Vital signs 2015

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Meet some members of RVH’s Cardiac Renal team: Sarah Wheeler, Diane Vegter, Heather Sharpe, Alex Stubbs, Dr. Brad Dibble, Stacy Carty, Angie O’Brien and Pieter Terstege.

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Our Commitment Relaxing to you...

Calming

Good Dentistry

is more than just exceptional clinical skills and state of the art equipment. We believe in meticulous, one-on-one dentistry in an environment that is relaxed, calming, reassuring.

Your health and comfort is always our first priority.

Reassuring Dental Care

Our Commitment

is to provide dental excellence in helping you achieve and maintain a lifetime of optimum oral wellness.

We hope to make a difference in how you feel, how you look, and how you go about life.

Dental health is that important.

Dr. M. Yan & Dr. K. Jefferson Dental Care and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Improving Community Health Care Together.

Our dental family is always growing.

We warmly welcome new patients.

Dr. M. Yan & Dr. K. Jefferson

DENTAL CARE

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Royal Court Medical Centre 1 Quarry Ridge, Suite 308 • Barrie Evening & Saturday Hours Available Free Parking

705-726-2352

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

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Barrie’s Award-Winning Community Newspaper

Vice-President & Publisher Ian Proudfoot Regional General Manager Metroland Simcoe - York Shaun Sauvé General Manager Elise Allain Editorial and Photography RVH Corporate Communications Suzanne Legue Jane Cocking Donna Danyluk Jennifer Moore Denise Philpott Kaylee MacMillan Special Photography Nat Caron Photography

Contents 5

Message from RVH

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By the Numbers

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Message from the RVH Foundation

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RVH’s successes

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Hearts & Minds

10 Chef cooking up support 12 Radio for Cardiology 14 Being there for youth in need 16 Media for Young Minds campaign 18 Young and volunteering 20 Women’s cancer care close to home 22 Painting a picture of hope 24 Improving patient care through research 25 Delivering a dose of safety 26 Care through our patients’ eyes 27 Serving up a plate of comfort 28 Robotic patients help staff train 29 RVH Auxiliary funds equipment 30 Telemedicine cuts travel time 31 Why we support Hearts & Minds

Graphic Design Denise Philpott

32 Behind the scenes at RVH 34 Hearts & Minds launch event

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

A message from Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH)

R

VH always has its eye on the future; planning for the healthcare you and your family needs not just today, but tomorrow.

We believe residents in North Simcoe Muskoka deserve the same access and quality of healthcare as people in the rest of the province. In 2012 we opened our expansion and with it, the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre (SMRCC). That meant, finally, the people of this region had access to much-needed comprehensive cancer services close to home. We invested $70 million in advanced equipment and technology and we continue to look to the future.

Just as we brought cancer care close to home, RVH is determined to provide the region’s residents with comprehensive gynecology cancer services, advanced cardiac care, and child and youth mental health services. The RVH Foundation recently launched its Hearts & Minds campaign to raise $25 million for these priorities, as well as equipment, teaching, and research. And we are already halfway to reaching our goal!

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Advanced Cardiac Care: The Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care has given RVH the green light to develop an advanced cardiac care program at RVH. With a dedicated CCU (Cardiac Care unit), a Cardiac Renal inpatient unit, a team of ten cardiologists by the end of 2015, 24/7 cardiology coverage and an Urgent Cardiology Clinic, RVH is well-positioned to expand lifesaving cardiac care.

RVH Board of Directors

•

RVH Board of Directors Kirsten Parker, chair, Robert Hall, 1st vice chair Michael O’Keefe, 2nd vice chair Janice Skot, president and CEO, RVH

Women’s Cancer Services: RVH has been designated a gynecologic Centre of Excellence, only one of eight in the province, and is now able to provide the full range of services for women with gynecological cancer, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

•

Child and Youth Mental Health Services: The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has approved the development of a specialized child and youth program, crisis services and a day hospital program at RVH. These services are desperately needed in our region.

Janice Skot (left), and Kirsten Parker

Directors: Jake Arnold Shawn Binns Doug Frost Michael Gleason Harry Hughes Douglas Jure Barbara Love Jeff Scott Charlotte Wallis Janice Williams, president, RVH Auxiliary Dr. Sandy McDonald, president, RVH Medical Staff Dr Kerstin Mossman, vice-president, RVH Medical Staff Dr. Paul Voorheis, interim chief of staff, RVH Treva McCumber, chief nursing executive

Dear RVH - a video message from our patients

The stories contained in this year’s Vitalsigns describe just some of the ways RVH is improving your healthcare to Make each life better. Together.

As we continue to grow and expand one thing remains steadfast, and that is our promise to deliver safe, quality patient-centred care. It is a promise we take seriously. We believe every patient has the right to expect the best possible experience in our health centre – always, every day and without exception.

Respectfully,

Kirsten Parker, MSc. EdD Chair RVH Board of Directors

Janice M. Skot, MHSc,CHE President and CEO RVH

www.rvh.on.ca www.rvh.on.ca | Like | Like ourour Facebook Facebook Page: Page: Team Team RVH RVH | Follow | Follow us us onon Twitter: Twitter: @TeamRVH @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

A message from the RVH Foundation R

VH is a cornerstone of our community. At some point in our lives, we will all need RVH. My relationship with our health centre includes generations of care, including the birth of our two sons.

There have been tough moments as well, such as the passing of a close friend too early in life, the loss of my father and my motherin-law, as well as the frequent care that my aunt required over many years. Through it all, I have formed a deep appreciation and respect for our health centre’s leadership, caregivers and volunteers.

Dave McCullough, chair

RVH Foundation Board of Directors David McCullough, chair Janice Skot, president and CEO, RVH, (secretary) Ben Petersen, vice-president Corporate Services & CFO, RVH (treasurer) Kirsten Parker, chair, Board of Directors, RVH Directors David Blenkarn John Byles Eric Dean CEO, RVH Foundation Scott Elliott Dr. Matthew Follwell Barry Green Cesia Green Wayne Hubbard, past-president, RVH Auxiliary Lloyd Lawrence Jeff Lehman, mayor, City of Barrie Doug Moody Peter Moore Gerry Marshall, warden, County of Simcoe Dale Pickard Dan Revell

I am proud to be part of a team whose mission is to ensure quality, compassionate patient care when people need help most. I am proud to lead a fundraising campaign to ensure cardiac care, child and youth mental health, and gynecologic cancer care are all available at RVH - closer to home. Collectively, we call these fundraising priorities Hearts & Minds. Within the pages of Vitalsigns you have the opportunity to learn more about these important priorities. Please consider how you can help.

We are all part of the solution.

Remember the care you receive is supported by thousands of invaluable donors who have made RVH their charity of choice. By supporting RVH you will put the right medical tools into the hands of world-class healthcare providers. Our donors are truly an important part of TEAM RVH. We are grateful for your ongoing support so that we can, in turn, help you when you need us most.

