Because of You by University Hospitals Kingston Foundation

Because of you...

Because of you University Hospitals Kingston Foundation Community Report â€“ June 2012

Because of you... Your hospitals, your health, your future are stronger Because of You

first became involved with fundraising in support of Kingston’s hospitals in 2001, after being approached to join the Board of the Kingston General Hospital Foundation. For me, this has been an incredible opportunity to learn more about the dedicated women and men who are committed to providing you with outstanding care. I have also learned about the incredible needs that exist in our hospifor their tals such as equipment, upsponsorship of dated technology, day-to-day needs for patient care, research the Community and education. Celebration Over the course of the past 11 years, I have witnessed June 20, 2012 incredible change to our healthcare landscape. From the fundraising perspective, a key enabler to support future fundraising efforts at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care was the creation of the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. By combining the fundraising efforts of our university hospitals by working together, we knew we could best support redevelopment of our healthcare system. The most significant change, Cover photo: of course, is with the massive One year ago, Spencer Hope’s life redevelopment at KGH which was on the line. Today, at 78 years of age, he knows just how lucky he is included doubling the size of to live in a community with access the cancer centre, the transforto wonderful hospital services. mation of Hotel Dieu Hospital

Please join us in thanking

from the Chair, Board of Directors into a leading ambulatory care site and approval to build a new hospital at King West for Providence Care. To begin the largest hospital construction project in history, the foundation had an incredible task; it needed to raise $70 million to support the local share of costs. Many said we could never raise that amount in our community. But, together, we did. A significant amount of credit goes to Campaign Chair Ian Wilson’s tireless efforts and the wonderful volunteers and staff members supporting him. As my two-year term as chair of UHKF comes to an end, I want to thank you for your tremendous support and remind you that many daunting tasks remain. Health care is evolving as technology and techniques improve. Our buildings are also aging. Equipment, education and research are not fully paid for by the government. It is up to all of us to ensure that we have the best health care available for our families, friends and loved ones when we need it. It’s because of you our hospitals will continue to grow stronger in the future. Thank you,

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Richard Kizell Chair, UHKF Board of Directors

Because of you... Our entire region has access to better care environments and better care experiences

’m proud to be a part of a community that has accomplished so much in the past several years. Everywhere I look, I see signs of progress and of an enhanced quality of life for all of us. But nowhere is our progress more evident than in our hospitals. This year, we celebrated the opening of our newly expanded Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, as well as our regional inpatient dialysis unit. We saw the new outpatient clinics at Hotel Dieu take shape and plans announced for the move of clinics from Kingston General Hospital to Hotel Dieu later this fall. We saw the new Providence Care Hospital move one step closer to “shovel in ground” and we expect that this long-awaited project will go to tender before the end of the calendar year. These historic milestones were reached because of the generous support that you and others gave to our hospitals. In fact, your contribution of the “local share” for these projects helped to secure hundreds of millions of dollars of investment in our hospital buildings and our regional economy by the Province. But more importantly, your kind contributions have had a profound impact on pa-

tients from our community, such as Spencer, the Hassans, the Smiths and others, whose stories we share in this report. Chances are someone close to you has already benefitted from one of these new and improved care environments. On behalf of all the patients who have been touched by your generosity, thank you. Because of you, our entire region has access to better care environments and better care experiences. In the years ahead, there will be new opportunities for us to step up and invest again in our quality of life and health through our gifts. New building projects, new and advanced patient care and diagnostic equipment, and an exciting new initiative to help expand our local capacity to participate in world-class medical research all lay ahead on the path. But for the moment, I invite you to pause and reflect on the good that you have accomplished through your gifts. Because of you… we all enjoy a better quality of life and health. And we thank you.

from the Executive Director

Denise Cumming Executive Director University Hospitals Kingston Foundation

Proudly Supporting

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... Your gifts to programs, equipment, research and education are already making a difference in Kingston’s hospitals, improving the experience for local patients and residents

Turning your investments into improved health care

Funds disbursed to member foundations in 2011/12 Jeanne Mance Foundation (Hotel Dieu Hospital) $1.3 million

Kingston General Hospital Foundation $8.4 million

Providence Care Foundation $2.2 million

How were those funds directed? At Kingston General Hospital Redevelopment 28.9% Research 26.7% Equipment 20.7% Where needed most 17.6% Education 6.2%

At Hotel Dieu Hospital Redevelopment Research Equipment Where needed most Education

At Providence Care Redevelopment Research Equipment Where needed most Education

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation Spending 2011/12 Disbursed to hospital foundations 82.3% Salaries 11% Other 6.7%

