Hospital Happenings November 2012
Transcription
Hospital Happenings November 2012
NGH-NHNH November Official Internal Newsletter 2012 Issue # 7 H Happenings A Healing Frame of Mind - Radiothon Shares Stories of Care “I’m blown away by the quality of care that this institution and its people deliver,” Jim Malcolm, grateful patient. J im Malcolm arrived to NGH with a serious infection in his thigh on September 13. Previous to this, his only NGH experience had been a visit to the ER. After a quick and thorough examination, Jim was moved immediately to surgery and then prepared for secondary surgery to follow in Hamilton. He would return to NGH for healing and rehabilitation. Jim spent 17 days on the medical unit and five weeks in the slow stream rehabilitation program on the fourth at NGH. He finally got to go home on October 22, but not before sharing his intensive experience with NGH during the 10th NGH Foundation Radiothon held October 17, 2012. “The doctors here saved my life, the nursing staff are amazing, incredibly professional, hard-working. Staff are encouraging, always caring and were there to help me get back on my feet. See Jim’s full interview on the NGH YouTube Channel. Submit Your Stories Jason Harnett-Editor jharnett@ngh.on.ca 519-426-0130 Ext. 6977 Follow Us on Social Media • • • Inside This Issue Denise’s Divas Strategic Planning NHNH Accreditation Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Guiding NGH through the Future Strategic Process Begins The Origin of our Logo I t was in 1987 that the Norfolk General Hospital logo as we know it today, was introduced to the community. It was designed to symbolize our history, character and future direction. The logo suggests strength, caring and credibility as well as the growth of both the hospital facilities and the community. The overall design is italicized to represent progression, action and movement towards the future. The logo itself represents people; both the hospital staff and people of the community. It shows a team forming a tower of strength. With their arms wrapped, they demonstrate team work and cooperation. The people are also seen as a symbol of a tree, this offers growth and life to the design. The people are identical, to suggest that no one, black, white, man or woman is any different when it comes to caring and services provided. The entire design appears in royal blue and metallic gold. The people appear in metallic gold because they are special and that is what our hospital is about-people. A Candy Cane Christmas Party The first phase of Norfolk General Hospital’s strategic planning process began on Friday September 21, through September 22, at the Simcoe Travelodge. Those in attendance included management forum and members of both the Foundation and Hospital Board of Directors. During the session, Kelly Isfan introduced Donna Cripps, CEO at Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Health Integration Network. Donna provided some insight into the LHIN’s five year strategic plan and explained the role of the LHIN and how hospital’s in our LHIN can share the same vision which would focus on integrated service delivery, embedding a culture of quality and evolving the role of the LHIN. NGH wants to ensure our plan Donna Cripps, CEO LHIN is consistent with the direction of the LHIN. The remainder of the strategic retreat was spent with Hugh MacPhie, strategic plan facilitator, who helped the group begin the strategic brainstorming process which included identifying key stakeholders, challenges, future goals, opportunities and services that our hospital should provide to our community. An Employee PR Committee Production The two day session was a great team building opportunity between staff and board members and an excellent start to NGH’s strategic planning process. “This is the most important strategic planning in a generation. It’s a very important responsibility to have on your shoulders,” said McPhie. Saturday December 15th, Delhi German Home $10 Staff / $20 Guest Social Hour @ 6pm - Dinner & Dancing to follow Purchase your tickets before Dec. 7th at the Administration Office or call Ext. 1228 2 November Hugh MacPhie, The next step in the strategic planning process will be through consultations with staff, physicians, volunteers and external stakeholders. These stakeholder consultations lead by Hugh McPhie will be veryimportant to the overall strategic plan. www.ngh.on.ca Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Denise's Divas A Halloween Visit from Mary Poppins CIBC Run/Walk For the Cure….and that’s exactly what a group of 32 colleagues, friends and families did as part of Denise’s Divas on Sunday, September 30. Denise, a member of the Housekeeping Department was supported by her fellow colleagues from both the Housekeeping