April 2017 vital links

vital links

A monthly newsletter for staff, physicians and volunteers: Keeping you informed

We Salute Our Volunteers!

April 2017 Edition

THIS ISSUE Be the Voice of Change...11

Volunteering eh? That’s the theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week which runs April 23-29. Sault Area Hospital is home to over 500 volunteers, and their various roles span across the entire organization.

Our volunteers come from many walks of life and include people of all ages. With many fresh smiling faces starting every day, some of our SAH volunteers have given over 50 years of service to the organization. It is abundantly clear we have an outstanding volunteer work force, as they have logged an impressive 65,000+ hours within the past year.

CEO Workup Highlights...14-15 iCcare Specialty Pharmacy...20

National Volunteer Week is a perfect time to thank our dedicated volunteers for their hard work, loyalty, compassion and generosity. Whether it’s lending a listening ear or a helping hand or simply wearing a friendly smile, volunteers add that special touch when it comes to supporting patient care and creating a positive hospital experience.

Their contributions are far reaching, supporting our staff, physicians, patients and everyone who walks through our doors every day. Volunteer tasks include anything from providing directions and information, to escorting patients to their appointments, assisting patients in the various patient units and serving on the SAH Board of Directors.

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers for their passion, dedication, generosity and for sharing their talents and time with everyone at SAH!

A publication by Communications & Public Affairs

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE We Recognize Oncology Nursing Day Oncology Nursing Day was held on April 4 to recognize the incredible role that oncology nurses play in our national health care system. This year’s theme is The Path to Change: Oncology Nurses Leading the Way. Oncology nursing is a specialization which focuses on both the scientific and interpersonal aspects of the patient experience, and continually evolves to meet the changing needs of patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. Our Oncology nurses provide evidence based nursing care to patients and families at all points along the cancer care spectrum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliation phases of the cancer care journey.

ADCP presently employs 11 full-time and 8 part-time specialized oncology nurses, providing care in the ADCP, chemotherapy suite, radiation, well follow-up and palliative clinics. These nurses work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, social workers, dietitians, speech language pathologist, pharmacists, radiation therapists and clinic trials staff to provide holistic, patient focused care.

Our oncology nurses demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning through the deSouza Institute and Canadian Nurses Association. Eight of the nurses in the program are certified in oncology nursing by the Canadian Nurse’s Association, and there are five more nurses who meet the examination requirements in 2017 and plan to complete the certification exam in 2017 and 2018.

This year’s theme was especially fitting for the oncology nurses of the Algoma District Cancer Program. The startRIGHT Program, is an Oral Chemotherapy Nurse-Led Clinic focusing on the patient who is starting treatment with an oral chemotherapy agent. ADCP Clinic RNs are also the principal health care providers involved in the ATOM study, a Cancer Care Ontario Clinical Trial focused on symptom management for patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

We thank our wonderful Oncology Nurses for their compassion, dedication and “leading the way” in all the work they do in support of patient care excellence!

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE SAH Marks National Ethics Week National Health Ethics Week was April 3-9. It is a time set aside for health care professionals, community members and educational institutions to come together and delve into the educational aspects of health care ethics.

Ethics by definition are the moral principles that dictate a person’s behaviour. It involves thinking about all aspects when deciding which course of action to take in any given situation, and what possible consequences could arise from the decision being made. Health care and ethics naturally go hand-in-hand and ethical controversies at SAH, just like in all other health care institutions, stretch from bedside care to the corporate setting.

SAH’s Ethics Team is composed of 25 members from various levels and departments throughout the hospital as well as community volunteers. The Ethics Team helps facilitate ethical decision-making which helps promote:   

The values and preferences of patients Shared decision-making between patients and health care professionals Policies that maximize achievement of good patient outcomes, enhance the ethical climate in the hospital, and reduce moral distress for health care professionals

A strong hospital ethics program increases patient satisfaction, contributes to high-quality and safe patient care, saves costs, and improves employee and physician morale and engagement. Developing and implementing ethics supports at Sault Area Hospital will improve our ‘ethics climate’ and lead to more satisfied staff and physicians.

In recognition of Ethics Week, the SAH Ethics Team hosted two events - Health Ethics Trivia and a lunch and learn, Introduction to ethics focusing on the ethical issues surrounding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

We salute our Ethics Team for the important work they do fostering ethical decision-making which is in keeping with our organization’s vision, mission and iCcare values!

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Emerging Leaders: Yellow Belt Projects We are exploring the following list of the projects for the ongoing Emerging Leader Yellow Belt certification.

We are fortunate to have a talented and committed group!

Project ideas were submitted and then scored by a small committee of Directors. Many of the projects are aligned with our ongoing focus on Flow and all projects will impact patient care.

The projects may change so stay tuned for regular updates:

Medical Follow Up Clinic - Brian McKinlay, Senior Financial Analyst, Finance - Clinic appointments are often full resulting in increased admissions

Enterostomy Nurses - Anne Reynolds, RN, ICU - ET nurse duties are not clear across the hospital, resulting in unnecessary referrals - Role expectations are sometimes out of scope, pulling resources away from where they are truly needed

Pressure Ulcer Prevention on 3A - Eva Torresan, RN, Crises Services - Pressure ulcers are creating longer lengths of stay and prevention is needed for best patient care

Cardiac Catheterization Referral - Laura Andreychuk, RN, Pacemaker Clinic - Variation in referral process is creating long wait times and frustration for patients and staff

Constant Care - Jessica Dugas, Clinical Educator, Emergency Department - Variation in many aspects of the constant care process across the organization is resulting in inefficient resourcing

Hemodialysis Medical Reconciliation - Megan Bouchie, Clinical Dietitian, Dietetics & Food Services - This process is cumbersome and prone to error, resulting in re-work and reduced staff engagement

Co-ordination of Care Pre Cancer Treatment - Nic Turco, Assistant Human Resources Consultant, Human Resources - Uncoordinated steps between various areas is causing long wait times, increasing staff anxiety and errors

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Delivering Our Best Did you know...

Admitted Patient in the Hallway in the ER (UNSAFE, COMPROMISED CARE, PATIENTS DISSATISFACTION, IMPAIRS FLOW)     

Increases overall hospital length of stay by 1 day!!

