TAKE FIVETAKE FIVE

A p r i l 2 0 1 5

President and CEO

Message 2

Introducing QR

Codes 2

What’s Happing at

Crescent View Clinic 3

National Day of

Mourning 3

Getting to Know Our

Directors 4

This Is Who We Are 6

We’re Making a

Difference 8

SCM Go Live 8

Employee Lifestyles

Updates & Events 9

Improving Access to

Healthier Options in

FHHR

10

Pyxis Machines

Arrive at MJUH 10

How Are Continuing

Care Services

Accessed?

11

FHHR Hosts

STARS Mobile

Education Unit

11

Employee

Capital Campaign

Information

12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

New Regional Hospital Update

Construction Update Significant progress has been made on the new hospital since the last newsletter. We continue to be on track to reach our ‘substantial completion’ target at the end of March. While the majority of the southern por-tion of the building and the Inpatient levels are nearing completion much work is still underway in the Universal Care Unit and other portions of the main floor. A ‘commissioning’ period will begin in April to test all of the internal systems

prior to the building being released to us at the beginning of June. This will allow us to begin to implement our transition and move-in plan.

Transition, Move, and Operational ‘Readiness’ Update Work required to be ready to move into the new hospital has been broken into eight different ‘swim lanes’ with tasks and deadlines attached to each. Each week a stand-up meeting is held to report on the tasks that have been completed, review any constraints limiting progress, and any concerns in the upcoming six week time frame. These work plans are posted in the Administration hallway and to ensure we’re on track with the myriad of tasks required to be ready for the transition and move to our new Regional Hospital.

On February 27, all Directors involved with the move met with our move consultant. We worked together to identify interdependencies and determine the sequencing of the actual move. A detailed timeline for move is being developed and critical personnel are being identified in each area to help in preparing and executing the move.

The actual move date has not been finalized but is anticipated to be early Fall 2015. Controlled

access to the new building will start at the beginning of June with simulation work and orientation sessions to help departments develop work standards applicable to the new environment to ensure staff are comfortable in their new surroundings. Open house opportunities for the public will begin in the weeks leading up to our move. As all of these details are finalized more detailed communication will be delivered.

For up-to-date information, live site web cam, pictures including the latest interior flythrough video, please visit www.fhhr.ca

NURSING STATION LEVEL 2

DIALYSIS

INPATIENT ROOM

NORTH END of LEVEL 3

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As I visit our facilities throughout our Region and have the opportunity to speak with staff, patients and residents, I hear and observe the important work being delivered with care and compassion each and every day. I also listen to the challenges and concerns and work with members of the Five Hills Health Region Team to address and resolve as many of those challenges as possible.

Throughout this province, across all health regions, there is a strong commitment to continuous improvement with a strong foundation embedded through the results of, and our learnings from The Patient First Review. We are very fortunate to have begun to embed methods and

approaches to continuous improvement as learned over the past three years through the consultants of John Black & Associates. Although the contract with John Black & Associates will conclude by March 31, 2015, our work will continue.

We hear that some are questioning the improvement methodology we’ve chosen as a province, suggesting that Lean isn’t helping us and advocating for abandoning this approach. In a recent White Paper from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) entitled, “Comparing Lean and Quality Improvement”, the question “Which is Better?” is explored with the following summation:

“Instead of an either-or-choice, we suggest that there is much for leaders to gain by considering both IHI-QI and Lean in light of the needs of the new healthcare marketplace, with a clear view of the complementary strengths and applications of each, appreciating the profound compatibility of their philosophies and approaches.”

The White Paper continues to define the elements of the IHI approach to Quality Improvement and Lean and provides the reader with an understanding of the complementary strengths and applicability. The article also references the necessary adaptations in applying the methodologies and principles within health care and references the success of organizations as they implemented those adaptations within their health systems/workplaces.

Maureen Bisognano in her 2012 keynote presentation at the IHI National Form on Quality Improvement in Health Care said that “everyone in health care should have two jobs: to do the work and to improve how the work is done”.

One thing is for certain – to do nothing is not an option. Not being intentional about improving our system will result in much being done as it has always been done leaving the sustainability of our health care system at great risk. Building a sustainable health care delivery system does not come without challenges.

