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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
Everyone Jumped In
How VJH Reinvented Itself to Fight COVID-19 the changes while supporting education and each other. What helps is that it hasn’t been just one department or one group. Everyone is in it together, and everyone has similar challenges.” The Level 7 Acute Medical in-patient unit became the respiratory isolation floor, ready to accept suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients and meet containment measures. Within hours, Level 7 completely overhauled every way of existence staff had known: workflow and processes were quickly adapted, and patients were either discharged or placed in other areas. Fortunately, with the addition of Polson Tower and its stateof-the-art equipment, negative pressure rooms were readily available to support infection control practices.
In hours, and then in minutes, everything changed. Over and over and on the greatest scale the Vernon Jubilee Hospital had ever experienced. Every step anyone took – literal and figurative – had to be understood, reimagined and simulated. It began when the Interior Health Medical Health Officer (MHO) warned of an atypical pneumonia spreading rapidly. Then the news hit that a novel coronavirus, referred to as COVID-19, could be on its way, and the hospital needed to get ready along with the rest of Interior Health (IH). Now! In our region, at a high level, Richard Harding, Executive Director – North Okanagan Acute, noted that in responding to this urgent need, Interior Health created an Infectious Disease Emergency Response Steering Committee. On January 30th, this evolved into IH’s Emergency Operations Centre. “Over the next six weeks, the potential impact of COVID-19 evolved.
One of the most pressing questions our teams faced was this: How do we create the capacity in the hospital to enable us to manage a surge of respiratory and critically ill patients, while ensuring we still have the capability to provide care to the regular population? Then, on March 17th a formal Incident Command structure was initiated across the region. Our North Okanagan Incident Command assumed responsibility for all clinical services throughout Vernon, Salmon Arm and Revelstoke.” Harding continued: “One of the most pressing questions our teams faced was this: How do we create the capacity in the
hospital to enable us to manage a surge of respiratory and critically ill patients, while ensuring we still have the capability to provide care to the regular population? We still had people coming to the hospital with trauma or other life threatening healthcare events that were requiring emergency care. At the same time, we needed to ensure we were meeting the emerging – and evolving – infection prevention and control standards.” The Emergency Department layout had to be addressed immediately. Since emergency patients typically all wait in one area, staff had to turn patient flow upside down and divide the department, more than once, into zones, each with their own workflow and staff. Sarah Kohlman, ER Clinical Operations Manager, said ER staff met all challenges head-on. “I always knew they were great with change, it’s the nature of the job here. They’ve been great with supporting
“There were plenty of questions, but when it came to asking everyone to be there and show up, they came together and did what they needed to do. I think one of the most humbling things I saw, when the chips were down, was just how everyone jumped in and how willing they were to work together,” said Jenna Dietz, Clinical Operations Manager, Inpatient Level 7. In those early hours and days especially, all staff showed great resilience and bravery as they overcame inner worries: Will I get infected? Will I infect my loved ones? Protecting staff was no small feat. While lead technicians managed the Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) department, which ensures sterility of surgical instruments, supplies and equipment, MDR Supervisor Shona O’Connor stepped out of her regular role to help Purchasing Clerk Jody Thiem with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) distribution, including restricting stock to a 24-hour supply. "With the support of Administration, the team quickly established a supply hub for Continued >>
Heart Beat >> Continued from page 1 PPE. Thanks to our relationships with all the units at the hospital, we were well positioned to preserve our PPE supply. Staff knew if they needed something, they’d be taken care of in the best way possible,” said O’Connor.
Thanks to our relationships with all the units at the hospital, we were well positioned to preserve our PPE supply. Staff knew if they needed something, they’d be taken care of in the best way possible.
