A publication for Staff and Physicians of IH

A publication for Staff and Physicians of IH
Dr. Halpenny talks about our organization as he sees it from his
day-to-day perspective.
The next Employee Engagement Survey takes place June 2015.
Tell us: At work, does your opinion count?
Eye-catching campaign encourages all adults to get tested for HIV.
Population Health and Mental Health and Substance Use work together
to help MHSU clients tackle smoking addiction.
IH employees help keep patients, clients, and residents safe from
the flu.
Board Chair Norman Embree and Board member David Goldsmith
send a fond farewell to employees and physcians of IH.
The Long-term Service Award celebrations recognize those who
achieve 25, 30, 35, 40, and even 45 years of service with IH.
Shining a spotlight on the many communities that make up where
we live, work, and play.
Snapshots of our staff in action over the last month.
Nursing Assistants Cindy Robinson (L) and Kathy Calverley both
received 25 Years of Service awards for their dedicated service at Overlander
Residential Care in Kamloops. Story p. 14.
The @InteriorHealth magazine is a monthly publication created by the Communications
Department of Interior Health. Past issues of @InteriorHealth can be found on our website
under About Us/Media Centre/Publications & Newsletters.
If you have story ideas for future issues, please e-mail: [email protected]
Deadline for submissions to the January 2015 @InteriorHealth magazine is December 8.
Editors: Amanda Fisher, Breanna Pickett
Designers: Breanna Pickett, Kara Visinski, Tracy Watson
IH Communications Contributors: Lisa Braman, Lesley Coates, Susan Duncan, Patrick Gall,
Karl Hardt, Megan Kavanagh, Breanna Pickett, Erin Toews, Tracy Watson
D
Dr. Halpenny rolled up his sleeve
on Nov. 5 to get a flu shot at a KGH
health-care worker clinic.
ecember is
often a time
for reflection;
when we find
a moment or two
amidst the holiday buzz
to pause and look back
at the year that has
passed. For me
personally, I see it as
an opportunity to take
stock of successes as
well as challenges,
acknowledge learning
and growth, and start thinking about where
it might be wise to focus those New Year’s
resolutions.
Reflecting on the last year in IH, I see a lot to
be proud of … and to celebrate.
Cardiac care was top of mind throughout 2014
as we expanded the outpatient Cardiac Services
Unit at Kelowna General, met key construction
milestones on our journey to the opening of the
Interior Heart and Surgical Centre in mid-2015,
and performed our 1000th open-heart surgery.
At Interior Health, we want to set
new standards of excellence in the
delivery of health services in B.C.
and to also promote healthy
lifestyles and provide needed health
services in a timely, caring, and
efficient manner.
To achieve this, we are guided by
the following strategic goals:
Goal 1 Improve Health
and Wellness
Goal 2 Deliver High Quality Care
Goal 3 Ensure Sustainable
Health Care by Improving
Innovation, Productivity,
and Efficiency
Goal 4 Cultivate an Engaged
Workforce and Healthy
Workplace
The articles featured in the @IH
newsletter are great examples of
how we’re achieving our goals …
and realizing our vision and mission.
Capital investments were a hot topic in other
areas of our region as well. Construction started
on both the Clinical Services Building and the
new operating room at Royal Inland Hospital,
and we also opened a new Child Psychiatric Unit
at that site. In addition, the Patient Care Tower
project was announced for Penticton Regional,
as was a new pediatric unit for East Kootenay
Regional Hospital.
The more intangible growth and development
of Interior Health as an organization was
recognized in February when we were named
a BC Top Employer – for the second year in a
row! And I have high hopes that we will hear
a repeat of this good news again in early 2015.
This designation is largely because of the
contributions we all make every day, no matter
our role, so thank you for helping to make IH
a great place to work.
On the physician front, we continued to build
our partnerships with the Divisions of Family
Practice and we are seeing successes – the
Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance
Use Collaborative, as well as the GP4ME
initiatives that are underway, are examples of
the valuable work being done.
