Part of my ability to get through my complicated birth and extra time at the hospital was because of the equipment donors like you have helped purchase.
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Have a Heart Radiothon Day
Right now, our most urgent need is to purchase a pediatric transport monitor, just like the one my boys needed on their trip back home. Presently, a child in need of access to a specialized level of care must wait for an adult transport monitor to be available or for the receiving hospital to send a child specific transport monitor.
additional monitoring on our trip back home. Carter still required round the clock Cartermonitoring.camehome with us seven days later, and Gavin was the perfect gift when he came home for Christmas Eve. Six weeks of uncertainty, and we were finally home as a family for the first Today,time.both
boys are thriving.
Sarah Reid
As a nurse I knew the risks that my pregnancy entailed. If I went into labour early, we’d need to go to a different hospital. I was always aiming for at least a 34-week term so I could deliver at VJH with the help of my coworkers who I trust with all my heart. So, when my water broke at 32 weeks and 6 days I knew that I was destined for a transfer. I thought I was prepared but my own anxiety shook me.
We were not emotionally prepared for a medi-vac to Vancouver. Time is most precious in medical emergencies. My health, and my babies’ health were at risk as we nervously waited. And waited…
I’ve dedicated my life to serving this community, but I’m not alone. You're right here with me. The equipment and technology I use to save lives and that was used to help save the lives of my boys are your gifts when you support the Foundation.
Your response will save lives. Your donation ensures the right equipment is ready and available for a child in need. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.
As I juggle the chaos of life with twins, I know that it was the care and the equipment required that has brought me peace and to where I am today: The mother of two amazing boys.
At the peak of our stress, something amazing happened. We found out that a bed had opened up in Kelowna. The relief we felt was overwhelming. The next morning, Gavin and Carter were born by emergency C-section. After a month in the NICU at KGH we were transferred back home to VJH. Being born premature, both boys had issues. Gavin had a heart murmur and trouble breathing. He required
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VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022
When faced with medical emergencies, time and the right equipment are key. I know this from my work as a nurse in the Women’s and Children’s Health Services unit at VJH. Let me share my story with you. I had complications during my pregnancy and birth of my twin boys, Gavin and Carter. I quickly turned from a nurse, to a patient who needed a higher level of care.
My husband Kellie and I struggled to get pregnant. Due to a medical issue, IVF was our only option to conceive. Imagine just how surprised and ecstatic we were to find out that our second round of treatment worked. We were having twins! As soon as we heard we were pregnant, I became a mom. That joy was soon replaced with anxiety and concern as I struggled with sub chorionic hematoma for 16 weeks which was ongoing bleeding around my embryos. Before even meeting them, I was at risk of losing them.
Ensuring that there are a diverse range of recreation programs on hand can help ease the transition for seniors moving to and living in extended care homes. Often the change can be daunting and seen as a potential loss of independence and freedom. However, having scheduled activities and experiences can help support residents as they make a new home for themselves in a supported care environment.
It’s been an incredibly long two years for people no matter their situation. But for many residents in long term care facilities, the stark reality is that it’s seemed even longer. Thankfully, wonderful donors in the North Okanagan have helped to provide additional comfort and care that ensures members of our elder population throughout our region are living richer lives in these challenging times.
Helping Long Term Care Residents Feel at Home New Comfort and Quality of Life Items
activity offerings. “The new system, centrally located in the dining room, replaces a small outdated television and offers a higher quality viewing experience. The increased screen size and updated sound system help ensure that residents with visual or audial impairments have increased opportunities for engagement,” explains Allyson Thompson-Lambert, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
Pleasant Valley Manor (PVM) New Technology for Increased Quality of Life
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022 vjhfoundation.org
When Alicia Ponich pulls out a cozy warm blanket from the new blanket warming machine, she knows that the seniors in her care are thankful for her genuine concern for them. A valuable addition to the Polson Extended Care site, the blanket warmer helps ensure residents have ready access to a warm blanket at any time of day, going a long way to help soothe nerves and provide comfort.