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
patients were awake. It involved sciencebased mathematical calculations of air exchanges,” Rideout said, adding these steps significantly increased the duration of each surgery, but did not negatively impact patient outcomes. When the provincial order was issued to suspend all routine and elective cases, including X-ray exams for orthopedic patients, this had a significant impact on VJH’s Ortho clinic as it’s typically open Monday to Friday. Surgeons and the entire Ortho team had to figure out how they were going to remove casts and staples and provide follow up x-rays to check on patients’ bone alignment and healing. Together with other departments, a creative solution was sought to relocate the Ortho clinic and the OR’s mini C-arm to Priest Valley Physiotherapy.
Areas at higher risk of spread were stripped of all products that could become contaminated by aerosol generated droplets, all cupboards were emptied, anesthesia resources were scaled back to a minimum, and all paper was removed.
As the mini C-arm deals with patients that have smaller body part injuries, a plan was made to send those with larger injuries to the Vernon Radiological Associates (VRA) clinic, while trauma injuries continued to be treated in the Emergency Department.
Throughout this period, two operating theatres remained open for emergency and urgent surgeries and trauma services. Day surgeries were cancelled while 65 per cent of elective surgeries were postponed.
“A process was set up for all three sites to accommodate patients’ needs,” said Travis Thompson, Medical Imaging Professional Practice Lead. “Open-mindedness and willingness to find innovative solutions in an unprecedented time delivered great results. I am happy to have been a part of a group committed to work in an atmosphere of restrictions and change and to come up with new ideas on how to continue to provide service to patients.”
To stay open, operating theatres had to adjust every step in a new environment of negative air. “Every 18 minutes, 99 per cent of the air was exchanged in the operating rooms, so the surgeons had to wait until the air generating process was over to enter the room and begin their positioning for surgery,” said Chad Rideout, Peri-operative Services Clinical Operations Manager. “Surgical scheduling, as to when staff entered and left the operating room, became based on the air exchange cycles in the OR, and not just when the surgeon was ready to begin or when the
In delivering this innovative change, it created an opportunity to create a separate Emergency Department, a minor treatment area for patients screened as non-COVID-19 suspected patients. This enhanced the flow of patients through emergency procedures. Up in the maternity ward, babies continued to come into the world and families were cared for. “What changed were the
processes,” said Leslie Murphy, Women’s and Children’s Health Services Manager. All patients were screened at the site entry doors, and a separate triage area was placed outside the department for mothers and support people. Ongoing simulations were conducted with OR team members, including anesthetists, physicians, educators and unit staff, to prepare in the event mom presented with COVID-19 and needed surgical intervention.
As our province continues its slow and steady reopening, VJH continues to adapt and change. We will continue to be nimble, creative and be as prepared as we can to continue to help flatten the curve.
“We worked very closely with OB’s and pediatrics, and pulled in anesthetists and Dr. Bosma to look at the department layout on how we were going to put together a standard work process,” said Murphy.
Having peer-to-peer conversations with Chris’s knowledge and health and safety background made all the difference.”
Helping cancer patients safely access their treatment was another priority that had to be addressed, and quickly. With eight to 12 ambulatory oncology patients visiting the hospital pharmacy department to receive their oral and injectable cancer treatments every day, the pharmacy department minimized patients’ risk of exposure and promoted social distancing and self-isolation with a delivery service. “Pharmacy staff provided phone consults for our patients to ensure that the same level of care was maintained during the pandemic,” said Greg Egan, Pharmacy Manager. On the frontline, the “unsung heroes of the unsung heroes,” Support Services, including Housekeeping and Food Services, were essential in keeping work environments clean, safe, and operational. Cleaning staff went above-and-beyond to make sure all high-touch areas, from elevator buttons to hand railings, were thoroughly and continuously disinfected. “One of the best things the hospital did was to draw on Chris Crawford’s JOHSC experience as a Safety Advisor to help us navigate all the questions around staff safety,” said Jennifer Diemer, Support Services Manager. “He has been a huge asset and resource for Vernon Jubilee.
Looking back, change at this pace and scope could have only been successful with hospital leadership guiding proactive preparation as well as consistent responsiveness to staff needs. This time saw unprecedented site-wide levels of collaboration and teamwork from every single person, regardless of their role. “As our province continues its slow and steady reopening, VJH continues to adapt and change. We will continue to be nimble, creative and be as prepared as we can to continue to help flatten the curve," said Dr. Peter Bosma, VJH Chief of Staff.