The training of family physician residents in
B.C. also has a close IH connection – the UBC
Faculty of Medicine selected Royal Inland
Hospital and Kootenay Boundary Regional
Hospital as the two new sites for their residency
program, along with community clinics in these
areas. RIH residents started in August and the
KBRH residents will join us in July 2015. Having
these residency sites in IH allows for more
students to continue their training in the Interior
and also supports the long-term recruitment
and retention of physicians for our communities.
In addition, we learn and grow ourselves as our
sites transition into teaching hospitals.
In recent CEO messages, I touched on many
of the challenges we faced in terms of
emergency responses during the summer and
into early fall. And again I would like to highlight
the incredible efforts made across IH to respond
to everything from computer outages, to
environmental disasters, to code oranges. In
each situation, we rose to the occasion – as
we always do!
We are seeing this type of response repeated
in our on Ebola preparedness and planning. As
you know, this is an evolving situation; Canada
has yet to see a case and the risk remains low.
However, we cannot become complacent
because as the outbreak continues in parts of
West Africa, we could potentially see health-care
providers and aid workers returning from these
areas for months to come.
In my Nov. 24 Ebola update, I talked about
the Red Cross request for personnel and our
commitment to support staff interested in
taking on an assignment. And shortly after
that, we learned of our first IH clinician –
Patrice Gordon, a Family Nurse Practitioner
who works in the Chilcotin – heading to Sierra
Leone to care for Ebola patients. Patrice has
given us permission to share her experience
with staff and the public, so I invite you to see
the posts and photos on our Facebook page.
The comments are in Patrice’s own words –
powerful messages about taking on a
life-changing assignment like this and
helping out for the greater good.
It is the season of happy stories and talk of
family, along with stories of generosity and
giving back, like Patrice’s. However, it’s also
a time of year when we see many people
feeling the stress of the holidays – those
who have suffered recent tragedies or serious
illnesses often don’t feel they have much to
celebrate. Please be sensitive to colleagues
and patients who are having a difficult time
this season – think about what you can do to
let them know they matter, and that you care.
Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season
… and all the best for 2015!
I
n June 2015, Interior Health employees will be asked to complete an Employee Engagement Survey. This survey,
made up of 12 questions (Q12), is presented by the Gallup organization. These questions have consistently been
found to measure the aspects of employee engagement that link to business outcomes.
So, in preparing for the 2015 IH Employee Engagement Survey, we want to know what each Gallup Q12 question means
to you, and how it relates to your level of employee engagement.
In last month’s @IH, we opened for
discussion the following engagement survey
topic: There is someone at work who
encourages my development. Thank you
to all who responded - the response below
was particularly thought provoking:
Encouraging Development
“
If you would have asked me
this 10 years ago my response
would have been very different,
but I wonder if it is not the
acceptance of the responsibility
“
I have for my own development
that was missing and what I
needed to grow.
On Nov. 26, CEO Dr. Halpenny welcomed participants in the Next Generation
Clinical Leadership (NGCL) program to their first day of the Regional Workshop
in Vernon. The NGCL program supports front-line clinicians on their leadership
journey by strengthening and developing skills as they align with IH’s core
leadership competencies. L-R: Kristen Hanson, Communicable Disease Specialist
(VHC); Blair Girard, Registered Nurse (VJH); Dr. Halpenny; Donna Jansons,
Professional Practice Lead (KGH); Jessica Brecknock, Pharmacist (VJH); and
Michael MacAulay, Respiratory Therapist (VJH).
For the month of December, let’s discuss the seventh engagement survey question: At work my opinions seem
to count.
According to Gallup’s research of employee engagement, those who feel that their opinions count also have greater
feelings of inclusion, an increased a sense of value, a sense of responsibility and ownership, and better overall
performance.
With that in mind, tell us your thoughts. Are your opinions welcomed? Have you ever had any of your ideas
incorporated? If so, how did you feel? If not, share your thoughts. Think about how you will answer this question
in June 2015 when you are asked to take the Engagement Survey.
