June 2014 - Brockville General Hospital

June 2014
Travels As A
Nurse
pg. 23
G
H
eneral
appenings
In This Issue
3. W.H.A.T. Team Member of the Year
4. The Crisis Team is In
5. Looking Back at May
8. Foundation News
10. Senior-Friendly a Priority at BGH NEW!
11. Upcoming Events
13. Health Unit New Prenatal Program NEW!
13. Staff Forum
14. Palliative Care News
15. Yoga Opportunity
17. BGH Snapshots
19. Summer is Here! NEW!
20. Meet Your Security Team NEW!
21. Happiness Files
23. Travels as a Nurse NEW!
25. Volunteer News
26. Checking in with Lean
29. Shoutouts NEW!
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
@BrockvilleGener
YouTube
Coming Soon
From The Editors Desk
Welcome June!
I’d like to take this opportunity to share my gratitude to the BGH staff, Foundation members, volunteers and
board members that have made my transition such a great one. I’ve really enjoyed getting away from my desk
to meet, chat and photograph so many of you at the various events over the past weeks. Although I’ve not
made my way through all the areas of the hospital, I can see why there was such strong support for WHAT
group’s Team Member of the Year! Perhaps it’s our “Canadian-way” to be humble, but from what I can see,
and hear, we have incredibly dedicated, diligent and passionate colleagues.
So let’s get loud about our appreciation! Join us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to share your gratitude or
happy story. Or contact me directly to include your “Shout-out” in our next publication (see back cover)
Cheers!
Abby McIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Submission deadline for July newsletter is June 23
You can submit by contacting
baxre@bgh-on.ca or mciab@bgh-on.ca
We’re on Facebook!
Check out our new page
facebook.com/brockvillegeneralhospital
While you are at it, check out our Twitter!
@BrockvilleGener
M E X I C A N
F I E S T A
Friday June 20, 2014 - 7 p.m. to Midnight
Brockville Yacht Club
Entertainment Provided by Healy & Orr
Food Stations until 9 p.m., Late Night Pizza,
Games, Door Prizes & Cash Bar
Tickets Available
at Brockville locations of
$75.00 each
In Support of:
Brockville General Hospital
WHAT Team Member of The Year
What a remarkable year 2013 was at Brockville General Hospital! The newly-formed Workplace Happiness
Action Team (WHAT) implemented a peer-evaluation recognition program. Nominees were considered based
on BGH values, professional knowledge of position, demonstrating
team support and going beyond the call of duty.
The roster of nominees was very strong, but Victoria Eckland,
a recreational therapist with the Mental Health Assertive
Community Treatment Team (ACTT), walked away with the
award. Eckland was recognized by peers for her positive attitude,
passion and commitment to patient care.
“A positive attitude in one employee is contagious to others and she
definitely is a positive person for BGH.” wrote Linda Verstegen
in her nomination letter. “Working with someone who is always
upbeat, and kind, makes the work day very pleasant.”
“The main examples that stick out to me are Ms. Eckland’s
unbridled enthusiasm and positivity towards others especially
the patients and our staff. “, shares Dr. Franklin Sim. He shared
examples of Eckland’s commitment to patient care, which
included coordinating a group to attend a concert in Kingston and
arranging a talent show. Enabling the young participants of the
talent show to see their skills has transformed several patients,
giving them confidence and motivation.
“What has transpired is that the client/patients instead of seeing their disability are now seeing their ability
which is a significant paradigm shift.”, Sim shared. “This has also changed the staff ’s view of some clients as
well, and to be totally honest has changed my view in a positive manner for some of the clients involved which
is testimony for Ms. Eckland’s devotion to improving the lives of people with serious mental illness.”
Eckland walked away with an engraved desk clock and her choice between a six month parking pass, a gift of
education fees plus gym membership, or a $300 travel voucher.
“Being nominated by a colleague for this prestigious award is a considerable achievement that each nominee
should cherish and accept as validation that their peers recognize their commitment to the Hospital’s mission.
Congratulations to our first ever Team Member of the Year award recipient – Victoria Eckland.”, shares
Cameron McLennan, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.
The BGH roster of
excellence included Rev.
Deacon Larry Judge,
Volunteer Chaplain, Spiritual
Care; Joanne Blanchard,
Day Surgery Clerk, Surgical
Services; Victoria Eckland,
Recreational Therapist,
Mental Health Assertive
Community Treatment Team
(ACTT); James Versteegen,
RN, Surgical Services; and
Kevin McBride, Carpenter,
Facilities.
Not pictured are nominees
Joy Coutu, Charge Nurse,
Emergency and Dr. Robert
Malone, Chief of Psychiatry,
Mental Health.
Page 3
The Crisis Team Is In!