Dave McCullough Chair, RVH Foundation Board of Directors

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

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Barrie | Georgian Bay | South Simcoe | York Region | Toronto

• RVH was awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest level of accreditation possible with only 20 per cent of Canada’s healthcare organizations achieving this standing.

• RVH was also awarded Stroke Distinction, receiving the Award of Excellence for stroke care from Accreditation Canada. This honour distinguishes RVH as one of only ten hospitals in Canada to receive the designation, demonstrating national stroke leadership.

• For the second year in a row - the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) awarded RVH a Gold level Quality Healthcare Workplace Award.

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• To increase patient and visitor satisfaction RVH has developed a new website that is easier for patients and families to find the important health information they are looking for.

The site supports our strategy to put patients and their families first – always!

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Hearts & Minds area's of need: Advanced Cardiac Care Our patients cannot currently receive lifesaving cardiac care within our region.

Make each life better. Together.

E

very year, thousands of patients of all ages, are forced to travel outside our region for care. The lack of services in Simcoe Muskoka has meant some patients do not receive timely care and others simply do not receive the care that they so desperately need.

Hearts & Minds is about hope. Your support will ensure we are giving hope back to every patient that comes to us for help.

How you can help

An honour gift is a great way to celebrate the birthday, anniversary, wedding or other special day of a friend or loved one.

Remember RVH in your will: Leaving a gift to support the healthcare of future generations is the ultimate legacy.

Join our Monthly Giving Program. Making small, affordable monthly contributions is an easy way to support your local health centre.

To learn more: http://foundation.rvh.on.ca or call 705.739.5600

Child and Youth Mental Health Services Our children do not have access to inpatient mental health crisis support in our region.

Solution $3 million will build a child and youth friendly eight-bed inpatient unit, acute day hospital program and crisis support.

Women’s Cancer Services

Get involved in a Partners in Caring project. Whether you are hosting a fundraiser or participating in one, our community partners are impacting the lives of our patients every day with their generosity!

A memorial gift is a beautiful way to honour the memory of a friend or loved one.

Solution $15 million will build two catheterization labs to deliver angiogram and angioplasty to cardiac patients.

Previously women had to travel outside our region for certain specialized gynecologic treatments.

Solution $1 million will purchase needed equipment to ensure comprehensive care close to home.

Equipment Equipment and technology is 100 per cent funded by the community and must be replaced every seven to ten years.

Solution $5 million ensures our health care professionals have the best equipment to treat you and your family.

Teaching and Research The opening of a research institute to advance innovation and learning; ultimately providing better patient outcomes.

Solution $1 million supports patient-centred research, allowing for patient access to leading-edge treatments and new medications.

Hearts & Minds campaign – watch here

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

RVH is Ready •

Approval: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has given RVH the ‘green light’ to proceed

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Fundraising: Hearts & Minds campaign launched to raise $15 million for cardiac care

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Cardiac services in place: Cardiac Care Unit (CCU); 32-bed Cardiac Renal Unit; Urgent Cardiology Clinic (provides speedy assessment and testing for patients at high risk for a heart attack) and RVH’s team of seven cardiologists, soon to be 10, provides 24/7 coverage for heart patients from throughout the region

Mark Thompson in the Queens Hotel kitchen

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Chef is cooking up support for advanced cardiac care O

ne minute Mark Thompson was watching a soccer match on television and the next he was lying on his living room floor fighting for his life.

The 41-year-old Barrie man and father of two young children had the mother of all heart attacks, known as the ‘widow maker’. Thompson’s artery was completely blocked and when he arrived at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre’s Emergency department, he had no vital signs.

But that is exactly what is happening.

North Simcoe Muskoka is the only region in the province that does not have an Advanced Cardiac program. Every year 3,600 people must travel outside the region for their lifesaving cardiac care.

“When it comes to the heart, time is muscle. Heart attack patients need to get to an Advanced Cardiac Centre as quickly as possible – ideally within 90 minutes – so that angioplasty can open up the artery, remove the clot, and He was defibrillated seven times. Eleven of his ribs were get blood flowing again,” says Dr. Brad Dibble, clinical director, Cardiovascular and Renal program, RVH. broken during CPR.

The reality is, most heart attack patients outside the City of Barrie can’t get to the nearest cardiac centre within that critical 90 minute window. Instead most of this region’s But RVH’s Emergency team just wouldn’t give up. heart attack patients get the ‘drip-and-ship’ standard Then a faint pulse was found and with it, hope. of care. That means patients receive medication at their Thompson’s only chance for survival then meant a trip home hospital to help dissolve the clot causing the heart down the highway for cardiac angioplasty - a procedure attack and then they are sent to a specialized cardiac not offered at any hospital in Simcoe Muskoka. It was a centre for treatment. risky ride for a man whose life was hanging in the balance.

That scenario is all about to change.

With a police escort clearing the road ahead, an ambulance In early May, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term raced Thompson to Newmarket to receive this lifesaving Care gave the green light to RVH to develop an Advanced cardiac procedure.

Cardiac program, in partnership with Southlake He wasn’t out of the woods yet though. Because Regional Health Centre, and since then the health the Emergency team had worked on him for so long, centre has aggressively moved forward with plans for a Thompson had to be placed in a hypothermic coma comprehensive heart program. following his angioplasty to allow his body to recover. He “Now that the ministry has officially given RVH the was in the coma for four days. ‘green light’ to proceed with an Advanced Cardiac The heart would heal, but the physicians were worried program, almost all residents in the region will soon be his brain would not. able to receive the gold standard of heart care right here in Barrie,” says Dr. Dibble. “Bringing that lifesaving treatment “If RVH had an advanced cardiac closer to home will be a game changer.”

After almost two hours, his wife Sabrina was called into the trauma room to say her goodbyes.

program I wouldn’t have had to go through all that. All I needed was a stent put in. It wasn’t like I needed open heart surgery,” says Thompson, who has fully recovered.

“Don’t get me wrong, if it wasn’t for RVH I wouldn’t be alive. They could have pulled the sheet over my head and called it a day and they would have done nothing wrong.

They wouldn’t give up on me and I’m so grateful, but they need the tools to finish the job. They need to be able to do angioplasty here in Barrie and not have to ship a patient to another facility. That doesn’t make sense to me. It shouldn’t happen.”

For Mark Thompson, opening an Advanced Cardiac Centre at RVH can’t happen soon enough.

“Everyone deserves the right to get the care they need in the region where they live. We need to bring this care here. Forget about you having the heart attack yourself, what if it happens to someone you love and they can’t get the care they need. Think about that!”

The future of cardiac care at RVH – watch here

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Radio for Cardiology

A

s The Steve Miller Band wraps up its concert at Casino Rama the crowd cheers and Paul Larche grins.

As the President of Larche Communications Inc. (LCI), he knows much more than great music has happened on this night. The concert, the latest Radio for Radiation event, has also raised money for RVH. LCI, the parent company of radio stations KICX 106 and The Dock 104.1, has been loyally building a legacy of giving to RVH since 2008.