Please send your feedback to YourOpinionsCount and we’ll share excerpts in the next @IH. As always, the complete
list of responses is posted on the Engagement web page, where you’ll also find more information on engagement.
S
“
exy” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about getting tested for HIV, but a new
campaign that Interior Health launched on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, is encouraging us all to re-think that.
The “My Health is Sexy” campaign uses intimate, eye-catching images to spread the word that knowing your
HIV status and taking control of your health can be sexy.
The campaign is part of the province’s ground-breaking Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP
HIV/AIDS) program. The aim of the STOP HIV/AIDS program is to reduce HIV transmission and improve the health
outcomes of those living with HIV by offering widespread HIV testing, treatment, and early engagement into care.
The edgy campaign was developed by Be the Change Group, a population and public health consulting and social
marketing firm that is working closely with Interior
Health’s STOP HIV leadership team. The concept for
the campaign was based on information gathered
through an extensive needs assessment and focus
groups.
“The feedback from local focus groups was that many
HIV and sexual health campaigns did not speak to true
life experiences,” says Dr. Trevor Corneil, IH Medical
Health Officer. “Positive sexy images were important,
not only to get their attention, but to make the
messaging relevant. This is in keeping with campaigns
we are seeing across North America.”
In addition to encouraging testing, the campaign also
tackles stigma and misinformation about HIV that
continue to be barriers to getting tested.
“There remains a great deal of stigma around HIV
despite extraordinary advances in treatment. An early
diagnosis can make all the difference – it reduces the
spread of HIV and improves treatment outcomes,
allowing people who are HIV positive to live normal
lives,” says Dr. Corneil.
“We hope this campaign will inspire people to take
control of their health, be proactive in requesting an
HIV test, and begin life-saving treatment if necessary.”
It is estimated that one in four people living with HIV
are not aware they have the virus. The aim of the
campaign is to increase and normalize HIV testing by
encouraging all adults to get an HIV test as a part of
their routine health care and to prevent unknowingly
transmitting the virus to others.
Dr. Corneil adds, “HIV can affect anyone. Approximately
40 per cent of new HIV cases in the Interior Health
region do not have an identifiable risk factor – that
means they don’t fit into one of the ‘traditional’
high-prevalence populations so they may never have
been offered a test or asked to be tested.”
Medical Health Officer Dr. Trevor Corneil and Registered Nurse
Jeanie Fraser helped kick off our "My Health Is Sexy" campaign
this week with an HIV rapid testing event held at UBC Okanagan.
The first phase of the campaign promotes HIV testing
for all adults with specific materials targeting men who
have sex with men. Future campaign materials will
target additional high-prevalence populations including
injection drug users and sex trade workers.
For more information on the campaign, visit
www.myhealthissexy.com.
The Three Core STOP HIV/AIDS Activities
Testing: Routine facility HIV testing initiatives, community-based screening, targeted testing for higher
risk groups.
Engagement: Engaging and retaining known and new HIV positive persons into care; collaboration with
local clinical providers and with local community agencies.
Treatment: Enhanced capacity of health-care providers (nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians) to
support HIV clinical care closer to home.
T
he desire to quit is evident in simple statements
from clients in Marie Jackson’s tobacco cessation
support group.
“I just want to be able to breathe normally again.”
“I have a lung disease and so does she.”
“I can’t even do housework.”
These are the Mental Health and Substance Use clients
that a new training model for Community MHSU employees
is designed to help. They are the people who clinicians
have traditionally supported to find housing, employment,
drug and alcohol recovery programs, and attend medical
appointments.
What most MHSU staff members don’t do is counsel their
clients on quitting smoking.
“We tended to think tobacco was the least of their
concerns,” says MHSU Practice Lead Jamie Marshall.
But startling research has prompted a cultural shift toward
addressing tobacco use among mental health clients.
Studies show people with chronic mental health illness die
an estimated 25 years earlier than the general population,
with tobacco being the major contributor. The research
also shows these people are eager to quit or reduce their
tobacco use so they don’t die from smoking-related
illnesses.