and Food services Departments as well as friends and family, raising over $6,000 collectively for Breast Cancer Research. Denise was overwhelmed with the support shown towards her and the enthusiasm of the team as they decked out in everything pink, from boas to eyelashes, to sunglasses! Sobering statistics were shared at the event reminding us that 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Denise’s Divas were happy to take part in this great event and hope next year to grow their team even bigger and maybe add a few dudes? Joanne Kiefer NHNH Staff Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month Victoria McKnight, PSW, Barb Atkinson, PSW and Cindy Gagnon, RPN show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pink disposable gloves and using the pink recycled soiled linen bags supplied by London Hospital Linen Service Inc., in partnership with Enviro Health Care Inc. These companies will once again make a donation to the Breast Cancer Society for each case of pink recycled soil linen bags sold. Hurricane Sandy blew in Mary Poppins (Amanda Gordon) for a brief visit to NGH on Halloween. Mary arrived well prepared for the nasty weather complete with her umbrella! View Hospital Happenings Online www.ngh.on.ca Our Mission is to relieve illness and suffering, and help people live healthier lives 3 November Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Taking Care Everyday Radiothon 2012 John and Mike Julie and son Noah Brett and Mike Tina Jennifer & Sierra Dr. Wynveen & Bridget Doug Stephen Linda & Jane 4 November NGH - Caring for Our Community - The Tradition Continues Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Radiothon ‘Taking Care Every Day’ was the theme for this year’s NGH Foundation Radiothon on CD 98.9fm. Staff and physicians emphasized the great importance of investing in health care technology. With overwhelming support from the community, $137,327 was raised! In its 10th edition, the NGH Foundation Radiothon broadcast live from the hospital for the very first time and featured many personal testimonies of excellent patient care from grateful patients and their families. The 12-hour broadcast also introduced the community to many of our health care professionals who dedicate their lives to providing patient care in our community and helped explain technology’s importance in delivering safe and efficient care. “Our health care team use technology in delivering patient care from the moment a patient arrives to the day of their discharge,” said Julie Powell, director of development NGH Foundation. “We want to sincerely thank everyone who gave to our radiothon and contributed to keeping our hospital’s technology current.” Over the ten year radiothon history and partnership with CD98.9fm, $1,131,513.00 has been raised for NGH. Video segments of the 12-hour broadcast can be viewed through the Norfolk General Hospital YouTube Channel. If you would like to learn more about “Taking Care Everyday” please visit the NGH website www.ngh.on.ca The ‘Taking Care Every Day’ campaign aims to raise $1 million dollars towards technology upgrades and improvements throughout the hospital. A Stethoscope for the 21st Century Mobile Critical Care Ultrasound at NGH T he critical care mobile ultrasound has arrived! The purchase was made through the generous donations from the NGH Foundation’s ‘Angels of Care’ 2011 Christmas campaign. The new equipment will be used by internal medicine and emergency room physicians. To get doctors better acquainted with the new technology, an ultrasound course was hosted at the hospital on September 21- 23 for our physicians as well as several other physicians from across Ontario. One surgeon, one anesthetist, five internists, one cardiologist and four emergency medicine physicians from Norfolk General took part in this extensive educational event. The ultrasound unit will allow physicians to make immediate bedside diagnosis as well as assist with line placement for vascular access. Physicians were very grateful for the learning opportunity and the new equipment – “Wonderful course, thank you!” Our Mission is to relieve illness and suffering, and help people live healthier lives. 