Foundation - Almonte General Hospital

Transcription

Foundation
A publication of the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation
MAY 2012
Special words from a very special person
“The heart of our community is this hospital…”
By Debbi O’Malley
In 2003 my life forever changed. My
husband, Jim, was diagnosed with stagefour kidney cancer on his 60th birthday.
His decline was rapid and unstoppable.
The brief weeks between my happy
marriage and widowhood were filled
with panic. I needed help. The doctors
and nursing staff of the Almonte General
Hospital became my lifeline and guiding
light.
During Jim’s illness he was able to remain at home some of the time. However, he was obliged to go to the Hospital
several times a week. The nursing staff
ensured there was always a bed for him.
We were told, “Don’t hesitate; when
you have to come in, come in.” The atmosphere was always welcoming and
compassionate. The nights Jim needed
to stay in the Hospital, I was allowed to
be with him. I am not sure I could have
done that at a city hospital.
This tragic time coincided with the
launch of the Quality Care for Life Campaign to redevelop the Almonte General
Hospital and Fairview Manor. I knew
I wanted to do something to help the
Hospital, not only as a way to say thank
you, but also to ensure quality care in
the future. Mr. Gerry Huddleston of the
AGH-FVM Foundation assisted me to
craft my gift. I decided to make a pledge
in memory of Jim and to dedicate the
Medical/Surgical Wing to him.
Jim and I were no strangers to Almonte General Hospital. We moved to Almonte in 1988 following our marriage.
We agreed that we would live in a small
town only if it had a quality hospital. Almonte General Hospital unquestionably
qualified.
Jim and I agreed one way to support
the Hospital was to volunteer. I started
volunteering at the Hospital by delivering evening drinks and snacks to patients
in the Rosamond Unit and the Medical/
Surgical Unit. I also joined the Board of
Directors in the mid-1990s.
In 2009 my family experienced another health issue. In his Toronto home,
my elderly father slipped and fell in the
back yard, breaking his hip. Though he
was sent for care in a world-class hospital, the difference in care he received
was staggering. Our concerns were dismissed as “Well, this is the way health
care is now.” Not true in Almonte, I
thought to myself.
Shortly afterwards, at my behest, my
parents relocated to Almonte and are
now under the care of our local health
team. My father has been cared for by
the staff of the Emergency Department,
Medical/Surgical Department, and the
Rosamond Unit. I cannot adequately express the difference the skilful and selfless staff have made to our family.
Following is the wording I chose for
the plaque in the Almonte General Hospital in Jim’s memory:
“The Heart of our community is this
hospital…This is where those in need
are met by those who care…Neighbours
helping neighbours…The circle begins
and ends here…This is our pride, our
Almonte Hospital.”
See SPECIAL pg. 3
Debbi O’Malley with a photo of her late husband Jim Mackie
Almonte General Hospital/Fairview
Manor Patient Care Equipment
Priorities for 2012-2013
The Almonte General Hospital has
more $370,000 worth of equipment on
its 2012-13 capital request list.
“We have a newly redeveloped Hospital and to remain on the leading edge
we need new equipment to replace aging
equipment and to ensure we stay up to
date,” says Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor Foundation Executive
Director Gerry Huddleston.
“Thanks to the support of our generous donors we are making progress, but
we continue to raise funds for several
patient care equipment items.”
Operating Room
Wireless Surgical Monitor - $18,000
This monitor is used by surgeons to
See EQUIPMENT pg. 3
Inside this issue...
BMO donates $20,000
BMO officials toured the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor recently and, while onsite, presented a generous donation of $20,000 for capital equipment. Taking part in the presentation were, from left, AGH Vice President and CFO Brian Burns, BMO Senior Commercial Account Manager Richard Whetstone, BMO Divisional Vice President – Eastern Ontario
Carolyn Booth, AGH President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider and BMO Personal Banking
Area Manager – Ottawa West Rick Campagna.
Great donations .....................2
Legacy giving ......................8-9
Capital equipment ................3
Golf classic .......................... 11
Doctors relocate .....................5 Physician volunteers ...........12
Long service ........................6-7 Volunteers recognized .........13
Page 2 — AGH/FVM Quality Care for Life — May 2012
Houchaimi family donates $20,000 to purchase defibrillator
for Almonte General Hospital’s Emergency Department
Christmas came early for the Almonte General Hospital as the Houchaimi
family proudly donated $20,000 for the
purchase of a new defibrillator for the
Emergency Department.
As members of the Almonte community, the Houchaimis have been patients of Dr. Christiane Deschenes for
more than 25 years and have relied on
Almonte Hospital services for more
than 30 years—no more so than in 2007
when Salim Houchaimi suffered a heart
attack.
Wanting to give back to a community
that has given their family so much, a
donation to the Almonte General Hospital was an easy decision.
A meeting with Gerry Huddleston, Executive Director of the Almonte General
Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation,
revealed the need for a new defibrillator
for the ER. Given the Houchaimi family’s own experience with heart disease,
a defibrillator seemed to be a very symbolic and appropriate gift.
Dr. Deschenes joined with the family
Dec. 21, 2011 in the ER for a photo with
a new defibrillator.
The Houchaimi family donated $20,000 for the purchase of a new defibrillator for the Emergency Department of the Almonte General Hospital. In the photo, from left are, Salim, Salha, Dr.
Christiane Deschenes, Billy, Albert with Salim and Mike Houchaimi. Missing from the photo is
Moodie Houchaimi.
Almonte Civitan Club funds new ECG machine for AGH
The Almonte Civitan Club’s ongoing generous support for health care in
the community continued this spring as
the club donated $17,000 for the pur-
chase of a new ECG at Almonte General Hospital (AGH).
“The Hospital helps the community, and that’s what we’re all about,”
Civitan Club donates $17,000
The Almonte Civitan Club has donated $17,000 to purchase this new ECG machine for the
Emergency Department at Almonte General Hospital. From left are Civitans John Levi, Rick
Libbey, Bill Lawrence, Grant Chaplin, AGH Director of Diagnostic Imaging Kathy O’Connell,
and Civitans Roger Gonneau, Pat Kennedy, Paul Castonguay, Marsha Guthrie, Sharon Libbey,
Carole Chaplin, and Art Levi.
said Civitan President Bill Lawrence.
“Everybody in the community comes
through the Hospital at one time or another.”