Jamie Marshall, MHSU Practice Lead; David Forbes
Pharmacist/Instructor; and Heather Deegan, Population
Health Manager, celebrate a successful training session.
Wednesday afternoon in Kamloops. They offer each other
encouragement, along with ideas on ways to reduce their
tobacco use. Marie facilitates the discussion and comes
prepared each time with interesting information and
education about tobacco use.
One participant, Dan, chews nicotine gum, but he quit
smoking cigarettes two years ago. He still comes to the
group because he likes the social atmosphere and “Marie
has great information.”
The new tobacco cessation training arose out of a meeting
between Promotion & Prevention, MHSU, and Aboriginal
Health. It resulted in a request to Community Integrated
leadership to support an integrated education strategy
where multiple programs would work together to offer
a two-year tobacco training package to MHSU staff and
clinicians.
“The greatest benefit of this training is the collaboration
between the Tobacco Reduction Program and the MHSU
That’s not surprising to Marie, an RN who has spent most
Program. This partnership enables the direct provision of
of her career working with MHSU clients. She took intensive tobacco-related information to staff, information tailored
tobacco cessation training seven years ago through a Mayo to the unique considerations of MHSU clients. By extension,
Clinic program. From that, she started a tobacco support
hundreds of clients will be assisted to stop smoking
group that continues to this day.
through their ongoing relationship with our MHSU clinicians
and program staff,” says Heather Deegan, Manager of
The group of MHSU clients meets for 45 minutes every
Population Health Services.
A component of the training is an in-person presentation
by a pharmacist to discuss pharmacotherapy considerations
in reducing tobacco use. The first Quit Now Live training
sessions took place in Kelowna, Penticton, and Castlegar
in October. A second opportunity is planned for February.
More sessions will be held in East Kootenay and Thompson
Cariboo later in the spring.
because she also has clients with that burning desire to
quit.
Laura Perepelkin, an MHSU outreach worker in Nelson,
took the Quit Now Live course provided by David Forbes,
a pharmacist from Nanaimo hospital, and is recommending
it to all her colleagues.
The hope is MHSU clinicians will take the training back to
their sites and expand on it in a number of ways, such as
setting up the support groups that have been so successful
for Marie.
“I’ve worked here for 13 years and this is probably the
best presentation I’ve been to. It was so professional,
interactive, and engaging for a pretty dry topic.”
“I don’t want to go outside in the cold to smoke. I don’t
want to be sick and I know I have to quit smoking to
achieve that,” says Sandra, a member of the tobacco
support group. “It really helps to know you are not the only
one struggling and have it reinforced that you can quit.”
After the training, Laura says she feels well-equipped to
support her clients in an informed, non-judgmental way.
As well, Quit Now Services offers a whole resource centre
where people can access a myriad of helpful tools,
including scheduled messages of encouragement to their
phones.
“There was so much information that I thought I knew
but really didn’t,” Laura adds.
That enthusiasm has convinced Jessica Smith who works
in Trail with the Intensive Case Management team to sign
up. Jessica plans to attend the IH workshop in early 2015
Laura Perepelkin, Outreach Support Worker, says the
Quit Now Live training session was one of the best courses
she has taken during 13 years at IH.
“I think I would raise the idea of quitting with them if I
had better knowledge around the subject. It’s one thing
to tell someone that smoking is bad and another when
you can approach the idea with a solid plan.”
Good information, Nicotine Replacement Therapy products,
and consistent support help our clients realize success,
says Marie.
That’s why she ensures her MHSU clients have a place
to go every Wednesday afternoon to work on a goal that
makes them feel more alive than they did the previous
day, when they smoked.
It’s also why the tobacco use training initiative is a high
priority for Population Health and MHSU teams.
Marie Jackson, RN, holds the carbon monoxide breath
monitor that her clients use in their support group to
see if they are in the range of a limited or non-smoker.
M
ore than 13,000 employees have rolled up
their sleeves and gotten a flu shot as of Dec. 4.