Over the past four years, concerts, charity auctions and annual radiothons have helped LCI fulfill its $500,000 pledge to RVH to help equip a CT simulator suite in the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre.

And as it turned out the stations’ efforts helped one of their own.

“When we began the Radio for Radiation campaign, I never thought about actually being a cancer patient at RVH,” says Jack Latimer, host of the KICX 106 morning show. “I have now faced cancer treatment there twice and most recently, used the equipment Larche Communications helped purchase.

It was a strange feeling entering the treatment rooms and seeing the LCI plaque on the wall, but also a proud moment thinking about how many other people have or will also use this facility.”

Almost immediately after completing their Radio for Radiation pledge in early 2015, the stations turned around and made another $500,000 pledge to the health centre – Radio for Cardiology.

“We have always prided ourselves on giving back to the communities we serve,” says Paul Larche. “Both KICX 106 and The Dock have a phenomenal family of listeners, community groups, advertisers and partners who support our endeavours wholeheartedly. We would never have been able to fulfill our pledges if not for them.”

North Simcoe Muskoka is the only region in the province

Larche Communications Inc. completes its $500,000 pledge

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Paul Larche attends the Hearts & Minds launch

without an advanced cardiac centre. As a result, every year more than 3,600 heart patients must travel to centres outside the region for lifesaving cardiac care. RVH is developing an Advanced Cardiac program that will bring lifesaving heart care close to home for residents from across the region.

In this latest campaign, LCI will help equip a cardiac catheterization lab as part of RVH’s specialized cardiac centre, enlisting on-air personalities and listeners across the region.

“Our listeners believe in the importance of improving healthcare for all residents of Simcoe Muskoka and we feel the same,” adds Larche. “We’re fortunate to have a widereaching medium like radio to relay the importance of expanding cardiac services for patients.”

To help get Radio for Cardiology off to a roaring start, LCI partnered with Hogtunes Inc. of Barrie to auction off a custom motorcycle originally built for Supercross champion Ryan Villopoto. The bike fetched an impressive $20,000, bringing advanced cardiac care that much closer to Simcoe Muskoka.

“Thanks to our great listeners and sponsors I went through radiation treatment and only missed two days work. Without local cancer treatment I would have missed over 30 days employment traveling to Toronto for radiation treatment as well as the added travel expenses,” says Jack Latimer. “I know the Radio for Cardiology pledge that LCI just made will be saving lives in Simcoe County and Muskoka as well. I am so honoured to work for a company that has heart and will now be helping to save heart patients.”

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

History of LCI’s support for RVH: 2008 – 2011: Radio for Radiation – helped purchase a new Interventional Radiology suite in RVH’s expanded Imaging department (opened in 2012) 2011 – 2015: Radio for Radiology – Supported the purchase of a CT Simulator for radiation treatment planning in the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre at RVH 2015 – 2018: Radio for Cardiology – Will help equip a cardiac catheterization lab as part of RVH’s future Advanced Cardiac program

Dr. Brad Dibble at Radio for Cardiology

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

RVH is bringing Child & Youth Mental Health Services close to home

“You’re too late.

He’s gone.

He died.”

T

hat’s all Kari Smith could say when just two days after she and husband Ken found their 17-year-old son Cody dead in his room, the phone call came that might have saved his life.

It was the counselling agency confirming it finally had an appointment for the teenager who had been struggling emotionally.

Those are pretty much the only words Kari remembers saying in the days after her son died by suicide. The rest of the time was consumed with her own personal hell as she tried to come to grips with why a loving, compassionate, caring kid with great family support would take his own life.

When the unbearable reality that her beloved son was gone became overwhelming, she just screamed, and screamed, and screamed until exhaustion overcame her.

What angered her most was the fact she tried to get Cody help. What she discovered was that help for children and teens struggling emotionally was hard to find in Simcoe Muskoka. When she did find help, the wait lists were too long.

“There is just no help. Had Cody been able to talk to someone other than his mom and dad, it could have made a difference,” says Kari, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Something clicked in my boy and he did what he did. If he had gotten some help would that have changed this outcome? Nobody can tell me that it

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

“When young people come here seeking help, we will be there for them.

We aren’t right now,” says Eric Dean CEO RVH Foundation wouldn’t have.”

Cody, a Grade 11 student, was struggling with some negative circumstances in his life, one of which was the recent death of a friend. His parents believed he needed some professional help to get through this time in his life, but never for a moment thought it was serious enough for him to consider suicide. Most of the time he was a regular teen, playing his guitar, messing around with friends and enjoying sports.

Even the day before he took his own life, Cody had an awesome time snowmobiling with his father Ken, he met with a friend to plan a business venture together, watched movies at home and then kissed his mom and dad goodnight.

“He kissed me and told me he loved me, and I told him that I loved him, just like we did every night. He even asked me if I was doing laundry on Sunday,” says Kari.

“That was the last time I saw him.”

The health centre is developing plans for an eight-bed inpatient unit for children and youth, as well as outpatient and crisis support and a day hospital program.

“There are services in the community, but the waits can be long. The missing piece of the puzzle is this inpatient unit for children and youth,” says Bell. “We know that 70 per cent of adults with mental illness also experienced it as a child or youth and that is why early intervention and treatment is key.”

The RVH Foundation has launched Hearts & Minds – an initiative to raise money to equip the eight–bed unit.

“The statistics are shocking. We know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and that onein-five children and youth are affected by mental health issues. That’s heartbreaking. We also know that last year 1,700 young people came to Emergency departments in this region facing a mental health crisis, and like RVH, many of them were not equipped with a crisis program or inpatient child and youth mental health program,” says Eric Dean, CEO RVH Foundation. “Hearts & Minds is focused on raising $3 million to equip a program at RVH. When young people come here seeking help, we will be there for them. We aren’t right now.”

Even though Cody spoke freely and often very frankly with both his parents, they thought counselling would help. So his name was put on a wait list that was just too long. At one point they went to RVH’s Emergency That’s the sad truth with which Kari and husband Ken department for help, but found nothing geared specifically to teenagers. are all too familiar. In honour of their son, who always cared for others, they are championing the cause to bring RVH wants to change all that.

“At RVH we currently have no specialized program for child and youth mental health services to RVH. children and youth with mental health issues. What we do have is four beds which are located next to our adult mental health inpatient unit, but no formalized program,” says Crystal Bell, manager of Inpatient and Crisis Mental Health Services at RVH. “We need to bring care close to home in Simcoe Muskoka. We are the only region in the province without a specialized child and youth mental health program.”

“This is not a club you want to belong to. You are not supposed to have your kids die before you – especially like this. I feel now I have to help build awareness around the lack of services. Cody isn’t here anymore. It’s final and I don’t get a second chance with him. There are other parents out there who might get a second chance with their teen, but only if they can get the help they need.”

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Media for Young Minds Metroland Media helps bring child and youth mental health services To register your business, please visit http://bit.ly/MediaForYoungMinds

W

hen the Barrie Advance realized just how great the gap in services was for children and youth dealing with mental health issues, its employees decided to do more than just report the story; they became part of the story. And, in turn, part of the solution.

