InTouch Summer 2011

The Palliative Care Team at the Dartmouth General. (from left, Rose Scott-Lincourt, Social Worker; Patricia Traves, Dietitian; Henry Capstick, Community Care Coordinator; Colleen Blanchette, Occupational Therapist; Brenda Gaines, Physiotherapist; Heather Gillis, Continuing Care Coordinator; Angela McFadden, Palliative Care Consult Nurse).

This year’s theme for National Hospice Palliative Care Week was “Communities Share the Care”.

As we reflect on this question one comes to realize how much a part of Dartmouth General Hospital (DGH) is our community. The support of Palliative Care at DGH comes from patients, their families and friends and community groups. These wonderful people strongly support Palliative Care with cards, letters and generous donations. In turn the DGH Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team gives back by using

funds to purchase equipment to support comfort and care as well as providing opportunities for staff wishing to enhance their education in Palliative Care.

Palliative Care atDartmouth General Hospital

The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation Newsletter • Summer 2011

(Continued on page 3)

Waiting Rooms Facelift......................................................................................4Pyxis Med Stations...............................................................................................6Generous Gift For Respiratory Department...............................................7Bernice Boudreau Bursary................................................................................3

The DGH Palliative Care Service has undergone many changes over the past 3 years. Remaining is the Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Team. This Team meets

every Tuesday morning since 1999, and has followed more than 240 referrals each year. The Team identifies physical, psychosocial and spiritual care needs for patients and their

IN THIS ISSUE

“It takes a community to provide care at the end of someone’s life. It’s time to ask ourselves: How can I help? Let’s share the care.” - Peter Mansbridge (Honorary Chair, Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association)

The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation Board of Directors welcomed Kim Conrad as Board Chair and Bill

MacMaster as Vice-Chair for 2011 – 2013. Kim is President of Conrad Brothers Ltd. and the presenting sponsor of the hospital’s annual charity lobster dinner and auction. Through his long time involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Dartmouth and the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada, he was recently honoured with the Ray Allen Award. This award is one of Kiwanis Eastern

Canada and Caribbean District’s most prestigious awards.

Bill MacMaster (CMA) is a partner of Collins Barrow Nova Scotia Inc. He provides accounting, taxation and consulting advice to a variety of small businesses and is a council member of the Society of Management Accountants. Bill’s community involvement includes the John Howard Society, St. Paul’s Church, Archdiocese of Halifax, as well as North Dartmouth Minor Baseball and Dartmouth Minor Hockey.

In addition to this new role as Vice-Chair, Bill serves as Board Treasurer.

Executive Director’s Message

InTouch is published semi-annually

for friends and donors of theDartmouth General Hospital.

Board of Directors2011

Executive Kim Conrad, Chair

Clifford A. Moir, Chair EmeritusBill MacMaster

Vice-Chair & TreasurerMichael Wild, Past ChairMary MacPhee, Secretary

DirectorsDiane Burns

Arlene Frizzell,Auxiliary Representative

Chris GiannouDean Hartman

Todd Howlett, M.D.Chief of Staff

Shirley MorashPatrick O’ReganFred Smithers

Jamie ThomsonKevin Tomlinson

StaffZita Longobardi,Executive Director

Nicol Clarke,AdministrationLisa Cottreau,Special Events

All inquiries may be directed to:Dartmouth General Hospital

Charitable Foundation325 Pleasant Street

Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4G8Tel: 465-8560Fax: 465-1129

Email:[email protected]

Visit our website at:www.dghfoundation.ca

Visit us on Facebook

InTouch • SUMMER 2011

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The parking rates at the Dartmouth General Hospital will increase effective September 1, 2011. Hourly rate increases to $2 for the first hour and $1 each additional hour to amaximum of $8 per day (single entry).These rate increases are consistent with parking lot charges within the Dartmouth area.The last increase was in 2003.

Parking Rate Increase

Kim Conrad, Board Chair Bill MacMaster, Vice-Chair and Board Treasurer

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SUMMER 2011 • InTouch

(Palliative Care continued from page 1)

families. If the goal is to return home, they assist with the complex discharge planning needed for the transition home. The Team works closely with the Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care Service (CHIPCS) Home Team, Clinic Continuing Care and VON for follow up after discharge while also supporting those who are facing end of life in hospital.

Bereavement follow up is an important part of the service and members have participated in the Bereavement Congress in 2009 and 2010.

In 2011 a new Volunteer Visitor service was developed. Trained volunteers visit those who may benefit from a friendly visit and social support. They visit any patient in need of company.

The Capital Health Integrated Palliative Care Service supports DGH with a full time palliative care consult nurse (Angela

McFadden) and physician visits twice a week. Angela represents DGH as a member of the CHIPCS Education, Quality, Action and Joint Volunteer Training Committees.