Flu season began on Dec. 1 and we are ready
to protect our patients, clients, and residents from the
influenza virus. Those health-care workers who haven’t
had a flu shot will be wearing masks while in patient care
areas during flu season.
Frances Kerstiens, Project Lead for the Health-care
Worker Influenza Policy, says “This wouldn’t have been
possible without the amazing support of our flu clinic
nurses and peer nurse immunizers. They have truly
made a difference in our effort to get so many health-care
workers vaccinated this year.”
One big change to this year’s flu program was the
requirement that all IH staff self-report their flu shot.
“We know it’s a big change, and we appreciate all those
who have taken a minute to report their shot on
flu.interiorhealth.ca,” says Frances.
Just because flu season has begun, doesn’t mean the work
is over. Hand washing and staying home when you’re sick
are both important in controlling the spread of influenza.
And of course, if you haven’t had a flu shot, there is still
time to get one.
Flu shots continue to be available at our regular WH&S
Employee Immunization Clinics, as well as though some
community providers (e.g., Public Health, physicians, and
pharmacists). Visit the flu clinic locator to find one near
you.
Above: Donna Harvey Smith provides
a flu shot to a health-care worker at
the Capri Health Clinic.
Above: Administering the flu vaccine
is Hanna Murray, Program Nurse, at
Penticton Regional Hospital.
Left: Joyce Feere, Flu Program
Nurse for EK (L), and Tanya Kenke,
Flu Clinic Nurse, start off their
eighth flu season together giving
flu shots to staff at EKRH.
IH Board Chair Norman Embree and Secwepemc First Nations
Kukpi7 (Chief) Wayne Christian during the 2012 signing of the
Interior Partnership Accord between Interior Health and seven
Interior First Nations.
A
nybody who knows him will tell you Interior Health Board Chair Norman Embree is a people person.
He is quick to smile, asks about your family, and shares news about his own. He has a hearty chuckle and,
always a gentleman, is the first to offer his chair to a lady.
That’s because for Norman there are few things in life as important as relationships. As his seven-year term on the
Interior Health Board comes to a close this month, his focus on relationships has clearly served the organization well
and will be considered part of Norman’s legacy.
When Norman was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2007, Interior Health was still a relatively young organization,
and relationships between the health authority and many of its stakeholders had at times been rocky.
“Robert and I have worked tirelessly to improve engagement and build relationships,” says Norman, referring to our
President and CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny. “Relationships are key. Probably the biggest change I have seen while
here is how relationships with physicians in our facilities have improved. We recognize that physician engagement is
absolutely vital.
“I’ve also seen a great change in relationships with First Nations within our health authority. I take great pride in we’ve
all worked hard together, and now have Letters of
Understanding signed with all but one of the seven
Nations in Interior Health and the B.C. Metis, the most
recent being the Northern St’at’imc in March this year.
“The leaders of these Nations saw the same statistics
we were looking at in terms of health care among our
Aboriginal residents, and we knew we had to work
together. Each Letter of Understanding is significant.
It represents an important commitment on both sides
to work collaboratively to improve health services for
First Nations people.”
Norman successfully navigated huge changes in
technology and market structure in his previous role at
the helm of a successful manufacturing business in
Hamilton, Ont. He still maintains part ownership of that
company, which was originally started by his grandfather
in 1913.
He has since provided leadership and guidance to several
organizations including Okanagan College, Shuswap
Hospice Society, Haney Heritage House, and other business
and commercial activities.
An avid fisher and golfer, Norman has been enjoying life
in the Shuswap for close to 20 years. He and his wife Ruth
have been married for 47 years. He is also a father and
grandfather. While all this may be enough to keep some
retirees busy, Norm has other plans.
“Although I am 71 years old this winter, I definitely feel
I still have something to contribute. I have always had
vision and seen where we need to go when I’m involved
with an organization,” he says. “I have a few things on
the go.”
Whatever the future holds, you can be guaranteed that
relationships will continue to play a major role.
