and keep things going
smoothly. I appreciate their attention to confidentiality while at the same time they treat patients like people and
not numbers.
Being able to have (my) procedure performed at Clinton is very helpful to people living in rural Ontario.
All too often we take our public health care workers for granted. The team at Clinton deserve recognition for
the splendid way they carry out their duties.”
“St Marys One of the Best Hospitals I have Seen” says a Long-Time Hospital Employee
“Having worked in a Hospital setting for more than 30 years, I am aware of the criticism that is often
aimed at Hospitals.
My wife ended up being brought into Emergency. She was greeted with dignity and treated like a
person and not just another number. The Nurses in the Emergency Department went out of their way to make
her as comfortable as she could possibly be, under the given circumstances.
The girls from Physiotherapy did all they could to suggest ways and means to make life easier (for my
wife). Thank you so much, your help is greatly appreciated!
Last, but far from least, Dr. Jon Schiedel, treated us both like people and one of his own patients. As
mentioned earlier I have worked in a Hospital setting...My work was performed in several different Hospitals
and I must empathetically say that the St Marys Memorial Hospital is one of the best that I have seen”. To the
entire staff, keep up the GREAT WORK...you are appreciated!”
“Professional, Caring and Kind” in Stratford
“...a letter thanking your hospital staff for the wonderful care I received...From the moment the
paramedics arrived at our house, through Emergency (where there was a stellar team, headed by Dr. Miriam
Mann) to Intensive Care and finally the Medical floor, I could not have received better health care anywhere.
The physicians and nurses were uniformly professional, caring and kind….I am very grateful to all the
health care staff at Stratford General Hospital.”
Improving
ImprovingPerformance
Performance
Page 10
inSITES
Lean In Action!
Lean Concept #1 – Identifying & Addressing Process Improvements
Lean is the integration of people (patients, staff, physicians, volunteers & visitors), materials (supplies,
medications, etc.) and machines (equipment) into a carefully arranged and well-designed process, in
order to provide the right products or services, at the right time, at the highest possible quality and at the
lowest possible cost. To do this, we need to ensure
Patient first
Make process visible (provide visual cues)
Remove the blame (gentle on people, hard on processes)
Make it better (engage those who do the work; remove the waste)
Is there a process in your area that is a continual pain point for patients, staff or physicians?
Suggestion Spotlight!
Imaging staff identified an opportunity to reduce patient waiting and staff/equipment downtime by
implementing a process improvement in the X-ray/CT Area …
Linda McLeod and Wade Phibbs identified an opportunity to improve the patient experience and recorded it
on the HPHA Process Improvement Suggestion Form located on their huddle board.
The Problem
Linda and Wade observed that patients were waiting in the
wrong area for their exam and were having difficulty finding
their way back to Reception post-exam. When discussed at
the next huddle, the team supported this opportunity for
improvement, which Linda & Wade agreed to take on to find
Linda
a solution.
The Solution
It was decided to pilot two paper insert sign message
changes to determine whether new wording addressed the
root cause. After observing the pilot for two weeks, it was
confirmed that the number of lost patients was reduced by 75%.
The Result
Normal hospital procedures were followed via the Space & Signage Committee to
request a permanent message change to the paper inserts and a new sign will be
added for consistency. Overall, this process improvement has resulted in improved
patient access, decreased patient waiting and better utilization of resources (estimate that equates to two
additional exams per week and as much as six hours of staff time).
Huddle boards are currently being established for each unit & department across HPHA/ One standardized
component is the HPHA Process Improvement Suggestion Form, which provides an opportunity for staff,
physicians, volunteers or patients to identify process improvement opportunities, why they’re happening, and
potential solutions that can be piloted to test their viability at resolving the issue.
Here’s your opportunity to get involved!
September 2012
Supporting people
inSITES
Hand Hygiene: A Family Member’s Perspective
My position as an Infection Control Practitioner has convinced me of the
positive outcomes of compliance with hand hygiene. But it is the occurrences
in my personal life that have intensified my commitment.