The team at Metroland Media immediately gravitated to the child and youth mental health services and created its own made-by-Metroland campaign.

Cleverly named Media for Young Minds, the campaign goal is to raise $50,000 of the $3 million needed to bring “The statistics were shocking,” says Elise Allain, general a comprehensive child and youth mental health program, manager, Barrie Advance. “We know that last year 1,700 youth including a specialized inpatient unit, to RVH. The sales team came to Emergency departments in this region facing a mental at Metroland Media invited local businesses to participate in health crisis. To know that as many as one in five children and a month-long spring promotion, supporting the campaign in youth are affected by mental health issues is heartbreaking. We one of three ways – a dollar or percentage of sales for the month felt as a media company we wanted to do more than just report of June; donating to an online auction; or a straight donation to on this issue. We wanted to dig deeper, be part of the solution the campaign. and help remove the stigma of mental illness.”

“Our sales staff are the engine behind the campaign, and they believe so strongly in what they’re doing,” says Allain.

Metroland Media, the parent company for the Barrie Advance, “With so many youth carriers delivering our paper on a weekly as well as many other newspapers and magazines throughout basis, the Media for Young Minds campaign is something our Ontario including, Innisfil, Orillia, Midland, Collingwood, staff are able to support and feel good about asking their clients Bracebridge, Gravenhurst and Huntsville, has partnered with the RVH Foundation to support the health centre’s Hearts & to support as well.”

Minds campaign. The campaign is raising $25 million to bring Alarmingly, there are currently no inpatient mental health advanced cardiac care, child and youth mental health and services available to children and youth in Simcoe Muskoka. This women’s cancer services to the region. means children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

“There’s a strong staff connection to the campaign and with so many youth carriers delivering our paper on a weekly basis, the Media for Young Minds campaign is something our staff are able to support and feel good about asking their clients to support it as well,” Elise Allain, general manager, Barrie Advance. are inappropriately admitted to a pediatric unit or to an inpatient adult psychiatry unit.

Even more tragically, many receive no care whatsoever.

“RVH currently has no specialized inpatient mental health services for children and youth, but we want to change that,” says Eric Dean, CEO, RVH Foundation. “The health centre is developing plans for an inpatient unit for children and youth with outpatient services and crisis support. The support we receive from local businesses like Metroland Media is invaluable to us.

The Barrie Advance recognizes the need, and is not only helping to raise funds for the campaign, it’s also raising awareness and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues through their regular stories in the paper.”

Response to the campaign has been overwhelming. Every dollar raised will go directly to the Media for Young Minds campaign to build a strong child and youth mental health program at RVH. “Metroland Media’s tagline is ‘Connected to your Community’ and we take that commitment to support our local communities very seriously,” says Shaun Sauvé, Regional General Manager, Metroland Simcoe-York. “We know there are children and families throughout our region who are struggling, many of them quietly and invisibly. They are our neighbours, our business associates, our friends, perhaps our own family members. They need our help, and Metroland’s clients – from small yoga studios to large real estate firms - are rallying together to make a real difference.”

During the month of June, local businesses have signed up to support the Media for Young Minds campaign. Local McDonald’s owner/ operators Glenn McKee (left) and Jennifer and Jason O’Neill (right) were among the first business owners to join with Elise Allain (centre), general manager, Barrie Advance, and participate in the campaign.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:01 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Young people value volunteering at RVH I

To volunteer at RVH please call Volunteer Resources at 705 739-5650 or visit our website: www.rvh.on.ca

t’s Sunday morning and Emily Jelinek isn’t sleeping in like a typical Grade 12 student. Instead, she’s going to RVH’s Emergency department.

She’s not sick. Jelinek is there to comfort the ill and injured.

She’s one of more than 850 RVH volunteers who give their time to comfort patients and offer support for staff and physicians. In fact, RVH has one of the largest volunteer forces in the province. They are so loved and appreciated by RVH staff and physicians that they have been nicknamed the “Blue Brigade”, after the blue vests they wear proudly.

Jelinek, 18, is among a growing number of young people who are catching on to the benefits of volunteering in a health centre.

“It’s very rewarding,” says Jelinek, who has accumulated more than 250 volunteer hours. “My grandfather was a physician for more than 50 years so I always knew I wanted a career in healthcare. To be able to get hands-on experience in a hospital setting while I’m still in high school is amazing, and I never realized how inspiring the staff and physicians could be for someone like me who is interested in healthcare.”

During her time at RVH, Jelinek helps staff, provides directions around the Emergency department and assists with transporting patients. After demonstrating impressive leadership during her shifts at RVH, Jelinek was also asked to train new volunteers.

The Emergency department isn’t the only area of the health centre you’ll find young volunteers. They assist with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) on the Surgery, Geriatrics and Respiratory units. Volunteers can also be found at Information desks, greeting patients and visitors, providing directions and wheelchair assistance. As Patient Ambassadors they visit with patients and help patients with meals for Rehabilitation, Respiratory and Geriatric Inpatient units, and of course, youth volunteers also provide assistance in non-clinical areas such as Victoria’s Gift Shop and Café Royale, the Auxiliary-run coffee shop. While RVH volunteers have a hand in more than 75 departments around the health centre, these positions are ideal for students who need to schedule volunteer time around their school schedule.

“Our volunteers provide invaluable support throughout the health centre,” says Val Bennett, director, Volunteer Resources. “And it’s not only our staff and patients who benefit from it. I hear time and time again the volunteers get a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from their time at RVH. The opportunities our youth volunteers are exposed to are unlike anything they learn in the classroom. It’s that hands-on experience that they can take with them as they continue their education and eventually make decisions about their future careers.”

Jelinek agrees.“I really believe that what I’m doing at RVH makes a difference,” says Jelinek. “To be able to put a smile on someone’s face just by offering a helping hand, there’s no feeling like it.”

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:08 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Supporting our local hospitals The Simcoe County Hospital Funding Alliance was established in 2002 to anticipate and respond to our community needs and to ensure this health-care funding was distributed equitably across all of our local hospitals I contributed up to $3 Million annually to support the capital needs of our hospitals between 2002-2006 I renewed funding agreement in 2007 with a new term that provides $3 Million annually over the following decade, ending in 2016 I broadened the membership of this funding alliance in 2010 to include Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, and will include this hospital in considering future funding beyond 2016 Through this generous history of funding, the County has been an instrumental partner in many hospital projects, including: � Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital expansion � Southlake Regional Health Centre Cancer Care Centre � Stevenson Memorial Emergency facilities renovation � Collingwood General and Marine Hospital redevelopment � Georgian Bay General Hospital expansion � Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Cancer Care Centre

simcoe.ca www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:11 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Care close to home allows woman to catch her breath T

racey Baker describes the moment she was told she had cancer.

“It took my breath away,” says Baker. “It was like I was in a dream. I could hear voices around me, but I wasn’t really listening. I was numb.”