What does the team bring to DGH? - Informs all staff of Palliative Care Education Days, Conferences and Workshops- Locally, Provincially and Nationally. - Worked with the Boudreau family to establish the Bernice Boudreau Bursary for staff education in Palliative Care - Facilitates the Cancer Answers Lecture Series via Telehealth to DGH. - Hosts CHIPCS Community Rounds every other Wednesday. - Guest lecturer at Oceanview Manor, Oakwood Terrace, N.S. Community College, Alzheimer Support Group and recently Department of National Defense Employee Assistance Program.

Providing Palliative Care in Dartmouth and at Dartmouth General is most certainly an example of ‘Community Sharing the Care’.

Brenda Gaines and Colleen Blanchette showing a newly-purchased Theraglide chair, acquired through the generosity of our donors. The ‘rocking’ chair helps to reduce falls using an automatic locking system that prevents rocking while entering or exiting the chair.

Gerry Boudreau presents DGH staff nurse, Tracy Rose, with the 2011 Bernice Boudreau Bursary

The Dartmouth General Hospital is important to Gerry Boudreau and his family. Even though it has been six years since the passing of his wife Bernice in 2005, Gerry hasn’t forgotten the care she received and the compassion of the Palliative Care Team. In 2006 he established a Palliative Care Education Bursary whereby $1,000 would be awarded annually towards a continuing education conference or course in palliative care.

Recipients of the award include Angela McFadden - 2007; Laurie Foster - 2008; Dr. Stavros Savvopoulos - 2009; Colleen Blanchette 2010. This year was particularly poignant as 3West staff

Bernice Boudreau Bursary Marks 5th Yearnurse Tracy Rose received the award. Tracey was initially Bernice’s nurse and they immediately developed a friendship that sustained the Boudreau family as Bernice’s health

declined. The Boudreau family was delighted to recognize Tracy for her exceptional commitment to her patients.

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The Hospital’s Family Waiting Rooms have been refurbished thanks to a significant commitment from the Dartmouth General Hospital Auxiliary. Their gift made it possible to conduct a major overhaul of the rooms that will provide a much more comfortable setting for patients, visitors, staff and physicians.

The work on the Hospital’s Family Waiting Rooms was conducted by Greg Becigneul and Heather Smith Rigg of realmDESIGN, Portland Street, Dartmouth. The following is Greg and Heather’s description of their process from the initial phase to completion.

Our first step was to survey the spaces and we observed that each room suffered from the cluttering of oversized, dated and well used furnishings, an assortment of mixed art, an odd assortment of tables, lamps and other paraphernalia. Colour was drab. Window coverings were shoddy. The affect was disquieting. During a period of needs assessment we realized that the rooms possessed inherently fine qualities including natural light, good scale and appealing flooring. We embarked on a design solution.

The solution was to empty the rooms and start with a clean slate. All new elements: furniture, art, window coverings and wall colour needed to be carefully coordinated regarding texture, colour and style. Heather took the artistic lead on this project. Our goal was to provide an atmosphere of calm: coordinated colours of warm hues, simple forms and geometry, original artwork, comfortable furniture, subdued lighting. Visually and physically, waiting rooms must quiet the senses of the user and provide an opportunity for serenity.

The major impact of the rooms is provided by the seating; a combination

of couches and chairs in several styles. A furniture manufacturer tailored the size of the couches to our specifications. We purposely introduced a style with a modern vibe, very clean lines and simple form. A variety of colour, texture and pattern in fabric was detailed to coordinate with the tonal qualities of the existing floors. In concert, room colours were introduced as well as new window coverings. At all times we maintained the needs of the users. Of course function and comfort were also priorities. We were able to specify the density of the foam and only introduced easily cleaned, hygienic fabrics.

After an exhaustive search for coffee and end tables, we preferred to design our own. The realmCUBE tables were introduced in three styles. The tables were built locally by cabinetmaker Parker Noonan of Ironstone Construction. Their dark wood stain

was necessary to help ground the spaces.

Original artwork by Heather Smith Rigg was introduced into each room to help achieve our goal.

We anticipate that the rooms will serve for many years and hope that many future users who are often in extreme moments of distress in their lives will subconsciously or knowingly appreciate the attempt to provide a hospitable, warm and soothing environment. Thank you to the many hospital staff members who cooperated and made our design journey pleasurable.

- Greg Becigneul, B.E.D.S., B.Arch.- Heather Smith Rigg, B.F.A.realmDESIGN

FAMILY WAITING ROOMS REFURBISHED


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FAMILY WAITING ROOMS REFURBISHEDArtist Statement

& Design SummaryOur objective for the family waiting rooms at The Dartmouth General Hospital was to create a clean, calm atmosphere, through warm colors, timeless design elements in conjunction with simple geometric forms and lines. This was so the visitor could feel comfortable in a stressful situation. We felt the waiting rooms had to offer a place of calm, clean, and quiet during an emotional time.

The original painted art work I created was to compliment this design vision, by adding warmth, through color texture and light. Each painting has been carefully rendered and produced to accent the other design elements and furnishings in the room.

I felt that some of the rooms required painted canvases with simply layers of textured paint and color that would add vibrancy to the subtle coloured rooms. I wanted to add life and movement, but at the same time - calmness through the simple abstract design.

