to your to your - Trillium Health Partners

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THE CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
Saturdays at 4 p.m. on Rogers Cable.
Looking for more Health
Information?
Don’t Miss our Two Community
Information Evenings in December
SURF CVH’S WEBSITE AT WWW.CVH.ON.CA
Find out more about The Credi Valley Hospital’s people,
programs and services and our interesting future!
FEATURING OUR HEALTHGATE SERIES AND THE
CHILDREN’S HEALTH NETWORK
DECEMBER 1 – REZONING AND EXPANSION AT CVH
DECEMBER 7 – BEING PREPARED FOR Y2K
AND OTHER EMREGENCIES
Watch CV Magazine
CAREDITto your
HEALTH
visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
A publication of The Credit Valley Hospital • December 1999 • Volume 1 Issue 4
Influenza Alert....Don’t fall victim
by Lena Di Carlo
Occupational Health Co-ordinator
It’s that time of year when we start to
hear about that awful three letter word,
the “FLU”.
The flu season started in October in
the Peel area and it may continue to
March or April, 2000.
October was flu awareness month, the
time when you should have started to
think about getting your flu shot. And if
haven’t got your shot yet, it’s not too
late.
Flu is commonly used to describe
“Influenza”, which is a highly contagious
respiratory disease caused by a virus.
Symptoms include fever, head/body
aches and pains, weakness, sneezing, sore
throat, cough and sniffles. People with
the flu are usually bedridden for up to or
more than a week.
Some people may confuse the flu with
having a cold or having the stomach flu
(vomiting and/or diarrhea). Although
there are many other viruses that may
cause those symptoms, influenza is virus
that manifests itself as a respiratory disease.
The real dangers of the flu are the
complications that may arise from the
disease such as:
• Risk of other infections, like pneumonia
• Risk of heart or kidney failure
• Risk of nervous system disorders
For those who are in good general
health, they will recover from the flu.
Those who have existing heart, lung, low
immune system disorders etc., the flu can
be life threatening.
The Ontario Ministry of Health and
Public Health Branch is recommending
the flu vaccine as well as the pneumococal vaccine to specific groups of people.
In 1998-99 season, 5,232 cases were
reported in Canada. Of these cases 2,497
were in Ontario (48 per cent), which
were primarily from the Central East
Region. There were 61 deaths in
Ontario; 57 of the deaths were individuals who were over 65 years of age.
There were 227 outbreaks in facilities
in Ontario of which seven were in the
Peel area.
Who should get the vaccine?
High Risk Individuals
1. Adults and children with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders
2. People of any age who are residents of
nursing homes and other chronic care
facility
3. People over 65 years of age
4. Adults and children with chronic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic diseases, cancer, immunodeficiency (including HIV) or suppression, renal disease,
anemia and hemoglobinopathy
5. Children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with ASA
People capable of transmitting the disease to those at high risk
6. Health care and other personnel who
have significant contact with people in
See “Flu Season” on CVH3
Nativity Scene For Auction
The Credit Valley Hospital Associates are offering an exquisite nativity scene for sale. The
hand-painted Italian set has been finely crafted by artist E. Simonetti (signed andn numbered)
and produced by Fontanini Heirloom Nativities. The 12 inches tall figures include Mary, Jesus,
Joseph, King Balthazar, King Mechior, King Gaspar, Donkey, Ox, two Sheep, Gabrield with
sheep and Daniel with flute. The set is valued at more than $1,000.
The Associates are holding a silent auction on the nativity scene. Bids can be phoned in to the
Volunteer Department at 813-1585. Bidding will close at noon on December 16th so that the
lucky new owner will be able to display this treasure for Christmas.
All proceeds from the sale of the nativity scene will go to the hospital.
CVH Expansion Plans To Be Discussed
We’ve been writing about The Credit
Valley Hospital’s exciting future projects in
our last few issues. On Wednesday,
December 1, 1999 at 7 p.m. area residents
will have the opportunity to see the plans
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
and hear about the various stages of development that will take place over the next five
years or more.
A portion of land at the northeast end of
the hospital property must be rezoned to
accommodate the expansion projects and the
relocation of the existing heliport to that
site. A two-phases parking garage will be
built. The long-awaited “A” wing is proposed as one of the phases for development
as well as the much-publicized regional
oncology centre and perinatal and paediatrics
centre. Many of the hospital’s existing ambulatory care programs, which are currently
being housed in much-needed inpatient
space, will be relocated to be adjacent to the
regional cancer centre.
The evening is jointly presented by The
Credit Valley Hospital’s president and CEO,
Wayne Fyffe, and Councillor Katie Mahoney
who also sits on the hospital’s Board of
Governors. The specifics of the project will
be presented by Ian Sinclair, Associate Vice
President of Planning for the hospital and
project architects, Vermeulen Hind and
Salter Farrow Pilon. Mr. Fyffe says “this is a
very important presentation for our immediate neighbours, our patients and families.
We’re growing to meet the needs of our
community. This is our hospital’s future and
we all have a stake in it.”
The community meeting will be held
Wednesday, December 1, 1999 at 7 p.m. in
the hospital’s auditorium. Parking fees will
be waived for this evening only.
CCAC Extends hours
by Janice Whitford R.N.
The Community Care Access
Centre of Peel is providing extended
services at The Credit Valley Hospital
to identify the needs of patients and
to make the appropriate arrangements
to bring health care services into their
homes. The case mangers will be on
site at the hospital from 8:30 a.m. to
10:00 p.m., seven days a week including statutory holidays.
During the extended evening,
weekend and statutory holiday hours,
there is usually only one staff case
manager on duty. The case manager’s
primary responsibility is to assist the
hospital’s emergency department staff
assist medically stable patients by
arranging extended care into the
home.
Selected medically stable patients
can be safely discharged home with
the support of CCAC nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists,
social workers and homemakers. Time
permitting, the case manger will also
facilitate discharges of patients from
inpatient units when such patients
have been identified after normal
business hours. The extended hours
staff are Carolyn Bieck, Kiwanda
Redner and Dorothy Wilson.
CVH1
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visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
November is Woman Abuse
Prevention Month
Woman abuse has profound
effects on women’s health and wellbeing. It can result in physical
injuries, psychological and emotional
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
MAGGIE ANGUS : Communications
MARY DODGE BOUVAIRD: Pastoral Care
TIM CHEVRIER : Photography
ANISSA CONLIN : Foundation
JANET DADD : Child and Family
CONNIE DAY : Medical Staff Office
SUZANNE HAMILTON :
Speech/Language Pathology
NICKY HILLEBRAND : Pharmacy
LOREL LINDERS : Cardiopulmonary
ERIKA LUOMA : Community Relations
ANA MACPHERSON : Cardiopulmonary
DIANE MCLAUGHLIN :
Occupational Therapy
LUCY MCLEOD :
Credit Valley Rehabilitation Centre
VIRGINIA PRESSMAN : Child and Family
HELEN REILLY : Community
Relations/Communications Dept.
ANAAR SAJOO : Genetics
MARISA TEDESCO : Community
Relations/Communications Dept.
TINA TRIANO : Foundation
trauma, even death.
Woman abuse occurs in all ethnic,
racial, economic, social and age groups.