That’s because at the age of 52, the healthy, life-loving woman got the shock of her life – a diagnosis of uterine cancer.

At the time, RVH did not have a gynecological cancer program, so the Barrie woman had to travel to Toronto for her surgery.

Baker, an avid traveller and adventurer, says the impact of travelling for treatment didn’t really hit her until after her surgery when radiation treatment was discussed.

“Travelling for surgery wasn’t a big deal for me, and chemotherapy once every three weeks wouldn’t have bothered me either, but when they told me radiation would be five-days a week, for five weeks, that’s when travelling for treatment hit,” says Baker. “That would be through all kinds of weather, winter storms, and there was no way I was going to miss one of those treatments.”

By the time Baker needed chemotherapy and radiation, RVH

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had been designated a Gynecologic Centre of Excellence – only one of eight in the province – and was now able to provide the full range of services for women with gynecological cancer, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

She could now transfer her care to her home health centre and eliminate the travel.

“Not having to travel eliminates a huge source of stress and anxiety and this is on top of trying to deal with the disease,” says Baker. “I’m used to Toronto and the chaos, but for some people I can see how it would be extremely overwhelming and maybe even terrifying.”

Previously more than 300 women from Central and Northern Ontario had to travel to Toronto for surgery, as those highly specialized services were not provided in the region.

“By developing gynecologic cancer services at RVH we are better positioned to provide care throughout the entire patient journey for cancers originating within a woman’s reproductive organs. This service will close the distance gap for women in central and northern Ontario,” says Dr. Jason Dodge, clinical lead gynecologic cancer services with the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre (SMRCC) at RVH.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:17 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Tracey Baker with her personal trainer Dorothy Slocum

That’s good news because the number of gynecological visits to RVH has increased from 250 to 450 annually.

“We see the need and it is growing,” says Lindsey Crawford, vice-president, Patient Programs, RVH and regional vicepresident, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). “The time is now for RVH to proactively complete women’s cancer service.”

“There is nothing positive about travelling for treatment. It only makes the situation worse. I know that advanced care can’t be in everyone’s backyard, but this new service just brings it that much closer for so many,” says Baker.

Offering comprehensive women’s cancer services also requires specialized surgical equipment, supplies for colposcopy and a future brachytherapy treatment suite. The RVH Foundation, “Prior to this diagnosis, I didn’t appreciate the depth and breadth through the Hearts & Minds campaign, is raising $1 million to of expertise available through the cancer centre at RVH. Today, I ensure RVH has this equipment. am forever grateful to have these brilliant minds in my backyard, “With our cancer centre already fully functioning, much of providing the highest quality of care with compassion, empathy the infrastructure is already in place to provide advanced care,” and humour.” says Eric Dean, CEO, RVH Foundation. “Additional preparations And now, as Baker says, “I have my breath back again.” are currently underway, including mobilizing a top notch clinical team led by Dr. Dodge. With community support in this campaign we will continue to give women the full cancer services they deserve.”

Baker is grateful the care she needs is now available in her own backyard.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Painting a picture of hope for stroke

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6/12/15 12:38:32 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

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ngi Gould is all fired up. She’s giving another community talk about two things she is passionate about – her late husband John Gould and his amazing recovery from a stroke.

Barrie’s John Gould was an internationally-known artist whose creative gift was stripped from him in 1996 when he suffered a massive stroke.

“I remember after his stroke he had a profound sense of sadness. He thought his life and career were over, but he couldn’t have been more wrong,” says Ingi. “He could have been anything. He was so talented – a writer, an actor, a musician or an artist. He chose to be an artist and I wasn’t going to watch him lose that now, but I didn’t know what that would look like. Would he draw again? Could he even hold a pencil again? I didn’t know, but I was determined to help him continue in his art in some way.”

John’s stroke affected his right side, leaving him unable to speak, write or draw. He spent almost three months at RVH, as well as another year recovering at home and participating in the health centre’s Stroke Rehabilitation program.

One of the team members he met on his journey was occupational therapist Ruth Rankin. Fresh out of school and on her first full-time job, Ruth can still remember John’s determination to draw again and to this day says his incredible recovery is a source of inspiration for her.

“I graduated in October and John became my first complex stroke patient in November,” says Ruth. “He was really amazing. At first he couldn’t point to my arm when I asked or pick up a fork when I pointed to it. Then he eventually progressed to being able to create works of art and hold shows again. He has inspired me and that’s why I always tell people never to give up.”

John’s amazing recovery is testament both to the human spirit and to the value of specialized stroke care, including early access to rehabilitation which is provided in RVH’s Integrated Stroke and Rehabilitation unit. The health centre was also recently awarded Stroke Distinction from Accreditation Canada, one of only ten hospitals in Canada

to receive this prestigious designation in both acute care and rehab stroke services.

There are an estimated 50,000 strokes in Canada each year. That’s one stroke every 10 minutes. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada, with over 14,000 Canadians dying from it every year.

“Early access to expert stroke care is essential to ensure the best patient outcomes. For every minute delay in treating a stroke, the average patient loses 1.9 million brain cells. Each hour in which treatment does not occur, the brain loses as many neurons as it does in almost 3.6 years of normal aging,” says Cheryl Moher, regional director, Central East Stroke Network. “Strokes are common, preventable and treatable, but access to specialized, coordinated care is the key to a successful recovery. The sooner patients receive care in a dedicated stroke unit, the sooner they get back to their normal activities and doing what they love to do.”

John Gould’s recovery is proof that access to expert stroke care and rehabilitation, coupled with unmovable determination, works. Following his stroke, John went on to create, what critics say, are some of his most powerful works. Although he passed away in 2010, Ingi still carries the torch for John and shares his message of hope and recovery after stroke. Most recently his story was shared through an exhibition in RVH’s Corridor Gallery, entitled An Artist’s Journey Back from Stroke, featuring his preand post-stroke pieces.

So powerful was this message of hope after stroke that several of John’s pieces will be on permanent exhibit on the Integrated Stroke and Rehabilitation unit to inspire others. Ingi Gould is also working with the Central East Stroke Network to bring awareness to this devastating disease. She will be participating in a presentation series entitled, The Art of Stroke Care, throughout Simcoe Muskoka during the month of June. The public is invited to listen to Ingi share John’s inspirational story, and learn about the importance of stroke prevention, recognizing the signs of stroke and specialized stroke care.

Do you know the signs of a stroke?

Act F A S T because the quicker you act, the more of the person you save © Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 2014

F ACE is it drooping?

A RMS can you raise both?

S PEECH is it slurred or jumbled?

T IME to call 9-1-1 right away.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Improving patient care through research Dr. Cheryl Kemsley, a second year family medicine resident with the Family Medicine Teaching Unit, spends time with Dr. Roy Hyslop on RVH’s Rehabilitation and Integrated Stroke unit. Dr. Kemsley, originally from Wasaga Beach, plans on remaining in the area to practice medicine.