In March, BGH was happy to welcome the Mental Health Crisis team to their new home at the Charles Street
Site. The team consisting of five nurses and three social workers (one staff trained as ASIST facilitator, two
staff certified as safeTALK facilitators), has an impressive 200+ combined years of experience and are now
more accessible to all staff and hospital units.
“We see clients come in sometimes at
their worst, but after working with
them for even a couple of hours, we are
able to see positive changes. That’s why
I love my job.”
With their catchment area of Leeds and Grenville - Shawna Marshall RN CPMHN(c)
While the team have been available through the
Emergency Room for five years we are happy to
have the full team available to the hospital and its
patients. In April alone they were able to see over
75 clients in the ER due to their close proximity.
counties, the crisis team acts as the first point of
access to mental health facilities in Brockville for those in crisis while offering therapeutic crisis intervention
and counseling. They are also the point of contact for access to the Leeds and Grenville Psychosocial Trauma
Response Team, which helps those who have been through a
traumatic event cope after the incident.
The crisis team also receives patients through doctor referrals
and the Brockville Police.
Since moving to the Charles Street Site, the crisis team is now
able to offer services to all departments of the hospital and
encourages departments and staff not to hesitate to contact
them. The crisis line is available 24/7 at 613-345-4600
(Left-Right) Shawna
Marshall RN CPMHN(c),
Debbie Moore RN
CPMHN(C), Rhonda
Jansen RN CPMHN(c).
Between just these 3 women
they hold over 95 years
of experience, a shining
example of the skill and
dedication BGH staff
holds
Annual
General
Meeting
Thursday, June 26
7:00pm
Chalres Street Site
Cafeteria
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Robert Malone
Page 4
Looking Back at May
National Hospice Palliative Care Week
May 4-10 2014
$4,700
$7,000-$8000
$19,900
Cost of providing Estimated per-patient Cost of providing
savings to the health
palliative care
palliative care
to one person in care system is hospital to one person in
based palliative care
their home
hospital
replaced the usual
acute care
Hospice palliative care focuses on living well until the end.
Palliative care is for people of all ages - from infancy to
adulthood. We need to ensure that the patients and their
families are properly supported and prepared for the end
of their life, no matter what the age.
Palliative care can be provided in the place of your choosing. Services are offered in many places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices and in your own
home.
Start the conversation at: www.chpca-acsp.org/week
Mental Health Awareness Week
May 4-10 2014
20%
Of Canadians
will personally
experience a
mental illness in
their lifetime
•
8%
Of Canadian
adults will
experience major
depression at
some time in their
lives
How Common is It?
Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian
population
• Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the
household population
• Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths
among 15-24 year old and 16% among 2544 year olds
Page 5
Looking Back at May
National Nursing Week
May 12-18 2014
The week kicked off Monday with cake served by Tony
Weeks, President and CEO and Heather Quesnelle, VP
Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive.
Throughout the week, staff and patients were able to
play “who’s who” with a selection os nursing graduate
photos. Appreciation pins were also distributed by Heather
Quesnelle. Staff also designed poster board displays,
promoting the work in their units.
An annual favourite were the gift baskets designed and
developed by nursing staff to raffle on. Money raised goes
toward the nursing celebration for next year.
The week wrapped up Friday morning when nursing staff
enjoyed a continental breakfast buffet, delivered to their
units.
“Imagine ending every single day with the knowledge
that your job truly makes a difference,” states Weeks,
“our nurses touch lives, and our patients are better for it.
Nurses Week is just one small way we thank them for their
dedication to the patient.”
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
May 2014
(613) 345-3881
1-800-567-7415
arcc@bgh-on.ca
1 in 17
Canadian women
will be raped at
some point in her
life
80%
of assaults
happen in the
victim’s home
70%
of rapes are
committed by
someone who
knows the victim
1 in 4
girls and
1 in 8
50%
of all rapes occur
on dates
boys have been
sexually abused
by the time they
are 18
Page 6
Page 6
Foundation News
Upcoming Events
Date
June 6th
June 14th
June 20th
July 19th
Event
BBQ - Care and Share
Bikes for Beats Motorcycle show and
vendors
Heart and Sol
Mexican Fiesta
Golfing for Maternal
Care
Designation
BCP
BCP
Location
BGH Sites
1000 Islands Mall
BCP
Brockville Yacht Club
Maternal Care
Prescott Golf Club
Beauty and Breast
May 5 marked another successful fundraiser for the Brockville and District
Hospital with “Beauty and the Breast”. The seventh, and final, event was
hosted by mother-daughter duo, Mary Jane and Erica Leslie. The dinner
and silent auction generated over $17,000 to be used towards the purchase
of chemotherapy equipment for the Brockville General Hospital (BGH).
The event was held at The Mill restaurant with live mannequins showing
off local fashions.