The Hospital’s director of diagnostic imaging, Kathy O’Connell, said the
new ECG (electrocardiogram) machine
incorporates the most up-to-date technology available. ECG results can now
be sent electronically from the computer at AGH to be read by a cardiologist at
the Ottawa General Hospital. This process now produces a cardiologist-read
ECG within a week. The cardiologist’s
report is printed at AGH and delivered
promptly to the doctor who ordered the
test. The old process could have taken
up to a month by the time the ECGs
were sent to the Ottawa General, read,
and couriered back to AGH.
“It’s made a big difference,” said
Ms. O’Connell.
The new machine produces much
more detailed tests than the old equipment, helping to more quickly diagnose
a heart attack, and get proper treatment
started right away.
The new machine and its processing
makes AGH ready for the next step—
Thank you to all our donors
By Mary Wilson Trider
As you look through the pages of this
newspaper you will see photographs of
some of the individuals, families and
businesses who supported the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor
Foundation during the 2011-12 fiscal
year and some of the equipment their
donations purchased.
To those donors and to all the generous people in our community who gave
to the Foundation in 2011-12, a warm
thank you from our staff, physicians,
midwives and volunteers. Your gifts
have made a difference in the lives of
our patients and residents by providing new equipment for diagnosing and
treating illness, for ensuring comfortable surroundings and for keeping them
safe. Your generosity has benefited the
very old, the brand-new and all those in
between.
In 2011-12 you bought:
• 22 beds for the Medical/Surgi-
Mary Wilson Trider
cal unit, Rosamond Unit and Fairview
Manor
• Five bassinets, an isolette and pho-
totherapy light and oxygen equipment
for the Nursery
• A birthing bed for Obstetrics
• A centrifuge for the Laboratory
• Two anaesthesia carts, two laparoscopes, a hysteroscope and instrument
trays for the Operating Room
• A defibrillator, ECG machine, gynaecology stretcher and ice dispenser
for the Emergency Department
• A height-adjustable hydromassage tub with patient lift and a blanket
warmer for the Rosamond Unit
• Two heat sealers for Central Sterile
Processing
• A standing frame for Physiotherapy
• Colpac units (used to make splints)
for Physiotherapy
• A PCA medication pump for the
Medical/Surgical unit
Mary Wilson Trider is the President
& CEO of the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor
making all patients’ records accessible
to other hospitals at the click of a button, said Ms. O’Connell. Eventually, a
patient’s ECG will be stored in a central computer, eliminating the need for
paper copies, or to mail ECG results to
out-of-town doctors.
With the new ECG machine in the
Emergency Department, and another
recently purchased ECG in the X-ray
Department, patients can be assured
that they are receiving the best and
most modern ECGs available today,
Ms. O’Connell said.
The Almonte Civitan Club has donated a total of $76,580 to AGH and
Fairview Manor, and is recognized as
a “Founder” by the Almonte General
Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation.
“We are incredibly grateful for the
generous support from service organizations like the Civitan Club,” said
Foundation Executive Director Gerry
Huddleston.
The Almonte Civitan Club, formed
in 1972, celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The club still has four original charter
members among its current 88-member
roster.
Visit www.agh-fvm.com
The Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor website at www.aghfvm.com is a wealth of information about
the Hospital and Manor, including useful
information for patients, residents and
visitors. Here’s a sample of what you can
find on the site:
• Information about Hospital and Manor departments and programs
• Who’s who in the Hospital administration and on its Board of Directors
• A directory of local physicians
• Useful information for prospective
inpatients and outpatients
• Hospital and Manor news and coming events
• Postings of job opportunities at the
Hospital and Manor
• Hospital patient safety statistics
• Information about the AGH/FVM
Foundation and its activities
• Senior and junior volunteer opportunities
• Visiting hours and other visitor information
• Directions to the Hospital and Manor
• Useful links to other health care
websites
You can also make donations to the
Hospital and Manor online. Visit www.
agh-fvm.com today.
May 2012 — AGH/FVM Quality Care for Life — Page 3
SPECIAL
•From pg. 1
On frequent saunters around the Hospital I stop with pride at Jim’s memorial
plaque designed by Almonte artists Stephen Brathwaite and Dale Dunning.
I am asking your family to join mine
in support of our great community asset,
the Almonte General Hospital. If you
can afford some time, please volunteer.
We have fun. You will feel good and
your efforts are palpable.
Essential medical equipment, not
funded by any level of government, is
needed every year. All of the items of
equipment described elsewhere in this
newsletter have been identified as top
priorities for patient care in the current
year.
If you would like more information,
speak with Gerry Huddleston at 613256-2514, ext. 2297. He knows where
your donation can best serve our Hospital and keep it strong. If you want to
remember the passing of a loved one, a
named gift is a beaming celebration like
no other.
You can make a difference!
Tremendous tribute
Generous donor Debbi O’Malley stands with the plaque honouring her late husband James
Mackie. The Medical-Surgical Unit was dedicated in honour of Mr. Mackie.
EQUIPMENT •From pg. 1
view their work during laparascopic surgery. This minimally invasive form of
surgery uses small incisions and scopes
connected to video cameras. AGH currently has one monitor shared by two
surgeons.
ed with special coloured light to reduce
bilirubin levels.
LED Laryngosopes upgrade $5,700
Acquiring this equipment will greatly
assist staff in inserting breathing tubes
used during surgery requiring general
anaesthesia. A laryngoscope is used to
obtain a view of the vocal cords to facilitate tracheal intubation.
Portable Telemetry - $5,000
This equipment is used to monitor an
unborn baby’s heartbeat while the mother is in labour. The equipment is portable, so the mother can move around.
Gynecology Trays (2) - $9,000
These are complete sets of the instruments used in gynecological abdominal
surgeries, such as hysterectomies.
CSR Washer - $39,000
This is a washer/disinfector used to
wash surgical instruments prior to sterilization. AGH currently has one washer;
acquiring a second will help shorten the
wait time between surgical cases.
Restoscopes/Urethrotome - $30,000
Acquiring these instruments will enable AGH to offer prostate surgery, a service not currently available in Almonte.
Recovery Room
Bedside Monitors (4) - $ 24,000
These monitors are used to make sure
patients’ vital signs are stable following
surgery. AGH currently has two monitors, which are past their replacement
date. As surgery volumes at AGH have
risen, the number of beds in the Recovery Room has increased.
Emergency Room
Glydescope - $16,000
The glydescope provides a clear digital image to assist in the intubation of
surgery patients. A clear image is critical, as intubation can be challenging
with very sick patients.
Obstetrics
Isolette - $17,800
The isolette is a type of bed used
to keep newborn babies warm, and to
provide them with phototherapy. The
bilirubin levels of newborns is assessed
through blood tests. If the reading is
high (an indication of neonatal jaundice)
the baby is kept in the isolette and treat-
IV Pump - $10,500
These pumps provide fluids and certain medications intravenously.