The Director of Seniors Care explains that this low cost intervention helps in reducing anxiety while keeping residents comfortable and relaxed. “At the risk of sounding cheesy, I equate each warm blanket around a resident as a gentle hug. Truly for residents coming out of showers or when not feeling well, a warm blanket means a lot.” The blanket warmer is one more way that Alicia can continue to offer exceptional care to her patients.
Jayme Newton, Manager of Clinical Operations, further explains, “It is a very special thing to receive a nice warm blanket after a bath — the residents greatly enjoy it and the staff love that they can give that comfort to them on a daily basis.”
Polson Extended Care Blanket Warmer
Smart TV and Sound Bar
For the recreation staff at Polson Fintry North Unit extended care, the addition of a new TV and sound bar has enhanced their residents' daily
Thanks to generous North Okanagan donors, long term care residents are living richer lives, reducing the risks of loneliness and social isolation in these challenging times.
For some, a new television might not seem like a big deal. For the residents at PVM the gift of five new television sets significantly changes the landscape of the entertainment options available to them. For the 82 residents that reside at the Manor, TVs are often their only access to the outside world. Watching a televised program can increase their ability to stay connected on topics they love, act as a socializing activity that viewers of any age and ability can participate in and help contribute to the structure of a resident’s daily routine. The replacement of their aging televisions has significantly increased their viewing experience. Many residents are feeling happy and entertained, reducing the risks of loneliness and social isolation. Along with the TVs, eight new Bluetooth CD players have been distributed throughout the facility: in the large dining room, enabling staff to easily play music requests at meal times and in the bathing rooms, where residents can now enjoy their bath while listening to a selection of music of their choice. Music machines have also been added to palliative carts to support a soothing end-of-life experience for residents.
Now the almost 50 residents at Polson can enjoy programming such as streamed church services, concerts, armchair travel groups and virtual programs helping to support socialization and ensure they are staying connected and informed.
Polson Extended Care
Archie further added, “I had the great pleasure of knowing Jim and Laverne for more than thirty years, initially through business then later as friends. They spent most of their working lives in small communities, where reliance on friends and neighbours is such an essential part of life. Mutual support, especially in times of hardship, breeds the sense of community and consideration that Jim brought to all that he did.”
In Honour of Jim Popowich Our Friend with a Most Generous Heart
Jim’s mantra was, “philanthropy isn’t just donating money, it's bringing attention to a cause and bringing people together to support it.” It was through this leadership and mentorship that many joined him in supporting numerous priorities in the North Okanagan.
At Fording Coal, he was known for his professionalism and leadership, applying his focus and determination to areas both in and out of the office, which led to his becoming President of the company. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the west coast fishing trips where the company generously hosted suppliers who were treated not just as clients but as teammates.”
Given his engineering background, Jim developed a strong interest in specific areas of our hospital. He loved to know how things functioned and took great pleasure in understanding the impact that lesser known departments have on operations. He was
Initially their generous gifts were given anonymously. However they came to realize that by allowing their donations to become public prompted others to give.
along with his wife and partner of over 50 years, Laverne, were both born and raised in small farming communities in Saskatchewan. They learned early in life that good health care is necessary for all – not just for those in large cities. Their mission to bring ‘big city care’ to smaller communities has left a profound and lasting impact, not just in the Okanagan but wherever they lived throughout their lives.
Jim knew intrinsically that bringing people together for a common cause could result in much being achieved. He applied the same skills that he had honed as an executive in industry to numerous community initiatives wherever they called home. Following his retirement and a move to Predator Ridge, the couple turned their energies to helping further causes that were close to their hearts through their charitable trust.
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Jim and Laverne, through their generosity and in depth understanding of the needs within healthcare, have impacted so many lives and perhaps even saved a few. Their philanthropic outlook has greatly enhanced a wide array of priorities: From supporting the expansion of services through the McMurtryBaerg Cancer Centre, Digital Mammography Unit and the expansion of the Polson Tower; to acquiring the latest technology, such as the first Green Light laser for urology patients in our region and a new vision system for the Lions Vision Centre in Armstrong. When they saw a need, they acted: enhancing patient care in Emergency, Surgical, Women’s & Children’s and Physiatrist services, to name a few. Jim and Laverne were also generous supporters of the Kelowna General Hospital.
Jim,
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022
“In whatever he did he was always focused on the highest standards, whether in business or for pleasure.
