STRENGTHENING HORIZON GETS Improving the FAMILIES ACTIVE! transplant process New program in Sussex focuses on Organization-wide event unites Project improves care for kidney Issue No. 15, Vol. 4 recovery for schizophrenia patients employees across the province transplant recipients and donors January 2019 Page 6 Page 7 Page 19 HorizonSTAR A publication for the staff of

More than just good timing: Security officer’s keen awareness and fast action helps save woman’s life at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Page 5

A place to come together, heal and grow: Cardiac Rehab at TMH turns 10 Page 13 Top 10: Your best advice for someone beginning a career Page 17 Contents 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DECRH security officer Sussex program is Staff inspired to get active Miramichi Emergency Blankets knit with care Nurses at The Teddy Bear Clinic teaches Sackville Memorial helps save woman’s strengthening families for Horizon-wide 3K/5K Department named most bring comfort to children Hospital earn Advanced invaluable lessons Hospital a community life walk-run improved Certification “gem” Sussex Health Centre staff helps community sleep better Flu season is here. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cardiac Rehab Program Stitches of Love: Donated It’s flu season, protect Friends campaign Top 10: What advice would How the Active Offer Kidney transplant recipients Horizon’s new Community at The hats keep babies warm yourself to improve care for you give to someone provided comfort to two benefit from Horizon project News Channel turns 10 and cozy cardiac patients, starting in your field? new Canadian residents Flu or cold? Know the moms and babies at symtoms TMH

This magazine is published by Horizon Health Network’s Communications In Every Issue On our cover: Department, and is distributed free of charge to Horizon staff, physicians Message from CEO and volunteers. A French version can be found online at fr.horizonnb.ca. Editor’s Note Security Officer Editor: GinaBeth Roberts Colleagues’ Corner Mike LaPage is Design and layout: Hudson Creative Agency Look Who’s Shining photographed Top 10 Printed by: Advocate Printing at Horizon’s Please send comments and/or story ideas to [email protected]. Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in December. DECRH security officer’s keen awareness and fast action helps save woman’s life