Water/Ice Dispenser
$8,500
The Obsterics Department currently
lacks a dispenser to help provide fluids
to mothers in labour.
Carescape Vital Signs Monitors (2)
- $8,000
These monitors measure the vital
signs of mothers and babies before, during and after delivery.
Rosamond Unit
Carendo Shower Chair - $9,400
Some patients require special showering arrangements, since traditionally used methods are uncomfortable. A
shower trolley only provides a completely supine method, making it uncomfortable, especially for those with breathing
difficulties. The shower chair is a better
option for hair washing, pedicure, toileting, etc.
Bariatric Shower Trolley - $15,000
The trolley currently used on the Rosamond Unit is small and can only be
used on smaller individuals. The Bariatric Shower Trolley is designed for lots
of power and ample space for larger
individuals. The trolley can be used
for showering, transportation, and as a
changing or treatment trolley. High side
rails keep patients safely in place.
Medication Cart - $7,000
The Hospital’s plan is to bring Registered Practical Nurses to full scope of
practice, which will see them administering medication. The Hospital will
need to have more than one medication
cart to implement this.
Ceiling Lifts and Tracks - $15,200
Ceiling lifts require less space to
operate than floor lifts, and are always
available for use. They eliminate the
need for storage requirements. They are
easy to use and safe for both patients and
staff. The objective is to eventually have
ceiling-mounted lifts in every room.
Medical/Surgical Unit
Carescape Vital Signs Monitors (3)
$12,000
Health care professionals use four diagnostic instruments to measure blood
pressure, pulse, temperature and sometimes oxygen levels. These units can
monitor vital signs over a period of time
and keep track for the history of those
measurements.
IV Pumps (2) - $6,800
An infusion pump infuses fluids,
medication or nutrients into a patient’s
circulatory system. Infusion pumps can
administer fluids in ways that would be
impractical or unreliable if performed
manually be nursing staff. More equipment is needed to keep up with the increase in surgical patients and the severity of medical cases coming to the
Hospital.
Medication Cart - $7,000
The Hospital’s plan is to bring Registered Practical Nurses to full scope of
practice, which will see them administering medication. The Hospital will
need to have more than one medication
cart to implement this.
Bed - $7,100
The beds in the Medical/Surgical unit
are nine years old. The Hospital plans to
replace these beds over a five-year period on a rotational basis. It is a proactive approach to eliminate the need to
replace broken beds.
Physiotherapy
Interferential Therapy Unit $5,000
Interferential therapy utilizes two medium frequency currents which “interfere” with each other. The result of their
interference is a low frequency current
that is produced in the tissue beneath
the skin. The currents are applied with
two pairs of suction cup electrodes, and
the therapy is used to decrease pain, decrease swelling and inflammation, and
facilitate healing of bone and soft tissue.
Ultrasound
Continuous Wave Probe - $10,000
A continuous wave probe is used to
scan arterial blood flows to the extremities, to help diagnose arterial disease.
This will be a new service at AGH, and
the tests will be carried out by a permanent ultrasound technician on staff. The
availability of this service locally will
decrease the need for trips to city hospitals.
Fairview Manor
Vital Signs Spot Monitor - $3,200
Fairview Manor currently has four
Vital Signs Spot Monitors and wants to
replace one each year. This equipment is
used on a daily basis to check vital signs
including blood pressure, pulse, blood
oxygen level and body temperature. This
is necessary for a variety of reasons,
such as when a resident has suffered a
fall or suddenly feels weak. The existing
monitors are five years old, and one has
already been sent for repairs twice.
Maxi 500 Arjo Lift (2) - $10,800
The Maxi 500 Arjo Lift is used daily
to transfer residents—who are unable to
stand or help themselves—from a bed
to a chair, or from a chair to a toilet.
Some residents require this type of assistance at least eight times a day (the
average age of a Fairview Manor resident is approximately 90). The lift can
handle up to 500 pounds. There are six
in use and they are long past their date
for scheduled replacement. They last six
to 10 years. FVM is trying to replace one
a year. Appropriate use of lifts ensures
both resident and staff safety. The transfer is more comfortable for the resident,
and prevents injury to both residents or
staff.
Van - $70,000
The current van was purchased in
1994 and is in need of replacement. It
seats nine people, is equipped with a lift,
and can transport two wheelchairs at a
time. The van is used in the activation
program: residents are taken to a pancake breakfast at a sugar bush, on tours
to see Christmas lights and fall leaves, to
coffee at Tim Hortons, to church lunches, and on shopping excursions. The van
means that residents with no other way
of getting out can enjoy excursions and
maintain the lifestyle they had in the
past.
TOTAL
$370,000
MVPs
Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor (AGH/FVM) Vice President and CFO Brian Burns,
left, and Almonte family physician Dr. Graeme McKillop played for the Almonte Aneurysms
during a friendly hockey game March 30 between teams from AGH/FVM and the Carleton Place
& District Memorial Hospital. Almonte defeated Carleton Place 8-5 in a well-played game.
$25,000 gift
The Royal LePage/Gale Real Estate Company and staff recently completed a $25,000 pledge to
the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation. The generous gift was part of the
Quality Care for Life Redevelopment fundraising project. In the photo, from left, are Broker
Clark Munro, Chris Dunham, Joan Johnston, Joy Neville and Leo Carlucci. Missing from the
photo are Mona Irwin and Christine McIntosh.
Friendly game
The Almonte Aneurysms defeated the Carleton Place Ringers 8-5 in a friendly hockey game
March 30 between teams from the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor (AGH/FVM) and
the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH). Shown with the trophy are, from
left, Almonte team captain Kris Joy, RN, AGH/FVM President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider
and CPDMH CEO Toni Surko.
Great gift
Tom Levi, right, owner of Levi Home Hardware Building Centre, presented Almonte General
Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation Board Member and Finance Committee Chair Guido Patrice with a $5,000 gift. The gift is part of the Levi family’s generous $30,000 commitment to the
Almonte General Hospital.
Winning team
The Almonte Aneurysms, made up of physicians and staff from the Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor, defeated the Carleton Place Ringers from the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital 8-5 during a friendly hockey game March 30 in the Almonte arena.
Almonte family physicians’ relocation to
95 Spring St. is complete
The relocation of the 11 Almonte
family physicians with the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT) to a
single clinic location at 95 Spring Street
is complete.
“Our physicians are seeing patients at
our new location,” said OVFHT Executive Director Antoinette Strazza. “They
are joined by the OVFHT’s interdisciplinary health professionals: a nurse,
nurse practitioner, dietitian, pharmacist,
social worker and psychiatrist.”