In 2010, while most of Canada watched the opening of the winter Olympics
in Vancouver, my husband and I were in a trauma ICU watching over our
daughter. I had a few brief moments to speak with her before she left for a
CT scan. I wanted to tell her I loved her and was so proud of her but only
had time to try to reassure her. I knew the nurse caring for her and I told my
daughter that she had a loving, caring nurse. My daughter, who had been a
hand hygiene auditor the previous summer, looked at me, said “She
doesn’t wash her hands”, closed her eyes and left for imaging. The story has
a happy ending as over the course of these past two years she has
continued to improve and I have been able to tell her all the wonder she has
brought to my life. However, what I took from her initial brief words was that
she was asking me to be her advocate and protector. During her lengthy
hospitalization, I became just that. I observed the hand hygiene of staff,
family and visitors and gently reminded them of the easy but potentially lifesaving action of hand hygiene.
Our audit results aren’t just numbers; they are people. These are people
who are loved and cared about. There remains a lot of room for
improvement in our hand hygiene practice. If what we are doing now isn’t
sustaining good practice, we have to continue to challenge each other to
improve. Sure there may be a few stumbling blocks but we must
persevere. Thomas Edison said, “I haven’t failed. I have just found 10,000
ways that won’t work.” Together, we can make a difference.
Joanne and her daughter Laura.
Once upon a time there were
four people
Their names were Nobody,
Everybody, Somebody and
Anybody
Whenever there was an
important job to be done,
Everybody was sure that
Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it
but Nobody did it
So Consequently Everybody
blamed Somebody
When Nobody did what
Anybody could have done
in the first place.
Would you take your car to a mechanic if you felt he/she provided service
that put you at risk? The Hand Hygiene and PPE e-learning that is posted
on My Alliance is a great way to educate yourself on Infection Control hand
hygiene practices and use of personal protective equipment. Yearly, staff
are requested to complete this e-learning, with Nov. 30th, 2012 being our first target date of completion. Take
this moment to review your hand hygiene practices. Challenge yourself to improve. Hand hygiene works.
Remember that; as one day you will/may be a patient.
Rikkie vanden Heuvel, Healthcare Inspiration Award Nominee
I would like to nominate Rikkie Van DenHeuval, RN, for an inspiration award. Rikkie has
been working as a full time RN at Seaforth Hospital for the past several years and I have
had the pleasure of working with her regularly. Every shift is a good shift working with
Rikkie due to her calm and caring ways. Her sense of humour is contagious, as is her
laughter.
Rikkie is well known for her deep interest in her patients, particularly their emotional wellbeing. Rikkie can always tell if someone is emotionally distressed and needs someone to
talk to. This applies not only to patients, but also staff. It is not unusual to see Rikkie sitting quietly with a patient
doing everything she can to make them feel better, as she says, sometimes people just need to talk and to
know that someone will listen. Rikkie has a long experience in mental health and this helps us to deal with
those who are struggling. We are lucky to have such a happy, caring nurse on our team.
Supporting people
Strengthening
Partnerships
Page 12
inSITES
Hand Hygiene: Lessons Learned
A message from Jennifer Anderson, Manager, Inpatient Mental Health, Social Work, Pastoral Care, Psychology
August 1, 2012: I have been thinking a great deal about Hand Hygiene since
Saturday (July 28, 2012), when I learned that St. Joseph’s Healthcare,
Hamilton has publicly announced that they are once again experiencing an
outbreak of C. Difficile at their Charlton Campus. Hamilton Health Sciences
announced on Monday (July 30, 2012) that they are experiencing a similar
outbreak. As you may be aware, I was a member of the St. Joe’s
management team in 2010-2011 during the 3 and a half month C. Diff.
outbreak that resulted in more than 65 cases, and during which 12 infected
people died in hospital. On Monday, St. Joe’s reported that 1 infected
patient has died.
I cannot begin to explain how an infectious outbreak impacts the lives of
patients, families, staff and the community. Patients, family members and
the community begin to lose confidence in the healthcare facility and
question the processes being utilized to minimize the risk of hospital acquired infections. Staff become
de- moralized, because despite adhering to strict hand hygiene and rigorous infection, prevention and control
practices they feel blamed for the outbreak. The constant scrutiny and media coverage becomes very stressful
for everyone involved.