Archie Stroh
His involvement on local Boards and groups helped to elevate the offerings that numerous non-profits provide to Okanagan residents. From helping to set up safety and emergency programs in Predator Ridge, to ensuring immigrants and youth gain access to literacy resources, to working with organizations to develop meaningful community connections, Jim was always ready to ignite commitment and leadership in others.
His talents and passion also extended to the musical world. He and Laverne were tireless supporters of local initiatives that helped to ensure the magic of music could be enjoyed by all.
Steve Hook, Manager Services & Support, Biomedical Engineering Department recognized Jim in one of their exchanges. “Thank you for honouring our staff, recognizing the critical role they play and validating the work they do. Your leadership and philanthropy enables us to execute our jobs at a high level, reduces limiting factors and allows us to collectively push to new heights.”
fascinated by the ‘tool crib’ concept for healthcare and particularly the Bio-Medical area of the hospital; a critical department housed out of view of the public that helps ensure all instruments are tested and maintained in good working order. Knowing the critical nature of this work to the success of daily operation, he took great pleasure in supporting hospital technicians.
Jim’s passing leaves a legacy of generosity and our community is much better for his having lived here. He leaves a gap that can never truly be filled, but he will be fondly remembered for his ready smile, his quirky sense of humour, his golf games and his generous and caring spirit.
He was also a determined golfer, applying the same focus to sport as he did to his business ventures. It was through his combined passion for sport and philanthropy that saw him, behind the scenes, actively champion the VJHF Charity Classic golf tournament as well as Wine Women & Woods
His passion for education and learning extended far, to community groups and members of all ages. He took great pride in mentoring young engineering students and adjunct teaching with the Engineering Professors for several years after his retirement.
for many years. His unwavering support of our Foundation and its initiatives saw him encourage his friends and fellow community members to become actively involved in giving and volunteering.
Where Jim saw a need he was quick to offer his support, whether through volunteering or providing financial support.
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022 vjhfoundation.org
When Russell Bowman was diagnosed with cancer, part of his treatment regime involved coming to the McMurtryBaerg Cancer Centre at VJH for regular bloodwork samples. In the past, these blood draws would have found him sitting in a waiting room, a physician exam room, or anywhere there was a spare chair available to conduct the procedure. Now, thanks to generous donors to the Centre, there is a new dedicated phlebotomy chair available for patients like Russell.
Nurses conducting the blood draws now have their own dedicated work space, while patients enjoy the benefits of a more ergonomic and comfortable chair. For Russell, “the whole experience was much more comfortable and very slick, making the time go quickly and easy.”
Then, Shepherd’s Home Building Centre learned about the initiative and not only offered to donate their time to deliver supplies, they also offered the services of a crane to lift the shed into place.
Making Blood Draws ComfortableMore
decision making data. This enhanced information gathering enables medical staff to quickly identify changes in a patient’s condition, alerting them when serious or life-threatening events require immediate attention.
Outdoor Beautification Project
They say it takes a village and nowhere is this adage more true than in the city of Enderby where dedicated community stakeholders came together to upgrade the outdoor space at Parkview Place retirement home.
Providing Better Care, Faster New Physiological Monitors in the Emergency Department
New Phlebotomy Chair in Cancer Centre
Parkview Place Residents Benefit from Community Generosity
“Two years ago we started doing bloodwork in the cancer centre for our patients and were using whatever open chair available. With the new phlebotomy chair we can now offer them the privacy and comfort they deserve while their treatment is being performed,” explained Stacey Nelson, Patient Care Coordinator, Cancer Centre.
Parkview Place is a small care facility with 31 private rooms housed on the second floor of the Community Health Centre. Over the years the outdoor areas and furniture had weathered and deteriorated, resulting in a much needed refresh. That’s when, with true community spirit, the wonderful residents of Enderby and surrounding areas came together to assist with the revitalization. It all started with a Parkview Place staff member talking about the project with her son at the dinner table. This conversation led to his Pleasant Valley Secondary School woodworking class offering to build a new shed as part of their curriculum.
including a gazebo. The remainder of the project was completed thanks to generous donors to the VJH Foundation. Now, a beautiful space has been created featuring concrete walls and glass railings, a beautiful garden shed, new gazebo and comfortable patio furniture. This group project, which took shape so organically, truly showed the meaning of being part of, and caring for, community. The result will provide hours of joy for residents of Parkview and their families for years to come.