49.1% 0.1% 19.6% 30.5% 0.7%

32.4% 0.1% 37.1% 29.6% 0.8%

niversity Hospitals Kingston Foundation places a high value on our relationship with you, our donors. Without your support we would not be able to achieve our mission to support excellence in patient care, teaching and research at Kingston’s hospitals by raising funds through partnership and philanthropy. We thank you for your commitment to us. We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to our success. With this in mind, we are members of Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code lays out a set of standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. By adhering to these standards, we are complying with generally accepted practices for soliciting and managing donor dollars. This is important because you, our supporters, are entitled to transparency and the greatest impact possible for your investment in us.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We give thanks” – Spencer Hope

ust like so many other people in our community (and in the pages of this report), I give to our local hospitals because they were there when I needed them most. Today I have the pleasure – on behalf of the hard-working men and women in our hospitals and their fundraising arm, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation – to share my thanks with you, the donors who contribute to leading-edge care, equipment, research and education. It is through your generosity that we all benefit from high quality care, right here in Kingston. My own story with the hospitals began on February 18, 2011 when I was playing hockey in the Old Timers’ league at the Invista Centre. I felt a terrific pain in my chest and I skated off the ice. I stumbled into the dressing room and collapsed. I don’t remember much more about the day. I was told that an off duty paramedic was playing hockey on an adjacent rink and came over to provide first aid until the ambulance arrived. I was taken to Kingston General Hospital and had emergency surgery to repair a tear in my aorta, and then was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). I was heavily

sedated (it was like a drug-induced coma) and was in a very fragile state for six weeks. My surgeon, Dr. Dimitri Petsikas, prepared my sons for all potential outcomes. My prognosis was rather grim. Six hours after my first surgery, I needed another to address a complication. I spent nearly two months in the ICU, and then was transferred to Providence Care’s St. Mary’s of the Lake site for further recovery. After a month at St. Mary’s, I was discharged home. I was a member of the fantastic cardiac rehabilitation program at Hotel Dieu Hospital for four months and now work out at the Kingston Family YMCA. The quality of care I received in Kingston’s hospitals was excellent. I couldn’t believe how seamless it was to move between hospitals during my recovery. Staff were highly professional, extremely competent and very compassionate at every step. It’s because of the great health system we have here that I am alive today. The support I received from surgeons, cardiologists, neurologists and nurses is beyond comprehension. Because of support provided to the hospitals by other people in the past, I am here today. Because I am here today, I can continue to contribute. My

Donors like you help our hospitals provide quality care

experience was not only life saving, but it was life giving. At 78, I wake up in the morning and I see the flowers and I hear the children.

Spencer Hope on the ice at age 77.

Thank you.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “I know there is a need” – Larry Phipps

arry Phipps has always been a man who knows what he wants and who does the right thing. When someone asks why he has been such a strong supporter of Kingston’s hospitals, he gets right to the point: “I don’t have

After spending many years in the Canadian military, working for the long-term health and well-being of our country, he chose to settle in Kingston. He is committed to supporting our hospitals because he and his family have received

Larry Phipps of Kingston knows every dollar counts.. “Because I know there is a need.”

a bucket list. I have enjoyed my life and I appreciate what the hospitals in Kingston have done for me and mine.” A long time donor to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, Larry wants to ensure a strong future of health care in our community. And he is doing something about it. 6

outstanding care. He also knows that someone helped to buy the equipment that those talented caregivers used to provide him and members of his family with quality patient care. “I also know that equipment wears out, becomes obsolete or is invented and so now it is my turn, and perhaps

Doing his share – and more

yours, to help.” “I know that this equipment costs thousands of dollars and that it is unlikely that me or you on our own can step up to the plate and pay the whole cost, but if we all do our share, these things can be done.” Larry started out as an annual donor to the Foundation, he made a generous pledge to the Together We Can campaign and has made outright major gifts to a named endowment to support cancer research in honour of his parents, Will and Ethel Phipps. Now, in planning for the future, he has made arrangements to add to that fund through his will. “It’s important to me to leave a legacy that will make a difference; it’s the right thing to do,” he says. Larry represents many donors who contribute to the hospitals through planned gifts. Their generosity will provide vital funding for patient programs, equipment purchases, redevelopment, research and educational activities for our hospitals in the years to come. “Not only are you helping the hospitals and everyone who uses them but you get a really nice feeling and a tax deduction for your donation,” he adds. “I hope you will join me in making our hospitals even better than they are now.”

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Building your own legacy Make a difference in the lives that follow Making a gift to Kingston’s university hospitals ensures a brighter future for years to come. One of the best ways to leave a legacy is to improve the health of your community. Health care programs, equipment, research and education in Kingston’s hospitals can all benefit from your legacy gift. Here are some of the ways you can leave your legacy: • Plan a bequest to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation in your will • Create an endowment fund • Transfer ownership of life insurance • Donate the proceeds of RRSPs/RRIFs • Make a gift of securities For more information on planned giving, contact Liz Dobbs Jones at 613.549.6666 ext. 4953 or email Liz.DobbsJones@uhkf.ca .

Because of you... “We’re able to renew our hospitals” – Bob Thomas

very dollar counts and every supporter of our hospitals makes a difference. Among the most heart-warming stories we hear are those from our tribute program. This is where people like eight-year-old Keegan Vallier (see his story on page 15) celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other momentous occasion in a meaningful way by asking for donations instead of gifts.

Want to say thank you to a care giver? We know fruit baskets are always welcome, but the Foundation’s Honour Your Caregiver program is a lasting tribute. Help us honour those who cared for you or your loved one. Make a donation in honour of the physician, nurse, volunteer or other caregiver who made a difference in your care. They will receive an acknowledgment letter informing them of your gift (the amount will not be disclosed) and a certificate that my be displayed in their office, waiting room or home. How do I make my donation? You can donate in person or via mail to our new location: 55 Rideau Street, Suite 4, Kingston, ON K7K 2Z8 (after

June 26th); online at www. uhkf.ca or over the phone at 613.549.5452.