During my Hand Hygiene training at the Stratford site I was very impressed by how few patients were in
isolation. I think this is evidence of the great job staff are doing with adherence to hand hygiene and infection,
prevention and control practices, and everyone should be commended for their diligence but we cannot become
complacent! I appreciate being chosen to be part of the Hand Hygiene auditing team as I believe it offers an
opportunity for dialogue amongst HPHA staff and leaders about the importance of hand washing. Together, we
can discuss challenges and look for solutions to continue to improve our compliance rates. I look forward to
working with members of the HPHA team to ensure that we are able to collect this important data. “We can’t
manage what we don’t measure.”
Annette Whigham, Healthcare Inspiration MVP Award Nominee
I am nominating Annette for the Most Valuable Player award. She works tirelessly to make
sure the Central Processing Department meets the organizational goal of quality patient
care. Her work ethic to get the department to this goal is unmatched. She’s ready at a
moment’s notice to jump in when we’re short staffed in order to keep the processes running
smoothly.
She is a great relationship builder and maintains credibility and integrity among those who
she interacts with. She uses this invaluable skill to help get the Clinton site up to best
practice for Accreditation this past October. She worked hard to make sure all the proper processes were
being adhered to as set out the Canadian Standards Association. She dedicated her time to traveling to
Clinton from Stratford for months to make sure that they were ready for the Accreditation process. She used
her change management and project management skills to achieve this goal.
Annette used her communication skills to guide the staff in the CPD department through the changes that were
required to bring them up to best practice. And she worked beside them to help them make a successful
transition. There was no documentation on processes when she first started there and now the staff
understand the importance of documentation as it relates to quality patient care.
September 2012
Improving Performance
inSITES
Revitalized Gift and Coffee Shops Ready to Serve!
Hospital staff and volunteers were on hand at a ribbon
cutting officially opening the new Main Lobby, and celebrating
the Volunteers of Stratford General. As the gateway in to our
hospital, the new lobby forms the first impression many people
have of our facility. It’s bright, roomy, and welcoming—the
very feeling we want to convey to our patients, visitors and
staff.
While the new main lobby is a real step forward for us
all, there’s one very important group who welcome this
revitalized gathering space more than any of us—they are the
Volunteers of Stratford General Hospital.
This hardworking, generous group are what makes this
lobby special… the warm smile you get at the
information desk …the friendly service you get at the coffee and gift shops…your chance at luck at the lottery
kiosk. This interaction is what makes this space come alive.
Volunteers are also amongst our most generous supporters… responsible for helping to fund some of
the most impressive equipment advancements to our hospital in recent years. “With a committed core of some
230 members, 187 of whom are active at least once a month, volunteers have been involved from the very start
of our Hospital and continue to play an indispensable role in providing quality care to each patient who comes
through our doors— and in raising much needed funding to help the hospital meet its priority needs, like the
MRI” says Cheryl Hunt, Volunteer Coordinator. “They bring their knowledge, enthusiasm, and a wide range of
experience to their many vital roles, and are united in their commitment to strengthen our hospital,” she adds.
Past Board Chair of the SGH Foundation, Debbie Reece praised the Volunteers during the ceremony.
“We are so thankful for the many years of support provided to the Foundation by the volunteers. Not so long
ago, the volunteers made a pledge of $1 million towards the Heart and Soul campaign – consisting of $500,000
for the purchase of digital mammography equipment and $500,000 towards the purchase of other essential
equipment. More recently, the volunteers furthered their support with a pledge of $100,000 toward the MRI
campaign and $8,000 for the MRI Audio system funded through proceeds from your HELPP Lottery. That is
truly commendable”.
Can eating a delicious Tim Hortons cookie possibly get any better? From September 17 – 23rd, it can.
That’s when “Smile Cookies” return to help“ raise some dough” for Stratford General Hospital Foundation’s
MRI Make a Real Impact campaign - One delicious bite at a time.
Guaranteed to put a smile on the face of every doctor, nurse and patient 100% of the proceeds from every
cookie sold go to the Foundation- helping our hospital improve patient care, reduce wait times, and provide the
facilities, tools and technology we all rely on. That’s something we can all sink our teeth into!
Get them while they’re hot - and scrumptious.