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hen she was receiving treatment, former cancer patient Kim Jackson jumped at the opportunity to be part of a clinical trial research project at RVH. “Research is progress, and moving forward, if we don’t take these chances we won’t be moving forward. I like to think of it in terms of helping others,” she says.

RVH is committed to improving patient outcomes and clinical trials are an important part of this process. These are research studies exploring whether a medical strategy, treatment, or device is safe and effective. These studies may also show which medical approaches work best for certain illnesses or groups of people. Other types of research at RVH include industry sponsored research, grant-funded research, investigator initiated and quality research.

“Research is a very methodical way to improve patient care,” says Susan Devine, RVH manager of Research. “Researchers know that patients are an amazing natural resource and there are many checks and balances in place to ensure the health, welfare and privacy of the patient remains a priority.”

In addition to using research to improve patient care, RVH also focuses on providing training for the next generation of healthcare workers, starting as early as high school. In 2014, RVH was a second home to 40 secondary students with an interest in a healthcare career. Each year, more than 800 other students hone their skills through co-op placements. Nursing students from Georgian College; X-ray technologists from The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences and Cambrian College in addition to 24

a wide variety of non-clinical placements and internships. These placements provide vital on-the-job training and allow staff and physicians to share their knowledge and expertise with those that will be providing care for decades to come.

RVH has been an official teaching site of the University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine since 2009, providing the final two-years of family medicine training in the Family Medicine Teaching Unit. While training, those physicians care for approximately 300 patients each. To-date, the program has graduated 34 family medicine residents, with 22 of them staying in the area to set up their own practices, or work in the health centre’s Emergency and Hospitalist departments. In a region that struggles with family physician shortages, the success of this program has provided both short and long-term relief.

“We have had great success with our teaching and research programs and partnerships and are committed to growing these two very important areas,” says Dr. Chris Tebbutt, vice-president Academic and Medical Affairs. “Through this continued focus we will support organizational performance and most importantly, enhance patient care.”

For Kim, being part of a clinical cancer trial gave her hope and a feeling of control over her illness. For staff and physicians the information that comes out of this invaluable research ensures RVH can deliver the best, safest care in the future.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:46 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

RVH delivers a dose of safety

Christine Atkinson, Pharmacy Informatics Coordinator

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edication is meant to help you get, or stay, well. But what happens if your medication is not working the way it should? What if the dose is wrong, or it’s not being taken properly or you took the wrong pill at the wrong time?

For people on multiple medications, this is a common reality.

RVH has taken action to ensure its patients receive the right medication, at the right time, for the right medical issue. One way the health centre makes safety a top priority is through medication reconciliation. That means your healthcare provider gathers a detailed medication history when you are admitted, recording all prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking.

This list is compared with any medications ordered for you while you are in hospital, including when you are transferred to another area of the hospital and discharged.

Why is this so important? Research suggests that over half of patients have at least one medication discrepancy upon admission to hospital and this has the potential to cause serious health effects. A discrepancy occurs when the medication you usually take does not match the new medication order.

“Medication errors can have a significant effect on patient outcomes, sometimes even life threatening,” says Dr. Chris Tebbutt, vice-president Academic and Medical Affairs.

“Incidents from medication errors are generally preventable and through medication reconciliation, we add another layer of safety against these type of errors.”

This reduces the risk of a patient developing resistance to the drug or the drug interfering with other medications.

“We have many measures in place to enhance medication safety,” says Debra Merrill, director, Pharmacy program.

“RVH has a locked unit dose system on each inpatient floor.

This means each dose of medication is individually prepared, packaged and labelled for each patient, greatly reducing the risk of missed or incorrect doses. We also put ‘look alike, sound alike’ stickers on medications that are similar to further avoid medication errors.”

RVH’s cancer program uses the Robotic Intravenous Automation System (RIVA) to ensure a high standard of safety and accuracy, while significantly reducing the risk of exposure to the drugs and repetitive stress injuries for technicians. In fact, RVH was awarded a Safe Medication Practices Award from the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists for this innovation.

Remember: when coming to the health centre, bring all your medications with you – including over-the-counter medications, herbal medicines and vitamin supplements or have a detailed list that shows what the drug is for, the dose and when you need to take it. If you are not sure why you are prescribed a medication ask your healthcare provider to clarify.

Another medication safety measure in place is RVH’s Antimicrobial Stewardship program which ensures antibiotics are carefully selected and prescribed to treat specific infections.

25 www.rvh.on.ca www.rvh.on.ca | Like | Like our Facebook our Facebook Page:Page: Team Team RVH RVH | Follow | Follow us onusTwitter: on Twitter: @TeamRVH @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

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Care through our patients’ eyes

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“If a decision involves a patient, we better be asking for their input.”

battery charger available at the parking kiosk so that anyone who returns to their vehicle and finds their battery drained can charge up and continue on with their day.

That’s the guiding philosophy that led RVH to establish its Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) in the summer of 2014.

Comprised of eight patients (or family members), along with RVH staff and physicians, the group provides direct, patient-focused input into the development of RVH’s plans, programs, processes and spaces.

“It may seem like a small thing, but for patients, family members and visitors – who may already be stressed - to be able to get that battery boost quickly so they can get home, is a huge help,” says Ray Frank, council co-chair.

“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the care I received at RVH,” says Carolyn Forgie-French, a former patient and council member.

“I believe in paying it forward, and this is my opportunity to make a real difference to future patients and their families!”

RVH’s PFAC will continue to provide valuable insight in the near future as it recruits more members, and focuses on the health centre’s end-of-life strategy, seniors’ strategy, visiting hours, and communication with patients and families. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) please call 705-728-9090 ext: 42319.

The creation of PFAC directly aligns with RVH’s MY CARE strategy, which is based on the philosophy that patients and families should be partners in their care, involved in planning and decision-making throughout every step of their healthcare journey. Patient Family Advisors must commit to serving on the council for a minimum of one year. The time commitment and meeting frequency varies depending on the specific projects or activities in which each advisor is participating.

“This is where the people I love come for care and having the opportunity to impact that care is really a privilege,” says Karen Dryden-Palmer, pediatric nurse and PFAC member.

People who have had a recent experience (within two years) either as a patient or the family member of a patient being cared for at RVH, are eligible to be a Patient Family Advisor, providing they are at least 18 years old. No special qualifications are required; what is most important is their experience as a patient or family member and their willingness to share their story and ideas in a constructive way.

PFAC members are also called upon to provide new and innovative ideas that will improve the experience of patients and families. Thanks to the PFAC committee, RVH now has a portable

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PFAC members Lori Vajda (RVH), Ed Harper, Carolyn Forgie-French, Mary MacDonald, Treva McCumber (RVH), Val Bennett (RVH), Jim Crawford, Ray Frank, co-chair, Nancy Savage (RVH) co-chair, Jane Jackson, Karen DrydenPalmer and Suzanne Legue (RVH)

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:38:56 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Surprising facts: RVH Patient Food Staff – 65 Patient meals per day – 1,000 Meals on Wheels – 500 per week Frozen meals – 250 week Weekly groceries – 5,000 lbs.