The Almonte General Hospital
completely renovated the first floor of
95 Spring Street, which is the former
Fairview Manor building, to accommodate the OVFHT, and Ms. Strazza said
the space looks great.
The physicians’ offices moved in
stages, ensuring a smooth transition for
patients and physicians. “Having all of
our providers practising together in one
location will increase the level of and
access to primary care services in our
community,” she said. “By making this
move, we are aligning ourselves with
progressive primary health care models
in the province.”
Ms. Strazza added that, “Services
will be centralized and convenient, our
health care providers will be able to
collaborate and consult with each other
to enhance care, and patients will have
access to more health providers at one
location. The new space allows our providers to offer seamless, more comprehensive care.”
The OVFHT family physicians
are Dr. Heather Abramenko, Dr. Bill
Blaine, Dr. Christiane Deschenes, Dr.
Mike Dolan, Dr. Franz Ferraris, Dr.
Melissa Forbes, Dr. Ursula McGarry,
Dr. Graeme McKillop and Dr. Jody
Murray, Dr. Anne Oldfield and Dr. Cecil Rytwinski.
“The move will in no way affect
the care that patients receive,” said
Ms. Strazza. “Patients will continue to
have access to their own family physicians. They will also be able to benefit
from chronic disease management programs and resources by being part of an
FHT.”
The new telephone number for the
OVFHT is 613-256-9370. For more information, visit www.ovfht.ca.
First patient
Chief of Staff Dr. Anne Oldfield’s first patient in the new Ottawa Valley Family Health Team
facility at the former Fairview Manor building was Leora Foley. Dr. Oldfield had words of praise
for the newly renovated space.
At your service
Seeing patients
Marilyn More, who spent 23 years assisting Dr. Cecil Rytwinski and Dr. Anne Oldfield, and more
recently Dr. Bill Blaine, helped patients as they visited the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team
for the first time.
Dr. William Blaine, a physician with the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team, spoke with patient
Cynthia Nixon recently in one of the new physician suites at the Team’s new facilities in the former Fairview Manor building.
Physician working space
OVFHT Executive Director Antoinette Strazza, right, and her assistant Meagan Morin, are
shown in one of the working areas for physicians in the FHT’s space in the former Fairview
Manor building. The area accommodates several physicians.
Friendly faces
R.N. Harriet Soudant, right, who oversees Chronic Disease Programs, and Clincial Assistant
Karin McGregor are two of the professionals you will see at the OVFHT.
Hospital,
Fairview Manor and Ambulance staff
honoured for long service
Staff
aff of Almonte General Hospital, Fairview Manor and the Lana
Lanark
nark
rk Co
C
County
ounty
Ambulance Service were recognized for their dedication and commitment
to providing quality care at the 2011 staff appreciation awards presented
December 3.
Awards were presented to the following staff:
35 years of service
Helen Fisher
30 years of service
Judi Agnew, Marni Ladouceur, Joanna Purdy, Gail Yuill and Dr. Christiane
Deschenes
25 years of service
Helen Illingworth
20 years of service
Tammy Lowry, Joan Mullally, Kim Noussis, Anitha Pritchard and Harriet
Soudant
30 years of service
15 yyears
ears
ea
rs ooff se
ser
rvic
i e
service
Tammie Doran and Jeannie Rolland-Yuill
10 years of service
Shelley Barr, Mark Blaskie, Lexi Bowes, Susan Breckenridge, Janice
Darou, Gregory Davies, Susan Douglas, Chander Dwivedi, Pauline Godin,
Sheila Holloway, David Lacroix, David Laliberte, Darleen Laroche, Paula
Ann Lowe, Karen McNicol, Beth Neil, Scott Robinson, Randy Shaw,
Richard Slater , Judy Stone, Jason Tunks, Philomena Visser and Harold
Woollcombe
5 years of service
Clinton Allan, Rachel Barker, Taryn Butler, Eloise Caverson, Mia Crooy,
Katherine Davies. Trevor Doraty, Lorraine Downey, Jaclyn Drynan, Vivian
Fee, Emily Hine, Gerry Huddleston, Sara Hynes, Lois Kemp, Breanne
Lapointe, Krista Olmsted, Amanda Porteous, Julie Robillard, Sherry Scissons,
Peter Treff, Carol Truscott
30 years of service
Marni Ladouceur, centre, was recognized for her 30 years of service by Almonte General Hospital President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider and Hospital Board Chair Dr. Tom Todd.
Dr. Christiane Deschenes, centre, was recognized for her 30 years of service to the Almonte General Hospital by President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider and AGH Board Chair Dr. Tom Todd.
30 years of service
30 years of service
Joanna Purdy, centre, received her 30 years award from President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider
and Hospital Board Chair Dr. Tom Todd.
Gail Yuill, centre, was recognized for her 30 years of service by President & CEO Mary Wilson
Trider and Board Chair Dr. Tom Todd.
10 years of service
Recognized for 10 years of service were, front row, from left, Karen McNichol, Janice Darou,
Paul Ann Lowe and Susan Breckenridge. Back row, Randy Shaw, Mark Blaskie, Lexi Bowes,
Richard Slater and David Laliberte.
Congratulations
for your
dedicated service
30 years of service
Recognized for their 30 years of dedicated service were, front row, from left, Marni Ladouceur
and Gail Yuill. Back row, Dr. Christiane Deschenes and Joanna Purdy.
20 years of service
Five years of service
Recognized for 20 years of dedicated service were, front row, from left, Joan Mullally and Harriet Soudant. Back row, Anitha Pritchard and Kim Noussis.
Recognized for five years of service were, front row, from left, Carol Truscott and Sara Hynes.
Back row, Gerry Huddleston.
LEGACY GIVING
Legacy Giving
Plan today for
your gift tomorrow
Foundation
If you or your loved ones have ever used the services of the Almonte General Hospital/ Fairview Manor,
you know how important it is to have high-quality care close to home.
As our community grows and ages, it is more important than
ever to make sure our Hospital and Manor are fully equipped and
continue to offer a full range of services,
including emergency and obstetrical care,
surgery and X-ray/ultrasound services.
When you support the Hospital and
Manor, you are investing in your health
and in your community. Your gift will
make a meaningful difference that will
last for generations.
How You Can Help
Consider how your gift will enhance the quality of life for our
community—perhaps for you, or someone
close to you. The AGH/FVM Foundation
gratefully accepts gifts of cash, pledges
over a number of years, and planned
gifts, such as bequests, gifts of securities,
personal property or real estate, annuities, and life insurance.