Smile Cookies available at all four Stratford locations ...while supplies last!
September 17-23, 2012... Put a smile in your face and support your hospital!
Supporting people
Page 14
inSITES
Judy Gardiner & Audra Boersen, Healthcare Inspiration Team Nominees
It was determined that complete electronic nursing documentation in
hospital patient health records within Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
(HPHA) hospitals and Alexandra and Marine General Hospital (AMGH)
was a high priority. The Senior Administration at HPHA and Huron Perth
Information Technology Services (joint IT services between HPHA and
AMGH) set in place a “Team” to develop, train and implement this module
with the designated nursing staff to undertake this quality documentation
process. The “Team” primarily involved in this on-line nursing
documentation development, training and implementation process was
Judy Gardiner, Stratford General Hospital ER Clinical Resource Nurse
(SGH ER CRN), and Audra Boersen, IT RN Clinical Application Analyst. Judy was instrumental in involving
CPH, SCH and SMMH ER CRNs through support and expertise in the development of this on-line nursing
documentation module and Audra was also very pivotal in her IT “behind the scenes” role which propelled
them both into a “freight train” momentum. The only remaining, designated HPHA and AMGH staff who were
requiring this training and implementation process were the ER nursing staff. I am taking the opportunity to
honor Judy Gardiner and Audra Boersen’s contribution to HPHA and AMGH with their quality services and
the inspiration they both provided through their innovation, inspiration and commitment to the emergency
department meditech (EDM) on-line nursing documentation module. I am nominating both of them in the
"Team" award section of HealthKick's Inspiration Awards Event.
In the Fall of 2011, Judy and Audra engineered the development of the emergency department meditech
(EDM) on-line nursing documentation through a ‘test’ system for trialing their very labor intensive processes
to guarantee a very functional, user-friendly documentation system. The comprehensive training for this
“Go-Live” system began in earnest over the last Fall 2011 for the SGH ER RNs who were the first ER within
HPHA to go live in January 2012, followed by AMGH ER in February 2012, CPH ER in March 2012, SCH
ER in April 2012, and lastly SMMH ER in May 2012. HPHA ER physicians were trained on the system the
week before each of the respective ERs went live. The development of the EDM on-line nursing
documentation module, staff/physician training and implementation of “Go Live” dates has been very
successful in all five ER sites. With all HPHA and AMGH ERs now performing complete on-line nursing
documentation the quality benefits have exponentially supported inpatient nursing departments in accessing
patient medical records electronically on ER admitted patients. Quality and any risk issues have been minimized with this implementation. Without the commitment, expertise, professionalism and integrated work
between Judy Gardiner and Audra Boersen, the development, training and implementation of this project
would not have succeeded in such a positive, professional and patient centered care manner. HPHA is very
proud to have these two valuable staff who demonstrate their motivation, strong, organizational and
departmental beliefs in progressive initiatives.
Catherine Brouwer, Healthcare Inspiration Award Nominee
I would like to nominate Catherine Brouwer, RN, for an Inspiration Award. I have worked
with Catherine for four years and can attest to her excellent nursing skills and demeanor.
Catherine works full time as an RN at the Seaforth hospital. She comes to work each shift
with a happy smile and kind attitude. She is always supportive, not only to her co-workers,
but also to the patients and their families. She makes time to listen and to show she cares
every day. Her smile and compassionate attitude are contagious, inspiring to all she meets.
Catherine has a special place in her heart for palliative care patients and has taken several
courses to help her in this field of nursing. In fact, she is now our resource nurse for
palliative care patients.
September 2012
Strengthening Partnerships
inSITES
Pat Koehler, Healthcare Inspiration Quality in Service Award Winner
I am nominating Pat for the Quality in Service award. Pat has improved the delivery
of care for the operating rooms by providing them with correct and properly sterilized
instrumentation for their surgeries. The level of detail and care that Pat has given to
making sure that standards are followed and kept to best practice are phenomenal.