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
In Review: November 2019 – May 2020
Bequests, donations, grants and community support all make a significant impact to healthcare in the North Okanagan. We are grateful for the incredible support the Foundation receives. Together we improve lives in our community.
Ice Machines: $47,884
Legacy giving often results in the purchase of equipment that may not have made it to the top of the priority equipment list for the hospital. Thanks to a very generous bequest from the Eddie Richard Lesniak Estate, all of the ice machines on every nursing unit at VJH have now been replaced with seven new, easy to use machines. An ice machine is an often forgotten about but essential piece of equipment that forms an integral part of many patient stays. When loved ones are in the hospital – undergoing surgery, waiting for a test, or a family with a newborn – keeping hydrated is essential. Often patients have a difficult time swallowing liquid and ice provides a way to provide hydration at an easily absorbable rate. The demand for ice chips is frequent for hydration purposes but also to help soothe dry mouths and lips, resulting in the machines being in constant use.
Tourniquets: $71,304
Two hospital fundraisers, the VJHF Charity Classic golf tournament as well as the Operation: Surgical Care for Life Gala, have enabled the Foundation to purchase five new medical tourniquets. Medical tourniquets are used in various departments including emergency, the orthopedic cast clinic, surgical, as well as in ambulatory care. Similar to a blood pressure cuff, a tourniquet is often used on extremities to reduce the blood flow to a specific region, allowing the surgeon to perform procedures in a bloodless field. Usage of tourniquets often mean that localized freezing can be used rather than anesthetic, resulting in less recovery time for patients, enabling them to go home faster.
Thanks to the legacy gift from the Lesniak Estate, the installation of these ice machines means patients, family and staff now have automatic and easy access to ice chips no matter where they are in the hospital.
Urology Cystoscopes: $109,944 Assisted Bathing Tub: $30,491
A new medical bathtub has recently been purchased for the Vernon Community Healthcare Office thanks in part to local gentleman and philanthropist, Charles Farrer, who experienced first-hand the need for assistance in bathing. Often patients who have acute, chronic, palliative or rehabilitative healthcare needs don’t have an accessible tub or shower in their home, requiring them to visit the Community Healthcare Office for an assisted bath. When Charles suffered a stroke in January 2019 he utilized many different services during their rehabilitation period, including this assisted bathing program. Recognizing the need for a replacement for the existing 20-year old tub, the Farrer family provided part of the funds required to purchase this ergonomically correct tub and lift system for the facility. This tub facilitates efficient hygiene routines that can be flexibly tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, offering a fully height adjustable system. Depending on a client’s mobility, the lift system assists clients in getting in and out of the tub in a safe and controlled manner, reducing the risk of further injury.
Seven new cystoscopes have been in use at VJH since early May thanks to community members in the North Okanagan who supported the Operation: Surgical Care for Life campaign. When patients are referred to an urologist, a cystoscopy is often one of the procedures that will be performed, where a specialist views the inside of the bladder and urethra in detail. Specialty cystoscopes are used to provide the urologist a ‘view’ of the genitourinary tract, checking for abnormalities such as bladder tumours, unexplained bleeding, dilation for strictures or other medical reasoning. The image from the camera is displayed on a monitor for the surgeon to work from. In the past, scopes were often large and rigid, frequently resulting in patient discomfort during procedures. However, advances in technology have resulted in improved vision quality, greater precision, increased flexibility and simplicity of use, providing considerable improvements in patient comfort. These are in high demand: The VJH urology team conducts two clinics and upwards of 60 cystoscopies a week. Due to high usage and the delicate nature of the equipment, replacements are required on an ongoing basis. These new scopes were gratefully received by the urology team.