Loaves of bread per month – 650 One soup recipe makes – 100 litres Weekly lettuce order – 100 lbs

Serving up comfort – one plate at a time It’s seven in the morning at RVH and patients are just waking up, but the employees in Patient Food Services have been prepping, cutting, baking, cooking, dicing and slicing for hours.

likes, dislikes or known allergies. This information is married with any special dietary restrictions using computer software which then selects the most appropriate meal choices.

That’s because the entire team wants to ensure patients start their day with a nutritious, freshly-made breakfast. The same passion is poured into preparing lunch and dinner trays too.

“A well-balanced, nutritious meal is an important part of a patient’s recovery and while our team may not be providing direct patient care, they definitely are a part of the patient care experience,” says Barb Pidgen, manager, Patient Food Services.

On average, this busy behind-the-scenes team prepares close to 1,000 patient food trays each day – all from a 9,500 square foot kitchen that bustles with energy, precision and some really good smells. It takes the team about an hour and a half to get the food onto the trays and up to the patient rooms. Keeping quality, safety and patient satisfaction in mind, hot meals are kept that way using heated carts.

“I think people would be surprised to learn that all food is cooked or baked from scratch in the RVH kitchens,” says Kim Mosher, RVH diet clerk. “We even have three Red Seal chefs and one baker on our team and wherever possible, we use locallysourced products.”

While patients can’t always pick the exact meal they want due to dietary restrictions, they are given a preference card to indicate

The team also does catering for many events at RVH and keeps the Café Royale well-stocked. Meals often leave the health centre too. Each month, the team prepares approximately 1,800 meals for community agencies such as Meals on Wheels, Helping Hands and the Victoria Order of Nurses.

The 65-member Patient Food Services team know that when you are in the hospital, one of the highlights of your day is when your food arrives. It is not uncommon to see a Patient Food Aide stop to chat with a patient, helping them with lids on soups or hot beverages and providing more than nourishment – they provide a little bit of human comfort to go with that comfort food.

www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:39:01 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Robotic patients ensure staff are ready for anything T

he health professionals at RVH are ready for just about any ill or injured patient that comes through their doors.

Not just because they are highly skilled, but also because they have the latest technology and training available to keep their skills razor-sharp and ensure they are providing safe, high-quality, care.

So how do they become so good at what they do?

Two years ago RVH introduced a clinical simulator, the only one of its kind in the region. This human-sized and remarkably life-like robot accurately mimics the activity of a patient. In fact, it looks eerily human. It blinks, breathes, cries and with the help of a remote audio control, it can even speak! The simulator provides a safe, consequence-free environment for front-line staff to practice rare, high-risk medical scenarios as well as improve communication, crisis response and conflict resolution skills.

The education gained is so valuable that RVH has since invested in a second simulator – this one in the form of a sixyear-old child which enables the team to train for pediatric emergencies. To ensure the maximum benefit from these training tools, an audio/video module records, stores and shares the training sessions for robust debriefing sessions.

“We’re able to control the device’s breathing, its vital signs, even monitor when the medication is administered and then review it all after the exercise,” says Dr. Chris Martin, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care and Director of Medical Simulation. “The debriefing session is probably the most important part of a ‘sim’ exercise as it allows participants to view what they did and said, then discuss how the process and decision making can be improved for better patient outcomes.

By mimicking human-like scenarios, the robot allows users to practice things they don’t see very often. When they do come across it, they are better prepared and able to handle the situation in a way that leads to the best possible outcome for the patient.

Dr. Chris Tebbutt, vice-president Academic and Medical Affairs says the most important beneficiaries of this advanced teaching tool are RVH’s patients.

“These simulators are extraordinary pieces of technology,” says Tebbutt. “The trainer can pre-set a number of simulated situations and establish a timeline to deliver the care.

Then they coach the team through the process and most importantly, review the outcomes. The simulators have blinking eyes, chest cavities that rise and fall, and can be programmed to have secretions from the eyes, ears and mouth. This creates a realistic situation, and patients can be assured their caregivers are ready for anything.”

For Cardiac Care Unit registered nurse Yvonne Creamer, the training was invaluable. “My team and I found this training to be so realistic and a good experience,” says Creamer. “We were able to run through an emergency situation in a non-stressful environment and then get immediate feedback. It really does prepare you for when these situations do occur.”

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www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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6/12/15 12:39:07 PM

Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

RVH Auxiliary enhances patient care

Joan LeSarge, 77, with Danielle Fournel, RVH pysiotherapist

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ith Lionel Richie music playing from her laptop, Joan LeSarge performs her morning exercises.

The 77-year-old patient in RVH’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is confined to a wheelchair, but thanks to a new piece of equipment, she can still exercise.

“This is a fabulous piece of equipment and for a lot of reasons,” says Danielle Fournel, a physiotherapist at RVH. “What it does is help us get people moving early. Exercising using this equipment improves circulation, builds up the patient’s strength and endurance and increases bowel and bladder function. It also enhances the respiratory system which is important as many of the patients here are on ventilators.”

LeSarge has the use of this specialized equipment thanks to the RVH Auxiliary.

A little known fact about hospital equipment: it is 100 per cent the responsibility of the health centre to fund the purchase of equipment needed for patient care. Government funding does not cover these expenses.

Each year, the RVH Auxiliary provides money to purchase equipment, like the MotoMed Letto exerciser LeSarge uses.

“I’m very grateful for this equipment.

Research shows that the sooner we get patients moving, the sooner they can be discharged out of the ICU and off a ventilator,” says Fournel. “The mental health benefits are amazing as well. We had one patient, who was with us for a very long time, and he said when he used this machine he felt he was moving forward and making progress.”

Funds for equipment purchased by the RVH Auxiliary come through its Nevada ticket sales program. Recently, $21,000 in Auxiliary funds were used to purchase

the exerciser used by LeSarge, as well as a specialty bed for the new Child and Youth Mental Health program. In 2013, $20,000 was used for a specialized bed and in 2012, $25,000 for foot care chairs and other equipment in the Medicine Treatment Clinic.

Nevada tickets sales aren’t the only way the Auxiliary raises funds. The Auxiliary holds Tag Days, an annual bazaar, hosts vendor sales at RVH, and raises money through its two businesses - Café Royale and Victoria’s Gift Shop.

Since the two businesses opened an estimated $7 million has been poured back into patient care at RVH. The RVH Auxiliary has a strong history of supporting RVH. It raised an incredible $5 million for the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre and completed their pledge for $1.5 million to the Cardiac Care Unit. The Auxiliary has now pledged $2 million for the Hearts & Minds campaign.

For more information on how you can support the RVH Auxiliary’s Hearts & Minds pledge, please visit www.rvh.on.ca

“We are able to raise funds for this health centre because we believe so strongly in the cause,” says Janice Williams, president, RVH Auxiliary. www.rvh.on.ca | Like our Facebook Page: Team RVH | Follow us on Twitter: @TeamRVH

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Vitalsigns 2015 | Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre

Telemedicine cuts travel time for Muskoka cancer patient C

arse Harman has had eight appointments with RVH oncologist Dr. Bryn Pressnail, but has only seen him in person twice. That’s just fine with him.