Donor Recognition
Each and every gift is gratefully received
and acknowledged. We are committed to
act as responsible stewards of your gift and
to ensure the appropriate level of recognition of your generosity. Your gift is also an
opportunity to have your name appear on
our Donor Appreciation Wall.
PLANNING YOUR GIFT
Bequests
One of the easiest and most powerful ways to invest in the
future of health care in your community is through your will.
The Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation can
accept and provide charitable receipts for both cash bequests and
gifts in kind.
Life Insurance Policy
A powerful gift with big benefits! Small annual instalments
can mean a substantial gift to your Hospital and Manor, plus
your estate is not affected and the gift is not diminished owing
to taxes, probate fees or administrative fees.
Publicly Traded
Securities
Changes made in 2006 to capital gains
rules have significantly increased the tax
savings donors receive for gifts of appreciated publicly traded securities.
Gifts of Property
A donation of personal, recreational or commercial property,
including securities and works of art, can create a gift of exceptional importance. The Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor
Foundation will issue a tax receipt for the fair market value of your
gift. Actual receipt of the gift by the Hospital or Manor can be
deferred, allowing you to enjoy any income or other benefit.
Who can help me arrange a gift?
AGH/FVM Foundation Staff would be pleased to provide you with more information on gift planning. If you have a professional
advisor, such as an investment advisor or financial planner, please talk with him or her about your plans.
LEGACY GIVING
LEGACY GIVING
“It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that
will someday give shade to people he may never
meet.”
David Trueblood
“You make a living by what you get,
but you make a life by what you give.”
Sir Winston Churchill
WAYS TO START GIVING
Making the Most of your Gift
Prepare a will. Without one, you will
lose control over your property at death.
You may choose to leave a specific amount
or a residual portion of your estate.
Charitable Remainder Trust
A Charitable Remainder Trust is an
irrevocable trust that provides income
for two sets of beneficiaries: you and the
Hospital. You receive income for a specified period (or for life) from the trust.
The Hospital receives the principal of
the trust once that period ends.
To include a bequest in your will, have
a lawyer prepare a new will or add a codicil to your existing document.
Consider using assets for your charitable gift. Gifts such as
cash, stocks, mutual funds, RRSPs, RRIFs, pensions, term deposits, real estate, vehicles, art, jewellery or insurance can often
Donating real estate is not the most traditional way to give, provide tax savings.
but it is very effective. Land or buildings, commercial or private,
make excellent charitable gifts. The property can either be used
by the Hospital or sold, with the proceeds used for the purposes
Join our special group of loyal and dedicated donors who supyou designate.
port Quality Care for Life at the Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor monthly.
Real Estate
Monthly Giving Program
Charitable Gift Annuity
A Charitable Gift Annuity is often
Just indicate the amount of your caring gift and your donaa good option for making a significant
tion will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account or
contribution while maintaining financial
charged to your credit card.
security. It’s the gift that gives back! By
purchasing a charitable gift annuity, you
Contact Us
will receive a guaranteed, secure income
AGH/FVM Foundation
for life.
Gerry Huddleston
Tel: (613) 256-2514, ext. 2297 or
e-mail: [email protected]
AGH/FVM Foundation
75 Spring Street
A gift of residual interest allows you to donate an asset today
Almonte, Ontario K0A 1A0
(e.g., personal residence, work of art, investment property) and
Charitable
Registration Number 877913012RR0001
enjoy the use of it for the rest of your life. You receive a tax receipt
immediately for the fair market value of the donated asset.
Gift of Residual Interest
Yes, I would like to leave a gift
in my Will to the
Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor
Foundation
❍ Mr.
❍ Mrs.
❍ Ms.
❍ Dr.
❍ In Memory of:
Name: ________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
City/Town: _________________________________
❍ Other
❍ In Honour of: ______________________________
Telephone: (
Province: _________________
)________________________
Postal Code: ___________________
Please make cheque payable to: The Almonte General Hospital - Charitable Registration Number 877913012RR0001
❍ $5,000
❍ $10,000
❍ $20,000
❍ $25,000
❍ $50,000
Signature: ______________________________________________________
❍ Other_________________________
Date: ________________________________
PLAN TODAY FOR YOUR GIFT TOMORROW
LEGACY GIVING
Our monthly donors:
The Circle of Friends
community expects and deserves.
Monthly giving is convenient for you
because:
• it is a simple and cost-effective way
to show your support;
• your gifts will be made automatically every month, so you never have to
remember to send a cheque;
• you will receive one tax receipt for
all your monthly gifts after the end of
the calendar year; and
• you can change or cancel your gift
at any time.
Circle of Friends monthly donors
will be recognized in our annual members-only brochure, be listed on our
website, and will receive a very special
Certificate of Appreciation.
There are several ways you can join
our monthly giving program. Simply
fill in the form below and mail it to
the AGH/FVM Foundation, 75 Spring
Street, Almonte, ON K0A 1A0, or call
the Foundation office at 613-256-2514,
ext. 2296 for more information.
Please consider joining The Circle of
Friends Today.
The Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor Foundation is proud to
honour a very special group of supporters by recognizing them as members of
the newly-created Circle of Friends.
The Circle of Friends giving society includes all present and future
donors who have committed to making a monthly gift. For as little as $10
a month, you can help to ensure that
the highest quality of care is available
right here in our own community. Your
monthly donation will go to work immediately to help purchase essential
medical equipment for the Hospital and
the Manor.
When you become a monthly donor
you provide a predictable source of income to the Hospital and the Manor,
which allows us to plan ahead more effectively and maximize donor dollars.
The size of your gift is not as important
as the fact that it arrives on a regular
basis. Your monthly commitment will
make a big difference by helping to
provide the most up-to-date equipment
needed to deliver the quality of care our
Lanark County Council biggest losers
Lanark County Ambulance Service Assistant Manager Ed McPherson, right, presented the
“Slim Till You Win” County Leadership Award to Lanark County Warden John Gemmell at
a recent Lanark County Council meeting. Lanark County Council won the challenge against
Renfrew County Council for losing the most weight—a total of 29.4 lbs. Renfrew County participants won the overall competition.
Renfrew County wins coveted
“Slim Till You Win” award
The Pakenham Civitan Club donated $1,000 to the Capital Equipment Fund recently. Civitan
Club members gathered for a photo at their Christmas pot luck.
