Volume 1 Issue 5 - Norfolk General Hospital

NHNH
NGH-
H O S P I TA L
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
CAMPING ON
THE FOURTH
2
CORPORATE
SUPPORT
3
NEW FACES
4
NGH AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
5
6
MEDICAL
7
RECORDS ON
THE MOVE
CONTEST WINNER
9
GOLF INFO
GRADE 8 TOUR
H A P P E N I N G S
APRIL 28 2008
ICU
MAKES IT‟S
Norfolk General Hospital‟s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is bright, spacious, modernized and now complete with the latest in heart monitoring equipment. “It‟s much nicer,
airier and the patients are really
enjoying their new rooms,” said
Sarah Block, a nurse who works in
the ICU and Step Down Unit
(STU) at NGH. “We‟re still getting
used to all the new filing space
and the new flooring,” said Block,
who typically works with 5-6 staff
members in the ICU at any given
time. “The nurse‟s station wasn‟t
originally designed to house all of
the computers and monitors that
we use today, now we have lots of
physical room and a ergonomically
designed work area,” said Rose
Gass, Director of Emergency and
Intensive Care. Nursing staff and
Doctors are still getting acquainted
DEBUT
with the new ICU since its official opening Wednesday April
16th. “All the disciplines who
work in this area, now have
their own workspace and our
patients and their families are
enjoying additional privacy in
more spacious rooms,” said
Gass, who points out the new
glass partition between the
nursing station and patient
area.
“We‟re very happy with the
level of professionalism and
workmanship the contractors
have demonstrated” said JJ
Knott, Director of Plant Operations, adding that the project is
two weeks ahead of schedule.
Phase two of the ICU Renovations Project is now underway
and is expected to be complete
in six and a half weeks. Reno-
vations will include a new
washroom and shower area in
the Step Down Unit of the ICU
and new wash station for nursing staff. The third and final
stage of the renovation project
will include the replacement of
flooring and final details of the
SDU.
A special thank you to Dr. Chiu
and John and Hazel Race for
their leadership gifts of
$175,000 which helped to
launch the “Help a Heart” Intensive Care Redevelopment
Project in August of 2007.
Norfolk General Hospital applauds those individuals; service groups, special event efforts and corporate donors who
helped us meet the goal of
raising $900,000. Congratulations!
10
HAPPENINGSSUGGESTIONS-
FEEDBACK
Internal Staff Newsletter for NGH & NHNH
Editor
jharnett@ngh.on.ca
(519) 426-0130
Ext.6977
Room 148
In the new ICU (L-R) Andria Metcalfe, Janice Snively, Charlane Neuman, Rose Gass, Director of ER and Intensive Care, Robin Mummery, Sarah Block, Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Baird and JJ Knott Director of Plant Operations
Our mission is to assist those we serve with the best possible health outcomes
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 2
A CAMPING WE WILL GO...
On Wednesday, March 26th residents of
the 4th floor held a camp day. Lanterns
hung from the ceiling, tents filled the
room and residents wore their favourite
hats, some even brought along their
teddy bears. Along with ghost stories
and tasty s‟more treats, residents enjoyed campfires songs from our very own
4th Floor resident Gary Piette enjoys the smooth sounds of J.J. Knott.
JJ Knott, Director of Plant Operations,
who brought along his guitar to sing selections from James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot. “You play great music,” said one
resident as they encouraged him to play on. On March 27 th the residents packed up their camping gear and enjoyed a spring break beach party luncheon.
„JUST THE BARE NECESSITIES‟
A very kind resident of our community donated this bear to the Emergency Department to be used to ease the trauma of children entering
this area of our hospital. „Balu‟ is soft, cuddly and sings „Just the Bare
Necessities‟. Unfortunately, Balu can not be sanitized after each use,
therefore he was not allowed to be part of the unit.
Not to let „Balu‟ feel unwanted, it was decided to sell tickets and give
the opportunity to one very lucky person to take him home. The monies raised by this „in-house‟ raffle will ALL go toward purchasing items
that will meet the infection control requirements for children coming to
the department.