Joan Simon, Executive Director of the Foundation, shared that the
money raised surpassed the goal of $15,000 and will cover the cost of the
equipment.
Heather Quesnelle, Vise President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing
Executive spoke at the dinner. In response to the
efforts of the Leslie Family, she said, “the purchase
of a new laminar flow hood will go towards our
Pharmacy department, to allow the preparation of
stronger forms of chemotherapy. This will allow
patients who would normally be required to travel
to Kingston for treatment, to be able to stay close to
home. This is another example of the generosity and
hard work of our community members who do so
much to help us provide the best care to our patients!”
Over the past seven years, this event has raised over
$41,000 to support Breast Cancer care in Leeds
Grenville communities.
Page 8
Stroke Awareness Month
June 2014
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of
flow of blood to the brain or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain. The
interruption of blood flow or the rupture of blood vessels causes brain cells in
the affected area to die.
The effects of a stroke depend on where the brain was injured, as well as how
much damage occurred. A stroke can impact any number of areas including
your ability to move, see, remember, speak, reason, read and write.
What Are The Signs?
You can’t control your family history, age, gender or ethnicity. But luckily, you can do something
about other factors that could increase your risk of having a stroke, including obesity, diet, diabetes,
smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain
cells begin to die. If the blood supply is not restored, the affected part of the brain dies, causing
disability or death.
For more information visit: www.heartandstroke.com
We Need Your Help!
Heart and Stroke’s Big Bike Fundraiser is looking for a BGH volunteer to coordinate 20+ people to
ride on August 18, 2014. If you are interest in helping please contact Abby McIntyre at
mciab@bgh-on.ca or Ext. 1504
Page 9
SeniorFriendly a
Priority at
BGH
Written By: Tony Weeks,
President and CEO
Hospitals across Canada are
shifting mind sets to be more in
tune with the needs of seniors.
The term senior-friendly is the
buzz word, but what exactly
does that mean?
Let’s start by thanking better
lifestyle choices, medical
advancements and preventive
health for raising the average
Canadian life expectancy to just
over 81 years.
But living longer doesn’t always
mean living better for everyone.
We know that a number of
variables can affect quality
of life as we age, and with
again it’s often inevitable
that our need for health care
with increase, as well as the
likelihood of hospitalization.
This is a critical juncture for a
senior with outcomes ranging
from an enhanced quality of
life to a decline in physical or
cognitive abilities.
This is where the term seniorfriendly hospital applies.
It’s about the hospital’s role
in helping to maintain good
health and function if admission
does become necessary, but
also to find ways to shorten
the stay and facilitate aging in
at home. As a hospital and as a
community we should all have
an interest in this.
Since 2008 the number of
seniors admitted to BGH has
risen 24%. The reality is that
more than half of admitted
patients are over the age of 70,
and more that 60% of our beds
at any given time are occupied
by a senior from the Leeds and
Grenville community.
Responding to this reality, we
are thinking across the senior
care continuum, which extends
beyond individual hospital
departments and often beyond
the walls of the hospital.
New innovative models such as
the Falls Prevention Program
and the Enhanced Activation
and Restorative Care
(EARC) Program
are showing positive
results.
To validate
effectiveness we
measure such
things as improved
locomotion while
in hospital, a metric
framed around the
concept of activities
of daily living including selfcare such as feeding ourselves,
bathing, dressing, grooming,
work, homemaking, and leisure.
As an example, in the last three
months of 2012 about 26%
of our patients had greater
mobility issues, limiting the
ability to carry out activities
of daily living. However,
through focused seniorfriendly initiatives that number
decreased to about 13% for
the same period in 2013. This
equates to improved function
and greater potential for
shortening a senior’s length of
hospital stay.
A shorter hospital stay can also
facilitate another great initiative
known as “home-first”. Rather
than assuming long-term
care is absolute following an
acute episode, the home -first
initiative empowers the senior
and the family with more than
one post-hospitilization option.
At BGH we recognize the need
to continually improve; this is
as true for being senior-friendly
as it is for any other area of
the hospital. We’ve made some
great strides towards being
senior-friendly, but we can
always do more.
BGH is fortunate to have
passionate leaders that are
committed to ensuring that the
need of seniors are reflected in
every decision we make. These
are the people that continually
push us to do more.
As a hospital, and as a
community of health care, our
collective goal is to have seniors
spend less time in the hospital
and more time aging at home.