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
>> In Review Continued
Essential Bio-med Equipment: $32,051
Gamma Camera: $74,000
When equipment is in need of inspection, replacement or repair a diverse team of engineers is tasked with ensuring that it’s working according to designed specifications. Critical to the work of this bio-med team are tools that allow them to test and calibrate equipment, from thermometers to CT scanners, before being used by healthcare professionals.
Much to the excitement of the Medical Imaging team, a generous bequest left in support of high priority needs in medical imaging resulted in the purchase and installation of a new gamma camera this spring. This critical diagnostic tool replaces the previous 20-year old camera used in Nuclear Medicine. The department now boasts the newest equipment with the most up-to-date and innovative technology, enabling technicians to see with greater resolution how the body is functioning. This new camera also has a more comfortable scanning bed and faster scanning times for some exams, reducing wait times and providing better overall service to patients.
Anesthesia Ultrasound: $84,393 When one of the existing anesthesia ultrasound machines at VJH unexpectedly broke down in the fall of 2019, the Hospital Administration team approached the Foundation with an urgent request to purchase a new one. We quickly obliged.
Offering real time diagnostics, this key piece of equipment is used on a daily basis within VJH. It’s pivotal to many operations, including by the orthopedic team for total hip and knee surgeries. With touch screen usability, the machine allows practitioners to visualize the needle placement in real time, playing an integral role in identifying the nerves that need to be blocked for surgery. This identification allows surgeons to block the nerves prior to putting patients to sleep, offering an improved way of administering a local anesthetic, or freezing, rather than using a general anesthetic. The result is better pain control, quicker and safer procedures and more comfort for patients, often enabling them to go home the same day.
Thanks to a community member who holds a strong interest in engineering, the team is in receipt of three new pieces of equipment integral to the function of the department. A defibrillator tester, used in the calibration of defibrillators and pace makers, has been added to the bio-med list of essential equipment. In addition, an x-ray dose meter, which ensures the radiation outputs of x-ray system are correct within specified ranges, has also been purchased. As well, an ultrasound phantom, essentially a dummy torso in a box, has been added to the bio-med maintenance shop, allowing the staff to fault-find problems and check calibrations on ultrasound imaging equipment.
Ultra-slim Line Gastroscopes: $66,198
The annual Light a Bulb campaign is still making an impact in the hospital, months after it came to a close. The holiday fundraiser enabled the Foundation to replace two much-needed gastroscopes. A gastroscopy, an examination of the stomach, is performed to help confirm or rule out the presence of medical conditions such as gastritis or peptic ulcers. In this procedure, a gastroscope with a thin flexible tube called an endscope, is used to look inside the food pipe, the stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. The scope, with a light and camera on one end sends images to the monitor, helping medical staff diagnose ulcers, stomach cancers, as well as incompetent sphincters. A biopsy can also be performed during this procedure if required.
This significant acquisition will assist the team in ensuring that the equipment used to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients’ medical conditions is safe and functional, improving the quality and effectiveness of patient care within the hospital.
DEFIBRILLATOR TESTER
ULTRASOUND PHANTOM
These high volume usage items had reached their end of life, and the replacement of scopes for the existing fleet is highly welcomed. X-RAY DOSE METER
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
Community Support
Thank you to each individual, business, organization and community group that has held a fundraising event or given to the Foundation, our Hospital and our community. With your generosity we are providing better healthcare for residents in the North Okanagan.
White Hearts for VJH The threat of an impending pandemic created many new and unmet needs above and beyond the usual requirements in our healthcare system. Additional resources were needed and the community pulled together in many unexpected and incredibly generous ways.
Infusion Health, BBGI, and The Paul Docksteader Foundation Alan Krak, General Manager of Infusion Health – builders of the Polson Tower at VJH and Centennial Building at KGH – joined with Duncan Ball, Co-CEO of their infrastructure investment partner BBGI, to donate $5,000 each to both the Kelowna and Vernon Hospital Foundations in support of COVID-19 relief. When told about the donation and the concept of our project, the Paul Docksteader Foundation matched the funds given. From these contributions, the White Hearts for VJH project was born. White Hearts for VJH encouraged our community to show their appreciation for medical staff and frontline workers in many ways. Words of gratitude were submitted via the newly created White Hearts for VJH website, WhiteHeartsforVJH.com, providing inspiring messages for our healthcare workers at a time when they needed it the most. From these messages, heartfelt signs were created and installed along the VJH fence lines, in the hospital breezeway, and on the windows and doors of our longterm care facilities.