She has worked very hard since joining the team in Clinton to make CPD a vital
player in patient care. Her commitment and dedication to quality are evident in the
work that she does and the relationships that she’s built and endured. From day
one, Pat has strived to make sure that quality is in everyone’s view as it relates to
patient care. Pat was instrumental in making sure that procedures were up to date,
inventory counts sheets were correct, Biological readings were monitored and recorded and a quality product
was delivered to the OR. She continues to maintain standards and is actively participating in unit action
councils to make the patient care experience even better.
Lasting Impact
It has been my experience that nurses leave a lasting impact on their patients, in
other words they never forget us. I once told the story of a baby in our Special Care
Nursery that had been born prematurely and transferred back to us as a “feed and
grow”. Babies born before 34 weeks gestation need time to grow and learn how to
feed at the breast. Many times we get to know these babies and their mothers so well
as they can spend weeks with us. This particular baby, I dubbed Jacob Two-Two as
his first name was Jacob. I had spent may a night helping to settle him in the nursery.
He of course “graduated” from the nursery and was sent to be home with his parents.
One Christmas eve I was working a day shift and trying to get to the children’s mass to join my family. Of
course I arrived late and the church was packed but a familiar face was being walked back and forth behind
the packed church, our Jacob Two-Two! I sent the mom to be with her family and I and Jacob Two-Two spent
a beautiful hour together at the back of the church. All was right with the world. Now you may wonder why I
bring this up in September. Well two days ago I ran into Jacob’s mother and of course I asked about Jacob
Two-Two. Her eyes filled with tears (happy tears) as she told me that he was starting University in the fall.
Never forget that the work that we do is so important and no where do you get the validation that we do!
Literally our patients never forget us. Oh by the way Jacob Two-Two, he wants to be a Doctor.
Submitted by: Nancy White Clinical Educator Mat/Child
Around the Alliance!
Dr. Tania Wilson is a UWO graduate for
Medical School and Family Medicine
Residency. She was an ER Locum with
multiple sites within Southwestern
Ontario. Dr. Wilson began at St. Marys
Happy Valley Health Team in June 2012
along with coverage at SMMH ER. With
her commitment and support to the HV
FHT, the community of St.Marys is well
served. Welcome Dr. Wilson!
Improving Performance
Fay Telfer began her role as
Dietitian at SMMH on April 2,
1990. She counseled and
educated both inpatients and
outpatients on healthy eating.
In the past she was also the
Manager of Nutrition and
Food Service. Fay and
Shirley Veenendaal originally
set-up the Diabetes
Outpatient Education Clinic at the hospital in
1996, which is still an active clinic. Fay is
retiring September 28, 2012, we wish her well.
Page 16
inSITES
Document & Email Management in the FIPPA Environment
Emails ARE considered a form of a record and CAN be disclosed!
Since the implementation of the Freedom of Information & Protection of
Privacy Act (FIPPA) in hospitals on January 1, 2012, there have been a number of
hospitals that have received Freedom of Information requests specifically related
to disclosure of emails.
It is Important to remember to CONTINUALLY draft and maintain your emails with
Freedom of Information in mind; when composing emails, apply the same
standard of care that you would if you were composing a letter on the hospital’s
letterhead. Emails are another format of a record and CAN be disclosed under
FIPPA, and once disclosed could even be publicized widely. Writing emails in a
professional and objective manner is important! For further information regarding Email Management refer to
the Email Management Policy on My Alliance.
Q. What is a “record”? A. “….any records of information however recorded….”
Written, printed, on film, electronic etc.
Correspondence, diagrams
Photograph, film, video/sound recording
Email, electronic records
Final versions, draft versions, working copies
With that in mind, all forms of records should be managed with care and awareness. Please take the time to
review the policies on My Alliance in the Administration Manual, Section Privacy, Communication & Freedom of
Information Section related to FIPPA and Document Management. It is important and everyone’s responsibility
to review all hard and electronic forms of records on a regular basis.
Watch for HPHA’s 2nd Annual Records
Clean-Up Day coming soon to all sites !
