The vision of Western Health is that the people of Western Newfoundland have the highest level of health and well being possible - Your Health Our Priority

Season’s Greetings2 Wound Care Education4Inpatient/Resident WiFi Update3

Pay It Forward This Christmas8Thai Turkey Stir-Fry7Hiking for Health6

Santa visits with a resident during the treelighting at Corner Brook Long Term Care Home.

At Western Health2

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy and safe holiday season. 2015 has once again proven to be another extremely busy year for all of us. I would like to thank each of you for your dedication and commitment to the programs and services Western Health provides. As I meet with people throughout our region, I am always proud to hear

the comments from clients, patients and residents about the high quality of care that they have received from Western Health. The holiday season is a time of peace and love and also a time for reflection. Congratulations on your hard work and dedication to Western Health and the people of our region. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!(Tony Genge - Chair, Board of Trustees)

Season’s Greetings from the Board of TrusteesStaff Story

Team Gros Mo (Movember Team at Bonne Bay Health Centre) has raised over $600 for men’s health. We have also stimulated much discussion and awareness on this topic. It has been a very supportive and fun month here at the Bonne Bay Health Centre! Pictured are Robert Barnes (front row) who is a resident in long term

care. Back row (L-R): Chris Freake (Community Support Social Worker), Dr. Marc Kawaja, and Jeff Quilty (Lab and X-ray Technologist). Missing from the photo were David Palmer (Mental Health & Addictions Social Worker) and Kevin Bugden (Trades Worker III).(Chris Freake, Community Support Social Worker)

Team Gros MoChris Freake

The Laboratory Medicine Program at Western Health has once again achieved a four year Accreditation Certificate from the Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH - www.iqmh.org), a leader in accreditation standards. Staff and management of Laboratory Medicine are very pleased with this recent reassessment as it once again demonstrates our sincere commitment to providing quality services to the patients, clients and residents of the western region. This accreditation certifies that all labs have demonstrated technical and lab management competencies. Laboratory Medicine is a crucial component of Western Health’s commitment to excellence in patient care. Accreditation to ISO 15189 by the Centre for Accreditation is a mark of excellence recognized around the

world. IQMH assess the ability of a facility to perform medical testing and the collection of specimens with formal recognition of this competence through accreditation to ISO 15189 Plus™ requirements. It also provides facilities with the tools they need to standardize their processes, address diminishing resources and set a quality benchmark. The IQMH ISO 15189 Plus™ accreditation requirements are based on ISO 15189:2012 and are augmented with international standards for safety

and point-of-care testing, national standards for blood safety, government regulation and generally accepted principles of good practice. Through the dedication and hard work of all laboratory personnel, we have achieved national credibility for the services provided and demonstrated a shared commitment to quality and accountability. Thank you. Laboratory Medicine would also like to express a sincere appreciation to all Western Health personnel who have demonstrated a shared commitment in supporting the many quality initiatives undertaken to achieving this accreditation. Congratulations to all and a sincere thank you for your continuous efforts and participation in this very worthwhile process. (Hedy Dalton Kenny, Regional Director - Laboratory Medicine)

Great News!Hedy Dalton Kenny

December 2015 3

Over the past several months, Information Management has been rolling out wireless internet connectivity to inpatients and residents at all Acute and Long Term Care facilities. This initiative has been a great success and allows inpatients/residents and their families to connect to the internet using a username/password (printed on inpatients’ wristbands or provided to appropriate staff in LTC units) for the duration of their stay.

We’re also deploying public WiFi hotspots where outpatients, visitors or staff can go to connect to the

internet using their own mobile devices. Pilot hotspots have been set up in Western Memorial Regional Hospital’s Outpatients Waiting Room and the cafeteria. Over the coming months, more hotspots will be deployed throughout the region.(Rob Perry, Regional Manager - Information Technology and Telecommunications)

Inpatient/Resident WiFi Now Available!Rob Perry

LeGrow Health Centre’s Pastoral Care Committee and the South West Coast Ministerial Association brought pastoral care to life during the week of October 25 - 31. There was a display in the main lobby with numerous photos of pastoral care being delivered throughout the hospital. A cake was served to long term care residents following their

weekly church service, and Rev. Colbourne (pictured with nurse Lisa Billard) met with staff for a “Blessing of the Hands Service.” Over 25 staff members had their hands blessed. Overall it was a great week!(Shelley Nichols, Recreation Development Specialist, Pastoral Care Committee Member)