But it didn’t stop there. Many community members wanted to do something more tangible and people found unique ways to show their gratitude. Amongst other items, donations of masks, hand sanitizer, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) arrived at the hospital on a frequent basis. Businesses and individuals found ways to provide meals and caffeine fixes for the staff who were continuing to work tirelessly and selflessly during this time. Following suit from larger cities, the 7 p.m. shift change became a time for celebration and support as our community got loud each evening and made noise for healthcare workers. First responder vehicles did nightly drive-bys of the hospital with lights and sirens flashing, showing their solidarity for their medical counterparts. Members of area car clubs organized a classic car parade with a special focus on driving by first responder locations, timing their finale with hospital shift change. And the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band reunited one more time to showcase their gratitude by performing in front of the hospital on Easter Sunday. The entire community rallied together to support our healthcare heroes.
Black & McDonald
When the Foundation asked the hospital’s internal maintenance contractor to consider designing and constructing a white heart on the roof of VJH, Black & McDonald rose to the challenge in a big way. The team worked together,
donating their time and many resources, to create a large and stunning 20-foot square LED heart on the roof of VJH. The glowing white heart, which features a pulsing function that can be controlled remotely thanks to the ingenuity of Vernon’s Accent Lighting, currently illuminates the night sky each evening in recognition of Vernon’s frontline workers and medical staff.
Kaltech Mining Services
Protective eyewear forms a critical component of the PPE standards that many medical workers must adhere to. The Canadian operations team at Kaltech Mining understood early on that VJH might require additional supplies and donated 240 pairs of safety glasses to the Foundation for distribution through the supply chain.
Tim Horton’s
Knowing that the Hospital was not able to receive food donations, local Tim Horton’s owners, Dan
and Jamie Currie, decided to supply gift cards for every staff member throughout every department in the hospital. Much to the delight of the VJH staff entering the screening area at the start of their shifts, a total of 500 gift cards were distributed.
Safety Glasses
Domino’s Pizza
Mark Wasylyk
As the hospital has a no-outside food policy during COVID-19, some businesses found creative ways to say thank you to the staff working tirelessly during this time. Clay Batke, Domino’s Vernon Franchisee, provided 100 medium pizza gift cards for VJH staff, which are being held for post-COVID staff lunches.
Dennis Yano and Family
Local resident Dennis Yano wanted to do his part to help ensure that our region did not experience a shortage in PPE. Yano and his family obtained and donated 1,000 protective masks to be utilized in our community healthcare settings.
When a local retailer learned of the need for safety glasses for healthcare staff in our region they also stepped up to help. 200 pairs of much needed PPE eye wear were donated for distribution throughout the hospital. Additional PPE was supplied to our healthcare workers by local gentleman Mark Wasylyk, who wanted to find a way to help. When he learned that there may be a need for masks and gloves he sourced these items and donated them for use.
Amplified Coffee
One day in early April a local family helped put smiles on the faces of many staff who arrived for a caffeine fix at VJH coffee shop, Amplified, only to find it already paid for by the anonymous donors.
Continued >>
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020
>> White Hearts for VJH Continued
Watkin Motors
The team at Watkin Motors, led by Dealer Principal Ross Blankley, received a lot of smiles and generous ‘thank yous’ when they supplied and delivered hundreds of disposable face shields to eight different community service organizations in the North Okanagan. The SPCA, NOYFS, the Lumby & District Health Service Society, NexusBC, and The Salvation Army, were just some of the groups that benefited from the generosity of the local Ford dealership.