We, in the Saskatchewan Health Care System will continue to implement adaptations on our continuous improvement journey as informed by our staff, physicians, patients and family members.

Within this newsletter, you will learn of some of the good work and accomplishments of our Five Hills Health Region Teams on their quest of continuous improvement.

Five Hills Health Region is very fortunate and privileged to have the knowledge and skills of our staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and family members – and their tremendous commitment to making a positive difference for the people we serve.

On behalf of our Senior Leadership Team and our Board, I extend a sincere thank you to each of you for what you bring to our organization in serving those entrusted to our care.

Message from President and CEO, Cheryl Craig

Introducing QR Codes

We want to share more with you! So, we are implementing the use of QR Codes. They are easy to use. Simply download any free QR Code Scanner from your app store on your phone or tablet. Once the application is installed choose the app, hold the screen of your device over the QR Code (whether in print or on the web) and the applicable webpage will load on your device. Simple as that!

Mar ch 20 1 5 Page 3

What’s Happening at Crescent View Clinic?

Several services currently housed in different locations throughout Moose Jaw will be coming together in newly acquired space adjacent to the Crescent View Clinic. This move to one location will allow better integration of services which will ultimately benefit both staff and the clients they serve.

Crescent View Clinic currently provides care for patients with unplanned medical needs who are not able to see their physician in a timely way (or don’t have one) but whose needs do not warrant a trip to the Emergency Room. Alongside of this, several community based Mental Health and Addictions services are offered.

Joining these will be a number of services currently housed elsewhere in the city. In the end, the following will be located at this site:

For Director of Public Health Nursing, Melissa Friesen, the location makes sense. “The downtown location is definitely advantageous for pockets of our clientele. So when we were looking at the pieces of public health that were going to come here, that was what a lot of the conversations were about.”

According to Terry Hutchinson, VP of Community Services, bringing these services together in one location will be better for clients and for staff. “We know there is more of a connection between these services than our current locations let us take advantage of. We know there would be benefit to staff to be able to more easily connect with other services which of course will help clients.”

Similar to the process used to design the new hospital, a 3P was held in January to design the new space. Approximately 33 people were involved including 16 staff, 12 directors, 2 VPs, 3 KPO staff as well as 3 patient/family members. Although these can be challenging weeks, the staff involved felt it was a rewarding week and could see the benefit in co-locating these services.

Anticipated time line is that the construction tender be awarded shortly with construction being completed by mid-June 2015 followed by a mid-July move in.

Community Therapies

Home Care Services

Teen Wellness Clinic

Needle Exchange Program

Community Lab Services

Methadone & Metabolic Clinic

Primary Health Care Services

Access Centre

Pictured left to right are to-scale design plans for the expansion at Crescent View Clinic and the current construction at the site.

On average, 1,000 individuals die each year in Canada due to work-related causes. Work-related deaths impact the entire community including families, friends and colleagues. Five Hills Health Region is not immune to these situations.

FHHR continues to remember Bradley James Bastien, who lost his life while working at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital on August 16, 1991.

Bradley was 24 years old, and employed as a groundskeeper and maintenance mechanic. He enjoyed camping, fishing, cycling, music and quiet times with his fiancé.

As Bradley’s tragic death continues to impact his family and loved ones, Five Hills Health Region renews our efforts to prevent workplace injuries, pursuing the goal of an injury free work environment.

Please take a moment on April 28, to remember Bradley and other precious lives lost in the workplace.

National Day of Mourning April 28, 2015

Page 4 T AK E F IVE

In your role within FHHR, who and what are you responsible for? I am currently responsible for RNs, LPNs, CCAs and Recreation/Activity Workers at both St. Joseph’s Hospital/ Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg and Lafleche & District Health Centre.

Tell us how you ended up in your current position – what brought you to Five Hills and how did you end up in a leadership role? I was raised in Gravelbourg and returned “home” after 13 years of education and employment in Saskatoon and Regina. My background is in orthopedic nursing and improvement project work with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region with the Patient Flow Department.

What is your biggest fear as a leader? Being a leader involves dealing with many challenges and change. I do not view these as fears as a new leader, but rather as opportunities to improve the work environment and the patient experience.