The Credit Valley Hospital is one of
a number of agencies in the Region of
Peel represented on the Peel
Committee Against Woman Abuse
(PCAWA). This committee has been
in existence since 1984 with an active
mandate to promote a comprehensive
and effective response to woman abuse
in the Region of Peel.
On Wednesday, November 10,
1999, the PCAWA held the official
launch of the Woman Abuse Protocol
(Best Practice Guidelines for a
Coordinated Response System for
Woman Abuse Services in the Region
of Peel).
In conjunction with November
being Woman Abuse Prevention
Month, the PCAWA is working to
raise community awareness of woman
abuse through several initiatives.
Currently, PCAWA has a number of
working subcommittees which include
the Woman Abuse Protocol
Committee, the Multicultural
Subcommittee, the Child Witness of
Woman Abuse Subcommittee, the
Judicial Subcommittee and the
Monitoring of the Domestic Violence
Court Project Subcommittee. In addition, the Peel Committee Against
Woman Abuse also works closely with
the Peel Committee on Sexual Assault
(PCSA) and have two joint subcommittees.
The PCAWA defines woman abuse
as follows: it is the threat and/or use of
physical force on a woman’s person or
ARTHUR UYEYAMA : Video Production
Published in co-operation with
The Mississauga News
Layout and Design: HOLLY CRAWFORD
For advertising information call:
SCOTT HARTMAN (905) 273-8278
Some Facts:
• One in four women will be abused
in their lifetime.
• 38 per cent of all women murdered in Canada, and 45 per cent of all
women murdered in Ontario in 1990,
were killed by a current or estranged
male partner.
• Assaulted women report a higher
level of anxiety, physical complaints,
and depression than women who are
not assaulted.
• Physical assaults and emotional
abuse tend to become more frequent
and severe over time.
• In a study of 225 female suicide
attempts, 83 per cent were made by
assaulted women.
• 40 per cent of wife abuse incidents
begin during the time of the woman’s
first pregnancy.
• 1 in 50 pregnant women experience abuse during pregnancy.
• In one study, over 50% of young
offenders charged with crimes against
people were found to have been
exposed to domestic violence as children.
• Child adjustment problems are
more related to the level of domestic
violence witnessed by children than to
separation, divorce, or loss of parents.
Woman Abuse Services
WENDY JOHNSON : Editor
Write to us at:
The Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Avenue West
Mississauga, Ontario
L5M 2N1
property by a significant other. Forms
of abuse include physical, sexual, psychological, financial, social and environmental. The purpose of abuse is to
control behaviour through the use of
fear. Underlying all abuse is a power
imbalance between the woman and her
offender.
Includes:
Crisis response
Police response
Crisis support
Counselling
Legal support
Emergency shelter/housing assistance
(All services have access to the Cultural
Interpreter Services of Peel and some
agencies have counsellors of various cultural backgrounds and languages)
Some available services include:
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
(24 HR)...........................416-863-0511
Interim Place
(24HR)................................... 271-1860
Peel Regional Police
............................................... 453-3311
Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre
of Peel
(24 HR)................................. 273-9442
Trillium Health Centre
(Regional Hospital for Sexual Assault &
Woman Abuse services)..........848-7600
Catholic Family Services of
Peel/Dufferin.......................... 897-1644
Family Services of Peel
............................................... 270-2250
India Rainbow Community Services
of Peel..................................... 275-2369
Catholic Cross Cultural Services
............................................... 273-4140
Proud Supporters of the
Credit Valley Hospital
COOKSVILLE
Dodge Chrysler Jeep Truck Centre
260-290 Dundas Street East, Mississauga
CVH2
(905)
279-3031
The Orthotic Centre
at
The Credit Valley Hospital
Innovative designs are created
to meet your orthopaedic needs.
• Orthopaedic and Comfort shoes
• Custom Made Foot Orthotics
• Custom Made Braces and Splints
813-4050 or 828-2969
Located in the Rehabilitation lobby
CVH Originals Honored
Sharon Hodges, nursing director and Pat Mercuri,
technical director laboratory (pictured centre) began
working at The Credit Valley Hospital a year before it
officially opened to patients. They were honored for
15 years of service recently. Presenting their awards
are Jim Ross, director of human resources and hospital board chairman Jane Watson.
I Saw Someone Do
Something Good!
The Credit Valley Hospital has what it takes,
People you deal with are true with no fakes.
When you have an accident and arrive at Emergency,
Step up to the desk, show your card and there is no fee.
The Emergency Unit is staffed with care,
They take your data and gave you a sling to wear.
You are off to X Ray, their staff is gentle and smart,
This is the guide line where the Doctor will start.
The Doctor studies the X Rays under the light,
The shoulder is broken, no driving in sight.
Pain killers and a sling to keep it still,
Go home, rest and still no bill.
Next is with Dr. Nguyen and ambulatory care,
More X Rays, pills and a new harness to wear.
Again the Staff is smiling and bright,
They work hard to get everything right.
Now is the time to get the stiff arm mobile,
The Physiotherapy Department is where you stop for a while.
You haul weights, stretch and gain an inch,
It sounds easy but it is not a cinch.
The pool is clean, warm and bright,
With music piped in to keep everything light.
Neck circles, arms free with water buoyancy soar,
The Physiotherapist is proving you can do more.
Here and there you see Volunteers as well,
Passing out equipment and watching the bell.
At first your arm won’t move a bit,
Slowly they motivated you and you can’t quit.
Finally your arm is working well,
Almost as good as before you fell.
All credit goes to the great crew,
At the Credit Valley Hospital that’s who.
Credit Valley Hospital is a beacon to all,
They treat you excellent if you happen to fall.
Thanking all the personnel I met,
I will always be grateful and in your debt.
Mora MacKay Cairns
Mississauga, Ont. Nov. 1999
Did You See Someone
Do Something Good?
Write to us at:
Community Relations Department
The Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Avenue W.
Mississauga, Ontario
L5M 2N1
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
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visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
OUR VISION,
MISSION AND VALUES
Our Vision
The Vision of the Credit Valley Hospital is to
be the finest hospital in Canada in the hearts and
minds of the people we serve.
Our Mission
The Credit Valley Hospital offers quality compassionate health care to the people of the growing
communities of Peel and Halton.
Our Values
Excellence in Patient Care
Respect
Leadership
Teamwork
Accountability
Partnership
WAYNE’S WORLD
Mississauga is the sixth largest city in
Canada. The population in the northwest quadrant of Mississauga - the area
where The Credit Valley Hospital is
located - will grow by 71% in the next
ten years.
The Health Services Restructuring
Commission advised the Minister of
Health to do three things for our growing population — approve a regional
cancer centre; a regional centre for high
risk child and maternal care; and to
expand kidney dialysis services, which is
already a regional program — at The
Credit Valley Hospital site.
The HSRC also directed the CVH
Board of Governors to double the number of rehab beds and complex continuing care beds; to add ten beds for mental
health services; to increase outpatient
services and emergency room space; and
to ensure other key services are large
enough to support all of this activity.
During the past few months, our
design team, working with hospital and
Ministry of Health staff, have prepared a
Master Plan for development of our
facilities to respond to the HSRC directives and their advice to the Board. We
have embraced the notions of quality
care closer to home, and expansion to
meet the needs of the growing population we serve.