Manor
iew
rv
te
mon Gener
Al
spital • F
Ho
ai
l
a
Monthly Giving Form
Please complete this form and send to:
Fax (613) 256-4889 Or mail to:
Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation
75 Spring Street, Almonte ON K0A 1A0
Foundation
Manor
iew
rv
spital • F
Ho
ai
al
nark was victorious, taking home the
County Leadership Award. Members
of Lanark County Council lost 29.4
lbs., an average loss of 4.2 lbs. per
person. Lanark County Warden John
Gemmell accepted the County Leadership Award at a recent County Council
meeting.
The Lanark County and Renfrew
County ambulance services collaborate with the University of Ottawa
Heart Institute on the annual challenge,
which emphasizes healthy living
te
mon Gener
Al
Excellent gift
It’s official—Renfrew County has
the biggest losers.
Renfrew County won the 2012 “Slim
Till You Win” competition against Lanark County by collectively losing the
most pounds. Renfrew County participants lost a total of 145.8 lbs., an average loss of 1.6 lbs. per person, while
Lanark County participants lost a total
of 108.7 lbs., an average loss of 1.3
lbs. per person.
In the competition between Renfrew and Lanark County Councils, La-
Foundation
❑ I want to join “The Circle of Friends”, the AGH/FVM Foundation’s monthly giving program.
❑ I authorize the Foundation to charge my monthly donation of _______ to my credit card.
(Please complete credit card information below.)
❑ Mr.
❑ Mrs.
❑ Ms.
❑ Dr.
First name: _______________ Initial: _______ Last Name: ____________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
City: __________________ Province: ____________________ Postal Code: ______________
Phone Number: _______________________
Credit Card Information:
❑ Visa
❑ MasterCard
E-mail: ________________________________________________
❑ American Express
Card Number: ____________________________________________ Expiry Date: _______________________
Signature: _______________________________________________
About your tax receipt: You will receive a tax receipt in January for donations processed during the previous calendar year.
Charitable registration number 877913012RR0001
Golfers booking fast for AGH summer classic
The 10th annual Almonte General
Hospital (AGH) Summer Golf Classic,
which will tee off Friday, June 22 at a
brand new location, is off to an early start
with many foursomes already registered.
“We’re urging people to register early
to avoid disappointment, because our
tournament always sells out,” said AGH/
Director Gerry Huddleston. Players can
register online by going to the golf tournament section of the Foundation page at
www.agh-fvm.com. Call 613-256-2514,
ext. 2297 for more information. The
deadline to register is June 8.
The tournament moves this year to the
Canadian Golf & Country Club. Registration is $125 per player, and includes
18 holes of golf, a power cart, a served
chicken dinner and barbecue lunch. The
action gets underway with a shotgun
start at noon June 22. Golfers will have
free access to the driving range, putting
greens and chipping area at the Canadian
prior to the tournament. The event can
accommodate 216 golfers, and up to 80
additional guests for dinner.
Another highlight of the day will be
the live and silent auctions of a wide ar-
Almonte Print Shop donation
Ron and Carmel Broughton, owners of the Almonte Print Shop, are donating the proceeds of all
fax sales to the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor (AGH/FVM) Foundation’s medical
equipment fund.
ray of donated items. All proceeds of the
tournament will support the purchase of
essential medical equipment not funded
by any level of government (see the 20122013 capital equipment list on page 2).
Sponsors wanted!
A number of generous sponsors have
already agreed to support the tournament,
which is the Foundation’s largest annual
fundraising event. The 2011 tournament
raised more than $76,000.
“Sponsors make our golf tournament,” said Mr. Huddleston. “Right out
of the starting gate John Condron of Rexall confirmed that Rexall Pharma Plus
would be contributing $4,000. What a
great gift!”
Huddleston, golf committee chair
Guido Patrice, key tournament organizer
Bert McIntyre and Foundation fundraiser
Chris Must want to talk to each sponsor
personally. The golf team really looks
forward to talking to the sponsors each
year.
“This is our best fundraiser of the
year,” said Huddleston. “Give to life.
Support the Almonte General Hospital/
Fairview Manor.”
Sponsorship Levels for the AGH/FVM Golf Classic June 22, 2012
• $10,000 - $15,000
• Article and photo in Quality Care for life, AGH/FVM’s official
community newsletter
• Presentation of a sponsorship plaque at the Tournament
banquet
• Prominent signage at the event
• Acknowledgement by the Master of Ceremonies during the
awards section of the tournament and listing in tournament
program
• Foursome in the tournament including golf, carts and meals
(value $500)
• Hole signage (value $250)
Gold
• $4,000
• Article and photo in the Quality Care for life community
newsletter
• Presentation of a sponsorship plaque at the tournament
banquet
awards section of the tournament and listing in tournament
program
• Foursome in the tournament including golf, carts and meals
(value $500)
• Hole signage (Value ($250)
Silver
• $2,000 - $3,999
• Listing in the Quality Care for life community newsletter
awards section of the tournament
• Hole Signage (Value $250)
• Listing in the tournament program
Bronze
• $1,000 - $1,999
Dinner Sponsor • $4,000
• Signage at tournament banquet
Lunch Sponsor
•$1,500
Charity Hummer • $750
Platinum
Registration
Tee Gift Sponsor
Beverage
Cart Sponsor
Driving Range
Sponsor
• $750
• $500
• $400
Putting Green
Sponsor
• $300
Sign Sponsor
• $250
Auction Sponsor • Item valued at $250 or more
Gift Sponsor
• Value Flexible
• Listing in Quality Care for life, AGH/FVM’s official community
newsletter
• Listing in the Tournament Program
For more information, please call
(613) 256-2514, ext. 2297 or
e-mail [email protected]
Almonte family physician volunteers in Tanzania
Family physician Dr. Graeme McKillop doesn’t see malaria, rickets or
worms in patients who visit his Almonte
office.
But for 17 days last October, Dr.
McKillop saw these conditions, and
many others, while volunteering in Tanzania.
Dr. McKillop was part of a team of
Canadians and Tanzanians providing
primary care clinics in villages near
Kilema Hospital, which is on the slopes
of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Canadian
African Community Health Alliance
partners with the small hospital. The
Alliance is a humanitarian organization
that seeks to provide population health
and provide HIV care, orphan vocational centres for children affected by HIV
and education to remote African communities.
“I was looking to do something like
this, as the last time I worked in similar circumstances was when I spent four
months in Uganda, just before I arrived
in Almonte,” says Dr. McKillop, who
spent two years volunteering for CUSO
in West Africa in 1989-91 and who
earned a diploma in tropical medicine
from the University of London in England in 1999. Dr. McKillop began practising in Almonte in 2002.