What advice would you give someone considering going into a leadership position for the first time? Seeing as this was my first leadership position, my advice would be to jump in feet first and embrace the opportunity!

What are three words that describe YOU? Approachable, understanding, hardworking

Which historical figures or celebrities would you invite to a dinner party and why? Adam Sandler & Ellen DeGeneres – I appreciate their sense of humor. And Channing Tatum is easy on the eyes.

Getting To Know Desiree Brisebois Director of Client Services, St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer d’Youville & Lafleche Health Centre

Take 4! Favourite Movie: Chevy Chase’s ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ Favourite Book: ‘I’ll Love You Forever’ by Robert Munsch Favourite Drink: Strong cup of coffee Favourite Food: Chicken Wings

In your role within FHHR, who and what are you responsible for? Public Health Inspection, Speech & Language Pathology, Dental Health and Epidemiology. I also manage the Needle Exchange Site.

Tell us how you ended up in your current position – what brought you to Five Hills and how did you end up in a leadership role? I grew up in Alida, Saskatchewan. I got to know some of the Public Health Inspectors in Weyburn and Estevan while working with my dad. After learning more about the profession I decided to pursue training and certification. Prior to coming to

FHHR, I worked in LaRonge, Drayton Valley and Brandon. I was offered a position in FHHR in 2003 and have been happy to call Moose Jaw home ever since. I became interested in a leadership role when the Public Health Inspector Manager position came open.

What is your biggest fear as a leader? Failing to sustain improvements in QCDSM (Quality, Cost, Delivery, Service, Morale).

What advice would you give someone considering going into a leadership position for the first time? Try to be an ‘asset thinker’. This concept was presented during a recent 3P event and has stuck with me. It’s easy to focus on the negatives; the challenge is to contribute towards a positive change.

What are three words that describe YOU? Honest, persistent, logical

Which historical figures or celebrities would you invite to a dinner party and why? Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Kurt Cobain. They are my favourite musicians.

Getting To Know Travis Philipation Director, Community & Environmental Health Services

Take 5! Favourite Movie: The Godfather Favourite Book: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Favourite Sports Team: Boston Bruins Favourite Drink: A cold beer Favourite Food: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

Mar ch 20 1 5 Page 5

In your role within FHHR, who and what are you responsible for? I am the Nursing Director of Emergency, Day Surgery, Ambulatory Care and the Pre-op Assessment Clinic, all soon to be a part of the new Universal Care Unit in the new hospital!

Tell us how you ended up in your current position – what brought you to Five Hills and how did you end up in a leadership role? I moved with my family back to Moose Jaw in 1998 when my husband changed jobs. I have worked as an RN on Surgery, Pediatrics, Emergency and for Home Care. I started supervising in 2010 and in 2012 accepted my current position as Director.

What is your biggest fear as a leader? My biggest fear as a leader is losing sight of what is most important when making decisions.

What advice would you give someone considering going into a leadership position for the first time? Don’t be too hard on yourself! In a leadership position you are constantly learning.

What are three words that describe YOU? Caring, honest, compassionate

Which historical figures or celebrities would you invite to a dinner party and why? I would love to meet my favorite author Stephen King. I would love to try to figure out how his mind works.

Getting To Know Lisa Parker Nursing Director, Emergency & Day Surgery

Take 5! Favourite Movie: The Wedding Singer Favourite Book: Misery by Stephen King Favourite Sports Team: Saskatchewan Roughriders of course! Favourite Drink: Margarita Favourite Food: Anything made out of a potato

In your role within FHHR, who and what are you responsible for? I am responsible to ensure the health, safety and well being for 38 residents that reside at Ross Payant. I work very closely with all staff in the facility as well as family members. I directly supervise the nursing and activity departments within the facility.

Tell us how you ended up in your current position – what brought you to Five Hills and how did you end up in a leadership role? I have been a nurse for almost 25 years and have worked in areas such as Mental Health & Addictions, Problem Gambling Awareness, Long Term Care, Social Services to name a few. For many years I worked at Valley View Centre as a nurse and then as the Nursing Adminis-trator, which led to this Director of Care position.