It was more than a case of being in the right unresponsive, limp in the wheelchair, her feet place at the right time – thanks to the keen dragging on the floor. awareness and fast action of a Horizon Two of the nurses working in triage that day, employee, a woman’s life was saved. Billie-Jo Bear, LPN, and Nicole Ward, RN, At 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22 Mike LaPage, quickly responded. They called a Code Blue, a security officer at Horizon’s Dr. Everett started compressions and provided care that Chalmers Regional Hospital, was on his regular saved her life. rounds, not far from the Security Office. Dear Staff, Physicians and Volunteers, A welcome note “As a nurse working in the Emergency Room In the hallway near the X-Ray Department he it’s our job to recognize and take appropriate I hope your 2019 is off to a great start! This year will be another big one for Horizon from the editor noticed a man with his arms around his wife. actions to provide patients with the care they as we will join together to discuss and develop our new strategic plan. As he got closer, he noticed the woman wasn’t need,” said Nicole. responding to her husband. Some of you may be asking, “What is a strategic plan?” In simple terms, it’s our Happy 2019, and welcome to the 15th edition of the Even though he wasn’t part of the medical organization’s five-year plan. It’s often said that everyone should have a five-year Horizon Star! He stopped by the couple, asked if they were team, they credit Mike for playing a large part plan, and a regional health authority is no different. OK, and then knelt down to be closer to the in a critical situation. This month marks the start of my fourth year with woman. Mike LaPage, security officer at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Developing a strategic plan is an Horizon, and the cycle of giving back within this “He went above and beyond,” said Nicole. Chalmers Regional Hospital, is photographed outside opportunity to evaluate if our mission, organization never ceases to amaze me. She didn’t respond to him, either. “He noticed this woman to be in distress and the Security office at the hospital. that she needed immediate medical attention. vision and values are still the right fit for “Her eyes were glazed and she had a grey Let me explain. Without his actions the outcome could have and found out she had a double pulmonary our organization. It’s when we look at parlour with beads of sweat,” Mike said. the realities of today, such as health care been much different. He played a big role in embolism, which has only a four to six per Throughout the month of December I heard many His first thought: she’s having a heart attack. saving this woman’s life.” cent survival rate. trends, population and community needs, stories of how Horizon employees and teams give back 4 financials and our current work force, and to their communities. We shared some of those stories He had a decision to make: call switchboard to Mike’s quick to minimize his actions - “I He also checked in with his boss, Bob Gibson, 5 determine how to optimize. on Horizon’s social media accounts, and feature some in announce for a Med Stat, or bring her directly played a very small part,” he said. “It was just security manager for and Upper these pages, too (flip to page 9 for an example). to the Emergency Department, about 100 good timing.” – but it was much more than River Valley, to go on the record about his The cornerstone of everything we do is yards away. that. actions and make sure what he did was OK. delivering safe and quality care – and this You experience firsthand the difficult and emotional The following week, Bob shared the story will not change. journeys your patients, clients and their loved ones are “She hadn’t fallen, so she didn’t have any He’s been at the hospital two years, and of Mike’s heroic actions at a Horizon-wide going through, and your care doesn’t stop when they’re spinal or head injuries, so I thought I could get previously worked as security/bodyguard in Our current strategic plan, introduced security meeting. discharged or successfully finish a program. her to Emergency quicker than if I called,” he Vancouver. Working in a health care facility, in 2015, was a solid step in the right Mike and his fellow SOs are very conscious of said. Security officers at DERCH, as well as direction in putting more emphasis on the environment in which they work. Your care continues beyond the walls of your facility or He sprinted to the end of the hallway, got a Horizon’s Public Hospital and improving our community services. There outside your program, and reaches many aspects of your wheelchair and safely put her in it, and yelled “People are here battling stuff, so you should Upper River Valley Hospital, are Horizon is also an addendum to the strategic plan patient or client’s home life and beyond. What a profound for people to get out of his way. always be aware,” he said. employees; in