As promised in previous articles, we
are trying to keep you informed about
these changes and how they will positively effect your access to quality health
services. On Wednesday December 1,
1999 at 7 p.m. we will host a community information evening at the hospital to
show the master plan and answer your
questions. Presentations to City Council
and other groups have taken place.
Future editions of “A Credit To Your
Health” will provide progress reports as
we implement each of the many stages
of the multi-year master plan.
We have an exciting future ahead.
Stay tuned!
Wayne Fyffe, president and CEO
The Credit Valley Hospital
Happy 14th Birthday to The Credit Valley Hospital!
by Helen Reilly
PR Specialist
When Ernesto Polanco brought his wife,
daughters and mother-in-law to The Credit
Valley Hospital for lunch on November 5,
1999, he didn’t realize they would have the
opportunity to enjoy the hospital’s birthday
celebrations 14 years after he attended the hospital’s official opening in 1985.
Through pure coincidence, Ernesto happened to be sitting in the hospital’s Skylight
Restaurant during the noon hour enjoying
lunch with his family when Wayne Fyffe, the
hospital’s president and CEO, along with
THE CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Ian Cairns (Past Chairman)
Victor Cammisa (President, The Credit
Valley Hospital Associates)
John Dunn
(Chair, Foundation Board of Directors)
Dr. Barbara Clive
(Chief of Medical Staff)
Richard Dicerni
Cheryl Englander
Arnold Forde
Wayne Fyffe (Secretary)
Carolyn Kovachik-MacNeil
Norman Loberg
Katie Mahoney
Dr. Brian McGoey
(President, Medical Staff Association)
Eileen McMahon
Jim Murray
Richard Podsiadlo
Wendy Roney
Peter Smith (Treasurer)
Stuart Smith (Vice Chair)
Gordon Stovel (Vice Chair)
Dr. Donna Strongitharm
Harinder Takhar
Bart Wassmansdorf
Jane Watson (Chairman)
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
members of the hospital’s senior management
team, led hundreds of diners in the chorus of
the “Happy Birthday” song.
Within those fourteen years, both of
Ernesto’s daughters were both born at The
Credit Valley Hospital. The couple’s five-yearold, Ashleen spent a short time in the hospital
following her birth and has been invited back
to the hospital’s Teddy Bear Picnic twice as a
graduate from the special care nursery. “The
hospital has a beautiful staff; I have no complaints whatsoever,” Ernesto said
The overall experience was such a positive
one, Ernesto wanted his mother-in-law to see
the beautiful hospital where her grandchildren
were born during her recent visit with the
Polancos. It was a wonderful coincidence that
he and his family were able to join the birthday celebrations and receive a complementary
slice of birthday cake from Mr. Fyffe. The
Credit Valley Hospital is more than bricks and
mortar to so many members of its community.
The Polanco’s consider it an attraction worth
sharing with family visiting from out of town.
“I was here when the hospital opened...We
came today to show my mother-in-law before
she goes back to El Salvador tomorrow!” says
Ernesto.
The Credit Valley Hospital, built on the
site of an old farm at the corner of Erin Mills
Parkway and Eglinton Avenue, first opened its
doors 14 years ago.
Left to right: Estella, five-year-old Ashleen, Ernesto, Ada and five-month-old Solvey
enjoy The Credit valley Hospital birthday cake with Wayne Fyffe, president.
Plan to Stay Healthy –
Flu Season Has Arrived
From CVH1
the high risk category
7. Household contacts
8. People who provide essential community
services
9. People who are in the high risk category and
who are travelling to areas where influenza is
likely to be circulating
People in groups 1 - 6, are eligible for the
publicly funded influenza vaccine, as well as
the pneumococcal vaccine.
The best way to protect yourself, your family and your patients is to have the flu shot
every year.
The vaccine can prevent flu in about 70
per cent of healthy adults and often reduces the
severity of the illness in others.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to develop antibodies against the viruses so getting the
vaccine early is important. The antibodies may
last up to six months in healthy people and
four months in others.
The vaccine generally causes mild side
effects that occur infrequently. Most people
who receive the vaccine either have no, or only
mild reactions. The most common effect may
be a sore or tender arm at the injection site, or
rarely fever, malaise or muscle aches. These
effects may last 24-48 hours. Acetaminophen
may be taken to reduce the discomfort.
You should not have the vaccine if you have
a:
• allergy to eggs or egg products
• known sensitivity to thimerosal (a preservative
used in many vaccines)
• an active neurological condition
Along with getting the flu shot there other
steps you can take to protect yourself, such as:
• good handwashing (15 seconds)
• a balanced nutritional diet
• adequate rest
• exercise program
If you have any questions about whether
you should get the flu or pneunomoccal vaccine, talk to your family doctor or visit the
occupational health and safety department in
your organization.
The Credit Valley Hospital
Invites You To Join Us for
A Community Information Evening
about
Y2K Preparedness in
The Region of Peel
Tuesday, December 7, 1999
7 p.m.
In the Skylight Restaurant
At The Credit Valley Hospital
We’re not bugged
by Y2K!
Participants include the Region of Peel, The City of Mississauga,
Community Care Access Centre for the Region of Peel,
The William Osler Health Centre
and The Credit Valley Hospital.
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visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
Help For Your Heart
The Credit Valley Hospital has offered a
cardiac rehabilitation program to the residents
of Peel for over 10 years. The program is
designed to provide the tools and information
needed to make educated healthcare decisions,
modify current lifestyles and adopt new heart
healthy habits.
More Help...
In partnership with Sanofi-Synthelabo and
Bristol-Meyers Squibb, expansion of this program to include vascular and neural rehabilitation taking place. The underlying disease
processes of coronary, peripheral and cranial
vessels is similar, however, traditionally neurological and vascular disease has not been treated as aggressively as coronary artery disease.
Appropriate ongoing treatment in the form of
risk factor modification, exercise programming
and anti-platelet therapy has been shown to
improve patient’s quality of life and prognosis.
We Offer...
The Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program
at The Credit Valley Hospital currently offers a
comprehensive physical evaluation and medical history assessment. Our American College
of Sports Medicine Certified Program
Coordinator and our Cardiologist Medical
Director design and exercise prescription and
lifestyle management strategy uniquely for
each participants.
Educational lectures and question periods
are offered by our cardiologists and allied
health professionals every 2-4 weeks. Stress
management counseling with a staff psychologist, or dietary consultations with a licensed
dietician are encouraged and made available to
all our participants. A client driven cardiac
support group meets weekly or biweekly and is
offered to all individuals with cardiac or vascular concerns, whether or not they are participants in the rehabilitation program.
Our medically supervised exercise classes
offer a variety of exercise opportunities for you
to choose from including a walk/jog circuit,
stationary bicycles, arm ergometers, Schwinn
Aerodynes, rowing, recumbent cycles, treadmills, and strength training. Stretching exercises and relaxation are a part of all our sessions.
At this point in time there are 182 participants
enrolled in these exercise sessions which are
run Monday to Thursday evenings and
Thursday afternoons.
If you are interested in obtaining more
information on what this exciting programs
has to offer please contact the
Cardiopulmonary Department at (905) 8132712.
“Looks Like You’re Having a Heart Attack...”