Page 10
Sunday
June Upcoming Events
Monday
Tuesday
1
2
National Cancer Intravenous
Survivor Day
Therapy
3
PPE Review
4
5
6
7
10
Staff Forum
11
12
13
14
Blood
Donor Day
17
Fire
Extinguisher
Training
18
19
PPE Review
20
Massage
Therapist
On-Site
21
8
15
22
WHAT Boat
Cruise VIP
Ticket Sale
9
16
WHAT Boat
Cruise Public
Sale
23
24
Wednesday
25
Thursday
26
International Day
Against Drug Abuse
Friday
Heart and
Sol
27
Saturday
28
WHAT BBQ
AGM
29
30
June 1st: National Cancer Survivor Day
June 1st: WHAT Boat Cruise VIP Sale Begins- Staff,
Volunteers and Physicians buy your tickets for the July 4th boat
cruise. Tickets are $10 and it is first come first served. Don’t
miss out! Contact Cathy Semkiw for tickets semca@bgh-on.ca
June 2nd: Intravenous Therapy 0800 - 1600 in the CSS
Learning Lab (2 South) Contact Jenn MacNeil @ extension
1083 or e-mail macnje@bgh-on.ca
June 3rd: PPE Review 1300 & 1330 in the CSS Learning Lab
(2 South) Contact Jenn MacNeil @ extension 1083 or e-mail
macnje@bgh-on.ca
June 19th: PPE Review 1300 & 1330 in the CSS Learning Lab
(2 South) Contact Jenn MacNeil @ extension 1083 or e-mail
macnje@bgh-on.ca
June 20th: Massage Therapist at Charles Street Site 13001600 in the quiet room. Time slots for 15 mins will be available.
Receipts will be issued, as this is covered by extended health care
coverage. This service is also available for Garden Street and
Front Avenue if there is enough interest. For more information
or to book a time slot please e-mail whini@bgh-on.ca
June 20th: Heart and Sol 7:00pm-Midnight at the Brockville
Yacht Club. Tickets on sale at Scotiabank for $75.
June 14th: Blood Donor Day
June 26th: International Day Against Drug Abuse
June 16th: WHAT Boat Cruise Public Sale Begins- Tickets are
now open for everyone buy your tickets for the July 4th boat
cruise. Tickets are $10 and it is first come first served. Don’t
miss out! Contact Cathy Semkiw for tickets semca@bgh-on.ca
June 26th: The Workplace Happiness Action Team invites all
staff, volunteers and physicians to a BBQ. Burger or Hotdog,
chips and a drink for only $6.00. Located at Charles St. and
Garden Street Sites. David Dubois will take order for Front
Avenue Staff. Orders can be made for veggies burgers in advance
by contacting Adonica Keddy
June 17th: Fire Extinguisher Training 1300-1600 in the CSS
Learning Lab (2 South) Contact Jenn MacNeil @ extension
1083 or e-mail macnje@bgh-on.ca
June 26th: Annual General Meeting: Held in the Cafeteria at
the Charles St. site at 7:00pm. Dr. Robert Malone will be guest
speaking.
Page 11
Page 12
Health Unit Launches
Online Prenatal
Staff Forum
Tuesday, June10
Information Program
2:00-3:00pm
th
Charles Street Site
Auditorium
Written By: Susan Healy, Leeds Grenville Health Unit
Imagine taking prenatal classes in the comfort of your own home. The
Leed, Grenville and Lanark
Video-conference with District Health Unit is launching
a new online prenatal course for
the following sites:
residents to accompany its already
establish in-person classes.
Garden St. Site
Research says that increasing
Boardroom
prenatal education during and
Front Ave. 2nd Floor before pregnancy significantly
Boardroom
reduces anxiety and increases
confidence, as well as increasing
All staff encouraged to the opportunity to meet other
parents to be and helps you learn
attend
more about how to have a healthy
pregnancy and postpartum.
The Gift of Motherhood online
education program is an alternative to in-person classes. It is great for:
• Moms-to-be that are on bed rest
• Couples with time constraints or scheduling conflicts
• People who prefer self-directed learning
• Individuals who want a refresher course
The 109 page interactive tutorial includes information on pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. A public health
nurse can be available by phone or e-mail (during regular business hours) to answer questions about the
course content as you learn.
If you want to learn about how to have a healthy pregnancy now or in the future, the Health Unit encourages
you to consider registering for these modules. Being healthy before you are pregnant is a great start to every
pregnancy. The availability of this online prenatal program extends to grandparents, friends and support
people to register. Increasing the knowledge of the people who make up the support system of a pregnant
woman will optimize a healthy pregnancy. Expectant parents are encouraged to start prenatal classes before
the 20th week of pregnancy or as early as a positive pregnancy test.
In 2011, the Health Unit surveyed parents to be and parents who had just had their babies and asked them
how they would like to learn about pregnancy, labour and delivery, breast-feeding and parenting. The top two
ways were in-person classes with their peers, and online. The Health Unit set out to find, develop and offer an
evidence based and interesting online program.
To register for online prenatal class, or for more information, call the Health Action Line: 1-800-660-5853. In
order to sign up for the online prenatal modules, registrants must live in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark. Visit
www.healthunit.org to find out when this new online program will be available.