all other areas, security services on Skyline on how to move the priorities effect this must have on their journey to recovery. are contracted from an external company. forward, based on conversations I had Karen McGrath As soon as they went through the Emergency Mike later checked in on the woman, at 11:45 with you during my CEO tour. President and CEO Often the way you give back doesn’t even involve anything Department doors, Mike said she was all but a.m., according to his detailed log book, “There is a family out there who will not physical or of monetary value. For this issue, you shared be mourning the loss of a loved one due to This work will continue, but developing a new strategic plan is an opportunity to advice for someone starting in your field of work. You can Mike’s awareness and life-saving actions. A design what our health care services will look like in the years to come. read 11 of the best pieces of advice on page 17, all of which life was saved because doing rounds put him are applicable, no matter how long you’ve been in your job. in the right place at the right time,” Bob said. For future success it will be important to build on the excellent work of our Human “Regardless of what our job titles say, we Resource team in terms of improving staff engagement and recruiting more health And then there are people in the community, be it work in a hospital. We can and do make a care professionals to Horizon. individual citizens, community groups or large difference.” organizations, such as Accreditation , who In the months ahead I look forward to traveling across Horizon to meet with as recognize your empathy, your attention to detail and your There are 20 security officers at the DECRH, many of you as possible to discuss Horizon’s future. I am really looking forward to desire to provide safe and quality care and want to give and two or three on each shift. Mike is the these discussions and learning your ideas. back to you. traffic officer, so during any given day he is usually moving around the facility and We’re all part of One Horizon, and regardless of what facility you work at, or what Sometimes it’s in the form of recognition or awards, other parking lot. you do, everyone contributes to improving the safe and quality care we provide. times it’s donations to help your patients while in your “He’s rarely in the office,” said Bob, adding If you’re interested in sharing your ideas regarding the new strategic plan in care (read more about two examples of this on pages 9 Mike regularly goes above and beyond. advance of my next CEO tour, please contact me at [email protected]. and 14). His actions also highlight the importance of Sincerely, I know you’ll be inspired by all the stories in this month’s being “out and about” as much as possible, issue, and maybe even inspired to give back. Bob said, and not only monitoring cameras in the office. As always, it’s an honour to share your stories, and I hope you’ll continue to reach me at [email protected] Mike first learned the signs of a heart attack Karen McGrath with new ideas. in anatomy and physiology classes in President and CEO university, and all security officers are trained Happy reading, Horizon Health Network in Emergency First Response CPR and AED. “I think all of us feel lucky to have this job because we get to help people,” said Mike. Mike LaP age, security officer at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, is photographed in the hallway “Yeah, we have to deal with problems, but we where he noticed a woman in distress and quickly brought her to the Emergency Room for medical care. The do get a chance to help.” GinaBeth Roberts woman was having a heart attack, and members of her medical team credit Mike’s actions for saving her life. Editor, Horizon Star Colleagues Corner First-time program in Sussex is Staff inspired to get active for Horizon-wide strengthening families 3K/5K Walk∙Run To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of River Valley to walk and or run pre-measured Participants had the option to meet on the Horizon, Marilyn Babineau, Manager of distances for Horizon’s first 3K/5K Walk∙Run. early November morning, or if unable to join Workforce Wellness, put together a team to at the locations listed, were encouraged to Employees were inspired to get active and plan an active, Horizon-wide event uniting create their own “virtual run.” lace-up their sneakers for this fun event, employees and their families. and more than 300 registration forms were Although it was a rainy day, participants still On Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at 10 a.m., submitted to Employee Health and Wellness had a lot of fun and snapped some great participants gathered in Fredericton, departments. All levels were welcome — photos. Each participant received a medal for Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John and Upper rookie, pro or somewhere in-between. participating, as well as a few healthy snacks!