Increases mortality rates (2.5% patients boarded less then 2hrs, and >4.5% boarded greater then 12 hours) Patient Dissatisfaction – Noisy, no rest, no privacy Wrong level of care and RN staffing ratios Severely impairs FLOW of incoming patients into the Emergency Department. Lack of trauma beds, stretchers, and ambulance offload delays (risking 911 call times).

Admitted Patient in the Hallway on an Inpatient Floor (SAFER, BETTER CARE, PATIENTS PREFER, MAINTAINS FLOW IN ED)   

  

Decreases overall hospital length of stay by 1 day!!

Improves patient morbidity and mortality rates.

Patients overwhelmingly prefer a hallway bed on an in-patient floor than in the ER. (85% Better Rest, 83% Safer, 84% Privacy, 82% Better Treatment, 84% Staff availability) Less crowded, less noisy, less chaotic Provides appropriate clinical expertise (RN, MD) and improved RN/patient staffing ratios.

Fire protocols are not impacted negatively by appropriately putting patients in the hallway.

SOURCE: ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1324-132 The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 45, No. 6, pp.942-946, 2013 www.hospitalovercrowding.com

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OUTSTANDING CARE Fashion Show Tickets Now Available!

Plan to attend our Sowing the Seeds of Care Fashion Show on Thursday May 18 at the Marconi Club.

Fashions by Centre Stage, HR Lash, iCcare Boutique, Jasmine, The Fashion Shop and R.loft. The event includes a silent auction and all proceeds will support our Foundation.

Tickets are $50 each. If you would like to buy or sell tickets, please contact Angie Gervasi at ext. 4389 or gervasia@sah.on.ca

SAH Partners With White Pines SAH has partnered with White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School to showcase their art work to staff, physicians and volunteers at SAH. This project is a collaborative effort with the Grades 9 – 12 Art classes who have been working tirelessly to share their talents with you. Their excitement and drive to be a part of this community project is amazing.

Come and see their work on May 2 from 12-8 pm in the main lobby.

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OUTSTANDING CARE Save the Date: Next iCcare Development Institute (iDi)

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Our Shining Stars SHINING STAR RECIPIENT

DEPARTMENT

Michele Bayles

Housekeeping

Patti Jo Moreau

CTS

Sheldon Corberry

Housekeeping

Gindia Sooknanan

Med 3B

Kaitlyn Conway

Health Records

Cory Chilelli

Logistics

Mary Maggini

1C

Cory Vial

Emergency

Jodi Gibb

Emergency

Suzie Hanson

IT

Loris Rugolo

IT

Sue Niemi

1C

Courtney Hennessey

1C

Joan Denley

1C

Jackie Nelson-Witty

1C

Jason Umbrasas

1C

Sean Champagne Brad Hull

1C 1C

Randy May

1C

Congratulations to Brad Hull, this month’s random draw winner of Tim Horton’s and Marek’s gift cards. Way to go Brad!

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OUTSTANDING CARE We Celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week

April 16-22 was National Medical Laboratory Week. Did you know that in Canada, there are over a million lab tests that are performed on a daily basis? Lab tests are performed on a variety of samples that include blood, urine, swabs, tissue and many others. Laboratory tests constitute 70% of the diagnostic data that is regularly used by physicians to diagnose, and treat patients. Each test provides vital information that guides medical decisions.

SAH recognizes the entire laboratory team and their roles in providing quality care to our patients.

Phlebotomists and Medical Lab Assistants are integral in sample collection, procurement, preparation, and distribution. Medical Laboratory Technologists obtain and interpret accurate and reliable test results in a timely manner. Pathology Assistants prepare tissue samples for anatomic pathology. Pathologists and Cytologists interpret slide preparations that aid in the diagnosis of many diseases. Clerical staff dicta-type and distribute reports.

The majority of patients cared for at SAH require some form of laboratory test. SAH averages 2,500 tests a day between the five areas of the lab - Transfusion Services, Hematology, Chemistry, Histology and Bacteriology. Due to the demand and integral role that it plays in providing quality patient care, the laboratory operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SAH salutes all laboratory staff members for their dedication to consistent, quality and timely patient care!

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OUTSTANDING CARE Patient Ombudsman Visits SSM and SAH The Province of Ontario’s firstever Patient Ombudsman, Christine Elliott, visited Sault Ste. Marie and our hospital last month. The objective of her visit was to learn more about patient-centred innovations taking place within our LHIN and to raise awareness of the role of the Patient Ombudsman in patient complaints.

Greg Peres, SAH Board Chair, Marie-Claire Muamba, Senior Investigator with the Patient Ombudsman’s office, Cynthia Stables, NE LHIN Senior Director, Vanessa Grisdale, SAH Patient Advisor, Corporate Council, Ron Walker, SAH Patient Advisor, Renal Program Council, Christine Elliott, Patient Ombudsman, Ron Gagnon, SAH President and CEO

This LHIN-sponsored event was hosted at SAH and included presentations from the LHIN, our President and CEO, the SAH Patient and Family Advisory Council, Health Links and the CCAC. The event concluded with a presentation by Christine Elliott.

We thank everyone who attended and our partners and organizers for hosting the Patient Ombudsman and facilitating this informative event.

Join Algoma’s Emergency Response Team Disasters can strike at any moment, leaving many people in need of food, shelter, and medical services. The Canadian Red Cross works in partnership with first responders, emergency managers, and public officials to support their response to disasters all across Canada. These efforts are not possible without a strong foundation of volunteers ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Our local Red Cross office is currently in need of well-trained, highly motivated volunteers for the District of Algoma. Red Cross needs to be able to respond to growing number of emergencies and disasters every year, which include, house fires, power outages, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, etc. Red Cross workers provide critical assistance for people’s primary needs, including family reunification, emergency lodging, reception and information, emergency food, emergency clothing, personal services and more.

If you are interested in joining the Emergency Response Team, please contact Jenni McDonald, Disaster Management Coordinator at Jenni.McDonald@RedCross.ca or (705) 759-4547 ext. 7590033.

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OUTSTANDING CARE Complete Your Engagement Survey

Take the opportunity to Be the Voice of Change and help make SAH an excellent place in which to work, practice medicine, and receive care.

We are able to deliver Outstanding Care because of our most important resource: our Exceptional People.

That’s why we want to hear what you have to say in our employee and physician engagement survey. By completing your survey, you provide us with an opportunity to make improvements to key areas that are important to you, and to SAH’s overall mission.

