ct scanner - Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital
Transcription
ct scanner - Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital report to the COMMUNITY 2010 CT SCANNER Saving Lives With Advanced Technology SWINGING TO IMPROVE OUR HEALTH CARE Tillsonburg News Invitational Golf Tournament INSIDE CT Scanner Saving Lives Pg. X Diabetes Education Pg. X How You Can Help This Flu Season Pg. X Thanks To Our Donors Pg. X Be an Angel of Giving Pg.7 Message from Tom McHugh, President and CEO, TDMH Welcome to the first edition of our improved Report to the Community. Over the years we’ve used different ways to reach out to our community. We hope you find this report interesting and informative. As part of our efforts to connect with the community we’ve updated our website. Websites have become the first point of contact for many of our patients, their families and for potential employees. We hope you find our website easy to navigate and packed with the sort of information about the hospital that you need. Please visit us at www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca <www.tillsonburghospital. on.ca> . Like many businesses in Tillsonburg and the tri-county area, we strive to meet national and international standards in the work that we do. We are constantly working to improve the quality of care that we provide. We believe the pursuit of quality is a marathon, not a sprint. Every three years we invite surveyors from Accreditation Canada to assess how we are measuring up against national standards. This fall Accreditation Canada sent two surveyors, a hospital CEO and an experienced nurse manager, to assess aspects of our operation: from how our Board of Directors operates, through the care we provide, to the way we maintain our building and plan for the future. The theme for this year’s Accreditation was I’m pleased to report that “Running the Marathon.” Pictured here is we did very well on the the leadership team racing for the finish line. assessment and received many positive comments on our organization. Even more im- our volunteers and how our generous portant, we now have an outside community helps to keep our hospital opinion on where we should put our “state of the art”. If you have feedback on the report, or ideas for our energy to improve our hospital. We’ve tried to highlight the wide spring edition, please let me know. variety of things we do at the hospital; Tom McHugh and the people who make it happen. (519) 842-3611 ext. 301 You’ll read articles on new and [email protected] panded services, the contributions of Tillsonburg News 18th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament Picture (left to right): Neil Tull, Foundation Board Chair; Darryl Smart, Editor, Tillsonburg News; Tom McHugh, Hospital President and CEO TDMH ~ Page 2 Mark your calendar for the 19th Annual Event on Friday, September 9, 2011 On September 10, 2010, under beautiful skies, 120 participants attended the 18th annual Tillsonburg News Invitational Golf Tournament held at The Bridges at Tillsonburg. Funds raised by the event will be used to purchase Diagnostic Imaging Speech Recognition Software. This advanced technology transcribes the radiologist’s dictation which allows for quicker turn-around time of results and patient treatment. Darryl Smart, Editor of The News said, “We realize that the hospital plays an important role in the health of the community and we are proud to be the lead sponsor of this event. It was a perfect day for golf and it was great to see the entire community come out and support a great cause.” This year’s Golf Tournament has raised over $30,000, bringing the grand total in excess of $550,000 in support of new equipment for TDMH.” The winning foursome for the day consisted of Harold Waterhouse, John Lamers, Jeff Lessif and Scott Baird. Thank you to all participants and sponsors of this event. Expanding diabetic education to the community Getting there ‘first with the most’ is a tactical military strategy credited to Civil War cavalry genius Nathan Bedford Forrest. It’s an approach which also pays strategic dividends in the battle against diabetes. And new funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care based on statistics revealing higher area incidence is allowing Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital to mount the equivalent of preemptive strikes. “The more aggressive we are in the beginning, the much better the outcomes are even decades later,” said Registered Nurse (RN) Dale McLeod, a member of TDMH’s Diabetes Education Centre. McLeod and Dietitian Karen Cook are members of a diabetes education program existing at TDMH for years. Statistics, a focus on groups at greater risk (one of those identified is the low-German-speaking Mennonite population) and an emphasis on community outreach have resulted in additional funding translating into an additional full-time RN (Lori Flowerday), part-time dietitian (Julie McConkey-Barks) and part-time social worker (Jessica Sarafinchin). Additional bodies and resultant additional hours help the team ‘get there first’ with a greater number of clients. And