Employee Health & Wellness would like to sincerely thank all those who expressed interest and participated in this event. Thanks also to Communications who braved the weather to get some great photos, and our dedicated volunteers. Cheers to our regional committee involved with the planning of this fun event!

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Moncton

Horizon volunteer Donna Craig (standing, fourth from left) and Kathryn Scott, Human Service Counsellor at Horizon’s Sussex Health Centre (front row, sitting), are photographed with fellow members of the Strengthening Families Together group, a schizophrenia support group at Horizon’s Sussex Health Centre. Fredericton Lending support and providing information During each meeting, participants listened they are advocating for their loved one and is what The Schizophrenia Society’s to different speakers, such as a local learning to support them better, which further Miramichi Strengthening Families Together program pharmacist, who spoke about the importance destigmatizes many myths surrounding is all about and now, for the first time, of medication, and members of Horizon’s schizophrenia.” family members who have loved ones with Flexible Assertive Community Treatment schizophrenia in Sussex are benefitting from (FACT) team. “For far too long many people were ashamed this program. and afraid to speak about the struggles of But what was most inspiring was hearing from having a family member that suffers from The nine-week program took place at an individual with lived experience who is a serious mental health issue,” said Horizon Horizon’s Sussex Health Centre and was successfully managing their schizophrenia. For volunteer Donna, who has benefited from the facilitated by two Horizon staff, Kathryn many family members, this gave them hope program. Scott, Human Service Counsellor and Sue that there is light in the journey to recovery, Fry-Adair, Clinical Psychologist. Joining them as well as knowledge on how to navigate the “The more we talk about it, the more we’re were volunteers Donna Craig and Dale Kyrev health care system to better support their not alone,” she added. “This program has who both have family members with a major loved ones. allowed parents and loved ones to connect mental illness, as well as Davine McLean, with people that have similar experiences.” Director of the Sussex and Area Activity Centre. This was the first time the Strengthening Upper Families Together program was offered in The Strengthening Families Together The program focuses on recovery for people Sussex. However, now that the first group program was first introduced in 2003 by The River diagnosed with schizophrenia and provides successfully completed the program, they feel Schizophrenia Society of Canada, and through Valley tools for self-care and stress management, empowered and want to continue with their their chapter they offer advocacy and support. meetings as an ongoing support group and training for facilitators to deliver the program recruit more members in order to offer the across the province. The group of nine program participants program again. all have family members who have been diagnosed with a major mental illness. Some “It was great to see the group quickly come If interested in learning more about the families have been dealing with the impact together and bond on shared experiences,” Strengthening Families Together program, of the illness for many years, while others are said Kathryn, who facilitated the session. please contact Addiction and Mental Health newly diagnosed. “Together, whether they realize it or not, Services in Sussex at 432-2090. Saint John

Want to tell your colleagues about the services you provide for patients and staff throughout Horizon? Look Who’s Shining! Know someone who’s accomplished something outstanding outside the workplace? Nominate a Email [email protected]. colleague, peer or volunteer for this feature by emailing [email protected]. Miramichi Emergency Department named most improved Sussex Health Centre Blankets knit with care bring staff helps community in treatment times of febrile neutropenic children sleep better over the The Emergency Department at Horizon’s “Pediatrics set up an audit process and began hope patients and families can be reassured Miramichi Regional Hospital (MRH) was tracking our pediatric febrile neutropenia they will receive quality, and experience the comfort to children in crisis holiday season recently named the most improved - and pediatrics outpatient clinics and emergency least amount of stress possible during their visit.” best - in terms of treatment times of febrile room visits,” said Michelle. Staff at Horizon’s Sussex Health Centre neutropenic children in all the Atlantic Marilyn Underhill, the hospital’s executive collected and donated 171 pairs of pyjamas to provinces. Kara Barter, pediatric nurse, said they worked director, said she is thrilled about this the Sussex Salvation Army in mid-December together to make these improvements. recognition from APPHON. as part of their second annual PJ Drive. In early December, representatives from the “We looked at each visit and what we could “This is thanks to the hard work and Estelle Arbing, Emergency Department nurse, Atlantic Province’s Paediatric Hematology and Monica Tays, the health centre’s nurse Network (APPHON) performed a do to improve our system to meet our goals,” dedication of staff and physicians in our said Kara. continued support of providing excellent manager, spearheaded the drive, which “levels of care” visit at Horizon’s MRH. These garnered support not only from staff, but also visits happen every four years to review patient care,” Marilyn said. Michelle said staff began practices such as friends, family and community members, all standards of care and treatment times for who were happy to help in the drive. paediatric febrile neutropenia. including critical patient information and APPHON acts as a vehicle for communication, guidelines in triage, adding antibiotics to education, advocacy, and development of The original goal of the PJ drive was 50 pairs, Neutropenic children are children who are AcuDose machine, educating staff on febrile standards to achieve goals of comprehensive to surpass last year’s donation of 41 pairs. undergoing chemotherapy and are often left neutropenia, providing feedback post visits health services, clinical care, education and with a diminished immune function. When and so on. research related to the health care of children “Did we ever surpass that goal!” said Monica. a child has diminished immune function with hematologic or oncologic disorders and A special kudos goes to Estelle for her Through these efforts, numbers improved and then becomes sick or develops a fever it for their families. persistence in finding people to support this steadily over the years and APPHON’s audit becomes a serious health risk. goal. in 2017 showed treatment times for febrile Michelle and Kara said they are happy to see Michelle Watling, clinical resource and critical neutropenia at MRH as the most improved in everyone’s work translate into meeting the The team is already looking forward to their 8 care nurse, said in Miramichi most of these Atlantic Canada, and meeting the standards standards of pediatric febrile neutropenia third annual PJ drive in 2019! 9 8 children’s first point of access to care is of care. treatment times. 9 through the Emergency Department (ED), and after an APPHON visit in 2011, staff set up “This was a team effort and includes all the ED “We are pleased to be recognised by APPHON plans to improve the care they provided. nursing staff and doctors,” said Michelle. “With and we will continue to work hard to maintain the ED meeting the treatment standards, we the standards,” Kara said.