It’s Your
Day....You’ve
Earned It!
by Eric Letovsky, MD, CM,
MCFP(EM), FRCP(C)
Chief, Department of
Emergency Medicine
by Helen Reilly
PR Specialist
As 1999 draws to a close, so too does the
United Nations International Year of Older
Persons - a year’s worth of activities, programs
and events in recognition of the contributions
older persons make in our communities.
As a health care facility, The Credit Valley
Hospital plays a major role in the lives of older
persons. As such, it was determined that an
extraordinary program to recognize older persons should be developed.
By October 6, 1999, the idea of a recognition event evolved into a full-day fair featuring
ongoing presentations throughout the day.
The hospital’s auditorium was abuzz with activity as presentations on the safe administration
of medication, the importance of exercise and
reminders that the sun will rise tomorrow were
among the favourites.
Hundreds of Mississauga’s older persons
were greeted at the main entrance of the hospital and given a baggie filled with goodies contributed by sponsors, and The Peel Region
Health Department. They were then invited to
peruse the exhibits and participate in activities
such as chair exercise, a sing-a-long and cooking demonstrations
Without a doubt, the highlight of the day
came when six of the hospital’s volunteers participated in a fashion show during the noon
hour in the hospital’s Skylight Restaurant.
Kay and Peter Carey participated in the
It’s Your Day Fashion Show.
Donning the latest fashions from Sears - Erin
Mills, Images That Suit, Silverts Lifestyles, and
Zacks - Cloverdale, the models made their way
through the packed restaurant among staff, visitors and patients providing a closer look at the
selections.
Hospital president, Wayne Fyffe enthusiastically greeted the participants noting, “We are
proud to host this day for seniors since we are
partners in the health and wellness of our community. It is important that we recognize and
appreciate the contribution they make to our
community every day.”
Feedback received from participants was
overwhelmingly positive. It truly was the day
our seniors earned!
An Invitation From
D. Wayne Fyffe
President
Credit Valley Hospital
Katie Mahoney
CEO Councillor
CVH Bd. Governors
To Residents Living in the Immediate Vicinity of The Credit Valley Hospital
A Public Information Meeting will be held Wednesday, December 1, 1999
Regarding the Proposed Zoning Changes
To lands immediately adjacent to The Credit Valley Hospital
This zoning amendment will allow the hospital to expand its physical plant in preparation for the
regional Cancer Centre and ambulatory care clinics. It will also result in the relocation of the
existing heliport to the northeast end of hospital property.
Everyone welcome to attend
Wednesday, December 1, 1999 at 7 p.m.
Dean Sane Auditorium, The Credit Valley Hospital
Parking Fees will be waived for this occasion.
CVH4
Our medically supervised exercise classes offer a variety of exercise opportunities for you
to choose from including a walk/jog circuit, stationary bicycles, arm ergometers, Schwinn
Aerodynes, rowing, recumbent cycles, treadmills, and strength training.
These are not the words any of us
would like to hear. The truth is, however,
that many people in Mississauga will be
hearing those words this year when they
come to an emergency department with
chest pain. Coronary artery disease continues to be the leading cause of death in
Canada. The good news, however, is that
the death rate from heart attacks has been
slowly decreasing over the past 15 years.
Even more importantly, recent data and
research released from the Institute for the
Clinical Evaluative Sciences at
Sunnybrook Health Science Centre has
shown that your chances of surviving a
heart attack are better at The Credit Valley
Hospital than any other community hospital in Ontario.
Heart attacks are caused when a clot in
a coronary artery obstructs and blocks the
flow of blood to the heart muscle. This
event, which occurs precipitously, can
result in a progressive destruction of heart
muscle over a matter of hours. If treatment is not instituted promptly, heart
muscle continues to die, the heart continues to weaken, and the victim may die
from either heart failure or an abnormal
heart rhythm. The key then, to surviving
a heart attack, is being able to recognize
the symptoms and signs of a heart attack as
quickly as possible, and getting yourself to
the emergency department as quickly as
possible. The symptoms of a heart attack
are chest pain, which may be described as
“crushing”, “pressure”, “indigestion” or a
“burning”, often associated with sweating
and shortness of breath. The pain may
radiate to the jaws or down the arms. If
these symptoms occur to you, don’t ignore
them and don’t deny their existence.
The earlier you get to an emergency
department, the quicker life-saving drugs
can be instituted in the emergency department. These include aspirin and aspirinlike products which help prevent clotting,
but also a powerful type of drug called
thrombolytics, or “clot busters”. These
potent drugs effectively dissolve the blood
clot that is causing the blockage of blood
flow to the heart, thereby allowing the
blood supply to be restored to the heart
tissue. Research has shown that the earlier
these drugs are given in the emergency
department, the lower the death rate from
the heart attack. At the emergency department at The Credit Valley Hospital, the
time it takes to institute these drugs to
heart attack victims, is almost the best
time in the country. This rapid intervention, in association with other drugs which
help prevent heart rhythm abnormalities,
are the most potent treatments we have
available against heart attacks. Once stabilized, the heart attack victim goes to the
coronary care unit of the hospital, where a
cardiologist will assume care of the patient,
observe the patient for any complications,
and ensure further treatment.
The superb results at The Credit Valley
Hospital are due to a very strong multidisciplinary effort: the physicians, nurses,
clerical staff, all switch into resuscitation
mode when a patient with chest pain
arrives in the emergency department. The
patient is quickly assessed, an electrocardiogram is performed, and the emergency
physician quickly assesses the suitability of
these clot buster drugs for the patient. By
continuously reviewing our clinical care,
we strive to maintain and constantly
improve on our performance in an effort
to best serve the community.
The key point to remember, however, is
that if you develop any of the symptoms
described above, don’t deny symptoms or
put off coming to the emergency department. In the emergency department, we
say, “Time is muscle”, referring to the fact
that the earlier we treat a heart attack with
the clot busters, the less heart muscle is
destroyed. We are, indeed, here for you.
CVH Cardiac
Rehabilitation Participants
Raise Over $13,000
by Lorel Gutthardt,
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Program Coordinator
On a sunny Saturday in September,
over 100 friends, family and patients
aprticipated in a walk and barbecue
supporting The Credit Valley
Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation program. Another 35 completed their
walk at an alternate time. We’d like to
thank these participants and their
sponsors for their overwhelming generosity in support of this program.
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
cvh 1-12 sept
2/22/00
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Page 5
visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
Credit Valley Hospital’s
New Chief Announced
Visitors Training Programme
by Deanna Gopie
The Spiritual and Religious Services Department,
under the direction of Rev. Mary Dodge Bovaird, is
running a series of training programs for people who
wish to engage in pastoral visitations for their congregations (a four week program), or for those wishing to be hospital visitors (a six week program).
I enrolled into the six weeks program in
September, attending sessions once a week for two
hours in the evening. These sessions were very informative. Through a series of lectures on listening
skills, grief work, faith development, other religions
and health care issues, we were made aware of the
importance of really listening to patients with “the
heart”. Emphasis was also stressed in being nonjudgmental, being empathetic and allowing patients
to work through their own coping strategies just by
listening and by making the appropriate responses.