Your input in past engagement surveys has led to many positive changes and improvements including:        

Plans and actions to ensure appropriate staffing levels across the organization Patient Flow Redesign to ensure we are able to provide our patients with safe, quality care - always The development of an updated Standards of Performance policy that applies to all of us at SAH The development of the iCcare Way and investments in Lean, so that those who do the work are involved in the decisions to change and improve that work Investments in health, safety and wellness initiatives Investments in new equipment The pursuit of PCI (Cardiac Angioplasty) Investments in iCcare Conversations and iCcare Development Institutes

This year, we will be conducting the shorter ‘pulse’ Experience Survey. It should take you no longer than 10 minutes to complete. You have our personal commitment that all survey responses are COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL and no one in this organization – at any level – will ever have access to any individual’s responses. Your survey response will go directly to National Research Corporation Canada (NRCC).

You will receive an email directly from NRCC with a link to this year’s survey and your personalized pin-code which is required for completing the survey. The Survey Link will be also be available on SAH website at http://www.sah.on.ca/about/staff-login. If you require help to complete the survey or need a reissue of your pin-code, call: 1.866.771.8231. The deadline for survey completion is May 12, 2017. Based on feedback we have received, the survey is only available electronically and will not be mailed to your home.

Your opinion matters. Whether you are very satisfied or very dissatisfied, we are asking you to own our future direction by making the investment of your time to provide input through our engagement survey.

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OUTSTANDING CARE National Telecommunicators Week Each year, the second week of April is dedicated to recognizing the service of Emergency Communicators.

Locally, our Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) receives approximately 30,000 calls a year for ambulance and fire, covering an area of over 75,000 square kms, from Hornepayne to Serpent River including Chapleau. They cover 11 bases, 5 first response teams and 20 fire departments. The provincial government sets high standards that must be met with regard to how dispatch calls are prioritized.

When a person dials 911 from a landline that has subscribed to 911 service, the address information will show up on the call taker’s screen. In the event that a caller is using a cell phone, limited information will show up. Staff ask certain questions for important reasons. They need to ask questions such as “what city or town” and also the “closest intersection”. This information helps them to find the location on a map. They may also ask for an apartment number and access code to help locate a person who needs help. Specific medical or scene questions are also asked in order to send the proper resources. The call-taking process takes only a few minutes but it can seem longer during a crisis. The goal is to find out what happened and how they can help before the paramedics or fire crews arrive. This includes providing CPR instructions on the phone or staying on the line with a frightened child.

Increased awareness about the stress of this profession has helped the team feel recognized and supported. They understand that some calls will affect them after the day is done. When a caller experiences what is their worst day, that is their every day. This team is learning to recognize the signs of stress and fatigue so they can take action to protect themselves and continue to serve the public with courtesy and compassion.

There are 24 staff in total at SAH’s Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC). We thank all of them for their hard work and acknowledge them for their dedication and skilled experience they bring to work each day!

May 5 is Stop! Clean Your Hands Day It's time for patients and providers to come together for clean hands – STOP! Clean Your Hands Day returns Friday, May 5.

The theme for STOP! Clean Your Hands Day is: Ask Yourself…

As a health care worker, take the time to ask what you can change today to improve for tomorrow. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Drop by the lobby on May 5 and check out an Infection Prevention and Control display!

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OUTSTANDING CARE National Day of Mourning Highlights Workplace Safety April 28 marks National Day of Mourning across Canada. This day is set aside to commemorate workers who have been killed or injured on the job, or who have fallen ill as a result of their work. We also honour the families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies. On any given working day in Canada, at least 2 workers will die from work-related injuries.

This is a good opportunity for all SAH workers, managers, physicians, students and volunteers to reflect on the importance of creating and maintaining a safe workplace for all. Each of us plays a key role in ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of each work day. Identifying safety concerns as they occur, removing hazards from the workplace, participating in safety education opportunities and following proper procedures and policies are simple ways everyone can contribute to making SAH a safe place to work.

Much work has been done by our workers, managers, and the Joint Health and Safety Committee to improve health and safety, and we will continue to work diligently to eliminate workplace injuries.

Thank you to each of you for the work you do to support workplace safety!

Addictions Fair a Success

Nurses Week Celebration

Recently, the Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Strategy hosted its first ever Addiction Information Fair at the Indian Friendship Centre.

About a dozen area agencies were on hand to educate the public about available services and answer questions regarding substance abuse and harm reduction.

Participating agencies in the Addiction Information Fair included SAH, Algoma Public Health, North Shore Tribal Council, Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services, Breton House, and the Group Health Centre.

Thank you organizers and attendees!

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OUTSTANDING CARE CEO Workup Highlights Thank you to everyone who recently attended the 20 –Minute Workup sessions. The following are some highlights. A copy of the full presentation is available on the G drive - G:\20-Minute Workups. Stay tuned for a Q & A document which will be circulated in the near future.

The following are some highlights: Corporate Goals Our goals are developed based on our Strategic Plan and Patient Perspective which guides the organization’s priorities.

What are the corporate goals we monitor?  Exceptional People (40%) – Employee and physician engagement  Working Together (10%) – Improve unplanned readmission rate; ALC Rate (monitoring goal)  Outstanding Care (40%) – Admitted patient wait time; patient satisfaction; acute conservable days (monitoring goal); surgical wait times (monitoring goal); ED wait times (monitoring goal)  Operational Efficiency (10%) – Operating margin Why do we have corporate goals?  Deliver on our patient and family vision for the future  To be aligned/know what we are all working on and WHY  Goals create focus to help us make choices about the allocation of our resources  Transparency about goals and results  Continuous improvement What can you do to impact corporate goals?  Be informed about the goals for the hospital and your department  Use our corporate goals to understand why we choose to focus on certain initiatives  Complete our employee and physician engagement surveys  Participate in project work happening in your area and throughout the hospital  Help improvement happen  Ask questions Quality Improvement Plan SAH recently approved its Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). We have chosen goals and targets to ensure the greatest impact on improving quality care for our patients. Our QIP goals are aligned to our corporate goals and are meant to support us achieving our overall goals and priorities for the hospital.