TELUS Social Purpose Programs Lack of connection was particularly difficult for some, early in the pandemic. Patients at VJH missing loved ones gained the ability to connect via technology thanks to the generosity of the TELUS #AllConnectedForGood social program. Tablets were provided for use on each floor of the hospital, as well our Foundation purchased an additional unit each for the social work department and in-house chaplain. In addition, a supply of cell phones with $0 rate plans were provided to clients currently being supported by the community mental health team, to ensure they stayed connected and engaged in their programs.
Sandman Inn and Suites
When new staff members move to town to work in the healthcare field, finding a place to live can be a challenge. When they arrive during COVID-19, it becomes even more challenging. Local Sandman Inn and Suites offered the Vernon hospital healthcare team two complimentary rooms for 60-days, and further stays at substantially reduced prices. This generous offer was also extended to frontline healthcare staff in Kamloops, Penticton and Kelowna.
Alpine Centre Book Warehouse
The Book Warehouse is a volunteer run book store that operates solely on the donation and sale of gently used books, cd’s and games. All funds raised through their sales go back into the local community, including this year’s donation of $1,000 to the VJH Foundation.
Okanagan Spirits
The demand for hand sanitizer during COVID-19 has been constant, and often difficult to source. That’s why Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery started turning its craft whisky, gin and vodka into sanitizer in order to help local frontline workers battle the shortages. CEO Tyler Dyck, along with sister Melissa, donated almost 30,000 bottles of their “Flatten the Curve” alcohol-based sanitizer to healthcare and support workers throughout the Okanagan Valley. Included in this donation was a supply of almost 1,000 bottles to VJH staff for personal use, much to the appreciation of the team at the hospital.
Past Events and Fundraisers
Shoppers LOVE YOU Campaign
Three local Shoppers Drug Mart locations in the North Okanagan joined together with our community to raise money to support women’s cancer care at the McMurtryBaerg Cancer Centre at VJH. The annual Shoppers LOVE YOU Campaign raised $8,854 through residents purchasing and personalizing special icons which were prominently displayed on trees in each location.
Vernon Women’s Japanese Auxiliary
The Vernon Women’s Japanese Auxiliary, or “Fujinkai”, celebrated a long history of giving to VJH this year, presenting the Foundation with a cheque for $1,000. The group holds annual fundraisers and events to help maintain the Japanese Cultural Centre building and provide support for operating costs. The remainder is distributed to charities within the community. This year marks a significant milestone for this Auxiliary; 25 years of giving to VJHF, taking their donation total to over $10,000.
Fraternal Order of the Eagles
ACT/UCT
The Associated Canadian Travellers/United Commercial Travellers (ACT/UCT) Kelowna West Council once again supported seniors programs at VJH with a donation of $500. The group conducts monthly social events and meetings in addition to fundraising for a number of local charities including the Foundation. This year, funds were directed to seniors programs in the North Okanagan.
The local Fraternal Order of the Eagles made a donation to VJH Diagnostic Imaging in the fall of 2019, submitting a cheque for $2,500 for high priority needs within this department. This non-profit organization, which donates time, effort and money for good causes in our community, has a history of local giving going back 50 years.
RBC Foundation
Youth between the ages of 15-25 in the North Okanagan now have more opportunities to access mental health rehabilitation and recovery services thanks to a generous grant from RBC Foundation. They partnered with the VJH Foundation in providing $50,000 over two years for local programs that focus on reintegrating youth back into their communities. Youth can access these services in a number of ways, including referrals through their doctors, educators, family support programs and local mental health organizations. Once referred, clients get connected with the services they need in less than a week’s time.
BC Liquor Store Share-a-Bear
This past holiday season BC Liquor Stores once again invited their customers to Share-a-Bear to support a good cause. Throughout November and December their customers were invited to purchase twin stuffed bears. Once purchased, customers then took one bear home and the twin was donated to the store for distribution to a local charity of their choice. More than 150 bears were donated to VJH to be given out within the hospital during the end of 2019.