by working overlapping four 10-hour shifts, the team has made the most of the opportunity by extending availability from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. “We can catch more people before or after work hours,” said Cook. “Again, improving our accessibility.” Proactivity is vital, says McLeod, citing encouraging preliminary research indicating 50% of those diagnosed with pre-diabetes (elevated blood sugar levels which have not yet reached the full-blown diabetic range) receiving treatment will not go on to develop diabetes. Early identification, education, treatment and beneficial Back row left to right – Karen Cook, Dale McLeod, Dawn Copeland-Tomlinson Front row left to right – Jessica Sarafinchin, Julie McConkey-Barks, Lori Flowerday lifestyle adjustments are key factors in minimizing diabetes’ effects. “You want to maximize the quality of life for people living with this chronic disease and reduce the risk and effects of complications,” said McLeod. Sarafinchin’s addition to essentially a medically-based team represents a holistic approach for individuals who may have up to five complications related to diabetes. “The tangible, the psychological, the emotional – she is very good with that,” credited McLeod. Sarafinchin’s mandate also includes assisting with access to programs such as the ODSP, Trillium Drug Plan and Monitoring For Seniors program. The collective approach emphasizes diabetes is a complex disease requiring complicated treatment on a number of levels. “All of the team is here to offer that support to patients,” said Cook. Patients can self-refer, noted McLeod, verbalizing a final emphatic invitation to take advantage of TDMH’s ‘first with the most’, which the medical community terms the legacy effect. “Start early, be aggressive and outcomes are better years later.” TDMH ~ Page 3 It’s about providing Comfort, Dignity and Respect Opening of Palliative Care Rooms. Left to right – Dr. Vince VanHooydonk, Ida Tigchelaar, Cynthia Smith, Brian Fathers, Kelly Verhoeve There are times a patient’s ultimate destination is already known. But Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital’s palliative care unit does its best to make the final journey one of comfort, caring and dignity for those patients and their loved ones. “Every person is treated with respect and dignity,” said Kelly Verhoeve, Executive Leader, Patient The Do’s and Don’ts of Infection Prevention four-pronged approach whose best defensive practices feature proactive elements with a healthy dose of common sense blended in for good measure. Sally Martin Little things are a big deal at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. And whether or not flu season is upon us, on the horizon, or in its off-season, limiting the lifespan and transfer of potentiallyproblematic bacteria and viruses is always a top priority. “It’s really about prevention and also minimizing their spread,” said Julie Gilvesy, Senior Executive Leader/Chief Nursing Executive. Sally Martin, Infection Prevention and Control Professional said the gameplan can be summed up in a basic TDMH ~ Page 4 1. First and foremost, says Martin, is hand hygiene. “Hand hygiene is the single most important procedure to prevent the spread of infection,” she emphasized. “And it’s one thing everyone can do very easily, is clean their hands.” Soap, water and friction can break up and remove bacteria, said Martin. But alcohol-based cleansers combined with ‘proper’ friction (between fingers, under nails and at the base of the thumbs) will kill bacteria outright, which is why hand-wash stations are located at each entrance to TDMH and outside individual rooms as well as strategic locations throughout. Ample fluid should be used, says Martin, and ‘worked in’ for a period of 15 seconds, roughly the time it takes to silently ‘sing’ two choruses of ‘Happy Birthday’. 2. Cough etiquette is second on the list. Given the fact a sneeze can explode outward at 167kilometres-per-hour and travel five metres in 1/10th of a second, controlling the same or a cough is imperative. It is also imperative to do so in the proper manner – using the crook of one’s arm rather than a hand or hands, to limit germ transfer via contact. 3. Thirdly says Martin, visitors to the hospital should stay home if they are themselves, sick. Many visitors tend to make multiple visits, and if ill, can potentially spread germs over a wide range – to be spread further yet by other visitors or medical personnel. A related point is following hospital guidelines of two visitors per patient at a time and observing visiting hours so team members can do what they need to do in terms of patient care. Social interaction and support are valuable components to recovery, said Gilvesy. “That certainly is important.” But she also urged seeking a balance between that and patient rest. “Sometimes a 10-minute visit can be much more beneficial than an hour’s stay,” said Martin. 