Operating Plan  No elimination of service  No layoff of front line staff  Five leadership positions eliminated  Clinical service volumes remain stable  Beds in operation will change from the current average of 252 to 237 by the last quarter of the fiscal year as a result of patient flow improvement strategies and strategies included in the hospital’s QIP  MRI wait times may increase due to changes in funding levels. Efforts to minimize impact are being taken.  PCI not included as the hospital awaits MOHLTC approval  $550,000 surplus  Included $1.8M contingency and $1.0M strategic investment fund

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OUTSTANDING CARE CEO Workup Highlights (cont’d) Bed Plan Beds in operation will change from the current average of 252 to 237 by the last quarter of the fiscal year as a result of patient flow improvement strategies and strategies included in the hospital’s QIP. How will we achieve 237 beds?  Over the next several months we will be working on actions to achieve our goal of 237 beds  Continued focus on Patient FLOW opportunities  Focusing on the implementation and adherence to Quality-Based Procedures  Phased closure of overflow beds  No admitted patients in ED without assigned bed Patient FLOW We have seen great improvements in patient flow. Thank you to everyone for contributing to this success. More work remains but together, we have:  Updated the discharge instruction sheet and created tools for patients  Implemented the ED Wait Clock  A new Flow Office and contact #FLOW (3569)  Updated bed board process, bed matrix and created standard work  Implemented Oculys Performance to “see”  Implemented Supervision on the weekends and some coverage into the evening shift  Flow Office staff on Saturdays  Created the 2nd Floor Service Model (opened 2A, Clinics on 1B) aligning to Bedded Level of Care  Started implementation of the ALC Avoidance Strategy  Implemented an Admission Avoidance team  Implemented a new locum training package and meet and greet for all new Physicians  Hired many RNs and RPNs  A new Overcapacity policy (in trial)  Senior Leaders in Gemba 3 times per week  Worked with partner organizations to improve system gaps AIDET AIDET is an acronym that stands for Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You. Why is AIDET Important?  We recognize that communication is important to helping us achieve excellent patient care.  In health care patients are distracted, frightened, and often in pain  We may think we’ve communicated something, but in reality it may not have been heard  Using AIDET reduces patient anxiety and ultimately improves quality of care What are the advantages of using AIDET?  Reduces patient anxiety  Reduces call bell use 40%  Increases patient compliance  Improves clinical outcomes  Increases patient satisfaction  Increases employee satisfaction Your Opinion Matters SAH is able to deliver outstanding care because of our most important resource – our exceptional people. We want to hear what you have to say in our upcoming employee engagement survey, launching April 24. Please complete your survey!

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Featuring Laura Stone Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Dr. Laura Stone recently returned to Sault Ste. Marie and joined our Emergency department.

She completed her Life Sciences undergraduate degree at Queen’s University, her medical degree at Western University and her specialty training at the University of Toronto. Dr. Stone was the Chief Resident in both the Family and Emergency residency programs. She was the recipient of the Canadian Resident Leadership Award in the Emergency Residency Program, a nation-wide award presented annually by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP).

Following graduation, Dr. Stone worked in the busy Emergency department at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga for four years. “It was a great place to start my career and I really enjoyed my work.” Following the birth of her now nine-month old son, Hunter, she and her husband Michael decided to move back to Sault Ste. Marie. “My husband is also from the Sault so we wanted to be closer to family and reduce our commute time,” she says. Her husband Michael is a Wealth Management consultant and Investment Advisor with TD Bank.

When asked why she chose Emergency Medicine, her answer was simple. “I love the variety of patients in Emergency medicine. From babies to the elderly, I see many different presentations and it is humbling to treat patients when they are often times, at their worst.” Whether she is resuscitating a patient or offering a private space for families to spend last moments with their loved one, Dr. Stone is motivated and moved by the human interactions that take place in the Emergency department on a daily basis.

Dr. Stone is the daughter of Dr. Daniel Sharp, one of our retired local Ophthalmologists and she is thrilled to be home. “I am excited to be practicing medicine in my hometown and I feel privileged to be providing care to my neighbours, friends and community.” She is also pleased to be joining the team at SAH. “I am impressed with the great patient flow teamwork that has been done at SAH to reduce admitted patients to the Emergency department and I look forward to working together to continue this important work.”

In her spare time, Dr. Stone and her husband are outdoor enthusiasts. “We love to travel, ski, boat, hike, and spend time at the cottage, so we are excited to take full advantage of the outdoors now that we are back home.”

We welcome Dr. Stone and her family to our community and to SAH! Page  16

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE May is Physiotherapy Month

This year, the Canadian Physiotherapy Association is focusing advocacy efforts on the prescription opioid crisis.

Canada is the second largest per capita user of prescription opioids in the world, leading to the crisis that is seen so frequently in the media. Lack of access to physiotherapy and interdisciplinary pain care is an important contributor to this crisis.

There is little evidence that supports the use of opioids to manage musculoskeletal pain, however, there is clinical evidence supporting physiotherapy, exercise and interdisciplinary care for people with complex pain problems. Prior to any opioid being prescribed for musculoskeletal pain management, conservative treatment options, including physiotherapy need to be considered.

SAH has 11 physiotherapists and 7 physiotherapy assistants on staff work in most inpatient and outpatient departments including the Algoma Geriatric Clinic, North East Joint Assessment Clinic and Rehabilitation Services. Physiotherapists are regulated health professionals who are registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Physiotherapists have the knowledge and skill level to assess and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, pediatric and women’s health conditions. At SAH, Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants work within the inter-disciplinary teams to assist patients regain functional mobility.

This May, come join the SAH Physiotherapy team in the lobby on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:1512:45 to walk and embrace your mobility. We will walk in the neighbourhood (weather permitting) or in the hospital. Bring your nordic/urban poles to increase your muscle activity and calorie burn.

We acknowledge our wonderful physiotherapy team for their dedication to enhancing and restoring our patients’ mobility! More information: www.physiocanhelp.ca or #physiohelpslives.

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Featuring Christine Paul Christine Paul has worked at SAH for 27 years and for the past 10 years, she has been working as the Team Lead for the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. She started her career at the age of 22 in the Coronary Care Unit of the former Plummer Memorial Public Hospital. “I’ve always loved the heart,” says Christine. “As a nurse you hope to find that one area that you are passionate about and for me, it’s cardiac care.”

A typical day for Christine is focused on supporting her staff and assisting in the Cath Lab suite and recovery area following diagnostic procedures. “We have a great team and everyone is extremely reliable and supportive of one another.”

Christine also facilitates many education sessions with patients of the Cardiac Catheterization unit. “As a nurse, you take your knowledge for granted,” she says. “When a patient is diagnosed with heart disease and you tell them they need a stent, the reality is that most people do not know how to manage their disease or what their treatment entails so it’s my job to educate and support them through their journey.”