Dr. McKillop started most of his
days in Tanzania loading up vehicles
with supplies and travelling with doctors, nurses, surgeons, an advanced care
paramedic and other team members to
villages that were 60-90 minutes away
from Kilema Hospital.
“When we arrived we would set up
the clinic,” he says. “If there was an
existing dispensary in the village we
would use that, or we would use cotton
sheds or barns.”
Villagers were told in advance that
the medical team would be coming.
“The villages would have had a clinic
visit once or twice a year for the past
five or six years,” says Dr. McKillop.
“When we arrived it wasn’t unusual to
see 200 people already lined up. One
day we saw 450 people.”
Long line
Tanzanian villagers line up for a primary care clinic. Almonte family physician Dr. Graeme
McKillop volunteered at the clinic last October.
Everyone visiting the clinic received
worming medication because “intestinal parasites are everywhere there,”
explains Dr. McKillop. Tylenol was distributed for pain and the clinic also had
a basic lab to test blood sugar and to test
for HIV, syphilis and a malaria antigen.
“We saw elderly people, mothers
and kids, fathers and kids, and pregnant
women,” says Dr. McKillop. “One physician would be designated as the gynecologist for the day. Cervical cancer is
the number-one cancer killer of African
women.”
Dr. McKillop said many patients had
chronic problems such as diabetes, high
blood pressure, chronic renal failure and
congestive heart failure. “Patients there
often don’t appreciate the problem with
something like high blood pressure, because the symptoms are imperceptible,”
says Dr. McKillop. “So you don’t know
whether they are going to take their
medication.”
Dr. McKillop also saw conditions he
had never seen before, such as rickets,
which is a Vitamin D deficiency, and
Pellagra, which is a Niacin deficiency.
“I saw new cases of HIV every day, and
those patients often also had TB (tuberculosis).”
Dr. McKillop also observed a connection between the prosperity of each village and the health of its inhabitants. “If
it was a farming village on a part of the
mountain that was quite lush, had plentiful food and was farther away from
transport routes, the people were more
robust,” he said. “If the people were living on a dusty plain, near routes to urban centres, which tend to lead to more
cases of HIV, people were less healthy
and more desperate.”
Dr. McKillop said he hopes to volunteer again someday. “It was a useful experience for me and it certainly gets you
thinking about just how grim things are
in certain parts of the world,” he says.
“What we were doing in Tanzania was
a small finger in a big hole in a very big
dike. It is a world that most Canadians
should see first-hand.”
Setting up the dispensary
A member of the health care team sets up the medication table for an outdoor primary care
clinic for a village in Tanzania. Almonte family physician Dr. Graeme McKillop volunteered at
the clinic last October.
Honour a loved one through a stone in the Circle of Life Garden
During the spring and summer, many
people enjoy spending time in the Circle
of Life Garden at the Almonte General
Hospital (AGH).
The Circle of Life Garden is also a
wonderful way to honour or remember a
loved one, by purchasing a stone for the
garden path.
Designed and installed by Cooney
Construction & Landscape, stones are
placed in the walkway of the garden to
recognize gifts of $1,000 each.
The stones can be engraved with the
name of the donor, and/or the names of
loved ones being honoured or remembered.
“Hospital patients, Fairview Manor
residents, volunteers and visitors spend
time in the beautiful garden,” says AGH/
Director Gerry Huddleston. “Our generous donors enjoy honouring or remembering their loved ones while supporting
the Hospital and Manor.”
To order your stone for the Circle of
Life Garden, phone Gerry Huddleston
at 613-256-2514, ext. 2297 or send an
email to [email protected].
Circle of
Life Garden
Volunteers recognized for great
work at AGH-FVM
Dedicated volunteers
Bursary winners
Volunteers, from left, Loreen Stewart, Irene Botham and Dolly
Toshack enjoyed the evening.
Recognition
Volunteers were recognized for their service April 17.
Among those recognized were, from left, Trish Lemon,
Colleen Montgomery and Audrey Proulx.
▲
Kaitlyn Patrice, left, Melissa Costello, centre, and Christine
McPhail, represented by her mother Peggy, were the bursary winners announced at the Volunteer Appreciation evening.
Leaders
Irene Botham, left, President of the Fairview
Manor Auxiliary, and
Rita Munro, Volunteer Services Committee President, thanked
the volunteers for their
hard work and dedication.
▲
Close to 200 volunteers enjoyed an
evening of fun and musical entertainment April 17 at the Civitan
Club. Registering the volunteers
were, from left, front row, Jack,
Rhonda and Florence Virgin. Back
row, Verna and Erwin MacFarlane.
▲
Registration
volunteers
Special guest
▲
Story teller, singer/songwriter and entertainer Wayne Rostad kept the audience on the edge of their seats with heartwarming stories of volunteers from across Canada. Wayne
also had the audience in stitches with his great sense of humour.
Emcee Reg Gamble
Performed well
Entertainer
Wayne
Rostad and Jordan
McIntosh met for the
first time at the Volunteer Appreciation
night at the Almonte
Civitan Club.
Melissa McIntosh, who followed her brother Jordan onstage at the Volunteer Appreciation night,
did a fine job singing “Gratitude”.
President & CEO Mary Wilson Trider
▲
Big voices
Strong voice
Jordan McIntosh of Carleton Place belted out
a pair of tunes at the Volunteer Appreciation
evening at the Civitan Hall.
Hospital Board Chair Dr. Thomas Todd
FOUNDATION RAISES $6,000 IN MARCH FUNDRAISER
“People’s Voice”
Valley Heritage Radio – CJHR 98.7 FM – produced some great publicity for the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation’s March 3 fundraiser. In the photo are, from left,
Operations Director Bill Parker, on-air personality Andrew Cartwright and on-air personality
Mike Cloutier. The event raised more than $6,000 for medical equipment.
Highest bidder
Sarah Gray was all smiles as she outbid several competitors to win Ottawa Senator tickets at the
Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation’s March 3 fundraiser at the Almonte
Civitan Hall.
Proud mother
Proud mother Wendy Barrie holds one of her daughter Ashley’s paintings at the March 3 Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation’s Spring fundraiser at the Civitan Club.
All in the family
Isaiah, Jackson and Matthew Skebo performed with their fiddles to the delight of the crowd at
the March 3 Foundation fundraiser.
Special guests
Julie, Jordan and Greg McIntosh were special guests at the March 3 AGH/FVM Foundation
fundraiser, where Jordan was the headliner.
Special chair
Louise Beckinsale was pleased to be going home with a new special chair. The chair was donated
by John and Donna Kerry. Bob Allan of Smiths Falls donated a La-Z-Boy chair to the live auction at the March 3 fundraiser.