Having immediate access to patient data can make a crucial difference to patient outcomes. Through the fundraising efforts at the Charity Classic Golf Tournament and the Light a Bulb campaign, eight new physiological monitors and a centralized monitoring system are now helping to provide our ER patients with better care faster. These essential life saving devices offer a real-time snapshot of the vital functions of the body and provide our medical teams with immediate
“Previously we had a limited number of physiological monitors in our existing bays, leading to difficult decisions related to task and patient prioritization. Since their installation at the end of March it has increased the availability of acute care monitoring data for critical patients, resulting in staff placing patients in the most appropriate care area in a more timely manner,” shared Sarah Kohlman, Manager of Clinical Operations, Emergency Department.
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022 vjhfoundation.org
“These monitor devices are crucial to the VJH journey to excellence as they enable continuous monitoring of our sickest patients. This expansion for our Emergency Department could not have been better timed as it enables us to better service the increased needs of our community that have resulted with the Caseypandemic."Hewes, Director of Clinical Operations
And as often happens in small communities, further support came from a kind community member who left funds in their estate to VJH Foundation that were designated specifically for Parkview Place. That thoughtful and generous gift enabled the purchase of new patio furniture,
Whether it’s for a planned procedure or an unexpected emergency, the stress of having a child in hospital is exhausting. However, knowing that the team of medical professionals that provides care for your little love has the best possible training can help minimize the emotional challenges that come when you have a sick child. Resuscitation Junior, or “RJ” as he is affectionately called, is the latest addition of high quality training equipment for pediatric education at VJH. Currently being used for simulations in Women’s and Children’s Health Services as well as in the ER, nursing staff, physicians and respiratory therapists are practicing how to perform lifesaving procedures on young patients while using RJ. This full-sized child simulation doll enables teams to run emergency scenarios and practice high acuity situations in a low stress environment, helping them prepare best for when the time comes to save a child’s life.
New Respiratory Fit Tester at VJH
“Having RJ provides staff a hands on opportunity to practice a variety of scenarios. This helps ensure that in moments of emergency, staff are well versed in these skills, maximizing the chance of survival during the critical moment of a child’s resuscitation."
VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER SPRING 2022
Helping to Ensure Staff Safety
Doll Provides Hands on Simulation Opportunities
Heart Beat
The newly updated testing equipment offers an electronic data output which evaluates respirator fit during movement, breathing and talking, helping to provide an accurate reflection of how a respirator will protect staff on the job.
In addition to realistic chest and head movements, RJ is equipped with advanced sensors that measure every compression and ventilation, providing immediate feedback on the quality of the CPR being performed. RJ also enables staff to intubate him or to use an alternate airway to provide ventilation, further enhancing the refinement of training protocols and enabling teams to practice a variety of scenarios.
Krissy Krnasty, Registered Nurse, VJH
“This output enables the staff to run more efficient testing clinics, resulting in increased appointment options for staff,” continued Roy. “Decreased wait times for fit testing means more staff can be seen more quickly and be properly fitted, while also ensuring compliance with OH+S regulations.
Healthcare workers who interact regularly with patients with potentially infectious respiratory diseases need the piece of mind that their equipment is offering them the highest level of protection possible. With the advanced technology found in the new fit testing machine that’s been added to the existing testing equipment inventory at VJH, these assurances are possible.
Pediatric Resuscitation Training
Lina Roy, VJH Fit Test Clinic facilitator, shares: “Quantitative fit testing is the practice of ensuring that respirators and masks are in good working order and offer a protective seal against a wearer’s face. To provide the expected protection the test involves putting salt water into the air and then measuring for any potential leakage around the face seal. The Fit Tester measures whether salt water has permeated the mask, helping ensure that the wearer is protected from any infectious particles in the air that’s inhaled.”
Having a correctly fitted respiratory mask has always been important in the medical profession and it’s become even more essential now, since the onset of COVID-19.