Seeing is believing Bob Thomas knows the difference donations make Bob Thomas is no stranger to philanthropy – he is well versed in the needs of the charities that he supports financially. That is why he gives to our hospitals through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation through a variety of measures, including donations of securities. He is also familiar with the business side of our hospitals, having served on various committees in the 1990s. But it is his first-hand experience with the hospitals that plays the biggest role in his philanthropy. “I donate in memory of my late wife,” Bob says. “My wife was diagnosed with cancer. She received wonderful care, compassionate care, but it was clear through that whole treatment period that the facilities needed a serious upgrade. And I’m very happy to see this has been achieved.” His relationship with UHKF grew and flourished during the $70 million Together We Can campaign for redevelopment, which included almost doubling the size of the

Giving to your hospitals is a great way to pay tribute Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario at Kingston General Hospital. “Certainly the chemo treatment room ten years ago was a very depressing place to go and I’ve now seen what’s been done, with the view over the

lake. It’s a bright cheery space and it just makes it that little bit easier for those undergoing treatment.” Bob Thomas is often on the go, living an active lifestyle. He also is an active supporter of Kingston’s hospitals.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “Because of your outstanding philanthropic leadership”

Outstanding Individual L-R Michael and Elaine Davies and KGH President & CEO Leslee Thompson present the 2011 Davies Award for Outstanding Individual to Debbie and Dan Corcoran.

Outstanding Charitable Organization L-R Michael and Elaine Davies and KGH President & CEO Leslee Thompson present the 2011 Davies Award for Outstanding Charitable Organization to Garry McColman on behalf of Kids for Kids.

Outstanding Community Group L-R Michael and Elaine Davies and KGH President & CEO Leslee Thompson present the 2011 Davies Award for Outstanding Corporation to Bob Myers on behalf of BMO Financial Group.

Davies Awards salute outstanding donors, groups and organizations

he prestigious Davies Awards for Philanthropic Leadership are awarded annually by University Hospitals Kingston Foundation on behalf of Kingston’s hospital foundations for outstanding philanthropic leadership benefiting Kingston’s health sciences centre, and the provision of health care for the people of Kingston and Southeastern Ontario. Presented by Kingston philanthropists Michael and Elaine Davies, the first award was offered through the Kingston General Hospital Foundation in honour of its 25th Anniversary in 2005. The inaugural recipient was the late Justice William J. Henderson. Over the past several years, the awards have traditionally been presented to two recipients: an Outstanding Individual and an Outstanding Organization. Last year, an exciting new category was added, Outstanding Community Group. Nominations for the awards come from Kingston’s hospital community – staff, board and committee members, patients, volunteers and donors. Award recipients are individuals or organizations who have demonstrated outstanding philanthropic leadership benefiting our hospitals, and ultimately, the care of our families, friends and neighbours.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Saluting past winners of the Davies Awards 2005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011

Bill Henderson Sylvia Burkinshaw RBC Financial Group Doug Hogeboom Homestead Land Holdings and Brit & Sally Smith Religious Hospitalers of St. Joseph Sisters of Providence Sally & Percy Robinson and Samuel Robinson Foundation KGH Auxiliary Volunteer Services Hotel Dieu Hospital Larry Gibson Rose of Hope Geraldine Tepper Kids for Kids BMO Financial Group Dan and Debbie Corcoran

Because of you... “Because of your selflessness in helping others”

he first annual Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism in Fundraising was presented to Mac Voisin, Chandra Davies and Tanya McDonald in June 2011. The award is granted annually by University Hospitals Kingston Foundation on behalf of all three of Kingston’s hospital foundations, to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer efforts in the solicitation of donations benefitting our hospitals through an event, organized campaign or informal activity. The award honors those who, like our much-loved Together We Can campaign chair Ian Wilson, set themselves apart by their incredible commitment, their undying enthusiasm, and the sheer number of hours they devote to their volunteer roles on behalf of UHKF and the hospitals. Any volunteer, hospital staff member, hospital board or committee member, or third party event organizer may be nominated. Nominations are accepted from anyone within the hospital community. Winners are selected based on their demonstrated alignment with the following qualities, as characterized by Ian Wilson throughout his volunteer tenure with the hospitals:

• Unwavering positive attitude • Exemplary financial support within personal means • Clear commitment to supporting the hospitals in our community • Obvious enthusiasm for hospital fundraising • Tangible positive results of volunteer efforts • Good humored determination • Ability to convey empathy and compassion for patients and their families • Above and beyond attitude and commitment

Ian Wilson Award recognizes incredible voluntarism Mac Voisin accepts the first-ever Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism in Fundraising via video.

Tanya McDonald accepts her Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism from Hotel Dieu Hospital President & CEO Dr. David Pichora.