No slight against Dr. Pressnail; Harman just hates to travel. The thought of having to drive to Barrie from Muskoka for his medical appointments was adding stress to an already stressful situation.

Instead, Harman, 60, is able to meet with the Barrie oncologist without leaving his hometown of Huntsville.

He does this through the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). Telemedicine uses two-way video-conferencing and accompanying diagnostic equipment to provide medical consultation.

“That’s huge for me,” says Harman, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in December. “I live ten minutes away from my local hospital. I come here and have my visits with Dr. Pressnail through telemedicine and then head home. I’m done in less than 40 minutes. It would take me an hour and half just to get to Barrie. That’s one way and providing the weather isn’t too bad.”

Often the weather is bad and in the summer the traffic can be brutal. Last year Environment Canada issued 44 severe weather warnings in Simcoe Muskoka and on long weekends over 125,000 cars snarl traffic on Highway 400 through Barrie.

“It is a big relief for us,” says Holly Chantler, Harman’s wife. “It’s so stressful having to drive to Barrie - we know because we had to do it for three days in a row for the first appointments. We were so stressed out. It was snowy and stormy. You just never know what kind of weather you will hit on the way there or back. Telemedicine alleviated the unknown of travel and weather. When you are dealing with cancer there are enough unknowns - this eliminates one of them.”

are both in the same room together,” says Dr. Pressnail.

“Telemedicine saves my patients travel time, provides them care close to home, and for many, it reduces the financial burden of gas, parking and meals they would have to face if travelling for these appointments. What is good for my patients is good for me.”

Dr. Pressnail has been such an avid supporter of telemedicine that he is among the first to receive a Champion of Telemedicine Award from the Ontario Telemedicine Network. He is recognized for his leadership in the development, testing and implementation of telemedicine which continues to improve care for his patients every day.

“Dr. Pressnail has been an amazing advocate for his patients throughout his entire career. He was one of the first physicians to champion this new technology because he could see that it would have a huge, positive impact in the lives of his patients. And he was right,” says Lindsey Crawford, RVH vice-president, Patient Programs and regional vice-president, Cancer Care Ontario.

Dr. Pressnail began holding telemedicine appointments in 2011, but only in limited numbers. Now it is a daily routine for 20 cancer doctors (radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and gynecological oncologists) at RVH’s Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre (SMRCC) to see at least three patients every day via telemedicine.

If OTN didn’t present Dr. Pressnail with an award for such leadership, you can bet Carse Harman would have.

Last year at RVH, 2,600 patient ‘visits’ took place via telemedicine. This amounts to more than 700 clinic hours and saves patients more than 400,000 km of travel.

“Telemedicine is so patient friendly. Sometimes, at first, patients are a little nervous because they are not used to being on television. After the first session it is like we Dr. Bryne Pressnail meets with Carse Harman via telemedicine

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Why we support Hearts & Minds Make each life better. Together.

The Cheaneys “Our family is passionate about supporting organizations and services that provide a better, healthier life for children in this community.”

- Anna and Terry Cheaney

Powell Jones “We began our tradition of giving to RVH and we have never looked back. Our partners have a very personal connection to RVH - it is both ours and our clients’ hospital – and we want to ensure the highest quality health care is available.”

- Greg Ferguson, partner, Powell Jones LLP

Eisses “RVH has always been there for us when members of our large family need it the most. I want to know that if a family member needs care because of a heart attack, mental illness or cancer, they can receive it close to home in a facility with the latest equipment and top physicians.”

- Harry Eisses

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Behind the scenes at RVH

Take a look at some departments most patients and visitors never see

Building and Facilities Building and Facilities is responsible for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for all staff, patients and visitors. The department employs licensed tradespeople who bring with them many years of experience. Every year, Facilities performs more than 2,400 preventative maintenance tasks to ensure the building equipment at RVH is safe and functional.

Medical Physics: Keith Nakonechny and Muoi Tran, medical physicists

Building and Facilities: Jim Duffy, electrician

Medical Physics The Medical Physics team is responsible for ensuring the radiation treatment prescribed to a patient is delivered in the right amount to the right spot. A medical physicist thoroughly assesses the quality and integrity of every radiation treatment plan prior to it being administered to the patient. In 2014 this amounted to 1,413 patient plans!

Pathology The Pathology department processes all surgically removed tissues for diagnosis. They processed 24,000 surgical cases and 185 autopsy cases last year. This generates 155,000 slides and an additional 23,000 slides for special stains and cancer markers.

Laboratory: Lisa Callan, medical laboratory technologist

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Pharmacy : Vinetha Ariyarantnam, pharmacy technician

Pharmacy The Pharmacy provides medication to all patients at the health centre, including most outpatient clinics. The Pharmacy handles 379,000 prescription orders a year; prepares 60,000 specific intravenous bags with medications; 26,400 chemotherapy doses; and on a daily basis 2,639 prepackaged pills are dispensed and verified.

Information Technology Informatics and Technology Services’ vision is for RVH to be a paperless hospital with a focus on high quality care. The team’s mission is to implement secure, reliable and integrated technology to ensure information is available to RVH staff when and where it is needed. The team manages 350 km of data cabling; more than 600 Wi-Fi access points; more than 800 servers; 470 Printers; over 30,000 calls per year to the Service Desk and much, much more.

Security Services: John Jennett, security officer

Security Security officers are ‘first responders’ to most emergency situations at RVH, and they also proactively coach staff and volunteers in Emergency preparedness. Security officers attended 3,936 calls last year to ensure that RVH is a safe place to give and recieve care.

Information Technology: Daryl Kwapis, Brad Zimmerman and Dave Charlebois

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On May 5, 2015 RVH officially launched Hearts & Minds, an initiative to raise $25 million for five priority areas for the health centre – advanced cardiac care, child and youth mental health, women’s cancer services, equipment, and teaching and research. Nearly 300 friends of RVH attended the family movie night at Barrie’s Uptown Theater. At the event RVH announced that $12.7 million had already been raised for Hearts & Minds. Moments before the event began RVH received the news that government approval to develop an Advanced Cardiac program had been given.

Two momentous reasons to celebrate!

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For more information about Hearts & Minds please contact Rebbeca Truax at truaxr@rvh.on.ca or by calling 705.728.9090 x41525

Thank you to members of the Hearts & Minds Cabinet for their ongoing dedication to RVH: David McCullough (chair), Joe Beleskey, David Blenkarn, Wayne Dusome, Scott Elliott, Dr. Matt Follwell, Jim Furlano, Michael Gleason, Carol Holden, Doug Moody, Dale Pickard, Brian Roy, Janice Skot, Bernie Still, Arlette Utton and Janice Williams

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Providing viding quality care car ...one patient at a time

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