Page 13
Palliative Care News
Tea Cart
On May 22, 2014 The Garden Street Site
tea cart began! The Tea Cart delivers tea,
coffee and goodies to the patients, family members and staff on the 5th and 2nd
floors at Garden Street. To start, the cart
will be in service on Thursday afternoons
from 2:30pm - 3:30pm.
Palliative Care Week Lunch and Learn
On May 7th as a part of our Palliative Care Week activities we had a
lunch and learn for volunteers. We had special guest speaker Dr. Bhatt
who came to speak about stroke prevention and staying healthy. Lunch
was provided by the Keystorm Pub - Thanks again Dan!
Page 14
New Yoga Opportunity
$10/person
(pay as you
attend)
Second floor
education & training
room, Charles St. Site
Contact Elaine Mason
for more information
and to register
masel@bgh-on.ca
In-Service
Updates for Injection Medication Administration (Including Sites)
Speaker: Bouchra Arbach
Friday June 20, 2014
Where: BGH Learning Lab, 2 South, Charles St. Site
When: June 20, 1/2 hour sessions from 10am-3pm
Who: All interest HCP’s
RSVP: Please Pre-Register with Jenn MacNeil ext. 1083 or macnje@bgh-on.ca
Refreshments will be provided
Learning Objectives
• Updates on Long Acting Injection Medication (what’s new, what’s coming)
• Best Practice Sharing
• Training on Injection sites and Hands On practice (tips and tricks)
• Educational Materials for both Nurses and Patients
• Updates on new LAI injectable Guidelines (treatment algorithms)
Page 15
ALS Awareness Month
June 2014
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)- Also referred to as
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the
brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons
in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the neurons die, the ability of the
brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle
action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs,
speech, swallowing or breathing. When muscles no longer receive the messages from the motor neurons that
they require to function, the muscles begin to become smaller making limbs look thinner.
8 Facts About ALS You Should Know
1. ALS is not contagious
2. It is estimated that ALS is responsible for nearly two
deaths per hundred thousand population annually
3. Approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed
with ALS each year. It is estimated that as many as
30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.
4. Although the life expectancy of an ALS patient averages
about two to five years from the time of diagnosis, this
disease is variable and many people live with quality for
five years and more.
5. About 20% of people with ALS live five years or more and up to 10% will survive more than 10 years.
There are people in whom ALS has stopped progressing and a small number of people in whom the
symptoms of ALS reversed.
6. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries
7. ALS can strike anyone
8. The onset of ALS is insidious with muscle weakness or stiffness as early symptoms. Progression of
weakness, wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk as well as those that control vital
functions such as speech, swallowing and later breathing generally follows.
Page 16
Sn BGH
ap
sh
ots
Page 17
Page 18
Summer is
Here!
Written By:
Sgt. Peter Buell, Marine Coordinator,
Brockville Police Service
the type of equipment required on a boat
are the size of the boat, the type of the boat
being sail, engine powered, human powered,
or being a personal watercraft.
To know what is required on your boat
the following website has the transport
Canada safe boating guide. www.tc.gc.ca/
publications/en/tp511/pdf/hr/tp511e.pdf
Every power boat operator of any age
is required to possess a pleasure craft
competency card or its equivalent. Proof
Winter is
of competency must be on board the vessel
finally over,
spring is upon while you are operating it. Remember no one
us and we are under the age of 16 can operate a personal
watercraft.
now seeing
the beginning The St. Lawrence River and other local
of summer
waterways are already at high water levels.
like weather.
What you remember seeing last summer or
Boating
into the fall may now be several centimeters
enthusiasts
below water, so use charts if you are
are out in
unfamiliar with local hazards. The water
full force, cleaning, and launching their
remains cold, the safest way to be in your boat
boats. Boats are unique in that they require
is to wear your PFD at all times. It is not
the owner/operator to equip them properly.
the law; however it is the best way to prepare
Boats require various equipment depending
yourself for the unexpected.
on the size and type of boat. Basic equipment Brockville police wishes to partner with
required for a boat up to 6m that’s about 20
boaters and our citizens that we serve.
feet is as follows.
You can become our helpers, by reporting
1 approved PFD for every person on board.
A buoyant heaving line of at least 15 meters.
A reboarding device if the vertical height
to get out of the water is more that .5
meters. 1 paddle or 1 anchor with at least
15 meters of rope, chain or cable. One water
tight flashlight. 1 sound signaling device.
Navigation lights are operated after sunset or
in reduced visibility. 1 5BC fire extinguisher
if the boat has an inboard engine, permanent
fuel tank, fuel burning cooking or a
refrigerating appliance.
Equipment requirements vary depending on
the size of the boat. Other factors that affect
impaired or drinking and driving boaters
or any other activity that you might find
suspicious.