5 Barb Stoepker $306 Jessica King $305 Jodi Zalewski $306 Nov. 30 Staff Christmas Breakfast Dec. 15 Candy Cane Christmas Party Dec. 19 Open House & OSCARS Dr. George Marshall Award NHNH Employee of Year Hazel Race Bursary Awards November NHNH Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 7th 9a-1pm in the NHNH Activity Room - An Annual Tradition! Natasha Martin Takes Charge on 4B T wo weeks into her new role at NGH, we managed to catch up with Natasha Martin the new Charge Nurse on 4B. After returning from a challenging Monday on the unit, she was back for more, chasing down patients and consoling family members. “I wasn’t sure she’d return after the day we had yesterday,” smiled Janice Macovik, 4B director, “We’re so glad she did.” As someone who naturally seeks out new challenges, becoming the 4B Charge Nurse couldn’t have come at a better time for both Natasha and the unit. Originally, Natasha began her journey at NGH as an ER nurse, moving to ICU and later taking a float position which she absolutely loved and continues to recommend to others. “Being a float gave me the opportunity to really get to understand the dynamics of the hospital and get to know many of the staff. I think it would be helpful to have more float nurses at NGH.” When a new position arrived on 4B it was both the challenge of the opportunity and the encouragement she received from her colleagues to apply for it. As a float, she was quite familiar with the work ahead and looked forward to the change. “On 4B, there is a lot of family dynamics, behavioral challenges, palliative care needs and nursing skills required, not only for the patients but the family members too,” said Martin. “There are so many different types of patients on this floor. Staff is amazing and has so many skills to offer from dealing with cognitive impairments, providing acute care, administering IV’s to assisting with our slow stream program. There is a much faster turnaround then we’ve seen in the past.” As a charge nurse on the unit Natasha is an advocate for patients and her fellow staff. She is there to provide education and support. Some of her responsibilities include assessing wounds and helping to administer the proper wound care; overseeing acute nursing; carrying out rounds with physicians and dealing with any issues that may arise. She also works closely with the physiotherapy department and helps in determining how close a patient is to regaining their independence. Most recently, Natasha has been working alongside with Behavioral Support Ontario (BSO) in helping to craft strategies towards achieving success with behavioral patients and helping to ensure other patients maintain the highest level of care. “Sometimes staff may feel like they are alone, but I’m there to remind them that everyone’s floor goes through difficult times. “I just tell myself we’re going to get through today and bring positive feelings to the floor. It’s important for me to tell staff they are doing a great job and that they’re not alone. It’s all part of nursing.” Tea with John Race On October 10, staff was invited to share tea with John Race in the conference room. It was an opportunity to personally thank John for his commitment to staff education and learn more about the Hazel Race Career Advancement Fund. John Race and Kelly Isfan, NGH CEO November 6 “Technology is always changing, regardless of what department staff is in. It is difficult to keep pace with technology when life’s pace is so fast,” said Race. John and his late wife Hazel, established a grant that will offer funding to staff that pursue educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and expertise. John is very pleased to see that staff has also contributed to building this education fund. Grant applications are available in the Foundation Office until November 30. The 2012 disbursement of interest is $1500.00 this year. NGH - Caring for Our Community - The Tradition Continues NGH Welcomes three new Board of Directors Doug Archibald, Mary Peever & Tom White Thank You For Serving Our Community Hospital Educating Migrant Farm Workers in Norfolk County Community Addictions and Mental Health Services, Community Legal Clinic, YMCA Employment Training and Settlement Services, United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Mitt and Robe, etc. On September 21, NGH participated in the Migrant Farm Workers Health Fair held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Simcoe and hosted by the Agriculture Workers Alliance. The purpose of the event was to provide health related information to area migrant workers and educate them as to what support is available in our community. In addition to NGH’s participation a total of 17 displays were set up from various organizations including Norfolk Public Library, RIDE Norfolk, OPP, Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, The AIDS Network, Canadian Mental Health Association Haldimand-Norfolk, Approximately 225 migrant workers visited the fair which ran from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. At the NGH booth they were greeted by volunteers Doug and Karen Sibbet who explained (through a translator at times) how emergency care is delivered at our hospital and the various steps they should take when coming to our Emergency. NGH is a member of the Norfolk County Health Care Accessibility Community Committee. A group that formed