In order to put theory into practice, role playing
sessions and self-reflection exercises were implemented into the course. The thorough preparation of the
students by the coordinator, prior to these role-playing sessions, made the whole experience a successful
one. Rather than feeling nervous or ill at ease with
these sessions, we approached these sessions as
opportunities for learning experiences. Great
insights were gained in dealing with difficult situations arising from these role-playing sessions through
follow up discussions.
My fellow student gave some excellent book
reports on topics relevant to dealing with the sick
and dying. These have created an interest in others
wanting to read these books.
The enthusiasm and commitment of the program coordinator has undoubtedly infused the students with the desire to become dedicated hospital
visitors. Initially, out of a group of eighteen students, six were prepared to take the six-week training
course instead of the four-week course. At the end
of the four-week program eleven students made the
decision to continue in the program for the additional two weeks. Need we say more about the success of the program?
On behalf of the Board of Governors,
Wayne Fyffe and Dr. Barbara Clive are
pleased to announce the appointment of
Dr. Michael Barsky as Chief of the
Department of Diagnostic Imaging effective September 23, 1999.
Dr. Barsky is a graduate of the
University of Saskatchewan and joined
The Credit Valley Hospital in 1988 following his residency training at the
University of Western Ontario. He is
active in most imaging modalities with a
special interest in mammography, ultrasound and MRI.
Dr. Barsky is familiar with many
aspect of medical leadership and administration through his involvement with
the Medical Staff Association culminating in the position of President from
1993-1994.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Dr. Michael Barsky is the new
Barsky on his appointment and wishing C h i e f o f t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f
him success in this new career endeavor. Diagnostic Imaging.
Y2K, Our Hospital and You
Tell Me Again...What Is Y2K?
The Year 2000 or Y2K “Bug”
exists because some computers and
other devices rely on two-digit codes
to represent the year. That means
that on January 1, 2000 some computers may not work properly
because they will read the date code
“00” as 1900 instead of 2000.
How Has The Y2K Bug Affected
Credit Valley Hospital?
Preparing for Y2K and potential
technical problems, has involved
every area of the hospital and taken
hundreds of hours of staff time.
We’ve evaluated all of our equipment. Some of the equipment
required upgrades so that it will
work without incident when the
year changes from 1999 to 2000.
Equipment that won’t work because
of the date sensitivity has been discarded or replaced with new Y2K
compliant equipment.
We’ve developed back-up plans
“just in case” equipment doesn’t
work or we have interruptions in service (such as power, phone and/or
water).
How Will Y2K Affect the Patients at
Credit Valley Hospital?
Patients will be cared for as they
normally would. We have back-up
plans, as we normally do, in the
event of any kind of technical problems.
I’ve noticed colored stickers on all of
the hospital’s equipment.
What Are They For?
Our Colored Labels Correspond
with Traffic Signals:
An Emergency Can Occur At Any Time,
So Use This Opportunity To
Develop Your Own Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Here are some household items you should keep on hand in case of
any emergency...
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlights
• Portable Radio
• Extra Batteries
• Extra Blankets, sleeping bags or “survival” blankets
• Bottled Water (one litre per person, per day)
• Canned Goods
• Manual Can Opener
• Medication
• Toiletries
• Candles and matches
• Large candle in can for heating food and hands
Be Prepared, Not Scared!
Yellow CAUTIONs us to reset
the date function on the equipment
when the Year 2000 arrives. Other
than showing the wrong date (until
it’s reset), the equipment will work
properly.
Red means STOP using this
equipment because it won’t work
when the Year 2000 arrives.
Green means all systems are GO
and will pose no problem when the
Year 2000 arrives.
Is Credit Valley Ready?
Yes.
All equipment has been tested
and given one of the three stickers
noted above.
Any equipment that has a yellow
sticker will be reset after the turn of
the century.
Any equipment that has a red
sticker will be taken out of service.
Any equipment with a green
sticker will work without any problems.
Will This Holiday Season Be Any
Different than Any Other?
Yes.
Normally we reduce beds and
staffing during the holidays.We
expect there will be more people
than usual celebrating the
New Year this year. When
there’s more activity, there’s
more potential for accidents
and illness. So we’re going to
keep all of our beds open
and have more staff on
hand.
However, our outpatient
clinics, with the exception of
Dialysis, will be closed on
Drug Awareness Activities in Peel Region
By Gwenne Woodward, M.S.W., C.S.W.
Clinical Coordinator Credit Valley Hospital
Alcohol & Drug Treatment Program
Since the early 1980’s, National Addiction
(Drug) Awareness Week has become an opportunity
for community partners to come together to promote healthy activities in their communities with a
focus on youth and prevention of drug abuse.
The Peel Drug Awareness Week Committee
consists of staff from the Peel Police, Catholic
School Board, Public Health Department, Parents
Against Drugs, Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health, YMCA Youth Substance Abuse Program of
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
Peel and the Credit Valley Hospital Alcohol and
Drug Treatment Program.
During November’s Drug Awareness Week, a
youth forum for five hundred grade seven and eight
students was held as well as mall events. MADD
(Mothers Against Drug Driving) and Reduce
Impaired Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) program
staff joined staff from The Credit Valley Hospital’s
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program to provide
information and education to our community.
As the holiday season approaches, please take
time for yourself, for family and friends, and for
goodness sake, if you drink don’t drive. For further
information please call (905) 813-4402.
January 1st and will reopen Tuesday,
January 4th. Dialysis will be closed
from 11:30 p.m. December 31 to 6
a.m. Sunday, January 2.
Will CVH Be Taking Special
Precautions in Case of External
Service Failures?
from calling the hospital as we will
be concentrating on providing
patient care. Listen to your local
radio station for messages associated
with Y2K.
Should We Come To the Hospital If
We Have Problems at Home?
Yes.Hospitals, by their very
If you have a medical emergency,
nature, must be prepared for any
type of emergency. Being prepared please come to the hospital.
for emergencies is part of “business
* The Credit Valley Hospital
as usual” at The Credit Valley provides medical care for the sick
Hospital. We don’t anticipate any and injured. However, our hospital
serious problems. However, because is not equipped to be used as a comwe are all dependent to some extent, munity shelter. Our best advice is to
on external service providers, we
be prepared at home.
have taken additional precautions.
We’ve been working closely
with our local utilities and suppliers to minimize the possibility
of any disruption of service provided by or to The Credit Valley
Hours:
Hospital. Although we don’t
Monday
to
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
anticipate any problems, none of
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
us can be absolutely positive Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
there won’t be some power out- Sunday
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
ages, phone or water problems as Holidays
we switch from 1999 to the Year
Located in the main lobby of The Credit Valley Hospital
2000.
In case of any disruption of
(905) 813-3970
service we ask that you refrain
Price of Gas Clouding Your Vision?
39
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Valid at participating Dealers. LOF includes up to 5L
of GM premium motor oil, for most GM vehicles.