What is your biggest fear as a leader? Not achieving the goals I have set on a personal and professional level as well as making a decision that would not be in the best interest of the residents.

What advice would you give someone considering going into a leadership position for the first time? There are great support systems in the region, do not hesitate to ask for help. Give yourself time to get to know the position and dynamics of same, the position is challenging and there are tough days however there are so many rewards each and every day knowing that the residents are well cared for and your decisions made a difference in the life of residents and their families. Celebrate and embrace the great moments.

What are three words that describe YOU? Dedicated, caring, focused

Which historical figures or celebrities would you invite to a dinner party and why? Oprah, she would have so many interesting stories to discuss and so many opportunities for learning life lessons.

Getting To Know Christine Fischer Director of Care, Ross Payant Nursing Home

Take 5! Favourite Movie: Comedies Favourite Book: Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews Favourite Sports Team: My daughter’s competitive volleyball team - Panthers - she rocks! Favourite Drink: Tea Favourite Food: Chicken Monterey

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This is Who We Are! This is Who We Are! In an organization like ours, it’s easy to be very familiar with our co-workers but to have little awareness of individuals outside

our immediate circle. Most of us will look at these pages and our first response will be to scan for faces we recognize, and of

course that’s great. But push past that and read about people you’re not familiar with. We’re confident that you’ll reach the

same conclusion we have – we’re surrounded by a lot of really talented individuals who are exceptionally committed to the

people they serve, regardless of vocation.

Cara McDavid

Senior Social Worker, Mental Health and Addictions

What keeps you doing the work you do? Even though this career can be very demanding, I find it very rewarding. We have the privilege of supporting people when they are struggling, and in providing guidance that helps them return to wellness and

improved functioning. It is really wonderful to see someone progress and reclaim their life. I am also fortunate to work with a team of dedicated and capable people, that give 100% to the clients that they serve. You can’t always plan what your day looks

like, but I enjoy having a job that challenges me, and I learn something new every day.

Laurie Connors

Registered Nurse, Community/Transition Coordinator, Home Care South

What gives you a sense of satisfaction in your work? I get satisfaction in my job by working with clients, their families, and all of the other team members and disciplines, to come up with a plan of care that is acceptable, appropriate, and that the client is happy and satisfied with. Being client

centered is of utmost importance to me. Advocating for clients, and helping them through the system gives me a sense of satisfaction in my work as well.

David Howick

Spiritual Care Co-ordinator, FHHR

When have you felt like the work you do has made a difference?

Gandhi stated that “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. By being present with the elderly, the sick, and the dying, I discover who I am afresh with every visit. I know I make

a difference when a hand is held, a tear is shed, or when the client or family member initiate a hug. Positive outcomes are automatic when you take the time to care.

Aimee Mains

Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioner), Crescent View Clinic

What is one of the most gratifying parts of your work? One of the most gratifying parts of my work is getting to assist people during vulnerable periods in their life. In know it sounds cliché, but getting to truly listen to people’s needs and

helping them, whether it’s treatment, education , diagnostics, or just reassurance, really is what makes this job meaningful.

Mar ch 20 1 5 Page 7

Register to Receive the Newsletter to your Inbox! Please register your name and home email address by emailing engagement@fhhr.ca.

Janet Kuffner

LPN, Assiniboia Union Hospital

What is one of the most gratifying parts of your work? I have been employed as a LPN with the region for almost 4 years. The most gratifying part of my work is the team approach to nursing that I am encountering as a LPN at Assiniboia Union Hospital. It is truly an

amazing feeling to know that I am a valued member of such a great team of professionals. As a new employee at AUH, I find the positive attitudes of all nursing genres to be very welcoming, and I look forward to working at the hospital and learning from all.

Cathy Adams

Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, FHHR

What gives you a sense of satisfaction in your work? I am fairly new to the FHHR but have worked in the payroll/benefit role for many years. The days that feel the best to me are when I’ve been able to explain a certain pay situation or benefit type question and make

that employee understand better how things happened or when I can answer “YES” you have qualified for these benefits, etc. Also, when you can help an employee through a personal issue and come to an end result that has benefited them and they are so grateful – that makes me feel satisfied and like I’m doing a good job.