In other family waiting rooms I decided to create painted landscapes of sketches I created on my journeys through Shubie Park in Dartmouth. For me, Shubie offers a place of intense beauty and life, so I never grow tired of its spectacular scenery. Every visit I discover something new. My objective was that through the large paintings I wanted the patient to feel as though they could pull themselves away from an emotional time, and view the paintings as if they were sitting amongst the trees or looking down at the clear blue water. An escape from the stress or turmoil that often is present in a hospital.


This is transcribed through the paintings using color, texture, light and movement. I chose Shubie Park, not only because of the distinctive natural beauty, but also I hoped to add an element of familiarity - with the location being Dartmouth. Many patients and visitors might feel uncomfortable in the unfamiliar environment of the hospital, so maybe the paintings of Shubie Park might help them feel calm and possibly familiar with what they are looking at. I hope to take them away to a less stressful place.

The new family waiting rooms were carefully designed to provide an environment of solace, inspiration and hope. These are essential elements for the patient/family in the health care environment.

- Heather Smith Rigg

The Dartmouth General is in the process of installing eight Pyxis MedStations on the patient floors and ICU. These automated med cabinets remove many of the once manual processes employed by nurses and pharmacists to manage administration of medications to a patient.

The power of the Pyxis MedStation system is the data it provides that enables us to take that step forward in making decisions on improving the quality of patient care, on preventing possible diversion and on controlling costs.

From an operational perspective, the Pyxis:•Streamlinesmedication distribution and workflow, providing more time to focus on patients and clinical activities. • Improvesnursingandpharmacy staff collaboration. Orders and order status are transmitted electronically so information is readily accessible•Protectsagainstunauthorized access, documents use, promotes pharmacist order review, provides

patient education material• IntegrateswithotherPyxis products and enhances patient throughput, narcotics management and pharmacy operations.

From a clinical perspective, it:•Helpsstartpatienttherapies faster by reducing time and ensures medications are available in care areas, even after hours.•Reducesriskofharmearlyinthe medication process. It limits access to a single dose and it provides information on medication use.

From a financial perspective, it:•Collectsdataandmaintains accurate records to help hospitals increase charge captures and manages costs•Supportsprocessimprovement with information and tools to enhance safety and productivity.

The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation is cost sharing with the Department of Health and Wellness, the Pyxis Units for the hospital.

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Best Reasonsto Give

Enrich People’s LivesEvery day, people are helped and lives are enriched

by the work of charities and foundations.

Provide SupportFinancial assistance is essential to support

and sustain charitable work.

Leave a MemoryChoosing to leave a gift from the heart brings meaning,

dignity and purpose to a life well lived.

A Contribution for the FuturePersonal giving can help contribute to the

sustainability of not for profit organizations and charities.

Making Measurable ImprovementIn Medication Management

“ADCs (automated dispensing cabinets)

are now a clinical best practice standard

which provides computer controlled storage,

dispensing, tracking, and documentation of medication distribution.

They are not located in the facility’s pharmacy,

but rather at thepoint of care on the

nursing unit.”

- Ken Baird,Vice President,Capital Health


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Kevin Tomlinson, Regional Director Scotia-Highlands Region Investors Group, was on hand to present their gift to Patricia Moriarty, Manager of Respiratory Department and the Dartmouth General Staff.

RespiratoryDepartment

The new Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs) equipment has arrived. This equipment enables the clinical staff to conduct more advanced testing, using the latest technology and standards. Funds for this equipment were raised by the Foundation through the annual fall appeal.

Work is now underway to enhance the Respiratory Department and waiting room area to make the area more efficient for staff and patients and as well to provide a lighter, brighter and more comfortable area. Refurbishing is being made possible through a very generous gift from the Dartmouth Office of Investors Group.


Fall Golf ScrambleEarly Bird Registration Deadline - August 12

Sponsored by Collins Barrowand O’Regan’s Automotive Group

For information call 465-8531or www.dghfoundation.ca

M O N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 2 T H , 2 0 1 1M O N D AY, S E P T E M B E R 1 2 T H , 2 0 1 1

Agreement No.40028771

Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation 325 Pleasant Street Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4G8Tel. (902) 465.8560/8531

Thank You very much for your support! Helping us today could meansaving the life of a loved onein our community.

Enclosed is my cheque or money order for $_______ payable to: DGH Foundation.

Please charge $_______ to my credit card. Visa Mastercard AMEXCard Number:_________________________________________________ Expiry:___________

_________________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (TO PERMIT TRANSACTION)

I’d prefer to pay in monthly installments. Please deduct $__________ from my bank account onthe 1st or 15th of each month for _______ months or until further notice.I’ve attached a ‘voided’ cheque.

Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. OtherName (please print) ____________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Postal Code___________________ email___________________________

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

“Yes, I want to support the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation for priority medical equipment”

A TAX RECEIPT WILL BE ISSUED PROMPTLY. CHARITABLE REGISTRATION #BN 12245 5611 RR00011

InTouch Summer 2011

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Transcript of InTouch Summer 2011