Saluting past winners of the Ian Wilson Award 2011 Mac Voisin 2011 Chandra Davies & Tanya McDonald

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... Others will benefit in generations to come

Better space for care at Kingston General Hospital Region’s biggest ever hospital project ends early and on budget What’s new at KGH? • new pediatric inpatient unit • new kidney dialysis unit • new medical/oncology inpatient unit • new inpatient mental health unit • expanded intensive care unit • expanded central processing unit • doubled size of cancer centre

Official celebration of end of redevelopment in the new Burr wing lobby. 10

Thousands of people from across the region and beyond who gave to the Together We Can campaign were front and centre in the minds of many on April 10th at the official opening of the new Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) and the celebration of the completion of the phase 1 redevelopment project at KGH. Chris Cunningham, Chair of the Board of Directors at KGH, thanked donors to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation campaign — which has also raised the community share of funding for the outpatient clinics at

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Hotel Dieu Hospital and to support the building of a new Providence Care Hospital. “More than $70 million was raised from people who care deeply about our hospitals and their health care,” Cunningham said. “These people have chosen to give of themselves so others can benefit in generations to come.” It’s that generosity and goodwill that also caught the attention of Deb Matthews, Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care who was on hand for the celebration. “What I didn’t know was how much love there is in this place. No matter where I’ve gone, I have been blown away by the commitment and the attention to care — by the love that permeates this organization,” she said. The cancer centre is the regional hub for complex, acute and specialty cancer care in the southeast region. Every day, 350 people receive treatment there. It is also the sole provider of radiation therapy, stem cell transplants, genetic screening for cancer risk and complex cancer surgery for the region. The KGH redevelopment project finished on budget and four months earlier than planned.

Because of you... Ambulatory care centre shaping up and plans progress for new specialty hospital one-stop ambulatory care centre in the region. The opening of new clinic space and the transfer of clinic visits from KGH are slated for the fall of 2012.

One of the new clinic reception areas at Hotel Dieu Hospital.

Plans underway for the new Providence Care Hospital

Providence Care has embarked on an exciting redevelopment project that will see a new hospital built in Kingston, to serve residents across southeastern Ontario. Providence Care Hospital will provide a 270-bed With the construction phase of state-of-the-art care environits $20 million redevelopment ment for patients and clients, project about 54 per cent com- and a modern, improved work plete, Hotel Dieu Hospital will environment for physicians, soon be positioned to support staff and volunteers. an additional 50,000 new clinic The redevelopment plan visits annually. will bring together Providence Designed to accommodate Care’s rehabilitation, complex the transfer of most specialcontinuing care, specialized ized outpatient clinics from geriatrics, palliative care and Kingston General Hospital to mental health programs that Hotel Dieu, this major project are currently located at St. calls for the building of two Mary’s of the Lake Hospital floors of bright new generic and Mental Health Services clinic suites, pulmonary func- (MHS) buildings. tion testing lab, a cystoscopy Highlights of the new suite, an elevator tower and a hospital include: revitalized lobby. • Single inpatient rooms, in In total, 36,000 square feet line with today’s infection of the hospital will be redecontrol standards; veloped, helping to establish Hotel Dieu as the premier, • Therapy and treatment spaces

Half-way there for Hotel Dieu construction

on inpatient units, allowing patients to receive care close to their rooms; • Clinics on-site within the hospital, providing services accessible to inpatients and outpatients, and easing the transition from hospital to home; • Patient/client environments that link with the outdoors and the use of natural light-

ing throughout the facility; • A focus on a healthy environment within the hospital and on the facility grounds, with a goal of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification in the design and construction of the new hospital; and • Improved learning and research.

Context for photos These images are taken from the May 2012 Update Master Plan completed by HOK Architects, the firm working with Providence Care to develop the specifications for the new hospital. The concept shows a possible layout for the Providence Care Hospital, where patient rooms have maximum views to the waterfront, direct access to the outdoors, and room for expansion on the site. At this stage in the planning process, this drawing is not finalized and will be refined over the coming months.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We are fulfilling our mission”

ince its incorporation in 2005, UHKF has been delivering on its mission to enable our community to support excellence in patient care, teaching and research at the university hospitals of Kingston through raising funds and awareness. Because of your generosity and that of more than 40,000 people, organizations and businesses like you, we have raised almost $80 million in cash and pledges to support capital redevelopment, patient care, research and education at our hospitals. Our fundraising supports priorities that are defined for us by the three hospitals. Though our solicitation of gifts is not focused on specific priorities, UHKF accepts restricted gifts to all areas of patient care, research and education within any of the three hospitals and ensures that the restrictions attached to gifts are complied with in the use of the funds. Our revenue and expenses are shared among these General Members using a formula that they determine through consultation and negotiation. What does that mean for Patient Care? Here are just a few examples provided by the people who are sharing their stories in this report. Through donations to the 12

cancer centre, staff was able to purchase technology that “allows us to deliver higher doses of radiation over a much shorter period of time. So when you think about a region like ours, servicing almost 500,000 people that can be coming from as far away as Bancroft, we are now able to treat patients – fewer treatments, shorter duration.” – Cory Gosnell Advances in technology are also increasing efficiency and helping staff deal with increasing demands for service. Most importantly, they get needed results into the hands of patients sooner. This is particularly evident in the diagnostic laboratories. An example is the $300,000+ capillary sequencer – “but it is money well spent. It allows us to do 350 tests in a day, where, in the past with our manual methods, we would do about 8 or 10 tests in a week. The change is remarkable. It’s not always the big ticket items. Even these small electronic pipeters have made a huge difference in our workflow here. We can work quicker, we can work longer and again, the bottom line is getting results to our patients faster.” – Colleen Clarke Donations are also used to purchase specialty items such as isolettes that provide preterm babies in the neona-

Raising funds and awareness for care, equipment, teaching and research tal intensive care unit with a womb-like atmosphere. “It’s a lot less stress and strain on the baby. And stress in preterm infants is never a good thing. “It’s not just the beds, it’s the

phototherapy lights that we have to use, it’s the IVs, it’s our bedside monitors, it’s our saturation monitors, you know, everything that we use is something that is just necessary and

“Donations are needed for the purchase of new equipment such as high-tech items used in the neonatal intensive care unit.”