Trena Brown, nurse m anager in the Emergency Department at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital, was on hand to gratefully accept the donation from Elizabeth Stewart.

Horizon and its patients are fortunate to Elizabeth knitted and then donated the benefit from the kindness of people in the blankets in memory of her daughter, Terri- community like Elizabeth Stewart. Lynn, who was killed while flagging traffic on a road construction site at the young age During the holiday season, Elizabeth donated of 19. Terri-Lynn loved children and planned 14 packages to the Emergency Department to become a teacher; this thoughtful gesture at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital. Each helps keep her memory alive. package contained a hand-knit blanket, teddy bear and matching blanket for the teddy. These special blankets will bring comfort to some of the sickest and most frightened children requiring care.

“The gift is very generous,” said Trena Brown, Emergency Department Nurse Manager. “The blankets represent that human connection we all need, and to be able to provide that to children in crisis is very important.”

Elizabeth began working on the blankets during the summer, each of which took about a week and a half to complete. She loved the idea of creating a smaller version for the teddy bears — a little something to provide extra comfort to children.

“Blankets allow us to restore a sense of security and trust for our most critically-injured pediatric patients,” said Trena. “Sometimes, we have to send kids by air to the IWK (Health Estelle Arbing, Emergency Department nurse, and Members of Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital Emergency Department and Pediatrics team pose with the Atlantic Province’s Paediatric Hematology Oncology Network Centre in Halifax). A blanket and teddy would Monica Tays, the health centre’s nurse manager, are (APPHON) Pediatric Oncology Supportive Care Guidelines. Front row, from left: registered nurses Holly Newman, Monique Daigle and Jessica Sargent; Susanna Dewolfe, be perfect travelling companions.” photographed with pairs of pyjamas collected by staff, pharmacist; and Sandra Daigle, LPN. Back row, from left: registered nurses Michelle Foran and Renee Squires; Pam Power, Emergency Department nurse manager; registered Elizabeth holds one of her hand-knit blankets. Each family members, friends and community members as nurses Michelle Watling and Carolyn Sutherland; Dr. Bill Martin; and Kara Barter, registered nurse. blanket takes about a week and a half to complete. part of their second annual PJ Drive. Nurses at The Moncton Hospital earn Teddy Bear Clinic teaches children, health care Advanced Burn Life Support Certification providers invaluable lessons Four of Horizon’s Moncton-area registered all Canadian Burn Directors and their “You get to see such a transition as they go nurses (RN) recently earned their certification colleagues (plastic surgeons, trauma through their journey,” said Josee. “They have WHAT THE KIDS THOUGHT in Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) while surgeons, nurses, researchers, psychologists, a lot of resilience.” attending the annual Canadian Burn Network physiotherapists, nutritionists, and first Sharon agrees, adding, “It’s the most “There is lots of cool stuff Conference in Toronto. responders) interact and discuss challenges in satisfying type of nursing I’ve ever done.” there that the nurses the burn community. This year’s conference The Moncton Hospital’s Nathalie Gould, Nurse included 100 participants from across Canada, But perhaps their most important role is treating use.” – Shiloh Henderson Manager, Sharon Brown, Burn Resource Nurse, “It was fun with 18 taking part in the ABLS course, a patient who may not have a hopeful prognosis. Josee Nelson, RN, and Janet Hebert, RN, of seeing all including our four RNs. the 5600 Unit, which specializes in General As Janet says, “We don’t just care for the “I’m not afraid to the things Surgery, Surgery Specialties, and Burns, “It was a great opportunity to network patient we know will improve, we also give go to the doctor attended the two-day conference in October with other nurses from across the country the same care and comfort to the patient who nurses do.” thanks to Burn Unit funds raised through The and the United States,” said Janet. “We are might not make it.” now.” – Sydney Malloch – Elizabeth Chute Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation. very fortunate to have learned from much This team of nurses has helped patients who esteemed experts and teachers in the field.” Sharon Brown, who is the Burn Unit’s longest have experienced heartbreaking trauma, serving RN (18 years and counting), jumped at ABLS certification affords the ability to and they rely on each other and the rest of “It was the opportunity and enthusiastically recruited assess and stabilize patients with serious the unit for support, whether it be by getting fun!” her colleagues. burns during the first critical hours following together as a group to study the 100-page – Avalon Butler injury, providing valuable lessons in initial booklet for two weeks before the conference, “I knew this certification would give us a burn assessment to stable condition, burn required for the ABLS course and certification, better understanding of why we do what do types and the treatment for each type, fluid or by sharing what they learned with their while also giving us the required tools for care Registered Nurse at the management, and triaging. colleagues so they can all provide the best The Grade 2/3 class at Campobello Island Consolidated School pose for efficiency,” Sharon said. health centre. possible care. a group photo, holding their healthy teddy bears, after a visit to “The certification provided us with a 10 These requirements are unique clinical skills Horizon’s Campobello Health Centre. Under the guidance of 1111 10 systematic way of assessing a burn for Teamwork is at the core of this group, 11 involving triage, pain management, fluid Ms. Holly Matthews, prioritization,” said Sharon. “It’s made us something Nathalie is very proud of. A lucky class of elementary school children in Campobello recently balance, critical care, trauma recovery, and these students have better equipped to care for a burn patient in explored their local health centre, learning about the health care field, rehabilitation, as well as compassion and “It’s so rewarding to support this team, been incorporating play- the ER.” professions and instruments, and teaching the health care providers understanding to extend their care to the support their team efforts, and support their much in return. based learning into their emotional well-being of their patients and Caring for burn victims is a passion this continued education,” she said. “It’s such a curriculum. Their theme their loved ones. special group shares, and each finds great great privilege.” In early December, staff at Horizon’s Campobello Health Centre welcomed during the fall was satisfaction in watching their patients’ the Grade 2/3 class from Campobello Island Consolidated School for a and health care, as Ms. The Canadian Burn Network Conference is a Congratulations to this caring and dedicated progress and improve. Teddy Bear Clinic. Matthews had been out yearly multidisciplinary education event where team! Students, each with one of their teddy bears or “stuffies,” toured the for a surgery. As well, Ms. health centre, learning about the work of health care professionals Matthews is the mother of in their community and discovering how health care equipment and one of the registered nurses technology works. at the health centre and one of the health centre’s nurses The visit helped children overcome fears of visiting the health centre, had previously worked in and taught health care providers how to better interact with children a First Nations community by observing their language, actions and the way they care for their where teddy bear clinics Meghan Paul, RN, bandages the arm of Elizabeth Chute’s teddy bear. teddy bears. were held yearly. “It is a great opportunity for the students to meet some people in the They’ll take what they’ve learned back to their classroom and create care giving field in their community and to make positive connections their own health centre, building their own props, such as weight scales with their health care providers and facility,” said Meghan Paul, a and blood pressure machines. The visit will also help them practice and expand their vocabulary and speaking and writing skills. “Involving our clients in activities helps them to become more involved with their health, in turn creating healthier environments and choices for their families,” said Meghan. “School-aged children are a great population to work with, as they go on to teach their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and peers. Their healthier lifestyles will follow them into adulthood.”

The Moncton Hospital’s proud ABLS certified nurses, from left: Burn Resource Nurse Sharon Brown, Wendy Morrison, RN, draws blood from Hayden Chute’s teddy bear, Avalon Butler examines her patient, her stuffed otter, during her class’s trip to the registered nurses Janet Hebert and Josee Nelson, and Nurse Manager Nathalie Gould. while his classmates watch. Campobello Health Centre. Cardiac Rehab Program at Horizon’s TMH turns 10