4. Finally, visitors should be aware of additional precautions (for example, contact, airborne or droplet) designated typically by colour-coded warning sheets including a familiar red octagonal with a hand inside. The sheets themselves contain additional precautions such as wearing a mask and gown. “Visitors can read the directions or stop and ask a team member what they mean,” said Martin. **insert picture The precautions are not only appropriate for hospitals, but transferable to nursing homes, for example, or virtually any public setting. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in the hospital or out in the grocery store,” Martin concluded. “You should be practicing these things.” Services. “And their quality of life is as palatable. noting that Tillsonburg is a small optimal as we can make it under any “If they want to brush their teeth town, and often, staff or volunteers circumstances.” or freshen up, they don’t have to go have a personal connection or have Two rooms were specially modified home,” said Verhoeve. developed one with the patient over and outfitted during recent long-term care. “Trying to renovations to provide balance the two (professionalism My wife Barbara Graves passed away recently enhanced palliative patient and personal feelings) can be care in a homier setting. challenging, but they do a really after a courageous battle with cancer. We’ve Upgraded beds for patients good job.” been in many hospitals throughout the years who may be lying in them on If Verhoeve has one and the care received at the Tillsonburg a full-time basis are flanked suggestion for families facing by more-comfortable bedside the situation, it would be to fully District Memorial Hospital was of the highest chairs and a recliner family understand a patient’s wishes, quality. The palliative care room provided us members can sleep in if which may not have been fully with the privacy and comfort that we needed, necessary. Metal lockers have communicated. It can be tough been replaced with a cherryand emotionally-challenging and allowed Barbara to maintain her dignity veneer armoire and matching making decisions on behalf of a in her last days. I can’t say enough about the bedside table and a designer patient who can no longer do so kind and compassionate nurses. Thank you for clock hangs over a curtained for themselves. (matching the bedspread) “We encourage people to making a difference. window with a stained glass have their plans in place for end Mr. Victor Comeau accent. A TV with DVD player of life care,” she said. and radio offer distractions The two new rooms provide for visitors and upgraded bathroom Palliative staff and volunteers an option (family and patient must comes complete with a ‘comfort receive specialized training to support agree) for full-time professional care basket’ (toiletries for family members family members leading up to and in a hospital setting designed to more supplied by local pharmacies) help through a patient’s final moments. closely resemble home,” Verhoeve make long-term visitation more “It can be tough,” said Verhoeve, concluded. TILLONSBURG DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL association The TDMH Volunteer Association has approximately 170 active volunteers and 14 volunteens who volunteer in most patient care areas and in their business operations within the hospital. The latter includes the Coffee Coffee Corner, Gift Shop and HELPP tickets. There are an additional 285 fundraising volunteers at Extravaganza. The in-house volunteers and volunteens come into the hospital every day to carry out their assigned duties. Just where can you find them and what do they do? When you see volunteers in the Coffee Corner and Gift Shop, it is obvious what they are doing. However many of the volunteers, while no less important, are less visible. Here are two examples (left to right) Sandy Kirkland, Jamie of hospital volunteers in action. Holman and volunteer George Dougherty Flower and Plant Care Program At the present time there are ten volunteers in the Flower and Plant Care group. When flower donations arrive at the hospital, these volunteers are called in and they re-arrange and distribute flowers throughout the specified areas of the hospital, including patient rooms, front lobby, rehabilitation services, dialysis and any other area that would be appropriate. Flower arrivals are unpredictable and it is to the credit of these dedicated volunteers that they are willing and able to come in on short notice to work their magic. The care of plants is carried out on a regular weekly schedule. They also water, fertilize and provide general plant care throughout the hospital. The hospital is a brighter place as a result of the work of our Flower and Plant Care volunteers. Perioperative Program There are currently six active volunteers in the Perioperative Program. These volunteers support staff in Day Surgery and the Outpatient Clinics as well as porter patients and assist team members with the delivery of snacks. They also transport stretchers to proper locations and respond to calls as required. Their help is invaluable as it allows hospital staff to concentrate on direct patient care. TDMH ~ Page 5 The importance of donor recognition It is in appreciation of the substantial support of our donors that the TDMH Foundation has established