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CVH5
cvh 1-12 sept
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Page 6
visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
Employee Fitness Centre Opens at CVH
by Heather Hadden and
Lina Di Carlo
When The Credit Valley Hospital
opened 14 years ago, the Employee
Wellness Organizing Kommittee
(EWOK) was developed. Being a
“green” organization, the hospital supported initiatives that promoted wellness and healthy employees. This
became the primary focus and mandate
of EWOK. EWOK’s aim was total
wellness - mind, body and spirit
Pharmacist Heather Hadden joined
the staff at the CVH inpatient pharmacy and the Valley Cornfield
Pharmacentre in 1988. She was a
newly certified group fitness instructor
and was eager to start an Employee
Fitness Programme at CVH. Through
EWOK, then under the direction of
Eleanor Lewis, the co-ordinator of
occupational health and safety,
Heather was able to initiate and coordinate coed fitness programs in
March 1989. The program began as
seven low impact aerobics classes per
week held in the auditorium or classroom, wherever space permitted. These
after work programs were financially
supported through class fees.
As interest grew and the number of
classes increased it became obvious that
if the program was to continue to be
successful it required a designated
CVH Employee Fitness Centre. Armed
with ten years of employee fitness stud-
ies, the committee made its pitch for a
permanent employee fitness centre.
They told hospital President, Wayne
Fyffe about the benefits such as
increased energy, increased sense of
wellness, increased sense of self worth,
better sleep habits, weight loss,
increased muscle mass, decreased
fatigue, weight loss , better control of
blood sugars, healthier back, decreased
incidence of certain cancers, decreased
cholesterol levels, decreased incidence
of heart disease, decreased blood pressure, decreased symptoms of arthritis
and fybromyalgia, increased immune
system and an increase in bone mass
and density in osteoporosis.
Studies have revealed that for every
dollar spent on an employee fitness
centre there is a $7 return from
increased employee productivity,
decreased sick time, decreases injuries,
faster recovery from illness or injury
and an overall sense of confidence and
wellness.
In the spring of 1998, through the
support of Mr. Fyffe and the determination and dedication of EWOK
research and planning began to build
The Credit Valley Hospital’s Employee
Fitness Centre that would house the
state of the art equipment and classes.
On November 1, 1999 EWOK’s
dream that started over a decade ago
and raised $21,000 through several
fundraising initiatives was brought to
life.
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• Family Physicians and Specialists accepting new patients
• No appointment necessary; Walk-Ins are always welcome!
• Fractures, stitches, eyes/ears, burns, etc. treated on site by
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• Medical Services covered by OHIP
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The Credit Valley Hospital Nurses Care About Quality
by Mary-Agnes Beduz and
Cathy Christian
The Professional Excellence in
Nursing Practice Project was
undertaken in September 1997,
by the nursing leadership team at
The Credit Valley Hospital.
The goal of the project was to
continue to evolve nursing practice within the changing hospital
environment while maintaining a
high quality of care and cost containment, focusing on the concepts of empowerment, partnership and patient-focused care.
Unit-based councils were
established as forum to create
opportunities for continuous
learning, leadership and decisionmaking at the level where service
is rendered. The work environment strongly influences the abil-
ity of a competent nurse to provide quality care. Nurses recognize that the best outcome for the
patient is achieved through the
provision of care, delivered within
a quality practice setting.
The College of Nurses of
Ontario defines a “quality practice setting” as one where excellence in patient care is achieved
through continuous quality
improvement. The Practice
Setting Consultation Project is a
component of the College of
Nurses Quality Assurance
Program where organizations
measure their strengths and areas
for improvement. There are
seven key areas addressed in the
program, these include: Care
Delivery
Processes,
Communication
Systems
Facilities and Equipment,
Response Systems to External
Demands
Professional
Development Systems Leadership
and Organizational Supports.
Unit-based councils, in partnership with the College of
Nurses, have embarked on a
Practice Setting Consultation
Project. During the Fall of 1999,
all nurses at The Credit Valley
Hospital will have the opportunity to complete a confidential survey. The McMaster University
Nursing Effectiveness Utilization
and Outcomes Research Unit will
collate the results of the survey.
Survey results will be reviewed
and used to devise a plan to continuously improve and strive for
excellence as a quality place to
work and practice nursing.
Holidays and Holiday Treats –
It’s the Right Time to Take These Tips to Heart
2 Locations * Open 7 Days * Extended Hours
1201 Britannia Rd W.
(905) 826-2273
The centre boasts over 1,000 square
feet of wood sprung flooring for the
ongoing coed fitness classes and over
1,000 square feet of sports flooring that
holds the cardiovascular and weight
training equipment.
The cardiovascular equipment
includes two treadmills, two bikes, one
elliptical cross trainer and one stairclimber. The weight equipment
includes free weight dumbbells five to
50 lbs sets, two adjustable benches, an
abdominal machine, a legpress/calf
raise machine, and a multigym station
that includes bench press, shoulder
press, bicep curl, seated row, tricep
pulldown, back pulldown, pec deck, ab
crunch, hamstring curl and leg extension.
The monthly employee fees include
a half-hour orientation to the weights
and cardiovascular equipment, a 24hour personal access card and use of all
equipment and fitness classes.
Our thanks to the volunterr instructors and the EWOK committee for
making a ten-year-old dream a reality.
Congratulations CVH. Enjoy your Yolanda Corrigan tries out the treadmill while Sue
new Employee Fitness Centre.
Kwiatkowski looks on.
❖
Holidays are a time for family, for fun and for
eating. Do you really need to be reminded of the
wonderful food selections that are available at this
time of year? Food is part of holiday enjoyment.
Just remember to take delight in everything the season has to offer by following these tips, and learn to
be holiday smart.
“I can’t believe I ate the whole thing.” Don’t
feel bad if you happened to eat a bit more than
usual. It’s not the one, even two or three decadent
meals that will make or break you. It’s an overall
pattern of eating that’s important to a healthy
lifestyle.
“I’m saving room for the big one.” Avoid skipping meals just to save room for the big dinner.
Despite what benefits you might think this would
have, you will in fact tend to each much more than
if you hadn’t skipped a meal. Skipping meals does
not help to maintain a healthy body weight.
The best way to maintain a healthy body weight
is to eat regular meals and combine it with daily
active living. “Party hearty, not hungry.” The little
nibbles at a party can soon add up. Try eating a little bit before you go to the party and then you will
be less tempted to munch once you are there.
Mingle around the room instead of standing by the
appetizers so that they are not always within your
reach.
“Try serving low fat appetizers.” Appetizers can
be delicious and low in fat. Try a vegetable and fruit
platter with a low fat yogurt dip. How about an
array of lower fat cheeses and low fat crackers such
as melba toast and break sticks?
“Bake it on the lighter side.” Enjoy elegant cre-
ations without denying yourself those tasty desserts.
When baking, use lower fat versions of mayonnaise,
sour cream and cream cheese. Try replacing half the
oil in a recipe with apple sauce or yogurt, or using a
graham wafer pie crust. Include plenty of fruitbased desserts.
“Tis the season for good cheer!” Alcohol can be a
part of many festive occasions - the key, once again,
is moderation. Try alternating between an alcoholic
and a non-alcoholic drink, or try a wine spritzer that
has half the alcohol and therefore, half the calories of
a glass of wine or beer.
“Don’t get too saucy.” Go easy on the creamy
sauces and gravies. Have them in moderation on the
side and load up on delicious vegetables, fruits and
grains.
“Include fibre.” Snack on raw veggies and serve
whole wheat or multigrain breads and rolls with dinner. East high fibre cereals to start each festive day
right. These foods are usually low in fat, and will
give you energy to keep you going throughout the
holidays.