Christine knows that greatest gift a health care provider can offer their patient is hope. “What I enjoy most is putting my patients at ease,” she says. “When our patients come in to our department for their angiograms, most of them are anxious and scared. I have great satisfaction in putting patients and their loved ones at ease by explaining their procedure, answering any questions they may have and providing support.”

Currently, SAH has put forth a proposal to provide angioplasty/stenting services locally. Christine is very eager to be a part of this milestone for our community. “I can’t wait to witness the birth of this expansion to provide the people of our community with a much-needed service, closer to home.”

Outside of SAH, Christine is a proud grandma to a 7-month old baby boy. She is a devoted mother of two boys, a wife to her wonderful husband and a sister to 10 siblings. She is looking forward to summertime in the Sault so she can enjoy one of her favourite pastimes. “I can’t wait to go fishing with my husband – he’s my fishing partner.”

We thank and acknowledge the important role that Christine plays in the care and treatment of our cardiac patients!

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Featuring Jessica Dugas A Clinical Nurse Educator for the Emergency Department, Jessica Dugas, began this position at SAH in November 2016 after working as a nurse in the emergency department for the past nine years.

Her role in patient care is to support our nurses by ensuring they have the proper tools and the appropriate, up-to-date education needed to provide safe care to our patients. Jessica achieved her Masters in Nursing, with a teaching and education focus and her passion for guiding and training new nurses reaches far beyond the walls of SAH. She has been a part–time faculty member for the past six years at Sault College, teaching courses in the BScN program. “By working as an educator, it has allowed me to put my own education to use,” says Jessica.

In addition to this role, Jessica works in the Sexual Assault Care Centre (SACC) on a casual basis, and is involved in many SAH committees and initiatives. Some of these include Emergency Department (ED) Governance, the PRAM (Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure) medical directive initiation, and co-chair of the Substance Misuse and Prevention Initiative.

Recently, Jessica was awarded the SAH Vaughan Ungar Memorial Fund bursary and had the opportunity to attend the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology annual scientific meeting with the responsibility of bringing HAE (Hereditary Angioedema) information back to the ED and hospital staff. Read more about Jessica’s experience in the spring 2017 issue of the Northern Ontario Medical Journal - http:// www.nomj.ca/2017/03/10/fund-promotes-knowledge-of-rare-disease.html To better support and lead her staff, Jessica is also taking part in the Emerging Leaders program, a twoyear leadership training program offered to aspiring leaders at SAH. Jessica is passionate about education and finds it personally and professionally rewarding. “It’s gratifying when novice nurses come to me and ask for the help or assistance they need. I want my staff to feel comfortable in approaching me for guidance or support and it is validating when they feel secure enough to do so.”

Outside of SAH, Jessica is a mom of two four-year old twin boys who she says, “keep me very busy.”

Between hockey, swimming, and the upcoming tee-ball season, the family lives a very active life. They often enjoy travelling to watch MLB games in the summer months.

Kudos to Jessica! We thank her for sharing her vast knowledge with both our patients, staff and physicians at SAH. Page  19

WORKING TOGETHER iCcare Pharmacy: SAH’s Specialty Pharmacy On April 1, we opened a specialty pharmacy within the existing location. This pharmacy services predominantly oral chemotherapy patients and some outpatients from the renal and mental health departments. The focus is on assisting patients with the administration and management of oral chemotherapy to ensure we meet increasing oral chemotherapy standards.

The iCcare pharmacy is now a fully accredited retail pharmacy and is staffed with a pharmacist Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. The pharmacy collaborates with the entire ADCP team to provide a standard of care for oral chemotherapy similar to that of our IV chemotherapy. Please note that this pharmacy is not filling prescriptions for patients of the Emergency Department or inpatient units.

For more information, contact ext. 3467 or email retailpharmacy@sah.on.ca

Notification Process for Bear Sightings As you are aware, periodically, there are bear sightings in and around the SAH property and sometimes, there are multiple sightings in a day. Given our close proximity to bush areas, particularly at the Hub Trail, it is expected that bear sightings will continue into the foreseeable future.

Moving forward, we will refrain from sending an everyone email notification for every instance that a bear is spotted. However, we are asking that you use discretion if you think a circumstance presents a higher risk and contact Security immediately at ext. 2419.

Everyone is reminded to exercise caution and refrain from littering and leaving food and garbage on the property as this will attract bears.

The Ministry of Natural Resources provides Bear Wise Tips. These can be found on their website at http://www.siouxbulletin.com/bear-wise-tips-from-ontario-ministry-of-natural-resources.

Please read this information and share it widely with other staff, patients, families, etc.

For more information, please contact Gennaro Vecchio at ext. 2414.

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WORKING TOGETHER SAH Partner in ARTSPEAKS ARTSPEAKS is an art-based program offered to women impacted by sexual violence and addictions. The program is facilitated by professional artists and offers a safe space for females to share their stories through the art-making process.

ARTSPEAKS is generously funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and is supported by community partners including Breton House, Phoenix Rising, SAH’s Sexual Assault Care Centre and SuraciCPA. Participants from the partnering agencies are invited to register for four, six week workshops.

Each series of workshops will employ different visual arts mediums to tell the individual’s stories. This includes storytelling and mixed media, photography and assemblage, painting, and digital storytelling.

The goal is to allow individuals affected by these experiences to heal through creative self-expression, while working through therapeutic art sessions alongside professional artists. The artists who assist in implementing this program are Chandra Barnett, Joanne Robertson and Maria Parrella-Illaria.

To see more on this story, visit: https://www.sootoday.com/videos/news/video-using-art-to-help-rewirethe-brain-after-trauma-579765

Come Ride the Big Bike to Help Save a Life The Heart & Stroke will be here at SAH with the Big Bike on Monday May 1 at 12:00 pm. Join the fun with the SAH Pedal Pushers along with team captain, Ronda Bailey, and help raise funds in support of stroke and heart disease.

Meet at the SAH Loading Dock. Pledge forms are available in the Workforce Planning Office, located in Human Resources. Register Online at www.bigbike.ca between April 10-23.

For more information, call ext. 6613.

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WORKING TOGETHER Spruce up for Spring

This year, the Wellness Committee introduced a friendly Spring Time challenge for staff.