Brockville police wishes every boating
enthusiast safe and accident free season of
boating.
Page 19
Meet Your Security Team
Lindsey Coates
Lindsay began her security career shortly after graduating from the Police
Foundations Program at Durham College. Lindsay is the Site Supervisor at CSS. She
has been with G4S at BGH for over ten years and the Supervisor for over nine years.
Lindsay has worked hard to build a good relationship between the staff, the public
and Security to show that we are reliable and available when someone is in need.
Current Training:
• First Aid/CPR
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Life Space Crisis Intervention
• IAHSS Certified Health care Security Officer (CHSO)
• IAHSS Certified Advanced Health care Security Officer (CAHSO) IAHSS
Certified Health care Security Supervisor (CHSS)
• Sharp Edge Weapon Defence
• Effective Communication, Crisis Management and Subject Restraint Advanced
Defensive Tactics and Expandable Baton
• CPO – Certified Protection Officer
Additional Training:
• Canadian Association of Mental Health Online Training Emergency
Management Ontario:
• EM 125 Exercise Programs: An Introduction
• EM 131 Accessible customer service for emergency responders Incident
Management System:
• IMS 100 Introduction to incident management system
Pete Konstantonis
Pete has been the Security Coordinator at Brockville General Hospital
for just over a year. Prior to coming to Brockville he was a Mobile Patrol
Supervisor with Kingston Hospitals Security, Emergency Management
and Life Safety Department. Pete has over 10 years of Supervisory
and Management experience bringing with him an extensive customer
service background stemming from a family owned Restaurant and
later as a floor Supervisor with a large corporate Pub and as a Food and
Beverage Manager at a semi private golf club.
Current Training:
• First Aid/CPR
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Life Space Crisis Intervention
• IAHSS Certified Health care Security Officer (CHSO)
• IAHSS Certified Advanced Health care Security Officer (CAHSO)
IAHSS Certified Health care Security Supervisor (CHSS)
• Sharp Edge Weapon Defence
• Effective Communication, Crisis Management and Subject Restraint Advanced Defensive Tactics and
Expandable Baton
• Emergency Management Ontario:
• EM 125 Exercise Programs: An Introduction
• EM 131 Accessible customer service for emergency responders Incident Management System:
• IMS 100 Introduction to incident management system
• Care and Treatment Occupancies Fire Safety Train-the-Trainer
Additional Training:
• Canadian Association of Mental Health Online Training
Page 20
Happiness Files
Meet Joanne Elks
When meeting Joanne, her enthusiasm and capabilities
of putting someone at ease are obvious. She’s an upbeat
person. Undoubtedly, this has served her well in her
years as a nurse. Starting her career in 1986 in med/
surg she boasts of her recent transition to mental
health in January 2013.
“I liked working in med/surg, but it is time for a
change. When I joined the team, I was so warmly
welcomed. Everyone was wonderful.”
“Amazing!” She describes her new experiences. Despite
the stigmas in mental health, Elk states the gratitude
from her new patients is more that she could ever
imagine.
“Nurses are compassionate people. Walk a day in our
shoes, you’ll get us.”
Elks visited me on her day off, even offering a tour of the new mental health ward. Upon arrival
she was warmly greeted by patients and staff alike. It was a true testament to her commitment and
passion as a nurse.
Meet Elaine Mason
Elaine has found her calling as a Concurrent Disorders Nurse
with the Mental Health team, newly located at the Front
Avenue Resource Centre. Providing addiction and mental
health counseling, Elaine understands the needs of her
patients. Patients come to her office via family doctor referral,
Mental Health Crisis Team, BGH’s Assault and Response
Resource Center and on occasion, based on in-patient needs.
Working with Concurrent Disorders, her efforts were
recognized in “A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders”, a
publication created by the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health (CAMH). Elaine coordinated the Brockville portion
of their family project and actively collaborates in CAMH
workshops and community forums throughout Ontario.
Unique to her role, Elaine recently began incorporating
physical activities, specifically Kundalini yoga into her
outpatient treatments. Leading patients in movement and
breathing techniques often enables them to center thoughts
and create focus when discussing traumatic events or
overcoming powerful emotions.
Page 21
Pharmacy Welcomes New Employee
The Omnicell packager in now functional, with the new pill packaging already
being seen on the floors. This new equipment will optimize pharmacy inventory
management with technology that supports bar code medication administration
and increases unit does packaging efficiency, dispensing accuracy and audit
capabilities. This translates to improved patient safety and less waste, both are key
priorities for BGH.
“Our pharmacy team has worked tirelessly,” states Susan Pugh, Director of
Laboratory, Pharmacy and Infection Control at BGH. “We have exceeded the
target for implementation. Our team has completed in three weeks what typically
takes three months.”