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

it’s great for the babies.” – Sue Merkley, RN Food models used by dietitians at the eating disorder clinics at Hotel Dieu Hospital, blanket warmers used on units across our hospitals to give patients comfort and warmth, toys for playrooms and much, much more all help fill a need in providing quality patient care.

Research As a university centre, research is an important activity not only for advancing new techniques and technologies, but also to ensure we are able to attract the best and brightest clinicians to Kingston. “Research is where the answers are going to come from. That’s where the treatments of the future are going to derive - from researchers such as myself and many others here at Kingston General Hospital. It’s an investment in the future for new understanding of disease, new treatments and ultimately, for better patient care.” – Dr. Anne Ellis A new initiative in support of research was launched by UHKF this year, called the Women’s Giving Circle. It is a group of community women of diverse backgrounds and

Medical lab tech Kate Drummond shows off some of technology that is helping automate diagnostic testing.

interests who know that we are able to do more together than as individuals, and desire to have a real and sustainable impact on health care at our hospitals. The members believe that there is incredible potential being nurtured in our medical research community and understand that without base funding, many important research projects are challenged to move past the concept and design phase to implementation and impact.

Education As this region’s teaching and research hospitals, staff education is very important in ensuring our staff has up-todate expertise and skills that help people across Southeastern Ontario. Funds to support education of staff take many forms, such as bursaries and awards to support continuing education or outright clinical education. They also fund conferences and other outside events where staff can learn everything from the latest

medication to care trends. “Without those dollars, our educator wouldn’t be able to run a course that has allowed not just our nurses, but anyone wanting to know how to work with and empathize with palliative care patients – it’s completely funded because of donation dollars.” – Marie-Jo Cleghorn, RN

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We can better preserve the sight of our patients” – Dr. Martin ten Hove

Donation nets state-of-the-art diagnostics

en years ago, a diagnosis of eye disease such as glaucoma meant you would lose your sight. Happily, that is no longer the case as today’s patients are able to benefit from great strides made with the way we discover and treat eye disease. New technology such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is key in assisting specialists in diagnosing eye disease at an early stage so that it can be treated. That is where Lions Clubs from District A3 have made a huge difference in the lives of patients from across the region. Thirty-six of the 48 Lions clubs in the district (which covers an area from Courtice in the west to Kingston in the east, north to Bancroft and Denbigh and south to Cherry Valley) contributed more than $194,000 for Kingston’s three hospitals through the Together We Can campaign. This included a generous $75,000 grant from the Lions Club International Foundation for an OCT unit at Hotel Dieu. “We are proud to support the redevelopment of Kingston hospitals, and that so many of our clubs in District A3 pulled together to raise these funds. It is empowering to see how our donations are resulting in better care today for residents 14

Dr. Martin ten Hove and Mary Ann Smith with the OCT unit.

from across southeastern Ontario,” said Lion Mary Ann Smith, 1st Vice District Governor. “Our volumes have risen dramatically in the past five years as increasing numbers of patients are diagnosed with eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts,” said Dr. Martin ten Hove, interim head of the

ophthalmology department at Hotel Dieu. “Thanks to the generosity of the Lions Clubs and purchases such as the new OCT unit, we are better positioned to diagnose and treat those patients more efficiently and effectively.”

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We have a profound impact on the quality of care” – Cory Gosnell

ust like other boys his age, Keegan Vallier loves sports, video games and hanging out with his friends. He is also very interested in the story about Canadian humanitarian Terry Fox. Although Fox died 23 years before Vallier was born, the Newburgh area boy wants to carry on Fox’s legacy of raising funds to fight cancer. In 1980, with one leg having been amputated, Terry Fox embarked on a crossCanada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest after 143 days and 5,373 kilometers and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting, worldwide legacy. The annual Terry Fox Run first held in 1981, involves millions of participants in over 60 countries and is now the world’s largest one-day fundraiser for cancer research. So when it came to planning his eighth birthday party for the 8th of December, Keegan decided to do something a little different. “I decided to collect donations instead of gifts because my birthday is so close to Christmas. I really like Terry Fox a lot and all he did, so I’m giving the money to help fight cancer,” he says.

Eight-year-old Keegan Vallier can really throw a party

During the Christmas holiday break, birthday boy Keegan and his family delivered a gift of $512.22 that is helping fund patient care equipment at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario at Kingston General Hospital. Keegan and his younger brother Aidan paid a visit to the cancer centre recently to see what his money could buy. “I think it’s hugely inspirational when you think of somebody of that age who has chosen to instead of getting the toys and presents for their birthday, make a contribution to the lives of cancer patients,” says Cory Gosnell of the cancer centre. “It demonstrates that younger and younger people are realizing the impact that cancer can have on anybody.” The advancements we’re able to make in technology, and in treatments, which is largely supported through donations we receive, has a tremendous impact on patient experience, patient satisfaction and the outcomes they experience.