The Moncton Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation exercise, education, nutrition counselling Program offers patients more than just and symptom management, including stress, physical activity — it’s a place to come dyslipidemia and hypertension management together, heal and grow. and smoking cessation. For the first five years the program took place at the Moncton YMCA, In early December the program celebrated before moving into the hospital. 10 years of helping clients be healthy with an open house. Nancy Couturier, the program’s clinical coordinator, said the objectives of the The program consists of a multidisciplinary program include helping clients regain team of cardiovascular health professionals confidence and learn how to live with heart Emergency Department staff at the SMH. who help clients return to their optimal activity disease while incorporating heart healthy level both physically and mentally. It all began living through exercise and education into Horizon’s Sackville Memorial 10 years ago with Kelly Gould, registered their lifestyle. Sheila Nicolle, physiotherapist and Cardiac nurse; Sheila Nicolle, physiotherapist; and Rehabilitation Program client Bernie Mazerolle are Tracy Selway, who was the coordinator at the The goal is to reduce the client’s risk of having photographed in the rehabilitation gym in Clinic A Hospital “a gem” in the community time. heart problems in the future. Each participant during the program’s 10th anniversary open house. has their own plan, including guidelines for Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital (SMH) “I grew up here and a friend of mine and I Located in Clinic A, the twice-weekly, home exercise, but in the clinic they work out Tanya Steeves began the program in April opened 30 years ago and has been offering decided when we were in high school we 12-week program consists of supervised as a group. 2018 after surviving a heart attack in late patients in the Sackville region quality care would come to the ladies auxiliary and ask for 2017. She’s come a long way since her heart since that very first day in April 1988. a bursary,” Sharon explained. “We applied attack and is feeling good. She begins each for a $500 bursary, and we each got one. But work out on the treadmill before moving to 12 That care has been reciprocated: Since the one of the stipulations was we had to come another piece of equipment. Her current 1313 doors opened, the Sackville community has back here and work for two years once we favourite is the NuStep, because it works both shown a lot of love for the SMH. graduated.” your upper and lower body.

It’s evident in the fact that each year, through Sharon took that two-year commitment and “The staff is fantastic,” said Tanya. “They the work of the Sackville Memorial Hospital turned it into a 44-year nursing career in her Sharon Trainor, registered nurse, has been working at have become friends and have made me feel Foundation and Sackville Memorial Hospital home town. the SMH since the hospital opened its doors in 1988. very comfortable.” Auxiliary, the small community rallies together to raise a large amount of money for their “I like that we’re a small hospital,” she said. “To be able to have my dad right here when Tanya will never be able to return to her hospital. “You really get to know everyone. People you he was in the latter part of his life is very career as a pet groomer, but says the program know from the community come in and say, important. has given her a new purpose. “People are happy that we are here,” said ‘It’s so nice to see a familiar face.’ You get that Emilie Doucet, facility manager. “The so often in a small community. For them it “I know how important it is to the community “Right now my job is to get better,” she community is a big supporter of the hospital. brings comfort.” by the work being done by the Foundation, said. “And the staff made me focus on that. Every year the Foundation is able to raise the Auxiliary; they are all gung-ho for doing They have made me feel like I was part of $100,000 for their campaign. For a small Wendy agrees, referring to the hospital as a things for the hospital.” something, like I am part of the team.” community, that is a lot of support.” “gem.” The hospital means a lot to all staff, who, Once clients complete the program they are The community support has allowed the “I found out when my dad was sick how much according to Emilie, all know each other — a encouraged to take part in Friday morning hospital to flourish over the past 30 years, this hospital means for our community,” she very special feeling. open gym sessions. ever since ground broke on the new build in said. Physiotherapist Sheila Nicolle and Registered Nurse Lisa Steeves help client Tanya Steeves on the treadmill. 1983. Each week program graduate Bernard “Bernie” Mazerolle visits the gym to exercise in a Staff at the former Sackville Hospital had the supervised environment and catch up with unique opportunity to watch their new facility staff and friends. being built right before their eyes — the new location was right behind the old one. “Bernie lost his spouse of over 60 years in the spring and I hope we have been able to Wendy Smith, supervisor of Health Records, help him in some small way in the grieving Admitting and Telecommunication, said she process,” said Nancy. “We are like family and her colleagues watched patiently from the and have been able to support him during old building. this difficult time, not just physically but emotionally as well.” “We were the first department that moved over,” she said. “We moved all our charts. Making a difference in the lives of clients like When we moved in, we thought it was just Tanya and Bernie is what Nancy loves about awesome; we had a huge new room, with the program and her role. everything all in one area for filing. So much more space that we had before.” “Our patients are so grateful,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see them gain the Sharon Trainor, registered nurse, has been confidence to move forward dealing with working at the SMH since the new facility heart disease and take some control back in opened, and worked in the former location, Health Records and Admitting staff at Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital, from left: Heather Hicks-Gautreau, Cardiac Rehabilitation Program team and clients joined together in December their lives by making healthy, knowledgeable too. Donna Steeves, Susanna Surette, Wendy Smith and Alex Ouellette. to celebrate 10 years of the program. choices.” Stitches of Love: Donated hats keep babies warm and cozy in SJRH’s NNICU Flu season is here. Protect yourself and those around you by following these simple tips: > Get your flu shot > Wash your hands 14 > Avoid close contact with others 1515 > Limit touching your face

Amari, who was seven weeks old and weighed almost three pounds at the time of this photo, has a collection of seven fashionable hats.