to promote health care accessibility throughout Norfolk County. Volunteer Association Make New Lab Analyzer Reality On Oct. 10, 2012 a new state-of-the-art chemistry analyzer was implemented in the NGH laboratory. This analyzer has a significant test menu that has allowed the replacement of two separate analyzers that had reached the end of expected life. The EXL 200 will perform approximately 65% of all lab testing done on site at NGH and gives our laboratory the flexibility to repatriate some of the tests that we currently refer out as the need arises. The new analyzer is also expected to dramatically reduce future lab agent expenses ($80,000 annually). “Maintaining a flexible test menu will become increasingly important to ensure that we can continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our physicians and the patients we serve. This new piece of equipment is capable of running tests more quickly and more cost efficiently than our old equipment could,” said Barry Vermeersch. “We have this new piece of equipment at NGH only through the hard work and generosity of our Volunteer Services who donated the funds With the new Chemistry Analyzer: Barry Vermeersch, director clinical diagnostic services, Sherri Schira-Ladosz, director of Volunteers, Lisa Killingbeck, to enable us to make this significant improvement to our laboratory lab technician, Mary Peever, president Volunteer Association. service a reality,” said Vermeersch. Approximately $90,000 was raised by the Volunteer Association for this piece of equipment. Our Mission is to relieve illness and suffering, and help people live healthier lives. 7 November O ur Mission is to relieve illness & suffering, & help people live healthier lives Every Second Counts... During his most recent visit Ray was extremely pleased to hear from Cindy Gekiere, diabetes educator, that soon an Automated External Defibrillator will stand ready and waiting in the Robinson street entrance of the hospital should an emergency situation arise where someone is suffering cardiac arrest. Volunteer Don Hibbs concurs, as a front desk volunteer he sees the great benefits of having an AED ready for an emergency situation on the main floor of the hospital and through early education he’s already had an opportunity to see how easy it really is to save a person’s life and help them regain a heart rate. To him it’s something else he can do to help save a life besides call 1911. Cindy Gekiere & Ray Flint R ay Flint knows that every second counts. He lost his mother to heart disease, his sister recently suffered her second heart attack and his father in law just went through triple bypass surgery. Ray understands he is at a higher risk of having a heart attack as well, but through ongoing diabetes education and subtle life changes he plans to change the course of his health. The risk of heart disease for people with diabetes is 80%. This December an AED will be installed in the main lobby of the hospital. Through the generosity of the Simcoe Lions Club $2500 was raised to purchase the unit. All CPR trained staff and those who attend CPR orientation are trained to use the equipment, but the idea is that through its simple voice command prompt system anyone can administer it. “This will improve response time for defibrillation which is so important in terms of mortality,” said Gekiere. The great part about the AED is that it can be taken out to the parking lot, cafeteria, kitchen etc. Also the monitor cable can easily be unplugged from the AED and plugged into the crash cart (emergency equipment/supplies on wheels). “We are so thankful to the Simcoe Lions Club for helping us to purchase this life saving piece of equipment. We hope that we won’t have to use it, but if we do, we’re providing a patient the best chance of survival.” For nearly 10 years Ray has been coming to see staff at the H-N Diabetes at NGH. Hospital Happenings Questionnaire Let Us know how we are doing and what you would like to see in 2013 www.ngh.on.ca Your feedback is appreciated! November 8 Halloween Fun on 3B! 3B Nurses, Rachel Schooley, Brenda Fekete, Melissa Frank, Pat Phillips and Joanne Heil show their Halloween spirit October 31. NGH - Caring for Our Community - The Tradition Continues Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Kelly Isfan, CEO, Mary Hoover, NHNH president & chair, Helen Ferley, RN Survey Accreditor, Vicky Florio, NHNH director of care Cathy Smith, NHNH nurse manager, Erica Reicheld, activation coordinator, Dianne Hedges, administrative assistant. Accreditation J ust when you thought you’d heard the last of Accreditation; it was The Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home’s turn (October 2224) to go through the motions of the voluntary process which evaluates the standards in nursing