Thanks to the efforts of the Brockville and District Hospital Foundation, $900,000
was raised to purchase the equipment from Japan.
Page 22
Travels as a Nurse
Written By:
Dulcie Shwarbeck
(depending on the work, duration and location
For years I have always wanted to do some
it varies) your flights and insurance. I chose
volunteer work. My husband and I were
a place I had never been before and a place I
chatting about future plans and he got a
probably wouldn’t vacation in.
little upset at me and said that if I don’t
stop talking and just do it, it would
Language was the biggest barrier,
never happen. So the next day I got
but sutures, dressings, injections,
on the internet and found a volunteer
IV’s and fractures are all the same
association that I liked and applied. It
all over the world.
took 2 days and they were emailing me
back with an acceptance to volunteer
Scared and excited I started my adventure
as a nurse in Guatemala. I went with the
International Volunteer Headquarters. Many from Ottawa on Friday , February 7th. 15
hours later I was picked up at the Guatemala
documents, and immunizations later I was
airport by a driver from IVHQ. We drove 2
ready to go, it all happened within 6 weeks. I
put together a web page through “Go Sponsor hours to the city of Antigua; a beautiful city
surrounded by 4 volcanoes, 2 of them live, 1
Me” and had an awesome response from
friends, family and coworkers. You have to pay of which erupted
an application fee, a project fee
Page 23
during my stay. My first two days I was on
my own to sight see and was introduced to
my home stay family. A wonderful couple in
their mid-fifties who didn’t speak a word of
English. Lots of charades and laughs I was
treated like family.
Monday morning at 0530 I was on my way
to IVHQ a 15 minute walk from home. Two
hours a day of mandatory Spanish lessons
and then a 1.5 hour bus, hike trip to a city
called Santiago high in the mountains for my
placement. Being a Registered Nurse with
emergency experience I was placed in a very
busy clinic and was assigned to the delivery
room and emergency room.
Language was the biggest barrier, but sutures,
dressings, injections, IV’s and fractures are
all the same all over the world. That being
said the equipment and cleanliness were
something you just had to work with. My
days were 15 hours long from start to finish
and I loved every minute of it. The doctor
(only one) and the four nurses I worked
with were absolutely amazing, helpful, and
appreciative. I worked for five days in the
clinic and had the weekend to sight see and
shop. I also got to climb a live volcano called
Pacaya.
Monday morning I was off to El Salvador
to stay in a hostel at a surf camp. This was
my vacation part of the trip. Four days of
ocean side hammocks, fresh fruit and surfing
for three hours a day (at sunrise and sunset,
because it was too hot during the day) was the
perfect end to an amazing adventure. IVHQ
offers cheap holidays at the end of your
placements with different companies around
the world.
It was lonely at time travelling alone, but
I’m proud of myself and still in awe at the
people I met, and the things I did and saw.
Volunteering is an amazing feeling, and one
I am now addicted to. I’m saving my pennies
for hopefully two weeks in Madagascar next
February.
Do you have a story you would like to share?
Send it to us at baxre@bgh-on.ca or mciab@bgh-on.ca
Improving outcomes in patients with schizophrenia
What is the role of long-acting antipsychotics?
Presenter: Andreas Schreiner, M.D.
When: June 26th, 2014, Noon-1300
Location: Charles St. Site: Auditorium,
Front Ave Site: LGMH Boardroom, 1st Floor
Objectives:
• Discuss the more recent data on the consequences of relapse in patients with schizophrenia
• Apply evidence-based information on different pharmacological treatment options to improve outcomes in patients with schizophrenia
• Understand the practical use of paliperidone palmitate based on recent clinical trial data
and information from routine practice.
Lunch provided
RSVP Jenn MacNeil ext. 1083 macnje@bgh-on.ca
Page 24
Volunteer News
Introducing Our Volunteens
Aiden, Stacy, Meagan, Kara, Victoria, Meaghan, Akayla, Rachel, Hannah,
Ravyn and Olivia! Helping youth be the change they wish to see in the
world. The Volunteens will be in various hospital units helping you and
helping patients. Look out for the Volunteen Club starting in June! If you
have a request for Volunteen assistance in your area, please contact the
Volunteer Association at 613-345-5649 ext. 1254
June Vendor Calendar
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
From Trees to
Treasures
Gary Campbell
1000 Islands Rock
Engraving
John Raas
9
10
11
12
Old Thymes Country Decor
Yvetter Perrin
13
Pursesonally Yours
Tracy Giff
16
17
18
Scentsational Candles With
Jewelry
Heather Cauley
19
25
26
KIDBITS
Bruce & Sharon
Children’s Books & Toys
Bedding and Household
Items
23
24
Peggy’s Passion
Fashion Jewelry
20
Sara and Diane’s
Fantasy
Baking, Jewelry
27
Epicure
Jeanette McNaughton
Cookware, spices, etc
Southhill Designs
Create your own Jewelry
Page 25
Checking in with LEAN
The month of May marked the beginning of our Lean Journey at BGH - truly a critical milestone in our
history and a key to our transformation. With the help of our new partners, KM&T, we undertook a detailed
exploration of our existing practices in an attempt to identify areas of priority focus. This exploration was
call an “opportunity search”, and it involved a significant number of BGH staff.