Keegan, 8, and Aidan Vallier, 6, get a tour of the cancer centre from Cory Gosnell. University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “I received marvellous care during my life-saving heart surgery” – Murray Smith

Allergic to cold, cardiac patient couldn’t be cooled for major surgery He had been taking medication for his heart for some time, but early last year, Murray Smith felt himself growing weaker – he was taking more and more nitroglycerin and found himself short of breath more often. At the end of May 2011, the Prince Edward County man paid a visit to his cardiologist in Belleville for his annual stress test, which resulted in him being sent for an angiogram. “I remember lying there looking up at the doctor and he was looking down at me, and said I needed major surgery. I had a 95 per cent blockage of the 3 major arteries and a tear in the aorta.” The next week, he was being scheduled for triple bypass surgery at Kingston General Hospital. Curious about the procedure, Murray and his wife Marnie, a retired nurse who worked in the hospital in Picton, began reading up about the procedure in her 1963 medical books. Much to their dismay, they discovered that heart patients are cooled for the procedure. “A little red light went on,” Murray says. 16

He has a severe allergy to being cold – not a healthy dislike for feeling chilly, but a full-blown anaphylaxis reaction. That added a significant dimension of difficulty to this already complicated procedure for cardiac surgeon Dr. Darrin Payne and his surgical team. They brought in allergy specialist Dr. Anne Ellis and the

Amazing team approach to care saves Murray’s life debate began. “They wanted to take me to 24 degrees (Celsius) for the operation, and Dr. Ellis said if you do that, you’d probably kill him,” but without the operation, Murray knew he would not survive. He learned that the operation had never been successful on a patient over 32 degrees.

So they made a difficult compromise and Murray was cooled to 28 degrees for the operation that began on June 21st. “I was under for 25 hours,” the retired military man says, as he had a triple bypass and a few inches of his aorta were removed. “There’s not a lot of research

Marnie Smith, Dr. Anne Ellis and Murray Smith meet again one year after Murray’s ordeal.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

in terms of patients who have his condition who have to undergo cardiac surgery, so as far as I know his is the first case report of somebody who is having to undergo a hyperthermic circulatory arrest in our operating room with coldinduced urticaria,” Dr. Payne recalls. “We managed, with Dr. Ellis as well as our cardiac anesthesia team, to optimize as best we could. And fortunately, the outcome was great.” Dr. Ellis adds,“at the end of the day, we came up with a plan that we felt would be safe and would be effective. And he’s been able to have the surgery that he so desperately needed. As you can see, it’s made a huge difference to his quality of life. So that makes all the time that you spend, researching how exactly we keep this patient safe through such a challenging procedure. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.” Murray agrees. “It was so successful, I was out of the hospital in six days.” One year after his miraculous operation - this 71-year-old took a break from chopping wood to tell us he feels like he is 60 again. He is also taking advantage of the opportunity of giving back to Kingston’s university hospitals, to ensure other patients have the right care available when

they need it. For that, our clinicians and researchers are grateful. Dr. Ellis says, “thank you to donors such as Murray, because it’s because of you that we can carry on and we can continue to do our work that is so important, that needs to be done to develop new treatments, new understandings and better patient care”.

Dr. Darrin Payne performed the out-of-the-ordinary surgery.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We are able to improve quality of life for residents at Providence Manor” – Colleen Stoneman

fter a rewarding career as Director of Spiritual Care, Mission and Ethics for Providence Care, Mary Pat Byrne is continuing her support for the caring organization into retirement both financially and through voluntarism. During the eight years she was at Providence Care, she was afforded the opportunity to work at all three sites of Providence Care – St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, Mental Health Services and Providence Manor, where she got to know staff members, patients, clients and residents. There’s a special place in her heart for the organization, where people with longer-term illnesses and needs receive a special kind of care. While she was able to witness the high quality care that happened every day, Mary Pat also saw where needs existed for things that were outside of the traditional hospital and health care budgets. As an employee, Mary Pat contributed to the employee giving campaign, and when she retired in June 2010, she continued to support the needs of Providence Care through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. “Providence Manor looks after our seniors and provides 18

them with a quality of life where they really feel at home and people treat them as if they are one of the family,” she says. “I feel this is a valued place to give my donation. It is about enriching the quality of life for residents. “My friends and I realize we are the baby boomer generation and we will have longterm health care needs in the future. I think there are things we would like to see when we need long term care.” Donations make it possible for things to happen that wouldn’t otherwise happen. “We know that the healthcare budget will provide for the necessities, but when you live in a bedroom, there are other things that nurture your spirit and can bring a sense of happiness and joy,” she says. People look for opportunities such as entertainment, events, bus trips or “just things that happen to help them feel part of the human race.” Colleen Stoneman, coordinator of resident activities at Providence Manor agrees, noting that donations are also key in enhancing the health and safety of residents and staff as well through equipment purchases such as patient lifts and high-low adjustable beds. Because of donors like Mary Pat, Providence Manor

As a former employee, Mary Pat knows where true needs exist

Coordinator of Resident Activities Colleen Stoneman and Mary Pat Byrne enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Haughian Garden – a beautiful area located on the grounds at Providence Manor supported through donations.