Lindsay Cameron

Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit

When do you feel most connected to the work you do? I feel most connected

to my work when there is a good solid team to work with including fellow nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors. When we have the right supporting team members, and right time and resources to care

for our patients we subsequently see good positive health outcomes in our critically ill patients. It feels rewarding to have a career where we are able to practice our roles to the fullest scope it was intended and know it has made a difference in someone's critical illness.

Dr. Oyewale Afolabi

Psychiatrist, Moose Jaw Union Hospital

When have you felt like the work you do has made a difference? Mental

illness is poorly understood and yet 1 in 5 of us will personally experience it at some point in our lifetime. In Psychiatry more often than not the impact of what you do is not immediately

obvious. One of the most gratifying part of my work as a Psychiatrist is the opportunity to see the gradual unfolding of the positive changes in an individual’s quality of life, a troubled relationship, a troubled mind, a family, a battle with addictions, a job situation or any other scenario for that matter. The icing on the

cake is when you get a thank you! It’s not usual but does feel gratifying. Whichever way the experience makes me feel the work I do does make a difference!

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We’re Making A Difference By Wanda Ogle, Director Workforce Planning

It’s a new year and what a year it will be for us in FHHR – a new year – a new hospital! I might be excited if I wasn’t so exhausted…

But you know what? I am excited and I am proud to be a part of FHHR.

Let me share with you a bit of my recent personal and professional experience with change……

Last fall I commenced participation in the Lean Leader Certification – and while I was thankful and appreciated the opportunity to grow in my understanding of the LEAN methodology, the program requires a great deal of work - more work on top of my already busy role (just as a number of the changes occurring in the Region have been for us all). Most notably, it required me to change how I looked at my own work and change some of the beliefs I had about working in healthcare. Some days I am left feeling overwhelmed, some days exhausted, and yes some days frustrated. HOWEVER, I have also had days that have left me feeling excited by the possible, energized to try and achieve it, and hopeful for the future of this region.

The week of January 5, I had the opportunity to participate as a sub team lead in the 3P design event for the teams moving into Crescent View Clinic. What I learned:

1. The people in FHHR are the smartest, kindest, most generous, hardworking people in healthcare.

2. Our people are change leaders in the Province and every Region should be so lucky to have the teams we do.

3. We truly do “put our patients first” in making decisions, changing for the better and planning for the future.

4. There is value to everyone in change!

A Patient Representative in the 3P touched my heart when, at the end of the event on Friday afternoon, he thanked “each and everyone for the work we do in caring for people” with such compassion, and gratefulness- it actually made me cry.

Have you been told lately? You are making a difference – making a difference in the life of another individual? Wow! What a legacy a healthcare worker leaves. How many people can say that every day they go to work they “made a difference” in the life of another person?

For me, when I’m exhausted, feeling overwhelmed or feeling a bit frustrated – I have resolved to remember heartfelt words of our patients!!! And - I WILL remember - we make these changes because it is the right thing to do and so that when all is said and done – we can all be proud.

Proud of the work we do, proud of the positive changes we are making and proud to be a part of a leading organization that puts patients first. Well done FHHR – Well done each of you!!

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Go Live

SCM is an electronic system that enables more effective communication between care team members around things like patient status, location and progress of order among other documents.

Go Live took place on November 12 on the Medicine Unit at MJUH.

Many staff were involved including Super Users Brenda Nicholls, Susan Macknak, Liana Cooke and Jean Kossick along with the eHealth SCM Team.

Big thanks to Della Bartzen and Elaine McKeown who both assisted in charting and Isolde Alraum who transferred all exist-ing patients to SCM on the morning of Go Live! SCM Champion Tina Mercer, said everyone was ‘fantabulous’ during kick off!

Trying out SCM

are Liana, Brenda

& Della (pictured

above L to R) and

Dr. Majid

(pictured right).

Mar ch 20 1 5 Page 9

“Make Safety a

Habit for Your

Career”

Occupational

Health & Safety

Week

May 3 - 9

2015

Watch for events scheduled in your facility!