As always, if you have any questions please
feel free to contact the Information & Privacy
Office at 519-272-8210 Ext. 2737 or email
alliance.privacyoffice@hpha.ca
POLICIES TO REVIEW ON MY ALLIANCE
FIPPA – Corporate Policy and Procedure
FIPPA – Management of FOI Requests
Transitory Records – Definition & Management
Records Retention Storage and Destruction
Network Folder Management
Naming Conventions for Electronic Files and Folders
Jenn Gleason, Healthcare Inspiration MVP Award Nominee
Having worked with Jenn the last 5 years, one can only learn to appreciate her knowledge
and reliability. Jenn is a silent peer who knows her staff, but doesn’t let the world know it.
Her quiet and calm nature leaves her peers comfortable. Her interpersonal relations with her
patients makes them feel at ease and reminded that nurses really do care. With respect,
she teaches patients and educated families at their level.
Recently, Jenn applied and is working on her bridge RN, attending weekly classes, doing
assignments and tests, while working fulltime and with a family at home. Jenn is a pleasure
to work with and always makes a trying day, a lot nicer to bear!
September 2012
Supporting people
inSITES
Rub It In!
Billy "Crash" Craddock's "Rub It In" with modified lyrics
Before you go into that room, There is something you should do
Come on and press it once or twice It will make you feel so nice
Rub it in, Rub it in….
Can I take you for a walk? Can we have a little talk?
Although you need to exercise First we need to sanitize
Rub it in, Rub it in….
Put a little on your right hand Put a little on your left
Rub a little pat on the front and the back
Come on your know what I mean!
The “Docs of Rock” - Crackerjack Palace
at the hand hygiene video shoot!
Rub it in, Rub it in…Rub it in, Rub it in…
I feel the tingle begin It’s getting onto my skin
Rub it in, rub it in….
When you go beside the bed Before you go to give that med
Maybe whisper in his ear Oh those words he want to hear
Tell him that you washed your hands
Rub it in, Rub it in…Rub it in, Rub it in…
Wash every nook and cranny Before you touch my Granny
Or a hair on her chinny, chin chin
Rub it in, Rub it in….
Stay Tuned for the Video Premiere Announcement!
Rub It In Flash Mob at the Stratford Site!
Around the Alliance!
This Spring CPH bid farewell to two long time employees, Marg Draper and Nellie Hoogendoorn.
Marg worked in Clinton for 44 years as an RN on the Med/Surg/OB unit. Obstetrics was her first
love and over the years she has delivered many babies. In fact she has probably delivered many of
those babies’, babies as well! Another thing Marg does well is laugh. No one has a lighter sprit
then Marg. Marg has many hobbies. She loves to travel, hike on the weekends with the girls, cross
country ski, golf, and of course now being able to chauffeur her grandkids around.
Nellie worked at Clinton for the past 37 years as an RN on the Med/Surg/OB unit as well.
Nellie also had a special place in her heart for Mom's and Babes and was usually only a phone
call away if needed for an extra pair of hands during a delivery. Nellie loves to cook and could
usually be counted on for something good to eat on a Saturday or Sunday potluck day at
work! Nellie has many hobbies as well, and is always on the go. She likes to sew, is very
active in her church and now has time to spend with her two new grandchildren along with
helping her daughter at her green houses.
We wish both Marg and Nellie all the best in this new chapter in their lives and just so you
know we miss you lots!!! The staff of CPH.
Strengthening Partnerships
Page 18
inSITES
Diane Whomersley, Healthcare Inspiration MVP Award Nominee
When life-saving interventions in healthcare facilities occur, the general public immediately
associates the care with physicians, nurses, and sometimes allied support staff. Rarely, if
ever, is there discussion about the critical role that cleaning of the physical environment
contributes to the prevention and control of infections. It is with great pleasure that we
nominate Diane Whomersley, the Environmental Services Supervisor, for the award of Most
Valuable Player.