“Holiday shopping tips.” As a rule of thumb, try
to buy the plain, basic foods. Less refined foods, as
Mother Nature produced it, usually has more nutrients and fibre, and less fat, sugar and salt. Use convenience foods in moderation to help you save time,
as they are often higher in fat than the home made
versions. “Keep up the good work.” Maintaining
your regular efforts are important at the busy time of
year. Add in some physical activity with your
friends and family. Try skating, skiing, snow shoeing, tobogganing or walking.
Happy Holidays!
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
cvh 1-12 sept
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11:51 AM
Page 7
visit our website at www.cvh.on.ca
The United Way of Peel and CVH –
Working Together to Raise Funds and Awareness
by Erika Luoma,
PR Specialist,
The Credit Valley Hospital
As seasons change, annual events
occur inside and outside The Credit
Valley Hospital that the entire hospital community anticipates. One
such event, is the United Way of
Peel Campaign which recently
ended with excellent results.
The United Way of Peel and The
Credit Valley Hospital have been
working together for 14 years, since
the hospital’s opening. Throughout
the campaigns, the entire population
at The Credit Valley Hospital
through events and staff pledges,
help raise money toward the United
Way’s annual goal and generate
awareness of community services
funded by the United Way of Peel.
All hospital employees are given
pledge cards at the start of the campaign and department canvassers
chosen. Canvasser training sessions
are held to allow employees to familiarize themselves with the United
Way and hospital campaign.
And then the campaign begins...
Although the main goal of each
campaign is to raise money, the
United Way’s universal message “of
hope, of service, and of help” is an
important message to get across
especially within a hospital environment.
Marg Bachle, Vice President in
charge of Nursing at the hospital and
Co-chair of this year’s United Way
Committee cannot emphasize
enough the importance of raising
money within the hospital for the
United Way Campaign. “With
patients in the hospital for shortened
lengths of stay, their care outside the
hospital goes on through community
agencies which provide outpatient
services such as V.O.N., helping
people stay well and out of hospitals.” says Ms. Bachle, adding that
supporting the United Way campaign helps fund these agencies.
Leonard Abraham, a Loan
Representative from Glaxo
Wellcome and The Credit Valley
Hospital’s
United
Way
Representative this year, echoes Ms.
Bachle’s sentiments. “The Credit
Valley Hospital is involved with the
community and touches lots of
agencies and without the help of
these agencies, the hospital would
have more difficulty.” says Mr.
Abraham, who has been sponsored
by his company to be a United Way
representative for a 16-week period.
When asked why she thinks staff
donate to the United Way campaign, Cindy Van Horn, Nurse
Educator, Medicine/Psychiatry, and
co-chair of this year’s campaign
mentioned that staff realize United
Way supported agencies are important not only to our patients but
benefit the community as well.
As in previous years, besides
pledge cards, staff had the opportunity to donate to the campaign
through special events such as the
Tom Turkey Luncheon, raffles and
the United Way Barbecue.
Without a staff-based United
Way Committee, the United Way
campaign within the hospital would
not exist. This year’s United Way
Committee was comprised of individuals from various departments
and each added their talents to make
the campaign a successful one.
From selling tickets, to organizing
the events, advertising and collecting
funds, the committee was kept busy
for two months but their efforts paid
off by raising over $30,000.
The Credit Valley Hospital’s
United Way Committee would like
to thank all those who supported the
efforts to raise money for the Annual
United Way Campaign for the
Region of Peel.
Serving up Tom Turkey are (left to right) Norma Bandler, president
CVH Foundation, David Rowe, senior vice-president, Wayne Fyffe,
president.
20 Years of Commitment – The Credit Valley Associates
by Victor Cammisa
President, The Associates
funds for a new community hospital,
now known as The Credit Valley
Hospital. The inaugural meeting of
The Credit Valley Hospital
Associates was held at Erindale
College in November 1980.
Memberships were sold and an interim executive was appointed.
They called themselves The
Credit Valley Hospital Associates —
quite a departure from similar organizations in other hospitals that were
In the spring of 1979, a group of
community-minded citizens from
known as auxiliaries. Many hospitals
Streetsville, Erin Mills and
have since eliminated the term auxilMeadowvale formed a volunteer
iary because it implied a female-only
organization to do their part to raise
volunteer organization when in reality many men contribute a considerable number of hours in volunteering
in hospitals.
The purpose of the Associates was
to (1) provide a fundraising arm
within the community to help raise
funds for the new community hospital; (2) provide good public relations
within the community and to apprise
members and acquaintances of the
progress of the Hospital; and (3)
encourage individuals to volunteer in
the new hospital to help provide the
best health care for our community,
our families and our friends.
In order to bring their message to
the community and to keep them
aware of the hospital’s progress the
The Christmas Bazaar is one of the many fundraisers organized by the associates established branches for
CVH Associates such as Lee Torrance, Sharon Furlong and Shirley Kay. Erin Mills, Streetsville, Sheridan
Homelands, and Meadowvale. Each
of these branches held fundraising
activities. The Streetsville branch
even appointed Street Captains who
went out and recruited new volunteers. In 1983 they boasted 312
members. The Associates no longer
operate branches.
The Associates raised funds
through bake sales, auctions, dances,
raffles, nearly new sales, Christmas
craft shows, chocolate sales, cheese
sales and fashion shows. Today we
have bake sales, raffles, the annual
bazaar, gift shop, Nevada lottery,
bingo, and the Econocentre.
Coming up with new fundraising
ideas is always a challenge.
In addition to the contribution of
dollars raised through the various
fundraising activities, the Associates
have contributed over 66,000 hours
of their time working in patient care
areas of the hospital, fundraising and
in other of the hospital. We consider
ourselves a vital arm of The Credit
Valley Hospital.
Major capital campaigns such as
the campaign to build the hospital,
and the campaign to purchase a CAT
Scanner were very successful. Over
the past four years the Associates
donated in excess of $1.2 million dollars for hospital equipment. The
Associates had committed to replace
the renal dialysis machines at that
time. We are now faced with another
challenge — to raise funds for the
new cancer and ambulatory care centre.
This year marks the Associates
20th anniversary. The service
required from The Credit Valley
Hospital by our community has
grown tremendously over the years.
Our community’s needs are as
diverse as the opportunities for our
volunteers. Their time and talent is a
welcome resource. Volunteering at
The Credit Valley Hospital is an
opportunity to share “THE GIFT
OF TIME” — the gift that provides
services that compliment the efforts
of the hard working, devoted staff.
Information sources from:
Sharon Fraser, Past President Marilyn
Mathews, Past President Annual Reports
from 1983-84 to present
What To Do When Holidays Aren’t Happy Days
by Mary Dodge Bovaird,
Director Spiritual and Religious
Services Department
Holidays and special days like birthdays,
anniversaries, graduations and weddings typically bring family together to celebrate, share
special foods and to give gifts. When there is
an empty place in the gathering and a hollow
feeling inside, it is hard to join in the festivities. The lightly sung words, “Happy
Holiday!” sound sour to the ear. The special
food, usually so delicious, has little taste. The
“perfect gift” must be put back in its place on
the store rack because the one you would love
to give it to is no longer here. Loss and grief
cloud the happiness of holiday time and the
joy of others may be almost too much to bear.