WINNERS of the WALK HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE 30 teams, consisting of 285 staff & physicians participated in the walking challenge. A total of 73,415kms were walked by employees in 11 weeks, this is absolutely outstanding! The Pace Setters were the first team to finish. The team included Joann Blazieko, Donna Legare, Christine Ramphil, Joanne Salido, June Savage, Julie Sinclair, Cheri Statham, Shantelle Szuch and Brian Tkachuk. The second grand prize was awarded to These Boots Are Made for Walking which was determined by random draw with the remaining teams who finished by the deadline. The team included Della Bartzen, Colleen Bennett, Brenda Chornawka, Carol Clark, Bernie Doepker, Tracey Hall, Leanne Keen, Lois Sanderson, Nicole Thibeault, and Michelle Wiks. Both teams won light-weight FHHR jackets. Thank to all participants!

TRIVIA NIGHT On January 15 a Trivia Night was held with nearly 100 employees and a few spouses coming out to test their knowledge. The Pharmacy Team (pictured right) were victorious but were followed closely by

the Ice Shanties (Senior Leadership Team). All in all, it was a great night full of trivia, pizza, prizes and lots of laughs!

FAMILY SKATE NIGHT was held in Moose Jaw and Assiniboia for the first time on February 24. Despite the windy Saskatchewan evening, a good size crowd bundled up and laced up their skates for some fun outdoors. Following the skate hot chocolate and cookies were enjoyed by everyone!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Nutrition Month we held an ‘Eat Your Greens Selfie’ contest! On Tuesday March 17 those who sent in a selfie while eating their greens were entered into a draw. Jana Dunnigan, Nursing Student (pictured right) won a movie gift card. Congratulations!

FITNESS BINGO Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with fitness bingo! Currently there are 8 teams with a total of 44 employees participat-ing with a few late entries joining in. All teams who black out their bingo cards will be entered into a draw for prizes. For weekly results visit lifestyles@fhhr.ca

FAMILY BBQs June 9, Grasslands, Rockglen, 11:30am to 1:00pm June 10, Central Butte, 11:30am to 1:00pm June 11, Moose Jaw, Connor Park, 5:00 to 7:00pm

Employee Lifestyles Committee

Please join us for a free chili lunch and

learn more about the employee campaign to help better equip the hospital of

tomorrow—today! Wednesday April 15, 2015

Moose Jaw Union Hospital, Solarium 11:00am to 1:00pm

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Improving Access to Healthier Options in FHHR

In January 2014, The FHHR Healthy Food Strategy Team surveyed employees for feedback on food and beverage choices in our region’s facilities and had over 300 employees respond! One key finding was that 94.5% of respondents agreed that it is important for the workplace to provide and promote healthier food and beverage options. Respondents also identified access as the greatest barrier to making healthy choices in the workplace. As a result, the team has been implementing changes to improve access to healthier food and beverages so they become the easy choice!

With a focus on improving access in cafeterias, here are some of the changes made to date:

Extended cafeteria hours at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital (MJUH).

An additional microwave at the MJUH cafeteria to support (re)heating food from home.

Healthier side selections for cafeteria meals such salads, veggie packs, or hot-baked items.

Some changes that you can expect to see in the near future include:

Removal of the deep fryer at the MJUH cafeteria. (But don’t worry, healthier cooking methods will be used to provide a similar product!)

The addition of a toaster oven to the MJUH cafeteria to provide employees with a new choice.

New food packaging for more esthetic appeal and to make it easier for you to take your healthier food choice on the go.

The cafeteria at the new hospital location, will house a fresh juice bar featuring a daily special of blended vegetables and fruit.

Watch out for our new ‘apple’ symbols on food and beverage items in the MJUH cafeteria! A green apple means “Choose Most Often” green apple means “Choose Most Often” and a yellow apple means yellow apple means “Choose Sometimes”“Choose Sometimes”. This will help you quickly identify the healthier choice.

Our next steps will be focusing on improving the quality of food and beverage items found in vending machines throughout the region. Stay tuned!

This team consists of the following members Coralee Bouvier, Joanne Calvert, Maryls Gibson, Ellen Griffiths, Heather Mogus, Sharon Nicholson and Melanie Warken. Questions or comments can be directed to Melanie at melanie.warken@fhhr.ca or 306-691-1536.