AGH/FVM Foundation
benefits from generosity
of women donors
By Gerry Huddleston
I often tell people that I have the best
job in the world.
As the Executive Director of the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview Manor Foundation, it is my pleasure and duty
to meet with the many generous donors
who provide much-needed financial
gifts to the Hospital and Manor.
For the past 16 years I have been a
fundraiser and have had the opportunity
to meet and develop relationships with
many extremely caring and talented
women to discuss the role that they play
in philanthropy.
Many of the top donors that I have
dealt with in my career have been
women. Here in Almonte, several of
the Foundation’s top donors are women
who have the Hospital and Community’s best interests at heart.
It was early in my career as a fundraiser that I stopped talking about donations and started calling contributions
gifts from the heart.
These gifts have truly made a difference, first in the Quality Care for Life
campaign to raise funds for the Almonte
General Hospital/ Fairview Manor Redevelopment Project, and currently in
our campaign to raise funds for essential
medical equipment.
According to research done by the
fundraising firm The Offord Group
there are many trends in women’s philanthropy. For example:
• Women’s earning power continues
to grow – they have greater financial
clout than ever before (earned and inherited)
• The majority of their gifts are designated to meet basic human needs (women and children, health and education)
• Women volunteer more than men;
volunteering and philanthropy are almost interchangeable in women’s minds
and volunteering leads to giving
• Women are influenced by other
women philanthropists
• Income, education and marital status affect giving
• Women use philanthropy as a way
to become more involved in a cause
• Women are more likely to increase
giving in difficult times
• Motivation for women in philanthropy includes the six C’s – change,
create, connect, commit, collaborate,
celebrate
Women have a major impact here at
the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview
Manor as top donors, volunteer solicitors, board members, volunteers, doctors, nurses and professional staff. It is
an honour to work with them and a pleasure to give them our thanks.
To make a philanthropic impact at
the Almonte General Hospital/Fairview
Manor please contact AGH/FVM Foundation Executive Director Gerry Huddleston 613-256-2514 ext. 2297 or email [email protected].
Dr. Cecil Rytwinski
offers facts about
Parkinson’s disease
More than 100,000 Canadians are
living with Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson Society Canada.
Almonte family physician Dr. Cecil
Rytwinski, who is also the Medical
Director at Fairview Manor, talks
about Parkinson’s disease.
What is Parkinson’s? “It is a
neurological degenerative disorder,”
explains Dr. Rytwinski. “It involves
a deterioration of tissue in the part
of the brain that controls movement.
Movement is controlled by the chemical dopamine and when the cells that
normally produce dopamine die, the
symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.”
What are its symptoms? “The
most common symptoms include
tremor while at rest, problems initiating movement and muscle rigidity,”
said Dr. Rytwinski. “These symptoms
can lead to loss of mobility and an
increased risk of falling. As the disease progresses, other symptoms can
include apathy, anxiety, dementia and
hallucinations.” Those with Parkinson’s may also experience fatigue,
difficulty with speech or swallowing,
stooped posture, sleep disturbances
and problems writing by hand.
Who is at risk? “Parkinson’s is
age-related, with typical onset around
age 70,” said Dr. Rytwinski. “There is
also a genetic predisposition; if you
have a close relative with the disease
your risk of developing it is two times
higher.” Other possible contributing factors include repeated blows to
the head, exposure to toxins such as
herbicides and fungicides, and infections.
How is it treated? “The most common treatment is the oral medication
L-dopa, which converts to dopamine
in the brain and takes the place of naturally produced dopamine,” said Dr.
Rytwinski. “Physical activity can also
help.”
Is Parkinson’s fatal? “Parkinson’s
can be mild, moderate or severe,” explains Dr. Rytwinski. “Severe cases
can lead to death.”
How is it diagnosed? “Usually a
patient notices difficulty with movement, such as doing up buttons or
problems changing direction,” says
Dr. Rytwinski. “If your family physician suspects Parkinson’s you will be
referred to a neurologist, who will assess you and make a diagnosis.”
Merry Christmas!
Santa Claus and friends delighted thousands at last December’s Light Up The Night event on
Mill Street. Light Up The Night celebrated its 20th Anniversary and has become one of the Ottawa Valley’s largest Christmas events
Light Up the Night
Thousands of people witnessed the lighting of a Christmas tree to honour the Almonte General
Hospital and Fairview Manor during last December’s Light Up The Night event. Participating
in the tree lighting were Hospital Board Chair Dr. Tom Todd, Light Up The Night host Wayne
Rostad, President and CEO Mary Wilson Trider, Light Up The Night hostess LeanneCusack and
AGH/FVM Foundation Board Chair Art Solomonian.
Dr. Heather Abramenko
talks about eating disorders
An eating disorder is a serious medical condition that can lead to debilitating
illness or death. Almonte family physician Dr. Heather Abramenko answers
some frequently asked questions about
eating disorders.
What are the most common types?
“The most common types of eating
disorders are anorexia nervosa, which
means not taking in enough nutrition,
and bulimia, which means the sufferer
eats but then purges by making themselves vomit,” explains Dr. Abramenko.
What causes eating disorders? “The
causes can be very complex,” says Dr.
Abramenko. “There usually is an emotional basis for the illness.”
How can an eating disorder affect
the body? “The body’s electrolytes can
go out balance, which can cause cardiac
arrhythmia, and the heart can stop,” says
Dr. Abramenko. “Other effects include
bone loss, muscle weakness, cessation
of menstruation, constipation and feeling cold and tired. Bulimics may suffer damage to their teeth and esophagus
from bringing up stomach acid. Mental
concentration and judgment are also af-
fected.”
Who suffers from it? “Eating disorders tend to affect more women than
men, but they do affect men,” says Dr.
Abramenko. “We tend to see them in
young people, but sometimes the elderly
also stop eating.”
Dr. Abramenko added that eating disorders are often associated with certain
types of activities or careers that focus
on being thin, such as modeling, acting,
ballet, figure skating and some sports.
What are the warning signs? “If
someone is starting to look very thin and
is overly concerned about food and their
weight, it could be a sign of an eating
disorder,” says Dr. Abramenko. “Usually the sufferer has a poor body image
and thinks she or he looks fat. Vomiting
after meals is an indication of bulimia.”
What is the treatment? “Treatment
is offered at eating disorder clinics,”
says Dr. Abramenko. “The patient will
likely work with their family doctor, a
dietitian and a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. It can be a difficult disease to treat, with relapses happening frequently.”
Staﬀ & physicians enjoy
Christmas potluck lunch

Foundation - Almonte General Hospital

Transcription

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