is able to provide social and recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “I have another chance at life” – Lindsay Gemmell

t’s not often you hear a young vibrant 23-yearold like Lindsay Gemmell frankly state she would not be alive if it wasn’t for the amazing support she received from a clinic at Hotel Dieu Hospital. Today, the young woman from Smiths Falls proudly proclaims she is “10 months healthy,” and she is forever grateful to the wonderful caring staff at the eating disorder clinic. “No matter where I go in life, I am always going to remember the first step I took and that was meeting with [Hotel Dieu dietitian] Sandra [Leduc]. That’s when my recovery began.” From the time she was in tenth grade, through and even after her college years, Lindsay struggled with anorexia nervosa. During that time, she experienced many losses as the disorder took control of her life, squeezing out her family, friends, and hope for a normal life. At times, she was too sick to go to school and even lost her drivers’ licence. Even after seeking help from the clinic, Lindsay admits it took time for her to begin to heal. But with Sandra’s persistent, gentle support and guidance, Lindsay says she was able to open up for the first time in her life. “Having the safe environment and encour-

agement was phenomenal and gave me the ability to do that,” she says. Sandra gives credit to Lindsay and those like her who are working hard to overcome a disorder that starves people of their life. “We try to help them along the way, but it’s really in their court to make the changes. We are there to guide them along.” For Lindsay, the experience was life saving. “I’m just one person and I know I speak for many. I didn’t ever imagine I’d ever be where I am in my life today. I’m thankful for these resources,” she says, highlighting the wonderful things she has gained. “I gained 70 pounds in my recovery to get me to the healthy weight I am at now, I have also gained my life back. I’ve gained friends. I’ve gained my family. I’ve gained stability, balance, health and ability to do whatever I want. No number on a scale will ever take that away from me again.” Now an eating disorder recovery coach, Lindsay is committed to giving back to Hotel Dieu, as well as to the Homewood Centre in Guelph where she received inpatient care. “Since I’ve been well, I’ve created Project BreEAThe,” she explains, a campaign to promote eating disorder awareness

Lindsay is now living and loving life

Lindsay Gemmell and dietitian Sandra Leduc serve up some healthy eating choices with food models, some of the many items purchased through donated funds for the eating disorder clinic at Hotel Dieu.

and prevention. She also leads support groups – one at her old high school – and another online that has more than 200 members. Lindsay conducts workshops in area schools and works with care providers in health clinics. She is also committed to fundraising, through the sale of Project BrEAThe t-shirts. Money raised supports the Hotel Dieu and Homewood programs. “I love that I am able to do this. I am able to give back to the two hospitals that helped me save my life. I also feel strongly about letting the

world know how much of an impact these wonderful people are having on people’s lives.” For more information on Project BreEAThe, visit http:// projectbreathe.webs.com/

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “The care was extremely good” – Family of Stephen Weaver

Compassionate care at a most difficult time

New hospital will benefit endof-life patients in the future Stephen James Weaver was an inquisitive, accomplished, talented and caring man who had an incredible love for his young family and a remarkable passion for life. He lived a healthy lifestyle, had never smoked, rarely drank alcohol and was always physically active. After experiencing some indigestion for a few weeks in the spring of 2011, he was shocked to discover he had advanced gastric cancer. Over the course of the next seven months he battled the disease with courage and hope. From his diagnosis in May until September, Stephen remained at his home in Kingston with the support of the Community Care Access Centre while undergoing treatment at the cancer centre at Kingston General Hospital. But when his care team determined that rigorous treatment was not successful, Stephen decided palliative care at Providence Care was his best choice, says his sister, Martha Weaver. He wanted to make his last months of life as traumafree as possible for his eightyear-old daughter, 16 year-old stepson and his loving wife Maria Luisa. 20

Stephen & Luisa Weaver and their children

It was there, at the St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, where this gentleman with a master’s degree in divinity and another in business administration, made it clear that he wanted as much control over his disease as possible. Although he was in great discomfort, he did not wish to be medicated and was clear that he wanted to live his final days in a lucid state. The palliative care team respected his wishes, his sister says. They also made it clear that he was always welcome to change his mind. “I think the care that he got at Providence Care was extremely good. Dr. Frank and the nurses who attended him were very understanding of

his wishes – of him wanting to manage his own care,” Martha says. “The balance between his obtaining relief and maintaining cognition was ever present.” Days before his death, Stephen said “I love life and life loves me.” Born in Trenton, Stephen had travelled and worked in many parts of the world – including as a high school teacher in Bama, Nigeria after working for the Red Cross in Angola. Once he finished studying divinity, he practiced as a minister in Alberta, but felt there was something missing in his life – a family of his own. Fifteen years ago, he moved to Kingston where he enjoyed athletics, music, art and litera-

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

ture while becoming increasingly involved with his real estate business in Trenton. He met his wife Maria Luisa while studying Spanish in Cuba. “In many ways, the last 10 years had been the most full and happiest of his life,” Martha says. “Stephen sought meaning and purpose in life. He had many diverse interests and pursued them all with determination and fascination.” In his honour, Stephen Weaver’s family made a gift for the purchase of special pressure-relief mattresses for the palliative care program. Martha is pleased the mattresses can be transferred to the new Providence Care Hospital when it is built. “I’m glad you are building a new facility,” she adds, noting the old and grey rooms at St. Mary’s are bleak. “It was not the atmosphere I would have wanted for Stephen, but it was the best they could provide. Stephen didn’t complain about it and the care was very good. “Given how sick he was, and the length of time he spent at St. Mary’s, I think that a brighter room with some kind of view would have lifted his spirits a little. He was unable to leave his bed for the last six weeks of his life. While deeply involved in his spiritual journey, I do think that a

glimpse of the world outside might have afforded him some respite.”