They encouraged departments to spruce up for Spring and show off their artistic Talents.

The wellness committee visited the various units on April 27 and distributed some great Spring time prizes.

Purchasing Corner Did you know…that if you have incorrectly ordered items from the Main Inventory (item requisition), they may be returned to the warehouse for a department credit? Items ordered `direct’ (purchase requisition) may be returned as well. However, you must complete a return requisition in Meditech, which includes all of the details regarding the return. In addition, please send the item to the Purchasing office to the attention of Cathy Belanger. Please note that direct returns are usually subject to re-stocking charges as well as a return shipping cost.

Did you know…that in Meditech, if you have entered a Purchase Requisition and it is showing as a ‘working’ status, this indicates that the requisition has not been approved by the manager and the order has not been processed? Our buyers are unable to place orders for products until requisitions are verified. A good practice would be to email your manager once a requisition is entered to avoid delays!

Did you know… that as a Broader Public Sector (BPS) organization, SAH adheres to five key procurement principles to achieve value for money while following a procurement process that is fair and transparent to all stakeholders? The principles are accountability, transparency, value for money, quality service delivery, and process standardization.

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WORKING TOGETHER Donation of Comfort Bags to Chemotherapy Patients Thirty-one Gifts Canada is more than just a direct sales company that sells bags.

Locally, this January, Stephanie FrancellaStephen, a Thirty-one consultant, organized a fundraiser to donate Chemo Comfort Bags to Algoma District Cancer Program patients receiving chemotherapy and/or their caregivers.

L to R: Lise Corriveau, ADCP Manager, Shauna Van Boerdonk, RN ADCP Team Lead, Chelsea Hilderley, RN and Thirty-one Consultant. Not shown: Stephanie Francella-Stephen, Thirty-one Consultant, Tina Porier-Allison, Thirty-one Consultant, and Maria Matheson, Thirty-one Consultant.

They were able to provide 10 Tall Organizing Totes stuffed with comforting supplies including a blanket, adult colouring book, hand lotion and lip conditioner, candies, hand sanitizer, tissues and more, and hand delivered them to the Chemotherapy Suite. “We are proud to be in the business of building strong, confident women. It's the heart of our business and the reason we give,” says Stephanie.

Chelsea Hilderley, an SAH RN and Thirty-one Consultant, describes Thirty-One as a company that empowers and encourages consultants to give back. “Giving is part of who we are. It's in our mission, and we know the most important gift we can give is our support, love and encouragement. The bags are really fantastic!” Thank you to Thirty-one for their generosity!

PACT is on the Move SAH’s Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is pleased to announce it will be moving from Queen Street to its new location at 118 March Street (upstairs) on June 1.

Phone and fax numbers remain unchanged: Tel (705) 253-9671 Fax (705) 254-1840.

For more information, contact Barbara Ridley, Patient Care Manager at (705) 253-9671.

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OUTSTANDING CARE The Importance of Near Misses Today’s Near Miss could be tomorrow’s Critical Incident.

Reporting a Near Miss is an opportunity for you to highlight a problem so it can be addressed before a patient comes to harm. It is one of the ways everyone can contribute to a culture of safety.

A Near Miss is “an event or situation that could have resulted in an accident, injury or illness, but did not, either by chance or through timely intervention” (WHO, 2009). It is an incident that has potential for harm and is intercepted or corrected prior to reaching the patient. These are also known as “good catches” or “close calls.” SAH captures Near Misses in the Electronic Occurrence Reporting System (eORS).

Some examples of a Near Miss are:        

Incorrect patient labels printed for blood work but the staff member recognized this before affixing the label.

An incorrect dose of a medication taken to the bedside but not given to the patient.

When faxing a patient referral, you realize the fax number is incorrect and don’t send the fax.

Finding a mislabelled medication in Acudose.

Recognizing a patient wristband has the wrong date of birth on it before it is placed on the patient.

A patient at risk of falling attempts to crawl out of bed but you intervene, preventing a fall.

The wrong test is booked for a patient, but realized and corrected before the patient was contacted.

There were 291 Near Misses reported in eORS during the 2016/17 Fiscal Year. Since going live in the Fall of 2012, there have been 1512 Near Miss occurrences captured in the system. This is a wealth of information that is used to improve patient safety and provide outstanding care.

A recent example of a Near Miss comes from Ophthalmology. Staff went to the Acudose to retrieve a 0.5% ophthalmic solution and found a tropicamide 1% ophthalmic solution in the same drawer. To prevent recurrence, Look-a-like and Sound-a-like labels were applied to both products, they are now stored separately, and the process for dispensing has changed. This is a Good Catch that will improve the safety and quality of care provided to our patients.

If you would like more information on Near Misses, eORS, or would like a brief in-service on how to submit an occurrence, please contact Rhonda Hurley, Manager Quality and Risk at ext. 6933.

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OUTSTANDING CARE 5th Annual Kids Career Day Another Success!

The Wellness Committee hosted its 5th Annual Kids Career Day at SAH on March 28.

Participation in this event was extended to all SAH employees’ Secondary School aged sons/daughters or to those employees who possess legal guardianship of a child in Grades 9-12. We were also fortunate to host some students from the North this year.

SAH’s Kids Career Day incorporated a general facility tour, various speaker presentations and active participation in a variety of career workshops. The purpose of this event was to open the eyes of the students to the numerous career opportunities available within a hospital setting.

The students’ enthusiasm to learn and eagerness to participate were key to the success of the event. Thank you to all staff who facilitated and hosted the kids. The Kids Career Day would not have been possible without your involvement and passion for your profession. The kids had a very positive experience and were eager to apply their knowledge and information they learned to their educational and career journeys. It was a great day!

“This is a great program and has helped my son decide his career path!” – SAH Employee

Join the Walking Group May is Physiotherapy Month, and is a great opportunity to increase your step count - or simply just add a little more activity into your day.

Join the SAH Physiotherapy Team for a lunch time walking group on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:1512:45 pm for the month of May. Please meet in the main lobby at 12:15 pm for a walk around the neighbourhood surrounding SAH. The first group walk will be on May 2.

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WORKING TOGETHER Our Wellness Champions Congratulations to our latest Wellness Champion award winners – Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi and Kristina Guerriero!