It has been very inspiring to hear the positive feedback that followed these sessions. These are still early days,
but we are certainly encouraged by the eagerness of the participants and the general appetite to use Lean to
improve patient experiences.
The month of May wrapped up the opportunity search with KM&T and BGH staff. Over a 3 week period
16 workshops were completed with a total attendance of 140 staff and 20 more people were involved in
one-on-one discussions. Combine that with 12 department “go-look-see” exercises and we engaged over
160 individuals in the organization. Time did not offer us the opportunity to speak with everyone, however
as you review the results you will see that they are reflective of all departments, and involvement will be
requested from everyone in the organization. The opportunity search experience was fun and we gained so
much information and recommendations from all over the organization. We talked about everything from team
building exercises to discussions on organizational change. The final results were impressive and will shape
our activities from this point forward.
When asked “What do you want people to say about Brockville General Hospital?” your replies were:
These are not “just” words. These are what we want others to say about our hospital. These are how we want
to treat those in our care and these are what we expect from our peers and the community.
“We will provide the best patient care, with the best customer service, at the best price”.
To see the progress of the BGH strategy we encourage you to take a look at the material
located in the ground floor auditorium
Joining forces with our lean consultant, Denise Eighteen of
KM&T, is Jessica Gerritson. Jessica has recently taken on
the role of Transformation Specialist and will be trained on
the lean methodology to help guide BGH. Visit Jessica in the
Transformation Room located on the 1st floor.
Page 26
Page 27
Games
Across:
1) TV addict?
8) Muscle spasm
11) Columnist Landers
12) Infrared
13) Cost
14) Dietary goal
18) Disease investigation
20) Ginger or Taro
21) Romantic palm fruit?
22) No longer fashionable
23) Radio band
24) Minor irritation
26) Embrace
27) Green beans and mashed potatoes
29) Something we want to forget!
30) Entrance area
32) Brussels veggie
33) First state to secede from the
Union
34) ____ Marie Presley
36) Food magician
37) Greensboro locale
39) Wrap around
42) The, German
43) Spoil
44) Starbucks’ temptation
46) Small scrapes
48) Dear
49) Musical scale note
50) Bread type
52) Muse
57) Sweet smell
58) Levels of Indian society
Down:
1) Heart-related
2) Top of the line, with A
3) Not well
4) Diaphragm spasms
5) ___ existing condition
6) Exercise assistant
7) Compressed feeling
8) Head __ head
9) Chicago locale
10) Spa treatment substance
13) Total, for short
15) Word processor, for short
16) Italian, abbr.
17) Garden digger
19) Bone disease
23) Internet question
25) Chili or curry?
28) Muscle contractions
31) Skin problem
35) Tendency to stay put
38) Ocean kings?
40) Restaurant type
41) Making less painful
42) Jean material
45) Head __ head
47) Voices
51) __ __ Sisterhood
53) Not applicable, for short
54) Computer
55) Where it’s __
56) Taoist power
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
@BrockvilleGener
YouTube
Coming Soon
Page 28
Shout Outs!
“Congratulations Barb! You are such an amazing person
which helps contribute to you being such an amazing
nurse. Thanks for being there for both Mitchell and Mara,
and me.
~ Posted on Facebook by Christina Covey Shannon
“When I first worked at BGH and was priviledged
enough to work with you at times; I remember thinking
that if I could be a fraction of what that word “Nurse”
truly means, I would be the luckiest of all. And that’s you,
the heart and soul of this profession. Congratulations
Barb! ”
~ Posted on Facebook by Tia McKenzie
“Congratulations Barb Ward you will definitely be
missed. you were one of the best. Hope you enjoy your
retirement.”
~ Posted on Facebook by Linda Macdonald
“Great meeting with Dr. Malone and chance to tour spectacular
new Mental Health Ward. A great partner for our School of
Medicine”
~ Tweeted from Richard van Wylick
“Congratulations to everyone nominated for the BGH Team
Member of the Year! I’m so proud to work with each of you!”
~ Posted on Facebook by Jessica Gerritsen
“Congratulations to Sherry Anderson on her diploma in Health
care Management”
~ From Heather Quesnelle and Brockville General Hospital
Staff
“Thank you Dale and Gary from Facilities for all your help getting the Auditorium ready! You are absolutely
amazing!”
~ From Rebecca Bax and Abby McIntyre