homes across Canada. “This nursing home speaks strongly to the commitment to quality, I have definitely witnessed lots of examples,” said Helen Ferley, RN and lead surveyor with Accreditation Canada. “I can’t speak highly enough about the staff. They have comfort, compassion and companionship you don’t find in many organizations.” During the three day Accreditation review Helen met with staff from both the Nursing Home and Hospital that provides support to the home. A total of 370 Required Organizational Practices (ROP’s) were reviewed. “Staff are highly visible at NHNH, they feel they are being listened to and feel NHNH is a good place to work,” said Ferley. “Community partners also spoke very strongly of the staff at NHNH.” Since the last Accreditation it was noted that NHNH had made tremendous leaps forward in establishing electronic charts, addressing resident care needs and providing staff support. While a complete report will be produced outlining the strength and challenges of the NHNH, it was an extremely positive accreditation. “Through early review, I feel very confident you will get a positive award,” said Ferley. “Thank you for the pleasant days I’ve had.” The strengths of the NHNH are long and wide and include a respectful environment, positive public relations, strength from Volunteer Association, willingness to try new approaches, hospital support and staffing, New Infection Control Nurse S uzanne Bakai, joins the Infection Control team at NGH as the new infection control nurse. Suzanne will be working part-time (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in the Infection Control Department, as well as staffing a weekly Occupational Health Immunization Clinic. During Suzanne’s first few weeks she managed the mobile flu vaccinations providing her the opportunity to meet many staff and volunteers. Welcome Suzanne! Carrie Martin, RPN rolls up her sleeve on Surgical Day care during the mobile flu shots Nov. 5-9. NGH - Caring for Our Community - The Tradition Continues 9 November Ontario Hospital Association 2012 Green Health Care Overall Leadership Award Happenings Winner NGH Earns Overall Leadership Award at OHA Green Health Care Awards www.ngh.on.ca “It was very exciting to learn that we had been selected to receive this honour. This is truly a corporate award that all staff can be proud of,” said Joanne Kiefer, director of nutrition, food services and housekeeping at NGH. “While certain individuals may be responsible for initiating green programs, without the staff participation in these programs (e.g. recycling, energy conservation, travel mug program) we would not be successful.” The award recognizes leadership and excellence in reducing health care’s environmental impact. “Congratulations on demonstrating a significant organizational commitment to environmental sustainability and to reducing environmental impact, including evidence of progress in energy efficiency, pollution prevention, waste management and involvement with the community,” said Amanda Nilsson of the OHA. Members of the Green Team with the Overall Green Health Care Award. Bernadette Tisdale, Purchasing, Robb Winter, Purchasing/Stores, Rosemary Voros, Stores, Darwyn Rothenberg, Housekeeping, DaveBrame, Maintenance, Heidi Wilson, Food Services, Dan Bergen, Maintenance. Norfolk General Hospital has won the 2012 Green Health CareOverall Leadership Award as presented by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. The award was given during the Green Health Care session at the HealthAchieve 2012 Convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Monday, November 5, 2012. Over the past year, NGH has re-energized our waste minimization program; implemented several initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption; participated in a local foods initiative; and has hosted a green health care workshop for south-central and south western Ontario health care organizations. “NGH is a principal employer in our community and we want to demonstrate leadership in the area of green. Incorporating green into health care shows that we are committed to a healthier, sustainable environment and the protection of our staff, patients and visitors. It is a win win situation for all,” said Kiefer. Share Your Experience www.ngh.on.ca To all, I was a emergency patient this morning and want to thank the nursing staff for the excellent display of professionalism. The nurses from triage to the time I left were fantastic. It is not easy to pull that off at 5:.05am after they have been there for 10 hours. Please forward this comment to the night staff that treated me. Patient with the Bee sting in the eye, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the doctors nurses and staff in emergency for their excellent attention and care I