On a quiet morning in the Neonatal Intensive fashionable hats. They’re pink, blue, purple, she keeps busy by knitting hats and quilts for Care Unit (NNICU) at Horizon’s Saint John red and a fluffy silvery grey. babies in the NNICU. Regional Hospital, a tiny girl named Amari yawns silently and closes her eyes. Is it the flu or a cold? In the NNICU, all the babies have handmade “It gives her great pleasure to know she is hats and blankets – and that’s thanks to the helping out,” said her daughter, Joanne. “It As she rests in an incubator, a hand-knit white generosity of a few anonymous, nimble- also gives her something to do.” Know the symptoms. hat with a purple pompom keeps her head fingered angels. cozy and warm. In the NNICU, nurses store dozens of adorable One of those secret knitters, a woman who new hats in plastic bins until they are needed, Symptom Influenza (Flu) Cold Amari, who is seven weeks old and weighs has been making hats for babies for more than and a cupboard is stocked with neatly folded almost three pounds, has a collection of seven three decades, recently turned 100 years old. handmade quilts. Fever Frequent, usually high, lasts 3-4 days Rare Headache Frequent (can be severe) Rare The big-hearted centenarian didn’t want to be Kim Aker, the nurse manager on the NNICU, identified, interviewed or celebrated, but she said staff is grateful to Charity and other Aches and Pain Frequent (can be severe) Rare did tell us her middle name. volunteers for these adorable gifts for babies. Weakness Modest to severe, can last up to 1 month Not common (mild) Fittingly enough, that name is Charity. “Without the kindness and generosity of these Extreme Fatigue Frequent (can be severe) Not common people, we wouldn’t have any of these things Sniffles or Sneezes Sometimes Common Charity lives in Smithtown, near Hampton, to pass on to the families,” she said. “These in a house built long ago by her ancestors. handmade hats provide a more ‘homey’ Sore Throat Common Common Her family said she is in good health, and feeling for the babies and their families.” Cough Usual (can be severe) Sometimes (mild to moderate) Complications Pneumonia or worsening of underlying Sinus or ear infection medical conditions which can be life-threatening