A Bear Hug for a great cause with Glo- The Hospital Public Relations Committee and Volunteer Association
have teamed up to sell the tickets for this raffle. They are just $2.00
each or you can purchase a book of 5 for $10.00. The draw will be
held May 28th, so don‟t delay – get your tickets now before they are all gone! Tickets are available from any
PR Committee Member and in the Volunteer Gift Shop!
ria Sinnesael, Balu & Linda Novinka
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 3
CORPORATE COMMUNITY SUPPORTS STAFF DURING VRE OUTBREAK
In a time of need, the local corporate community has
shown their support for Norfolk General Hospital and the
dedicated staff on the 3B Unit affected by the VRE outbreak. ―I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you for
doing such a great job and stepping up to the challenge
to beat VRE,‖ said Bettyann DeRonde, VP Patient Care
during her opening remarks at a hospital cafeteria chat.
Those sediments are shared by two generous community supporters, Breyers Unilever, Simcoe and McDonald’s Simcoe who have both contributed to our staff.
These staff members made the hospital their priority
over the Easter holiday weekend and continued to work
extra long hours during the outbreak.
On Thursday, March 20th, staff at Breyers Unilever didn’t hesitate to fill the
order of 200 Klondike bars for the cafeteria chat for all employees at NGH.
―Nothing like some comfort food during challenging times, said VP Patient
Care, Bettyann DeRonde. ― It was a nice treat for everyone.‖
Gord Maskell of McDonalds was another corporate supporter who didn’t
think twice to provide
80 Egg McMuffins on
Good Friday morning to
staff. He added a little
extra TLC by including
TY Huggy Bears in the
order. McDonalds in
Simcoe went on to provide burgers for the
night shift delivered by
Helen DeBoer, Director
of Development at
NGH.
McDonald’s
staff, Marcus Phillips,
Alex Jackson, Briana
Blake, and Isaac Porteous prepared 80 burgers in 12.5 minutes. ―I’ve never done an order that big
before, it was fun,‖ said Phillips as he carried the order out to the car. ―Oh,
you’re an angel,‖ said Lindsey Propper, a 3B nurse, ―I was so hungry tonight
that I ate my lunch during my break and then you show up‖. (She got an extra
one.) ―What a sweet guy, that Gord Maskell,‖ said one nurse, ―thanks for
thinking of us!‖
INSIDE STORY HEADLINE
“I want to tell you
how proud I am of
all of you for doing
such a great job and
stepping up to the
challenge to beat
VRE.”
Bettyann DeRonde
VP, Patient Services
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
N E W S TA F F – J E S S I C A
Page 4
SHAIN
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to the
staff, patients, and community of Norfolk General Hospital. I
was pleased to accept the position of Social Work Coordinator
and begin working here in January after ending my maternity
leave. After growing up in Port Dover, it is a delight to return
and contribute to the community. I completed my social work
degree at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and then went
on to complete my Master of Social Work at the University of
Toronto. My focus has been on providing social work services
in the health care field, as well as, with the senior population.
The services and programs I will be involved with at Norfolk
General Hospital include, patient advocacy, ethical consultation, discharge planning and counseling for patients and families to address issues such as adjustment to illness, caregiver
stress, social isolation, relationship difficulties, addictions, resource and financial issues, palliative care and grief. I will also
be involved with the Palliative Care Program and will Chair the
Ethics Committee. I look forward to meeting and collaborating
with staff, patients and families to develop services that promote the overall health of our community. Please stop by my office anytime or call me at extension 4474.
Visit our new online
Calendar of Events
www.ngh.on.ca
News
Upcoming events
To post an event
jharnett@ngh.on.ca
Sincerely, Jessica Shain MSW RSW
Nutrition & Foodservices – Management & Office Staff Changes
Since October of 2007 the Nutrition
& Foodservice Department has
undergone many staffing changes in
our supervisory and office area.
After the departure last Fall of Lorna
Baguley – Diet Technician (33
years) and Michele Bach – Diet
Clerk (10 years), Wendy Kowal a
Part time (PT) weekend Supervisor
moved into the Full time (FT) Diet
Technician position. Wendy joined
our hospital with experience from
St. Joseph‟s and Brantford General.
Some of Wendy‟s responsibilities
include assisting the dietitian, marking clinical diets and to liaison with
the Nursing Home. Beth Mansley
posted into our clerical position
leaving patient registration. Beth
had previously worked in the kitchen
as an aide (a few years back).