“I have made some terrific friends within Interior Health
and within the communities we serve. Health is so
important to everyone; it opens a lot of doors and I’ve
met some really great people.”
BOARD MEMBER
BIDS
H
iring a new President and CEO, an ongoing
emphasis on quality, several major capital projects,
and a focus on rural and Aboriginal health-care
needs are among the highlights for Board member
David Goldsmith as he nears the end of his six-and-a-half
year term with Interior Health.
“I have truly enjoyed my tenure on the Board of Directors,”
says David. “The past few years have seen significant challenges as health service demands continue to grow.
I congratulate Dr. Halpenny and all of the Executive of Interior Health on managing to balance the budget during these
lean financial times, while at the same time providing quality health services to the people of the Southern Interior.
“I have been constantly impressed with the level of dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism brought to the job
every day by our staff. From rural remote areas, to regional centres, to our tertiary hospitals, the staff at all levels
and our physician teams are exemplary.
“In addition, I believe that the Board is well positioned to provide strong governance oversight to the organization
into the months and years ahead.”
While officially retired, David believes in exercising the brain and body to stay healthy. He is looking forward to
travelling in Southern Spain with his wife Marilyn (pictured above), where they plan to relax, hike a bit, and enjoy way
fewer emails. Upon his return home to Spillimacheen in the Columbia Valley, David plans to pursue new opportunities to
provide groups with direction and leadership.
“I want to thank my Board colleagues and everyone at Interior Health for supporting me in my position over the past
six years. Keep up the great quality work!” Adios David, enjoy your time in Spain.
Recognizing our Long-term Employees
T
his year, 1,712 employees and physicians achieved a significant service milestone with Interior Health.
Congratulations!
At our annual Long-term Service Awards, held across the region, special recognition was given to those who
have achieved 25, 30, 35, 40, and even 45 years of service and contribution to our organization.
Employees and physicians throughout the Okanagan, East Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, and Thompson Cariboo
Shuswap attended a dinner in their honour and received an award from members of our Senior Executive Team.
An additional heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers who helped to co-ordinate these special events.
Pictured here are some of this year’s award recipients. Visit the Recognition web page on the InsideNet for a full listing
of recipients and event photos.
Top left: East Kootenay Regional Hospital physicians Dr. Michael
Haiduk (L) and Dr. David Lenz received 35 Years of Service awards.
Bottom left: Kootenay Boundary Hospital physician Dr. Trudi Toews
(L), and Poplar Ridge Pavillion nursing assistant Marilyn
Stevenson received 40 Years of Service awards.
Top right: Sandra Brown, Unit Clerk, Overlander
Extended Care, and Dr. David Ritenburg, RIH
Family Practice, were both recognized for 40 years.
Bottom right: Gayle Filipenko, LPN, Combined
Medical Surgical Unit (L), and Jan Coffey, LPN,
Nursing Rehabilitation, both receive 40 Years of
Service awards for their dedicated service at Penticton
Regional Hospital.
Significant Service Milestones
Healthy Community
Osoyoos
Interior Health, the Town of Osoyoos, and various other regional stakeholders
have established a Healthy Communities Committee partnership with the goal
of improving community health and wellness throughout the area. The Osoyoos
Health Centre employees have also recently created a Community Outreach
Fund to provide food and clothing vouchers and gift certificates to families and
individuals in need.
Lifestyle
At a glance
Population: Approx. 5,000
Health Services: Osoyoos Health
Centre, as well as other community
and residential programs and
services.
Economy: Tourism and
agriculture.
Located at the narrowest section of Osoyoos Lake, the Town of Osoyoos enjoys
the hottest summer days in Canada. With all that heat, there are many
opportunities for great summer activities including all sorts of water sports,
biking, and hiking. Vineyards and fruit stands are also plentiful in the small
multicultural community.
In our own words...