How we provide the best end-of-life care For palliative care nurse Marie-Jo Cleghorn, there is one central tenet to providing people with great care: “It is all about dignity,” she says. “It’s all about being able to treat every single one of these patients as if they are my Mom, my Dad, my brother, my sister.” When new patients join the palliative care program at Providence Care’s St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, they become part of the family at St. Mary’s. Staff members encourage patients to surround themselves with momentos from home. “Because people who are admitted here, they don’t look like what they probably looked like most of their lives. We get a snapshot. We want to treat them as somebody who has lived a life. I want to hear their stories,” Marie-Jo says. “What I want, and I know I share it with pretty much every single nurse who works here, is to make the room as close to another space in their house.

Dr. Ivan Stewart and Nurse Marie-Jo Cleghorn are part of the palliative care team at St. Mary’s of the Lake.

Yes, we have to have specialty beds and thank goodness that we have those specialty beds, but we want it to feel like a home space as opposed to a sterile hospital space.” It is through donations that many items – such as pull-out cots for loved ones, microwaves to heat home-cooked meals and blanket warmers – that Marie-Jo and her

colleagues are able to provide comforting care not only to patients, but to their loved ones as well. “Because of you, people are allowed to die with the compassion and the dignity that they deserve,” she says.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “Our son is alive” – Jimmy Hassan

o say that Jimmy Hassan is grateful would be an understatement. “I’m from a third world country,” he says, “people don’t know how happy and appreciative we are. If my son was born in my country, we would have lost our child.” On August 15, 2008, after a full and healthy pregnancy, Jimmy’s wife gave birth to their third child, Absar. Everything appeared normal with their young son for the first few weeks, but by the time he was 20 days old, Absar could not keep any food down. He began losing weight rapidly and his worried parents took him to the family doctor. A language barrier added to their frustration as the family tried to get help – their infant would take in milk, but the moment the bottle was removed from his mouth, he would shoot it out like a fountain. Finally they were referred to Hotel Dieu Hospital for some tests, results of which saw Absar rushed to Kingston General Hospital for surgery almost immediately to remove a blockage in his esophagus. “It was very difficult for us to go through that process,” Jimmy recalls, as he is a small business owner (running the Pizza Pizza franchise at the 22

Father urges immigrant community to get involved and support health care

Bath and Portsmouth Road location) and his wife didn’t speak English or drive a vehicle at the time. In order to support his young family of five, Jimmy spends a lot of time at his business. Volunteers from the Child Life program also played a key role in Absar’s recovery, providing the family with much comfort and support. Absar turns four years old this summer and will begin junior kindergarten in September. He’s a very happy, very intelligent and active boy. Jimmy is doing everything he can to give back to the hospitals, personally and through Pizza Pizza, and he also has a strong message for the area’s immigrant community: “Get out and participate. We are living in this community and we can save more lives. It is a blessing being here. Get involved physically, emotionally or financially.”

Jimmy Hassan and his wife Tanveer Tahira with their children David, Aroz and Absar.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Because of you... “We are making a difference”

Volunteers are among our strongest advocates

rom bocce ball tournaments to fashion shows and silent auctions, the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation benefits from the efforts of thousands of people who take part in events organized by generous individuals or groups to benefit Kingston’s university hospitals every year. These events and activities are a great way to involve the community and raise awareness of our hospitals, while also raising the funds required to support their important work. Each dollar raised has a positive impact on Kingston’s hospitals in support of the purchase of important medical equipment, education, research and clinical studies that enhance patient care and improve quality of life for our patients, residents and clients. In addition to these community organized and led activities, UHKF also hosts three signature events – one for each hospital organization. More than 120 volunteers spend about 4,800 hours in preparing these events – the Hotel Dieu Invitational Golf Tournament, Kingston General Hospital Black Tie Gala and Providence Care Founders’ Dinner. UHKF is also proud of the achievements of GenerationNext, a growing community of

Some of the organizers of the Fiesta Mexicana-themed Founders’ Dinner take a break from setting up the 2012 event.

young philanthropists and volunteer leaders who champion the care provided at Kingston’s university hospitals. The mission of GenerationNext is to develop interest, participation, leadership and financial support for the hospitals and their programs. GenerationNext brings leaders from the business,

government, academia, health care and other sectors together at social, educational and fundraising events throughout the year. Because of you, we are making a difference in local healthcare today and for future generations.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation / Community Report – June 2012

Contact information 55 Rideau Street, Suite 4 Kingston, ON K7K 2Z8 Phone: 613.549.5452 Toll free: 1.866.549.5452 www.uhkf.ca

Twitter: @UHKF Find us on Facebook UHKFdn on YouTube

Editor: UHKF Art Direction / Design: Andrew McLachlan Principal Photographer: Bernard Clark

Because of you...