Volunteer
Association Annual
General Meeting
April 30th
Army, Navy, Air
Force Club– Simcoe
In March, Lisa Wilson a 14 year
veteran Supervisor with our department moved on and was replaced
by Amanda Gordon who has moved
into a FT Supervisor role. We have Amanda Gordon, FT Foodservice Supervisor, Wendy Kowal, FT Diet Technibeen lucky enough to acquire Re- cian, Rebecca Lyster, PT Foodservice Supervisor, Beth Mansley– FT Clerk
becca Lyster as our PT Weekend
Supervisor. Rebecca brings experi- (missing– Jody McCulley and Cindy Arn, PT Foodservice Supervisors)
ence from Brantford General.
DO YOU KNOW A
NURSING STAR?
Jody McCulley covers the kitchen on Wednesdays each week, while Amanda handles the procurement for the department. Jody and Cindy Arn also work rotational weekends and provide vacation/sick relief for the department.
lot available in the VP
Patient Care Office.
I am thrilled to welcome all of these employees into their new roles!
Joanne Kiefer
Director Nutrition& Foodservices /Housekeeping/Laundry &Linen
Nominate
a RN/RPN
by filling
out a bal-
Submission Deadline
May 5th
*To feature a new staff member in your department, please forward request to Jason*
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 5
Making a Difference at NGH – Environment
It‟s all in their name, “Earth choice cartridges.” The Woodstock recycler,
in association with Norfolk General Hospital collects used printing cartridges from NGH and NHNH. “With their empties buyback program, we
receive about $50.00 every 2 months,” said Robb Winter, Senior Stores
Clerk. Shipping is also covered when at least 10 cartridges are sent to
the company.
THE BENEFITS
Save money. Buying recycled
cartridges can cost up to 75% less
than getting new ones.
Norfolk General HosReduce landfill. The average
printer cartridge can take over
450 years to decompose.
Inside Story Headline—NHNH lighting the way to better efficiency
Over the last 3 months, beginning late December 2007, Norfolk General Hospital
Nursing Home began to revamp their nursing home lighting from the old standard T12
lighting system to the new energy efficient
T5 fluorescent lights. “This new lighting at
NHNH is half the lamping and half the wattage of the previous system,” stated J.J.
Knott, Director of Plant Operations. “The
new lighting has provided many benefits to
the Nursing Home. It has improved resident safety and provided a better environment for distribution of medications and
caring for our residents,” said Lu Ann Crandall, Director of Care at NHNH. The residents have commented too; “The place just
feels brighter and more cheery with the new
lighting.” Eventually the remaining floors of
the Nursing Home will receive the new
lighting which also included is found in the new ICU. The new lights use
a reflection refraction system.
pital is taking part in
the Ontario Hospital
Greenhouse Gas and
Air Emissions Challenge. Some of the initiatives we have been
working on include the
installation of instantaneous hot water tanks,
linkage less boiler controls (gaining 10% more
efficiency, new fans
with return air capability, the use of greener
cleaning solutions and
chemical free outdoor
landscaping.
Read
more about the challenge on page #6.
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 6
ONTARIO HOSPITALS FIND NEW WAYS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
Ontario health care facilities continue to provide the best care possible, but they can help
reduce the health risks
from climate change
and poor air quality by
contributing to green
house gas (GHG) and
air emission reductions.
Hospitals are known to
be high-energy consumers and may use a wide
variety of chemicals
that contribute to poor
air quality. With services
provided 24 hours a
day, seven days per
week and numbers of
staff, patients and visitors exceeding small
towns in size, hospitals
can contribute to the
health of their own communities by following
the traditional medical
saying: First do no
harm!
Hospitals and other
care provider organizations are stepping forward like never before
to embrace environmental stewardship as
they begin to realize the
critical link between
protecting the environment and protecting
human health. Today
dozens of hospitals are
both, independently and
with the help of government
and
nongovernment organizations (NGOs) taking
stock and implementing
innovative, appropriate
and efficient protocols,
practices and technologies to help protect the
environment as well as
limit their contribution
to environmental related sicknesses.
The Ontario Hospital
Greenhouse Gas and Air
Emissions Challenge is
one such initiative that
is having a positive environmental
impact
across the province and
beyond. Funding from
Environment Canada’s
Eco Action Program has
made possible the participation of over 20
Ontario hospitals and
care organizations including Norfolk General
Hospital. Designed as a
two-year collaborative
effort with program
managing partner the
Canadian Centre for
Pollution Prevention
(C2P2), the Challenge
assists facilities to set
appropriate goals, provides timely educational
materials and guest
speakers, suggests ac-
tivities and simple
tracking tools, and facilitates peer-to-peer
interaction through
monthly teleconferences.