Kristina is constantly promoting her passion for wellness to others. She takes time out of her busy schedule to motivate and help others to push themselves ‘just a little bit further’ with their wellness goals. She supports her colleagues and encourages others to try new wellness initiatives. She has organized a community charitable event which sponsors wellness activities for children and youth in the Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area.

Kristina is a champion at SAH as well within our community!

Dr. Mohammadi is an Emergency Room Physician who has made time in his hectic life to make some significant lifestyle changes that encourage regular physical activity. He has met and exceeded his personal goals, including completing his first half Iron Man. This is a 70.3 mile race that incorporates a 1.9 km swim, a 90 km bike and a 21.1 km run. You will see him riding his bike to work each day – rain or shine.

Dr. Mohammadi also organizes a yearly collaborative conference event with other emergency/primary care physicians, which provides an opportunity for case specific discussion, networking and knowledge exchange.

5 Car Draw Tickets Now on Sale The 28th Annual 5 Car Draw has officially launched. If you would like to sell a book of tickets, please contact the SAHF office at (705) 759-3816.

We are looking forward to another great draw!

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WORKING TOGETHER POUND is Back by Popular Demand!

POUND is a full body cardio and conditioning class that gives you the permission to ROCKOUT using lightly weighted drumsticks. Check out this video for a sneak peek at the POUND workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG9oojzfJAc. Paisley Marion is offering eight POUND sessions beginning May 3:Class Dates May 3 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm May 10 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm May 18 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm May 25 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm May 31 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm June 7 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm June 14 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm June 21 Auditorium 4:30 to 5:15 pm

Location

Time

There are two options for payment:  Pre-paid sessions = $60; make cheque payable to Wayne Marion  Pay as you go = $9 per session; cash only will be accepted (In the event that a class is full, priority for class participation will be given to those individuals who have pre-paid). A minimum of 4 participants who have pre-paid will be required to host this class. The maximum registration will be 15 participants. In the event of a class cancelation, a make-up session will be organized and communicated to all participants. Please bring a yoga mat, water bottle and an energizing attitude that’s ready to rock!

Register by contacting Wayne Marion at marionw@sah.on.ca or calling ext. 4282.

SAH Marks National Day of Mourning April 28 marked National Day of Mourning across Canada. This day is set aside to commemorate workers who have been killed or injured on the job, or who have fallen ill as a result of their work. We also honour the families and friends who have been deeply affected by these tragedies. On any given working day in Canada, at least 2 workers will die from work-related injuries.

Today, SAH has lowered our flags in honour of those who were killed or injured in the workplace. This is a good opportunity for all SAH workers, managers, physicians, students and volunteers to reflect on the importance of creating and maintaining a safe workplace for all. Each of us plays a key role in ensuring that every worker returns home safely at the end of each work day. Identifying safety concerns as they occur, removing hazards from the workplace, participating in safety education opportunities and following proper procedures and policies are simple ways everyone can contribute to making SAH a safe place to work.

Much work has been done by our workers, managers, and the Joint Health and Safety Committee to improve health and safety, and we will continue to work diligently to eliminate workplace injuries.

Thank you for the work you do to support workplace safety.

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WORKING TOGETHER We Salute our Administrative Professionals April 26 was Administrative Professionals Day, part of Administrative Professionals Week, which runs from April 23-29. Administrative Professionals Day recognizes and pays tribute to the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, and all other office professionals for their growing and diverse contributions to the workplace.

National Administrative Professionals Week and National Administrative Professionals Day dates back to 1952, through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of administrative personnel and how much they offer to a company or business.

Currently, there are more than 475,000 administrative professionals employed in Canada. At SAH, we are fortunate to have some of the most dedicated and devoted administrative professionals you'll find anywhere, working in various departments and areas throughout the hospital. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize the wonderful individuals throughout our organization who encompass our administrative staff. Their hard work is an integral part of the SAH organization.

On behalf of Sault Area Hospital, we thank all of our Administrative Professionals for their tremendous contributions to our organization!

RPN Program at Sault College Donates Rocking Chair

Thank you to the RPN Program at Sault College for their generous donation of a rocking chair to our Women and Children’s Health Unit (Maternal/Child) at SAH. The students of the program run multiple fundraisers throughout the year. The gift was accepted this month and will be used throughout the department for years to come.

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WORKING TOGETHER Omega Alert: Massive Transfusion Effective May 1, we will initiate a new overhead alert that is used for a Massive Transfusion. It is called the OMEGA ALERT or OMEGA ALERT OBSTETRICS. Beginning May 1, there will be a test page initiated by switch board to all OMEGA ALERT team members once daily excluding physicians. The staff that are on the OMEGA ALERT team are expected to respond to switchboard once called to confirm they have received the page. During an actual OMEGA ALERT page the team members including physicians should respond to the area in which they are called. We will be doing a mock test OMEGA ALERT on Monday May 1 in the morning. After that is complete we will be live with this procedure.

This will mainly be initiated in ED, ICU, OR and OB. However it could also occur in other areas of the hospital so all physicians and staff should be aware of what it is and the procedure for initiation.

The physicians and staff have been trained by the clinical educators in their area in huddles, rounds and education sessions. There is also an LMS course that is being distributed online. I will update the massive transfusion kits with the new order sets as well as distribute a laminated algorithm to the areas involved before we go live.

If you have any questions regarding this new procedure please direct your questions to the clinical educator in your area or contact the project lead, Allison Richard in the Operating Room at ext. 3630 or email richarda@sah.on.ca.

Notice of Planned Work: Beginning April 24 As a continuation of the investigation started in the summer of 2016, to determine the underlying causes of the excessive efflorescence or white staining on the brickwork around the building, Ellis Don will return on Monday, April 24, 2017, to complete work.

Over the winter, Ellis Don monitored the A-Wing west wall that was repaired; their review of the completed work has shown deficiencies that require repairs.

Beginning next week, you can expect to see multiple tradesmen working on man lifts in this area of the building repairing the noted deficiencies. There will be certain amounts of noise associated with this work. All work will be carried out during daylight hours.

The hospital units that will be affected are Maternal Child, the 2A, and 3A inpatient units. Windows on the west wall will be covered to respect our patients’ privacy as well as to protect them from damage due to the work being completed.

Please keep clear of any of these activities the project will involve working from a height. The areas will be clearly marked and fenced off, but the potential hazard of material falling from a height will be present.

If you have any issues or concerns, please, contact Gennaro Vecchio, Carillion lead, at ext. 2414 or vecchiog@sah.on.ca.