received on my visit to the Simcoe area on the dates mentioned. I finally took the doctors advice and came back to Fredericton NB and had the vacuum pump put on as you recommended. To all staff your dedication to your profession is appreciated could you please post this note in emergency for the doctors and all staff to see thank you again and continue the excellent service. Bob Dennis November 10 RECYCLE THIS NEWSLETTER BY SHARING IT WITH OTHERS! O ur Mission is to relieve illness & suffering, & help people live healthier lives Quality Health Care Workplace Award for NGH N GH has been awarded a Quality Health care Workplace Award at the Silver level. The award was presented at the HealthAchieve 2012 Convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. “Please extend our congratulations to everyone at NGH on this significant achievement. We commend your organization for its commitment to ensuring a quality healthcare workplace,” stated Pat Campbell, president and CEO, Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) in a written acknowledgment. “We are very encouraged to know that we are on the right track to providing an environment that maximizes the health and wellbeing of our staff. We know that this also leads to quality patient outcomes,” said Kelly Isfan, NGH president and CEO. “We will continue to strive to improve in these areas and are encouraged to know that our efforts to date have been recognized by a panel of quality workplace experts,” added MaryLisa Forsyth, director human resources. The Quality Health Care Workplace Awards are a partnership between the OHA and the Ministry of Health’s, HealthForce Ontario. The awards recognize efforts to improve the health care workplace and are designed to encourage self-evaluation, learning, and improvement. Front l/r - Elizabeth Demers, Will Baker, Kelly Isfan Back – Danielle Murphy, MaryLisa Forsyth, Dodie Trimble Controlling the Clutter A new elevator signage policy will take effect January 1, 2013. The policy aims at reducing message clutter in the main public elevators and shifting the focus on consistent hospital messaging and branding in patient visitor areas. Purpose: • To present hospital communications in a visually pleasing manner to the public. • To monitor/control communications messages that are in public domain. • To keep public elevators clutter free from multiple communications. • To present information that is relevant to staff, volunteers, patients and the public. • To put hospital messaging at the forefront of internal communications. Signage in the NGH public elevators will be limited to the following: • • • • • • • Foundation communications Hospital Communications Volunteer Messaging Mission,Vision,Values One Community Partner (event) Permanent signage for way finding will be unaffected Infection control messaging – (Outbreak) will remain unaf - fected as necessary* Public organizations or staff interested in sharing health related events are encouraged to submit their information to the online website calendar under the NEWS & EVENTS section of the hospital website www.ngh.on.ca or submit information for consideration to the Hospital Happenings newsletter. NGH - Caring for Our Community - The Tradition Continues @ NorfolkGeneralH News-Events-Stories-Alerts- Health November 11 Happenings www.ngh.on.ca Treasure Mart 2012 - November 3rd The Volunteer Treasure Mart has become a one stop shopping experience and a favourite tradition in our community for many years. Event coordinators, Pat Cook and Doug Sibbett were very pleased with this year’s event “It just keeps getting better and better each year!” The volunteers would like to thank all those who attended and donated items and look forward to seeing you again next year. Traditionally, Treasure Mart generates $10,000 annually towards the purchase of hospital equipment. Sherri Schira-Ladosz For months in advance items are handmade, collected, sorted, priced and organized, all in an effort to offer great items at very competitive prices and to raise funds for NGH. This year, the Aud in Simcoe filled quickly with local shoppers looking for deals and an opportunity to get a jump start on Christmas shopping. Rose Ann Mc Sloy and her team have helped organize the “Trinket & Treasures,” area for the past 6-10 years. They’ve seen some interesting items over the years. What is the most unique item you ask? They tell us it has to be the belly button lint remover! Bring Your Kids to Work Day at NGH- November 7 NGH-NHNH staff welcomed 20 grade nine students to explore our community hospital, learn about the many diverse careers in health care and “find out what mom and dad do all day!” Thank you to all staff and physicians for welcoming students into your work areas. 12 Hospital Happenings Returns January 2013