How do you get though the holiday season
celebration when all you can feel is emptiness
and loss?
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999
Here are some ideas that others have found
helpful. Choose some that will help you.
• Family get togethers may be times of
comfort and joy but they also may be poignant
with memories. Sharing some of the feelings
and memories of past holidays may help. Be
honest with family about your feelings and
you may find that you are not so alone in your
grief.
• Do what is most helpful for you and your
family. You do not have to do things in the
same way as you always have. Sometimes
changing the celebrations in some way is helpful, or it may be more comforting to stick with
the familiar pattern.
• Set limitations, and be gentle with yourself. Do the things that are very special and
important to you.
• Make a plan for the holiday season. Keep
your expectations reasonable and let your family and friends know what you are going to do.
• Have a backup plan.
• Try to get enough rest. Holiday time can
be draining emotionally, physically and psychologically..
• Do something for someone else. Perhaps
you could volunteer at a soup kitchen, or visit
those who are lonely and shut in from your
place of worship, or provide help or gifts for a
needy family.
• Make a donation in your loved one’s
name.
• The loss of a loved one is often felt more
sharply at holiday times. It is important and
natural to experience the sadness that comes
and to block such feeling is not healthy. Let
your friends and family know that this is a difficult time for you and accept the love, the
support and the help that they offer you.
• For some people getting away from home
is a good idea. Spend time with family or
friends in another place. Perhaps attending
worship services in a different synagogue,
church, mosque or temple near your home is a
possibility.
• Write a letter to the one you miss.
• Go to a play, concert, recital or sporting
event with a friend. Or go out for lunch or
dinner. Or do both!
• See the holidays as a string of small events
rather than an endless stream of pain. You can
handle one event at a time and you do not
have to go to all of them.
• Add something to your holiday tradition
that honours your loved one - light a candle,
perhaps.
• Answer greetings of “Happy Holidays!”
with as positive an “I’ll try!” as you can.
Reach out and take the light and love that
others offer during the holidays and in turn
give what you are able to those who reach out
to you.
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cvh 1-12 sept
2/22/00
11:52 AM
Page 8
THE CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
Executive Women’s Golf
Association Cheque
Presentation
The Executive Women’s Golf Tournament held on July
12, 1999 at Caledon Golf Course raised $6,500 for replacement components for our Imaging Department’s ABBI
machine (Advanced Breast Biopsy Instrumentation).
This $350,000 machine assists in the early detection of
breast cancer and was purchased early in 1999 thanks to
community support. Each test requires the use of some disposable parts that are now available thanks to this ambitious
group of women.
Thank you for your support of
events which benefit The Credit
Valley Hospital Foundation. If you
would like to register for an event
or would like information about
holding an event of your own for
our benefit, please call Anissa
Conlin, Director of Special Event
Fundraising at (905) 813-2645.
The Credit Valley Hospital
Foundation invites you to join us for
our annual
TREE OF LIGHTS
Holiday Celebration in support of
The Credit Valley Hospital
Thursday Dec. 9, 1999
6:00 p.m.
Refreshments by Dominion Stores,
Glen Erin, and carols by
Meadowvale Village Public School
Choir and the Piano Place. Holiday
cheer for friends and family!
The Credit Valley Hospital Lobby
At right: (back row) Liz Henry, Terrie DeMarchi, Patricia
MacKenzie and Rosemary LaRue. Front row: Carolyn
Molyneaux, chairwoman for Golf Events Committee,
Dr. Barsky and Judi McStravick, vice president.
Commemorative Candle Sales
In preparation for the Millennium, the Foundation is selling a special commemorative candles to help you mark the turn of the century.
Candles will be available in December in The Credit Valley
Hospital lobby and on Saturdays at the Erin Mills Town Centre’s
“Tree of Lights” location on the lower level. Purchase several early as
Holiday gifts for friends of The Credit Valley!
FOUNDATION SPECIAL PRICE $10
No Scrooges Allowed!
J oin us for a CVH day at
Harbourside Playhouse on Sunday
December 12th at 2:00 p.m. for a
wonderful Christmas tradition - the
performance of “A Christmas
Carol”. 100 per cent of the ticket
price will be directed to CVH,
thanks to the generosity of
Harbourside
Playhouse
Professional Theatre in Mississauga’s
Village on the Lake in Port Credit.
Ticket prices range from $12 to $24.
Please call early for tickets to this
special family experience
Valentine’s Gala 2000
We know there are a lot of lovebirds
out there who are already planning
for Valentine’s Day 2000. This is not
just any Valentine’s, this is the first
Valentine’s of the 21st CENTURY! .
The Credit Valley Hospital
Foundation Valentine’s Gala 2000
Committee has just the plan for you.
For the romantic you - Waltzing,
powdered wigs and period costumes
will greet you and your love at our
very own Vienna Ball during the
turn of the 20th century. For the
financially savvy - you will receive
the 1999 ticket price of $250 per
person if you purchase before
December 1st.
Event date : February 12, 2000
Toronto Congress Centre
Anissa Conlin awaits your early
reservation at (905) 813-2645.
Big Blue Has Arrived
Pumpkin Give-Away
Jake Jessup was excited to be sitting in the pumpkin patch sponsored by Homelife 5/Star Realty and Valemont Homes on
October 9th. The Old Meadowvale Village Free Pumpkin GiveAway raised more than $1,200 toward our Paediatric Unit. Coorganizer Jeff Borg of Homelife also took time before Hallowe’en
to drop by the Hospital and hand out goody bags and t-shirts to
the children in the Hospital. He and Valemont Homes President
Joe Valela stressed the value of the many volunteers who made
the day such a success.
Three-year-old Mathew Jesson and nurse Carla Thorne try out
Big Blue, the three foot high Hippo table at The Credit Valley
Hospital. The playful examination table shaped like a hippopotamus, is designed to make hospital visits and examinations a little
less threatening for our young patients.
The new acquisition coincides with the hospital’s expanded
role in paediatrics. As of last April, paediatric patients previously
seen at the general paediatric ambulatory clinic at the Hospital
for Sick Children are being redirected to The Credit Valley
Hospital. The children are from the communities of the South
Peel/Halton hospitals cluster. The professionals in the CVH clinic
will also see youngsters referred for follow- up appointments after
an emergency room visit.
Please Include Me Among Your Family of Supporters
with my gift of:
❏ $500
❏ $250
OR I prefer to make my donation with my credit card:
❏ Visa ❏ Master Card ❏ American Express
OR ❏ Automatic Monthly Bank Withdrawal of $______
(Please attach void cheque)
_______________________
Card #
_______________________
Signature
❏ $100
❏ $50
❏ $25
❏ Other
Name_______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City __________________________Postal Code ____________
_________
Expiry Date
_________
Date
Donations will be promptly acknowledged with an official receipt.
Charitable Business Number: 10520 6363 RR0001
Please make cheque payable to:
and mail to:
The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation
2200 Eglinton Avenue West
Mississauga, ON, L5M 2N1
Phone: (905) 813-4123
Fax: (905) 813-4334
Please note - The Credit Valley Hospital Foundation does not share our donor list with any outside organization, nor do we undertake any door-to-door solicitations.
CVH8
The Mississauga News, November 28, 1999