Canadian health care
facilities must be at the
forefront of change,
demonstrating to the
public, the government
and their individual
communities that commitments in word and
action to protect the
environment by reducing emissions and
waste is possible witho ut
com p ro mis in g
safety and patient care.
Make your office space
―GREENER‖
Turn all computer equipment, machinery or other mechanical appliances off when
not in use.
Recycle, reduce and reuse waste. For example, print
or photocopy on both sides of
paper, recycle envelopes and
labels and turn scrap paper
into notepads.
Switch off any unnecessary lighting during the day,
particularly near windows or in
corridors which do not require
bright lighting.
Position desks and workstations to make best use of
natural light.
Ask the last person to
leave the office to ensure that
they turn everything off including printers, drinks machines,
fans, computers and lights –
perhaps have a checklist
drawn up and posted by the
door or alarm control panel.
Use the stairs instead of
the elevator – it‟s a great way
to get fit too!
Earth Day 2008
More clean up pictures——next Issue...
(Source: http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/air/smog/index.php)
Consider turning the heating down and wearing warmer
clothes in winter.
Ask colleagues if they
would be interested in organizing a green travel plan. This
could include walking in
groups, cycling, car sharing
etc.
Use email or notice
boards to share information
instead of printed memos.
Encourage you employer
to choose local products and
materials to reduce energy use
and pollution.
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 7
A NEW HOME FOR HEALTH RECORDS COMING SOON!
Norfolk General Hospital Health Records and Transcription staff are
eagerly awaiting a move to a new workspace located in the area that formerly housed the Norfolk General Community clinic which has since joined
the Elgin Avenue
Physiotherapy
located on the ground
level of the Norfolk
Hospital
Nursing
Home. The purpose
of this long awaited
Health Records Director, Lucy DiBartolomeo move is to place
and Coordinator, Star Phibbs review plans staff into one comfor the new Health Records home.
mon location. This
will allow resources
to be pooled into one area, rather than several, making it easier for both patients and staff. Space has always been a concern in the past. With the new office, staff can look forward to many new improvements and extra storage capacity.
As the Hospital moves forward, Medical Records will soon be equipped for scanning and electronic records. It will
become a more efficient and effective way of handling valuable data and important files. Staff are very enthusiastic
about the move and look forward to renovations being complete in mid June.
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 8
THE SAFEST LANDING P AD IN TOWN!
Two Canadian Geese stand on
guard at the Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Heliport located on
Hunt St. North, across from the
soccer park in Simcoe. The property, jointly owned by community
partners, Canvil and Norfolk County
Doris Kienitz CYI
The Travelling Yogi, spreading peace and harmony.
15:45-16:30 Classroom A
Enjoy tremendous mental and
physical benefits of yoga
every Thursday afternoon.
is leased to the Hospital for a nominal fee.
For more info call Kim 4202
Ontario‟s Air Ambulance system
was established in 1977 to transport critically ill patients to hospital.
Ontario was the first province with a
Helicopter Air Ambulance System.
LETTERS OF APPRECIATION FROM DONORS
After having a Doctor
I found the care at
I appreciate the way I
for 60 years, then not
being able to find one. I
was amazed a Doctor
in the Emergency
Room would take the
time to come over and
tell me he could pro-
Norfolk General Hospital the best anyone
could receive. I‟ve
sent in previous donations for the CT scan
was constantly double
checked and asked
what surgery I was
having.
vide the names of two
Doctors taking on new
patients. This restored
my faith in humanity. A
and other needed
equipment. I wish I
could afford to donate
a lot of money, but I
cannot afford to.
very kind man.
Thank you
Administrative
&
Clerical Staff!
Zaandi Yoga Studious
On Wednesday April 23rd,
NGH and the NHNH celebrated Administrative Clerical Staff Day. Nearly 20
participants took part in an
afternoon luncheon, prepared by Creative Catering .
The wait time is considerably less than a larger hospital.
The Doctors and
Nurses made me feel a
lot better. They all
treated me with respect
and kindness.
Sunrise Lifestyle Coaching
and Yoga Studio in Simcoe,
encouraged staff members
to get moving, laughing,
and feeling beautiful from
the inside and out.