Pastoral Care WeekShelley Nichols

The week of November 8, Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) within the Medical Imaging Department celebrated Medical Radiation Technology week. MRT week is an annual national celebration in recognition of the “essential link” these technologists form within our healthcare system. MRTs comprise such disciplines as radiography including computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiation therapists. Whether it is X-ray, gamma or magnetic fields, each of these areas utilizes some form of radiation and/or imaging to obtain anatomical and physiological information for the diagnosis, evaluation, education and treatment of patients. MRT week provides the opportunity to showcase and highlight the key and

versatile role MRTs play in the delivery of technology within healthcare. MRT professionals are patient centered: they assess the needs of patients to deliver a high quality of care while respecting patient confidentiality and providing a radiation safe environment using the

ALARA principle “as low as reasonable achievable” in order to gain optimal technological imaging information. MRTs collaborate with varied allied healthcare professionals, as well as possess a dedication to professional development and life long learning as medical imaging technology is continually evolving and advancing, to keep pace with the most recent standards of care. This year for MRT week, posters could be found decorating the medical imaging halls of Western Health and the technologists were treated to lunch and a cake. Interested in radiation safety? Try the Radiation Safety course available to all staff at Western Health on the E-Learning website!(Angela Millett, Nuclear Medicine Technologist III)

Medical Radiation Technologist Week at Western HealthAngela Millett

Front row (L-R): Dianne Turner (RTMR), Heather McMackin (RRT), Sarah Simmons (RRT), Hannah Connolly (RTNM), and Tara Robertson (RRT). Back: Troy Pardy (RRT) and Dave Bennett (RTMR).

At Western Health4

Registered nurses and nurse practitioners who work within Western Health identified the need for further education in wound care. Based on the results obtained from a needs assessment survey, a wound education event was organized on the topics identified as learning needs. Pam Morey (Regional Wound and Skin Care Clinical Nurse Specialist), Susan Peckford (Regional Enterostomal Therapy Clinical Nurse Specialist), and Sherry McCarthy (Regional Home Nursing Coordinator) organized and delivered a two day wound resource education event. This event was held in June and was attended and partially sponsored by 8 wound care industry representatives. Topics covered included basic principles and products of wound care, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous/

arterial ulcers, negative pressure wound management, along with hands-on case studies. The event was attended by 56 individuals with representation from the entire region covering long term care, acute care and community. These wound care resource nurses have received extra training in effective wound management therefore it is

advisable to contact the wound care resource nurse in your area/site for wound care advice. Future planning involves a one day conference on an annual basis with the goal to achieve overall improvement of wound care management in the region.(Pam Morey, Regional Wound and Skin Care Clinical Nurse Specialist)

Wound Care EducationPam Morey

Sherry McCarthy (left), Susan Peckford and Pam Morey.

Denise Collins (background) with CBLTC staff Pauline Burden and Susan Byrne.

The vision of Western Health is that the people of Western Newfoundland have the highest level of health and well being possible - Your Health Our Priority. One way Western Health is working to achieve this goal is by completing a Community Health Needs and Resources Assessment (CHNRA) in the seven Primary Health Care (PHC) Team areas. The results of this assessment are used for organizational strategic planning as well as to help identify health related issues in each PHC area. The last CHNRA was completed in 2013 and the reports are available on Western Health’s intranet - look under Planning and Research. The components of the CHNRA include a community health survey, focus groups, health status statistics, and community resource listings. The

first step in the CHNRA is to conduct community health surveys throughout each PHC Team area. The survey has

questions about community services (e.g. children and youth programs, seniors programs) and health related community services (e.g. emergency

departments, mental health and addictions services). The information obtained from these surveys will help us identify organizational priorities. The community health survey will be available on the Western Health website from January 1 to February 29, 2016. Anyone within the western region will be able to access and complete this survey. All staff are encouraged to participate in the community health survey as members of our communities and to promote the survey with friends, family, and community groups. This is an opportunity for the residents of western Newfoundland to share their concerns about health and wellness in their communities and inform our strategic and PHC Team area planning!(Danielle Shea, Community Health Manager - Port aux Basques and Burgeo)

Community Health Needs and Resources AssessmentDanielle Shea

December 2015 5

New Western Health Policies16-12-330 Preoperative Testing - Same Day Surgery/Preadmission Clinic (October 28, 2015)

19-2-35 Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in Emergency Rooms (November 4, 2015)

19-4-55 Notification of Leave by Family Physicians with Inpatient Privileges (November 4, 2015)

Staff Story

t’s up to you and me.ights of our patients.Respecting the

atient Care: it’s at the root of what we do.

oice is used thoughtfully and we’reLet’s be sure our

ware of where we are. Be proud to keep it

onfidential; it starts with ou.

In October, Advanced Gerontological Education (AGE) Inc. from Ontario visited Corner Brook for a two day training workshop in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA). The GPA program is designed to ensure quality care for the older adult. Through the certified coaches’ training, individuals are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and skills to recognize, prevent, diffuse and respond to situations of risk due to responsive behaviours.