Submit your newsletter article and picture by emailing engagement@fhhr.ca please cc: your director/manager and Senior Leader

After several months of hard work and preparation, a new system for handling medication supply was installed in the Emergency department on December 16th, 2014. Called Pyxis, the purpose of the system is to promote the safe selection and handling of medication, while also documenting all transactions. Through the automation enabled by the system, nursing time required for weekly drug orders and several narcotic counts has been eliminated, freeing up time to be with patients. In addition, the inpatient night cupboard has been recreated in the ER with a much smaller footprint. In the end, the system is increasing safety for patients and freeing up time for nursing staff.

It is anticipated that further Pyxis stations will be incorporated into various nursing areas over the next few years. Work has begun for the next locations being considered, Mental Health and Pharmacy, which should be in place for the new hospital. Congratulations to all staff involved on a very smooth implementation process!

Pyxis Machines Arrive at MJUH ER and Pharmacy

Pictured with the Pyxis system are (L-R):

Donna Gallant, Pharmacy Technician, Taryn Pearce, ER RN and Stacey Heath, Pharmacist

Mar ch 20 1 5 Page 11

How are Continuing Care Services Accessed?

Likely everyone who works with Five Hills knows that we provide services to care for people in the community but it’s probably also true that many of us don’t really understand how these continuing care services work or how to go about accessing them for ourselves or our loved ones.

The Five Hills Access Center (FHAC) provides a single point of entry for all FHHR clients to access Continuing Care Services such as Home Care, Respite Care, Palliative Care, Convalescent Care, and Long Term Care throughout the region. With an array of services like this, our focus is ensuring that we are setting clients up to receive the right care at the right time in the right place.

We receive referrals from a variety of different avenues: self referral, family members, neighbors or friends, physicians, health care professionals or other health regions. Once we receive a referral, we meet with the client to complete an assessment to fully understand their needs and to be able to match our services to meet those needs. Transition

Coordinators work on this if the client is in the hospital while Community Care Coordinators look after this for clients in the community. As a client’s needs are understood we decide together with them if their needs can be met while staying at home through Home Care or Palliative Care services or if their needs would be more appropriately met in a Transition or Long Term Care placement. We have a regional committee (RCCAC – Regional Continuing Care Access Committee) that reviews applications to ensure we are applying a consistent approach to Long Term Care admissions. The committee comprises the Integration Leader of the Access Center, the Director of Medicine, the Director of Care at Providence Place, the Director of Care for LTC, as well as the Senior VP of Operations.

For questions or referrals, please contact the Intake Coordinator, Monday to Friday from 0800 to 1630, please call 306-692-5696 or 1-866-211-5696 or email fhac.intake@fhhr.ca

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

FHHR Hosts STARS Mobile Education Unit

On January 13, the MJUH Emergency department was fortunate to host the STARS Mobile Education Unit.

This unit is a motor home that has been converted to a mobile emergency room complete with IStan, a human patient simulator mannequin that can speak, breathe, blink, has a heartbeat and a pulse and can accurately mirror human responses to such procedures as CPR, IV medication administration, intubation, ventilation and catheterization.

Along with IStan came two Clinical Educators and a STARS ER physician. Together they ran simulation exercises for ER, ICU, Respiratory Therapy, and Medicine staff as well as ER physicians and residents that included scenarios such as sepsis, trauma and code blue situations.

The event was very well attended by staff as well as very well received.

A big thank you to STARS for providing MJUH medical personnel an opportunity to learn, test and practice our skills which will help us deliver the best care possible to our patients!

Pictured L-R: STARS Educator, Joanne

Petersen, ER RN, Dr Martin Alberts, ER

Physician, Lia Kuling, ER RN

Picture above. Back row L-R: Angela Prior, Teresa Brenner, Jennifer Gillies, Stacey Fogal, Diane Ireland, Jana Noreen-Smith.

Front Row L-R: Corrin Downey, Mandy Pollock, Diane Dyck. Not pictured: Heather Heilman, Leigh-Anne Olson, Danette Spagrud