Thank you to all the AdminFollowing lunch, it was time
istrative and Clerical Staff
for a fun fitness class with a
for all of the great work you
latin salsa twist. Lifestyle
do every day!
Coach, Carolyn Wiens from
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 9
Cappuccino Anyone?
Nutrition Month Contest Winners
The winner of the nutrition
month contest for the espresso / cappuccino maker is...
Nancy Phillips (NHNH staff)
The winner of the runner-up prize (General
Mills gift backpack) is...
Alana Tanner (NGH staff)
Nancy Phillips says her new espresso/ cappuccino maker will go in her newly renovated
kitchen. Nancy won by entering just a single
ballot. Congratulations!
Thanks to all who participated in
this year’s contest.
The Blue Jays are once
again holding Health Care
Workers Appreciation Day
at the Rogers Centre in
Toronto. The Jays
are
up
Bus will be leaving at 9:30
against the
am sharp from the new
Baltimore Orioles on
entrance. A Tim Horton's Sunday, June 8, 2008 at
1:07 p.m. Tickets are on
stop will be made.
Tickets available for pick up the
week of May 26th.
sale for $30.00 per person
(regular price $44.00).
There will be a bus leaving
Breville Café Roma
espresso/ cappuccino
machine
anyone who has purchased
tickets through the
Employee
Public Relations
Committee
at
no
charge.
The seats are
located at the Field Level
Bases. This is a great deal
and a great way to spend a
Sunday afternoon.
Reserve your tickets today
from Gloria Sinnesael in
Administration. Tickets will
be sold until May 16th or
before they are all gone.
the hospital at 9:30 a.m. for
NGH GOLF LEAUGE STARTING SOON!
Golf Tuesdays 5-6pm
May 6th– start time
Registration fee $35
Location: Greens at Renton
Cost of Golf: $15 for 9, 20 for 18
holes
Contact Wendy King– ER
Or Kim Stanley Payroll for more details
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS
Page 10
Grade 8 class gets a glimpse at healthcare through NGH’s Dr. Thorogood
On Tuesday, April 1st, students from
Braemar
House, an independent
School in Brantford were
given the grand tour of Norfolk General Hospital with
Dr. Bill Thorogood. The
purpose of the tour according to Braemar House
School Executive Director,
Annette Minutillo, is introduce the students to different careers and enable
them to better prepare their
course selections for high
school, college or university. “So far the students
have toured a bank, a marketing firm and now, Norfolk General Hospital,” said
Braemar House school students with Dr. Bill Thorogood in OR
Sandy Speakman, a
teacher with the school.
Speakman, proudly pointed out that Dr. Thorogood was a former student of hers when she
taught grade 4 at King George School in Brantford.
“26 years of education,” stated Dr. Thorogood, a
native of Brantford who studied in London, Hamilton and Ottawa. “Learning is fun, because it applies to your job. You are always learning by taking new courses, upgrading qualifications, staying
“You‟re always
learning, being
the best you can
be.”
Dr. Bill Thorogood
An anesthesiologist is
trained to provide pain
relief and maintenance,
or restoration of a stable
condition
during
and
immediately following an
operation, an obstetric or
diagnostic
procedure.
The anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the
patient's condition prior
to, during and after surgery. They provide medical
management
and
consultation in pain management and critical care
medicine.
Anesthesiologists
can
receive training in the
following subspecialties:
Critical Care Medicine - diagnoses,
treats and supports
patients with multiple organ dysfunction.
current with today‟s new technology, being
the best you can be.” President and CEO
of NGH and NHNH, Bill Lewis welcomed
Braemar House School to Norfolk General
Hospital and helped make the students
aware of the different career possibilities,
advancements and challenges within a hospital. “We need more healthcare servants,”
said Lewis, “Enjoy your visit to our hospital,
Dr. Thorogood explains the Art of Anesthesiology in the
if you have any questions feel free to perOperating room. Definitely a highlight of the tour for
sonally contact me.”
the students.
Pain Medicine provides a high level
of care for patients
experiencing
problems
with
acute,
chronic and/or cancer pain.
Pediatric Anesthesiology - preoperative, intra operative
and
postoperative
anesthetic care of
children and adolescents.
HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS - DEADLINE FOR NEXT MONTHS SUBMISSIONS MAY 16TH 2008