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Volunteer Association Makes Pledge Installment

The Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association has donated their second installment of the $200,000 they pledged towards the CT Scanner. Their goal is to raise $200,000 in three years.

After this year’s installment of $76,000, their total contribution has reached $146,000 in two years. They raise these funds through the proceeds from the gift shop, events, draws, Nevada ticket sales and numerous other efforts.

Thank you to each and every volunteer for their efforts to make our health care excellent.

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Congratulations to our Draw Winners Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Around the World Draw in support of the SAH Foundation. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to all supporters, past and present!

Date

Prize

Winner Name

Ticket #

March 1

Palm Springs, CA

Jessica Merrifield

0448

March 2

$150

Cindy DePiero

0303

March 3

Barbados

Tracy Galizia

0398

March 6

Las Vegas, NV

Pam Kennedy

0289

March 7

Antigua

Hannah Fairburn

0028

March 8

$150

Bill Forsey

0287

March 9

New Orleans, LA

Erin Shields

0504

March 10

$150

Nicole Filion

0487

March 13

Orlando, FL

Dorothy Eastman

0534

March 14

$150

Nicole Sizer

0358

March 15

New York City, NY

Mindy Stanghetta

0515

March 16

$150

Susan Armstrong

0580

March 17

Boston, MA

Mary Maggini

0207

March 20

$150

Jocelyn Smith

0012

March 21

Puerto Vallarta

Holley Boretz

0130

March 22

$150

Robin & John Dejong

0085

March 23

$150

Erin Costante

0135

March 24

Punta Cana

Katie Malone

0068

March 27

$150

Harpreet Toor

0585

March 28

Varadero

Angel & David Farrar

0409

March 29

$150

Malinda McKay

0383

March 30

$150

Wendy Steele

0086

March 31

Chicago, IL

Ryan Lillington

0236

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WORKING TOGETHER because iCcare: Lisa’s Story

Hi, my name is Lisa. I want to tell you a story about how you helped save my child’s life.

Going into my second pregnancy, I know I wanted it to be the same if not better being an experienced mother, but they always tell you that no two pregnancies are the same.

I had met with my Obstetrician, early in the day. I knew my son would be born soon but there was no indication at my appointment that when I went home I would start feeling the contractions. They weren’t like how I had remembered them. They were sharp and erratic and although I knew I was supposed to wait until they were a certain length apart, my husband Clayton insisted I go to the Sault Area Hospital. By 8 pm I was admitted and was getting acquainted with Riley.

Riley was my delivery nurse, she helped me through everything that was about to happen. We were just talking and suddenly the sharp contractions were back. In a flash I was off to the operating room in the Maternal Child Department for an emergency C-Section. Although I was very anxious and scared, it was calming to see everyone around me was working together. There was a sense of urgency but no one was panicking.

“I want to thank everyone because donations from the people of this community helped purchase medical equipment that saved my son’s life.”

Dr. Dopp gave me a spinal block so Clayton could be in – Lisa Maltby the room with me. Dr. Gupta, who I distinctly remember hearing had parked illegally on the way in, delivered my son. Dr. Zufelt was there to resuscitate him. The whole surgery, Dr. Dopp was there relaying information to Clayton and I. My son had been without oxygen for about seven minutes but they were able to resuscitate him and he was heading over to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to receive care.

It was a very different experience from Thatcher’s birth, but everyone worked with such fluidity to save Sawyer, my newborn son. It was the most terrifying moment of my life, but there were incredible acts of professionalism and kindness shown to my family that day and they didn’t stop there.

Read more stories here - www.becauseiccare.com Page  32

WORKING TOGETHER because iCcare: Lisa’s Story

They brought my bed into the NICU to see Sawyer. After I had rested up a bit they put me in a wheel chair and let me stay with Sawyer as he waited to be transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Sawyer was on a cooling protocol to prevent his brain from swelling, so I stayed with him until he left for Ottawa, with Clayton, to get the specialized care he needed for the swelling, the injury to his brain and to improve his condition after being resuscitated. While Sawyer was in Sault Ste. Marie, the NICU did everything for both him and I, to make sure we could be together as long as possible.

When Sawyer left for Ottawa, They managed to transfer me to Ottawa General to be near Sawyer. I was allowed to reduce my stay from three days in our Hospital to just one as I was making my way to Ottawa.

My short stay at SAH was filled with moments that I can only characterize as over the top, compassionate and simply amazing. I ask myself, would I have received that anywhere else? I can only characterize the care we received as special because it was so incredibly special to me.

Sawyer is almost two years old now; he’s a happy, energetic little boy. He spent two and a half weeks at CHEO receiving specialized care before we all got to come home. Now Dr. Zufelt, the physician that was there to resuscitate him and watch his first breath, is now Sawyer’s pediatrician. My family and I will be forever grateful for the care we received at Sault Area Hospital.

Your donations made sure our Hospital and the healthcare professionals had the equipment needed to take care of me and my son, and for that my family thanks you.

We donate to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation because I know how important it is to have the essential medical equipment in our community. It’s needed every day, and every once in a while, it’s needed in an emergency. I don’t want to think of what would happen if we didn’t have it.

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EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE Comings and Goings Welcome New Employees: Michelle Dawson, Food Service Worker ~ Christine DeBenedet, Food Service Worker ~ Victoria Seabrook, Registered Nurse ~ Jessica Rankin, Unit Assistant ~ Sandra Pagnotta, Registered Nurse ~ Chelsea Griswold, Registered Nurse ~ Joey Degilio, Psychiatric Attendant ~ Kevin McLeod, Registered Nurse ~ Sydney Hendershott, Registered Nurse ~ Ashley Seeler, Registered Nurse ~ Lydia Kluding, Registered Nurse ~ Krista Sutherland, Registered Technologist ~ Lisa Dezordo, Mobile Crisis Response Worker ~ Allannah Reed, Mobile Crisis Response Worker

vital links

Farewell New Employees: Darlene Belsito, Cleaner ~ 16 years Shirley Guy, ED Clerk ~ 28 years

Vital Links is published monthly by Communications and Public Affairs, Sault Area Hospital.

Check out the Gift Shop

News items, story ideas and upcoming events can be submitted to Rose Calibani at ext. 3671 or calibanir@sah.on.ca

www.sah.on.ca

Support for Sault Area Hospital has been provided by the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) and the Government of Ontario.

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