The workshop was attended by health care workers from Ontario, Nova Scotia, Eastern, Central, Western

and the Labrador Health Regions. Attending from Western Health were: Vivian White and Anne Lawrence (Regional Education Coordinators), Monty Nolan (Care Coordinator/Clinical Educator, BSGLTC), Dave Tapp (Behavioural Management Specialist, CBLTC), Stephanie Peddle (Social Worker, Protective Community Residences) and Theresa McCarthy (Social Worker, CBLTC).(Vivian White, Regional Education Coordinator)

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia CareVivian White

At Western Health6

Dear Santa...

The Health Promotion tree is really a sight to see...

You’ll find condoms and stress balls and skipping ropes n’ all...

Under the tree we left you a great snack, now you know it’s healthy to prevent heart attacks...

If some of the elves smoke and have yet to admit, there’s even information to help them quit...

We know in the past Rudolph was bullied by his peers, so be sure to take a button for all the reindeers...

There’s flashing reflectors for all your

safety checks and flavored condoms to practice safe sex...

Take an ornament for Mrs. Claus that promotes cervical screening and tell her to rest for her overall well being...

If you follow all the tips listed under the flashing star, Mrs. Claus will be proud of how healthy you are... If you tell the other departments, it may cause a commotion, but we are passionate up here in Health Promotion! (Staff Story)

Health Promotion Christmas TreeStaff Story

The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NLCMLS) feels it is important to promote and recognize technologists who are dedicated to their profession and go above and beyond what is normally required to care for their patients. Diane Morris (pictured) who is a Tech III at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital, received the Professional

Recognition Award at the NLCMLS Fall Symposium on October 16, 2015 in St. John’s. This award is presented to a medical laboratory technologist whose professional conduct and dedication have contributed greatly in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Congratulations Diane!(Stephanie March, Western Director - NL College of Medical Laboratory Sciences)

Professional Recognition AwardStephanie March

How did you hear about Hiking for Health?I found about Hiking for Health through the intranet and friends who were participating.Have you taken part in Employee Wellness Committee events (Wellness Grants, Walking Western for Wellness) before?Yes, I have participated in the Walking Western for Wellness on several occasions.Why did you take part in all of the challenges? (Selfie, Anytime, Highest Height, Longest Trek, Groupie)We did all of them because I love hiking in the fall. It’s a great time of year for hiking because the leaves are turning which provides beautiful

scenery and the weather is perfect for it!What was your favourite experience?My favourite experience of the hikes was the view from the top of the mountains. It was great to look out and be able to see for several kilometres of inland terrain and around the coast of our beautiful

province of Newfoundland and Labrador.Did this challenge inspire you to keep Hiking for Health?Yes, I was inspired to keep Hiking for Health as it is an excellent outdoor activity with minimal impact and it makes you feel accomplished to reach these great heights.Where do you plan to hike next?On my bucket list is Pine Tree in Port au Port. We are planning a hike with our group of hikers. And I am looking forward to getting back up the Man in The Mountain trail for the breathtaking view of the Bay of Islands.

(Tara Noseworthy on behalf of Employee Wellness Advisory)

Hiking for HealthEmployee Wellness Advisory

Nicole Best completed all 5 Hiking for Health Challenges.

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October was Breast Cancer Awareness month across Canada. Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital celebrated it in style to educate, inform, and promote breast health and breast cancer awareness. The Diagnostic Imaging and Respiratory Departments formed the first “Pink Brigade” launching the event by wearing a “Ribbon of Hope” t-shirt designed for the campaign and decorating with a sea of pink! Pink lemonade was served and patrons entered to win a beautiful gift basket. Congratulations to the winner, Paula Sansome. What began as a small department effort soon blossomed as additional departments and staff joined in with purchasing a “Ribbon of Hope” t-shirt and supporting the cause. Due to the overwhelming response, it is our hope to release a new a t-shirt next year, and donate the proceeds to Breast

Cancer Research. Together, we WILL find a cure! We sincerely thank all who participated and supported the event.

(Michelle Wieffering, Coordinator - STRH Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2015, and Judith Katz, Regional Manager - Medical Imaging Services)

Front row (L-R): Kelly King, Diane Morris, and Danielle O’Quinn. Middle row: Stephanie Nixon, Nicole Best, Joy Hann, Kathleen Jean, Darlene Mitchelmore, Elizabeth Lavallee, and Carol Ann McKay. Back row: Jennifer Schulz, Michelle Wieffering, and Howard Hacket.