“The day I relocated to Osoyoos, the blossoms were blooming shades of pink
and white and the sky was blue in late March. Now, 20 some years later, I am
still amazed at the blossoms and love the fruit that follows. Osoyoos is
Canada’s warmest place – both in weather and the people who live here! I love
the community where I golf, swim, fish, take in a hockey game, hike, enjoy the
beach, eat well, enjoy great wines, and watch the best fireworks at our Cherry
Fiesta. I also enjoy my colleagues who work with me at the Osoyoos Health
Centre.” – Bev Adams, Registered Nurse, Seniors Mental Health
Penticton
Submitted by: Helen Heyes
Kelowna
Submitted by: Cheryl Sidenburg
Zinnia Lake, Grand Forks
Submitted by: Donna Thibeault
Merritt
Submitted by: Karen Szabo
Where We Live & Work ... A Spotlight on Our Communities
Our employees regularly share photos of the spectacular scenery that surrounds them wherever they are in the IH
region. Majestic mountain ranges, pristine pine-fringed lakes, blossom-filled orchards, abundant vineyards, and thick
forests alive with wildlife are just some of the beautiful things that make up these places we call home.
Covering over 215,000 square kilometres, Interior Health is diverse in nature and composed of vibrant urban centres
and unique rural communities. This @IH feature shines a spotlight on many of these places … and perhaps will entice
you to add them to your travel wish list.
This month we feature photos near Penticton, Kelowna, Grand Forks, and Merritt.
Submit your photos of the beautiful places that make up IH: [email protected]
snapshots from the region ...
Interior Health residents can get a sense of what it’s like to be on
the front lines of the Ebola battle in Sierra Leone by reading the
dispatches of IH Nurse Practitioner Patrice Gordon. Patrice is
currently in West Africa with the Red Cross of Canada, caring for
Ebola patients. Her posts are descriptive and compelling. Find
them and her photos on our IH Facebook page. Here, Patrice (L)
is in full personal protective equipment.
This patient clearly enjoyed a magical moment with Skye, an
Australian Labradoodle who, with handler Trudie, recently
joined the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program on a visit
to Royal Inland Hospital. Making a patient's day and providing
unconditional love is what it's all about for the therapy dogs,
who are regular visitors to the Kamloops hospital, always
bringing smiles to both patients and employees alike. More
photos are posted on our Facebook page.
On Nov. 21 Health Minister Terry Lake and MLA Todd Stone
joined representatives from Interior Health and the Kamloops
RCMP to announce increased support for those living mental
health and/or substance use disorders. Read the full new
releases for more information: New funding to strengthen
mental health and substance use services and Mental health
care response improves through continued partnership.
Pictured here are (L-R): RN Kirk Sullivan, Cst. Marie Gagnon,
Cst. Kim Lucas, CIHS Manager (COK) John Yarschenko, Supt.
Brad Mueller, Health Services Administrator Cathy Thibault,
Hon. Todd Stone, Kamloops MH & Addition Services Manager
Kerry McLean-Small, and Hon. Terry Lake.
Kelowna General’s Cardiac Surgery Program team
celebrated the completion of its 1,000th open heart
surgery this month. The program serves residents of the
Southern Interior. Pictured here is the Cardiac Surgery
team (L-R) including: Dr. Ahmad Poostizadeh, Dr. Guy
Fradet, Carol Laberge, and Dr. Calvin Wan.
Not pictured, Dr. Costas Schulze.
In Golden B.C., Remembrance Day saw former comrades in arms
attending the ceremony together. Former British Military members
of the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps are now IH colleagues (L-R):
Jo Evison, Manager Golden & District Hospital, Erica Phillips, Acute
Health Services Administrator (EK), and Richard Harding, Acute Director
Health Services (NOK/VJH). Combined, these three have over 50 years of
military service.
Lillooet hospital order clerk Jody
Eliuk is responsible for ensuring
visitors, patients, and staff at
Lillooet’s residential and acute site
can enjoy the region's vast outdoors
through her artwork.
Jody, in the photo, singlehandedly
painted this amazing mural on the
inner courtyard wall of the
residential care facility.