The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Tuesday, July 11, 2017 - 7
Lamont Health Care Centre board hosts annual meeting Replacement of long term care wings highest priority in strategic plan Michelle Pinon Editor
Members of the Lamont Health Care Centre board recently held its annual general meeting with approximately 30 people in attendance. LHCC board chair Kent Harrold expressed his pleasure and pride to be part of the health care team. “The board is just one of the very competent group of people that make our facility run so well. A good board facilitates, not dictates. It enables, not restricts. It encourages the flow of innovation, ideas and creativity. And most of all, it respects and appreciates all who work so diligently toward something very special…” Harrold reported on the work of the finance, patient care, joint conference and green health care committees over the past year. He went on to say that discussion around the board’s strategic plan is a regular item, and that the highest priority is its desire to replace its Long Term Care Wings. After much discussion and consultation, we have made some innovative proposals to the government, and we shall continue to lobby on behalf of our community for a new building.” LHCC Executive Director Harold James also commented on the Long Term Care Unit, reiterating that he will
continue to advocate for a “replacement or modernization” of it. “We continue to advocate for the replacement of the Long Term Care Unit by keeping our request open with Government, Alberta Health Services and our MLA Mrs. Jessica Littlewood. This is a long process; while the results are slow, we have managed to keep the dialogue open with those who can make a difference to our cause…” James also talked about the security system that was enhanced through a security access card for entry into the building and an emergency alert for use in distress situations. The system has an automatic door lock-opening announcement, wandering patient-resident alerts and monitoring various activities via the use of internal and external cameras. He also said additional cameras would be installed in the coming year as well. James mentioned the increase in educational opportunities for staff and board members alike which included: clinical, technical and psychological and social health related sessions. “Our staff Domino Committee has added additional support to this cause by working with all staff to improve the social and cultural atmosphere within the facility.” Improvement to fund-
ing has enhanced the surgical program, and remains a work in progress, noted James. He also alluded to the “funding envelope” from Alberta Health Services which “continues to present challenges” in regards to sick time utilization, major maintenance repairs, overtime and staff orientation, to name a few. “A great part of what we do within the menu of programs and services offered to patients and residents has a dimension of quality. We are constantly striving to find ways to improve on the quality of services and programs we offer; recent quality improvements which may or may not be apparent to our stakeholders in order to improve care and service…” Some of the improvements in the area of nursing he outlined included: installation of inpatient care boards in patients rooms in order to update the care team on patient needs, mobility, dietary requirements, care plans and discharge planning, introduction of new care protocols in order to increase efficiency without compromising care, and increased communication with families in order to ensure a smooth transition of loved ones who are schedule for admission to Long Term Care. A mobility walker has been added to assist patients and residents to
stand safely without fear of falling. Menu choices as well as the addition of meals on wheels frozen meals to residents have been added and improved. On the recreational front a program to track resident attendances and monitor participation levels and performance have been added. In the area of social work, participation in mandatory education to staff by teaching techniques to aid in the de-escalation of potentially aggressive patients and residents. Morley Young Manor, the Independent Living Unit beside LHCC continues to be successful with access to various health services. The waiting list for admission to this unit now stands at 51, noted James. He said partnerships continue to remain strong, and LHCC physicians have signed on with the medical students and resident internship programs for another year, and will continue to accept combined laboratory/X-Ray students from NAIT. “As you know, Lamont County Housing Foundation will be moving into a new 55 unit facility which will replace the current Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge in mid-fall 2017. This project has meant additional tasks for me, but I enjoy the challenge. The new facility will add a meaningful landscape to the Lamont environ-
ment, but most importantly, will add additional supportive living opportunities for seniors in our community.” James extended his thanks to all staff, physicians, board members, senior management, board chair Ken Harrold for their hard work, loyalty and dedication to LHCC. “I know sometimes the rewards of serving the public is not obvious and can be trying; however, rest assured that your passion and contribution to our team’s success makes this facility a truly amazing place to work. I truly appreciate and commend each of you.” LHCC Chief of Staff Dr. Mohamed said that it had been a very good and successful year with no significant issues with regards to work of the five practicing physicians on staff who serve as family doctors as well as in acute and long term care as well as the emergency department. Dr. Mohamed outlined the fact the operating
room would be shutting down for six weeks to upgrade the air cooling system. “We continue to have the following specials; podiatry, podiatry surgery, orthopaedics, general surgery, ophthalmology, ENT, and gynaecological surgery. These surgeons continue to provide outpatient services and clinical services as needed. They also help us out with the emergencies in the emergency department.” One of the most positive aspects of LHCC in Harrold’s estimation is the large number of remarkable volunteers. “With their cheery smiles and hugs and conversation they bring a large element of joy and happiness to our residents and our staff. Some of them are involved in tending the Healing Garden, ensuring it remains a beneficial sanctuary, (even for the ducks). We offer a big thank you to all of them.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Kindergarten class at Andrew School capped off a very busy week with fieldtrip to the Andrew Post Office and to the Two Hills RCMP Station. On June 21, 2017 it was the last day, and they celebrated with an ice cream sundae party and graduation.