Staff StoryThink Pink

This recipe is a great introduction to Thai cuisine and another way to enjoy turkey. It’s not too spicy, so it appeals to all. Makes 4 servings. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes.Ingredients

1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil2 cloves garlic, finely chopped1, 2 inch (5 cm) piece of ginger root, grated1 lb (500 g) boneless skinless turkey breast, cut into strips1 head bok choy (about 1 lb/500 g)chopped 1 red bell pepper, julienned

1/2 cup (125 mL ) light coconut milk 1 tsp (5 mL) grated lime zest2 tbsp (25 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice1 tbsp (15 mL) reduced-sodium soy sauce1 tsp (5 mL) red curry pastesalt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh cilantro

Directions Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and swirl to coat wok. Sauté garlic, ginger and turkey for about 10 minutes or until

turkey is lightly browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. Add bok choy and red pepper; sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, lime zest, lime juice, soy sauce and curry paste; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over jasmine rice or whole wheat pasta. Finish the meal with tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple and papaya. Ladle onto plates and garnish with cilantro. (Source: Simply Great Food - Dietitians of Canada)

Thai Turkey Stir-FryStaff Story

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There were 17 winners of our “Identify the Trick or Treaters Contest.” Hilda Bellows, Juanita Brewer, Paul Briffett, Mark Compagnion, Alison

Dower, Ernest Green, Angie Knee, Shelley LeRoy, Darlene Mahar, Jason Marshall, Lorraine Mitchell, Betty Musseau, Annette Quigley, Laeora Ryba,

Kirby Ryland, Pam Simms and Nancy Sweetapple.(Staff Story)

Congratulations!Staff Story

At Western Health8

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEECindy Andrews, Kim Hancock, Tara Noseworthy, Rob Perry, and Tara Pye. Layout: Jonathan Clarke. For story submissions or feedback please contact Cindy Andrews (637-5000, extension 6419 or email cindyandrews@westernhealth.nl.ca) or Tara J. Pye (637-5252 or email tarajpye@westernhealth.nl.ca). Please note that some articles may be omitted and/or edited for readability/space limitations. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Newsletter Committee’s suggestions of how to pay it forward this season:

Buy a coffee for a stranger (or a friend).Shovel a neighbour’s driveway.Invite someone to Christmas dinner.Donate to a charity (e.g. Salvation Army kettle drive, Firefighter’s Toy Drive, Transition House, Samaritan’s Purse).Volunteer with a local charity.Help a neighbor put up Christmas lights.

Bring a meal or cookies to a neighbor.Support your local food bank.

Make someone laugh or smile.Be generous with compliments.Give away any clothing hanging in your closet that you haven’t worn in a long time.Write a letter to “Any Armed Forces Member” - visit www.forces.gc.ca.Make a New Year’s resolution to volunteer/donate throughout the year.

The Newsletter Committee is Cindy Andrews, Kim Hancock, Tara Noseworthy, Rob Perry and Tara Pye. (Staff Story)

Pay It Forward This Christmas SeasonStaff Story

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Work continues on improving care for frail, elderly residents in LTC who have diabetes. In April 2015, two new policies focused on glycemic targets in the frail elderly in LTC (#15-1-115) and frequency of glycemic monitoring in LTC (#15-1-118) were introduced. Ongoing routine auditing reveals significant progress with introducing these new policies leading to the reduction in unnecessary blood glucose monitoring while ensuring safe care. Final evaluation results of this quality improvement initiative will be available on the intranet in the spring of 2016. Along our quality improvement journey, we began to wonder whether or not dietary restriction such as “diabetic diets” should continue to be used for this population. Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment and management of type 2 Diabetes. Malnutrition is common in frail older

adults. Our team engaged the assistance of the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) who completed a rapid response review of literature and evidence to meet our specific question: What are the evidence based guidelines associated with the provision of diabetic diets for frail elderly long-term care residents with type 2 diabetes mellitus? In June 2015, CADTH released their Rapid Response Report: Diabetic Diets for Frail Elderly Long-Term Care Residents with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Guidelines (http://ow.ly/VLc2B). In keeping with 2013 evidence based guidelines of Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) regarding diabetes management in the elderly, the additional references included in the 2015 CADTH Rapid Response Report also recommended a greater focus on the prevention of malnutrition and less

emphasis on the use of “diabetic diets” for frail elderly long term care residents. Our plan is to incorporate this evidence into practice for residents residing in long term care facilities across the western region with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Residents will be assessed for level of frailty and provided with a regular and/or diabetic diet option based on their frailty score. Nursing staff can expect to see changes to the Meditech order entry process as all new diet orders for Long Term Care Diabetic Diets will be flagged for automatic referral to the registered dietitian who will assess the resident to determine the need, if any, for diabetic diet modifications. These changes are expected to roll out across the region by February 2016 following staff, resident and family education. (Diabetes Quality Improvement Working Group)

Improving Care for Frail, Elderly Residents with DiabetesStaff Story