On a daily basis, we can find Diane out on one of the units ensuring that best practice in
environmental cleaning is in place. What is particularly remarkable about Diane is that she
understands the principles of cleaning and disinfecting environmental surfaces so thoroughly that she is able
to not only detect problems, but also problem solve them. We cannot think of one situation where Diane has
approached Infection Control with concerns when she did not also present an option for resolving or improving
the situation. One of the fundamental prevention techniques is placing patients in isolation precautions. Some
of the units were struggling with having quick access to personal protective equipment and isolation signs,
both key elements to staff implementing the appropriate precautions. Diane has organized a system that
ensures the isolation carts that are placed outside the rooms of patients in precautions contain the required
products, are free of unwanted clutter, and are cleaned on a regular basis. She has created a check list of the
necessary products, continually inspects the carts to make sure they are being used appropriately and has
initiated a process that ensures environmental services staff clean and restock the isolation carts after a
patient in precautions has been discharged. To assist with the use of precautionary isolation used with internal
transfers to the CCC/Rehab unit in Stratford, Diane has suggested a new approach to utilizing some of the non
-patient care rooms. This suggestion was presented to a small working group of key players and is now waiting
for approval from additional staff that may be impacted. Given Diane’s ability to think outside the box, we
tease her constantly that the hunt for Gaddafyi, the former Libyan leader, would have ended successfully and
quickly, if the leaders had utilized her problem solving skills.
Diane provides regular education and support to help the Environmental Services staff to consistently
implement cleaning and disinfection across all four sites of the Alliance. To reinforce learning, Diane has
incorporated monitoring as an ongoing activity. She regularly performs visual assessments and audits of
cleanliness. With her strong people skills, she is able to provide feedback to staff in a non-confrontational
manner. Her intent is always to teach and increase knowledge. It is never intended as punitive. Various articles
note that this feedback of results has been shown to increase motivation and engagement of staff with
resulting improvements in cleaning practices.
In addition to teaching and training, Diane is quick to step in to support her colleagues when additional
cleaning is required. Within the past year there have been several instances when a new case of C. difficile or
VRE was identified in a patient roomed in a ward room. Infection Control requires that the identified patient is
transferred to a private room and a double terminal clean occur in their former room. In the two most recent
cases that I recall, both notifications and patient transfers occurred at the end of the day. It may have been the
end of her working day but Diane was on hand immediately to organize the cleaning process, roll up her
sleeves and help with the cleaning. Our sincere congratulations are extended to all the nominees.
We Need Your Help!
We are the process of updating My Alliance and need your help! If you have any
suggestions or feedback please visit My Alliance and fill out the On-Line Form!
My Alliance -> Forms -> On-Line Forms -> My Alliance Feedback Form
September 2012
Improving Performance
inSITES
Employee Health & Wellness
HPHA’s Employee & Family Assistance Program (EAP/EFAP), through Homewood Human Solutions, offers
more than just traditional counseling services!
Did you know that Homewood provides a wide range of practical programs, services and resources such as:
Plan Smart Lifestyle & Specialty Counseling
Life Balance Solutions
Career Smart Counseling
Health Smart Coaching
Further, by visiting Homewood online, HPHA staff have access to a full line of e-learning courses including
topics such as: effective parenting, smoking cessation, resolving conflict, retirement preparation & stress
management just to name a few. To review more detailed information about the HPHA’s EAP/EFAP program,
please visit My Alliance – Human Resources – Employee & Family Assistance Program or visit
My Alliance – Quick Links – EAP/EFAP.
To access the online services simply go to www.homewoodhumansolutions.com and register to receive a
login and password. The website is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. After you register you will have
access to Member Services which includes a helpful site orientation, as well as access to Homewood’s
comprehensive Health Library, e-counselling and Homewood’s newsletter “Life Lines” featuring a wide range
of interesting & relevant topics.
To access the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EAP/EFAP) 24/7 please call: 1-800-265-8310
If you have any questions or if you would like some assistance in accessing resources, please feel free to
contact HPHA’s Occupational Health Services Department. Tracy Belanger, Admin Support, Occupational
Health Services can be reached at extension 2927 and our Occupational Health Nurse, Lori Beacham Dumas
can be reached at extension 2727.
Around the Alliance!
SGH Foundation Board Chair Mary
McTavish and husband Bob pose with
Rockin’ Reuben during his stop at
Stratford General Hospital Foundation.
Supporting people
The SMMH
Foundation Golf
Tournament was
held July 12, 2012.
Pictured are the
Trophy Winners:
Jeff Kennedy, left,
Jimmy Holliday,
Dave Shepley and Mark Bell. A total of 104 golfers
took part in this year's tourney raising $8,366.42!
Strengthening Partnerships
Improving Performance