a Donor Recognition Program to acknowledge individuals, businesses and service clubs for their incredible support. The Program is designed to ensure appropriate, consistent and timely recognition of donor contributions. Wall” which is located in the main lobby of the hospital. Recognition is based on accumulative receipted donations and therefore donors have the opportunity to move up through the various levels. Photo opportunities and feature articles in newsletters and our website are also effective ways that the Foundation can recognize donors and express our appreciation. The “Donor Recognition Wall” also offers an opportunity to celebrate and honour a loved one by making a memorial donation and having their name displayed on the wall. “It is important for me and my family to honour my late husband James in this manner and, at the same time, we are helping our local hospital. It’s our way of saying thanks to the physicians and nurses for the wonderful and compassionate care that James received,” explained Mrs. Gail Wild. For further information on how you, your loved one or business/organization can be recognized on our donor wall, please contact David Corner, Director of Development at (519) 842-3611 ext. 311 or Loralee Heemskerk, Development Officer at ext. 312. Unveiling ceremony on June 22, 2010 (Jeff Helsdon) “The Foundation feels that it is important to recognize our donors for their generosity, thoughtfulness and genuine care for the health of the community,” explained Neil Tull, Board Chair. All donors receive a personalized letter of thanks along with a receipt for income tax purposes. Donors can also be publicly recognized on our “Donor Recognition TDMH ~ Page 6 Donor Wall Recognition Levels Visionaries $500,000+ Benefactors $250,000 - $499,999 Founders $100,000 - $249,999 Patrons $ 50,000 - $ 99,999 Partners $ 25,000 - $ 49,999 Associates $ 10,000 - $ 24,999 Supporters $ 5,000 - $ 9,999 Friends $ 1,000 - $ 4,999 Book of Giving (donations less than $1,000) Working together to build a Healthy Community Message from Neil Tull, Foundation Board Chair It is my pleasure to be serving on the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation in the capacity of Board Chair. We have a committed group of volunteers on our Board of Directors who are dedicated to assisting the Hospital in providing quality health care. What is the purpose of the Foundation? The TDMH Foundation is a registered charity and our purpose is to raise funds for new and replacement equipment, facility upgrades and special projects of the Hospital. Who benefits from your gift? Everyone! Health care is everyone’s concern. As our community grows and ages, the demands on our Hospital services will grow. We want to be ready to meet these growing needs. When you make a gift to the TDMH Foundation, we are able to continue the tradition of bringing advanced technology and quality care closer to home. We are deeply appreciative of your support. Visit our new website at www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca and click on “Foundation.” Donating is now made easy using our secure “on-line” process. Sincerely, Neil Tull Board Chair What’s on the horizon? The TDMH Foundation will be launching our first annual “Angels of Giving” Christmas Campaign to raise funds for advanced central monitoring system technology in our Intensive Coronary Care Unit. Watch for details in our local paper in November. TDMH ~ Page 7 Thank You... Thank You... Thank You... Thank You... The Baldwin Place Golf Tournament on August 31st donated $300.00. Pictured from left to right: Jack Jesson, David Corner, Director of Development, TDMH Foundation and Gerry Proceviat. Absent: Eric Aldcroft Mrs. Elizabeth Keszler (right) presented Eugene Heath (left) Foundation Board member with a $1,000 donation in memory of her late husband John Keszler as well as in appreciation of the wonderful care received by Dr. Bob Hevenor. Dr. Paul and Josie Edwards present a cheque for $5,000 to Devona Allin (right), Foundation Board member. Donated dollars are used for the purchase of new and replacement equipment, facility upgrades and other special projects of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. Liz Lessif (right), Convenor of the TDMH Volunteer Association’s Hospital Equipment Lottery Project for People (H.E.L.P.P.) Program and Madeline Csanyi (centre), Ticket Sales, recently presented a cheque to Cathy Dejaegher (left), R.N. for $1,400 towards the purchase of feeding pumps. Yes! I want to help our hospital by making a donation Name (please print): _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/Town: _____________________________________________ Postal Code: ______________________ I wish to donate: $ ___________________ by cheque VISA MasterCard Credit Card Number: ____________________________ Expiry Date: _________________ Please mail to: TDMH Foundation, 167 Rolph St., Tillsonburg ON N4G 3Y9 Or donatie on line at: www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca Thank you for supporting the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital A receipt will be issued for tax purposes