This big-hearted centenarian has been making hats for babies for more than three decades, and Blankets and hats made by various volunteers (none pictured were made by 100-year-old knitter, recently turned 100 years old. but by various other amazing volunteers). When I first started I worked in Long Term Care. You will not and should not know it all coming out Friends campaign to improve care for cardiac patients, The best advice I ever received was: When working – but that’s a good thing! Ask all of the questions. with Alzheimer patients, go where THEY are, in Your coworkers will be more concerned about you 1time and or memory, because they cannot come to 6if you don’t ask versus if you do. Take this time to moms and babies at TMH yours, the present time. It has helped me so much learn. and my lovely patients as well. Sally Mackereth Eileen Harrison RN, , Saint John Regional Hospital Patient Care Attendant (PCA), Emergency Department, Upper River Valley Hospital Your challenges will not keep you from being successful. I was one of the slowest typists in my After 34 years with Horizon and as I head into class but in my current position I have learned that retirement in January 2019 my words of advice are: employers look at the bigger picture and take into What advice Don’t shy away if an opportunity is presented to account your entire skill set when hiring. 2you. If someone approaches you with a chance to Nicola Keeling get involved in a project or take on a new role Go For would you give to Administrative Assistant, Infection Prevention & Control, It! They obviously recognize your strengths, work The Moncton Hospital ethic and abilities so take a leap and challenge someone starting in yourself. It will provide you with an opportunity to My advice to someone entering the field of broaden your experience, further develop your skill diagnostic imaging, or any front line health care your field? set and meet other Horizon employees. field would be to become the best communicator Claire Esson 7you can be. Good communication begins with Thank you to everyone who shared their Regional Director, Workforce Optimization, listening carefully and paying attention to the single most importance piece of advice for The Moncton Hospital details of what’s going on around you. Studies someone beginning a career in their field of have shown that communicative errors are the root work. Don’t lose your empathy. Empathy fuels connection: cause of two out of every three adverse medical with your patients, with your co-workers and with events. We can literally save lives by being better We received 31 submissions, each offering yourself. You work in a system that can diminish communicators! insight that will help those new to their 3your empathy, if you allow it. We have professions Phil Kennedy 16 profession — and maybe even those who’ve 1717 From left: Dr. Ken Gillespie, TMH Chief of Staff; David Savoie, Friends Chair; Pat Armour, Friends 1st Vice Chair; that are hard physically, emotionally and mentally. RTR/Program Director, Saint John School of been at their job for decades! Robert K. Irving, Extraordinary Care Campaign Chair; Linda Saunders, President and CEO, Friends: Dr. Ron Bourgeois, We have a system that often demands we do more Radiological Technology TMH Cardiologist; Jean Daigle, VP Community, Horizon at the official launch of the campaign. with less. In those moments when outside forces Many members of the Horizon team shared seek to eat away at your empathy, remember why Whenever I encounter new students, whether in helpful tips that get them through a stressful you are here and who you are doing this for: the high school or college, I can’t express enough that The Friends of The Moncton Hospital futures for our families, neighbours and The new Maternity and Newborn Unit will work day and practical advice about finding patient. Focus on them. Connect with them. Do Foundation’s Extraordinary Care Campaign friends.” house the Labour and Birthing Unit (LBU), nursing is about the patient, not ourselves. If you that first job in your field. Others shared how your best for them. Keep your empathy, even when 8can leave all your problems and attitudes at home, will raise $8 million for a new Maternity Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NNICU) and the a positive mindset and strong communication it’s hard. and Newborn Unit and the relocation and The Cardiac Intensive Care and Cardiac Maternal Fetal Clinic (MFMC). These give one hundred percent of yourself to every can make a new job less daunting. Jennifer Carey expansion of the Cardiac Care Unit at Stepdown Units will be relocated and three units will be relocated and merged into patient every day you work, then you are a “nurse”. Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging, Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital (TMH). expanded into one larger, modern space a new building between the Professional Arts This may sound hard to do, and believe me I know We heard from readers from 13 facilities or The Moncton Hospital firsthand. However every person I meet at work is purposely designed for optimal care and Building and the hospital’s main entrance. regions, 23 units, and 16 different positions. “Many of Atlantic Canada’s top health experts recovery. The units will be adjacent to enable there because something in their health is not so Tip 1: Be gentle on yourself. New positions in any work right here at TMH, but currently parts of medical professionals to provide more This new space will create more modern and great, and if I can help by doing my very best, then As with all past Top 10 lists, we based our workplace often require a steep learning curve and our facility don’t match the level of expertise seamless patient-centered care, while offering individual patient rooms for all stages of birth, I feel I have done my job the way I would hope decision on a variety of factors, and to ensure with lots to learn and know; never be scared to ask provided by our people,” said Dr. Ken Gillespie, greater comfort and private rooms for patients each with private washroom facilities. This someone would help me if the roles were reversed. a variety of representation across Horizon. 4questions. TMH’s Chief of Staff. “We are changing that. and their families. A construction date for this will improve outcomes for the mother, reduce Marlene Reid It is exciting to be part of creating healthier new building has yet to be determined. the length of hospital stay, prevent the spread We look forward to reading your submissions Tip 2: Be assertive. When in the field of nursing, LPN, IV Day Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital of infection and provide safe and quality for the next Top 10 list! it is absolutely essential that you feel safe patient care and a safe and seamless work and comfortable. A really good orientation is After 30 some years and retiring in January 2019, environment for staff. Have an idea for a future Top 10 list? Email necessary. Be sure to let your supervisor know if my handed-down philosophy has been, always give [email protected]. We look forward you feel unsafe. more than people expect and be accountable. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will also to reading your submissions. 9 Ray Jones Tip 3: Communication is your greatest asset. Always. feature single private rooms, improving care Carpenter/Cabinetmaker/Locksmith, Physical Resources, by parents, patient and family privacy and Tip 4: Lastly, Nursing is extremely rewarding and The Moncton Hospital confidentiality and noise control. has so many opportunities with lots of areas where one can work. I have had the opportunity to enjoy Tip 1: Establish a way to practise self-care, The Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic will Critical Care, Emergency, Public Health, , regularly, so that it becomes part of your routine create a comfortable and modern space for UNBSJ School Health Centre, Corrections, Clinical and your norm. Compassion fatigue is very real and women during high‐risk pregnancies. It will Instructor work and now Addictions and Mental 10prevalent within the health care field. be adjacent to the other two units, providing Health. Such a great journey. a seamless continuity of care. Construction Tip 2: People will not always remember what Sam (Chandra) Flewelling you said to them, but they will remember how is expected to begin in June 2019, with RN, Addiction and Mental Health Services, Saint John occupancy in late 2021. you made them feel (based on a quote by Maya Angelou). If I was to give new nursing grads/staff advice As of press time, $5.6 million in donations and it would be: treat your patients like they’re your Angela Keetch pledges had been secured. family, because everyone wants their family to Registered Social Worker/Clinician, Child & Youth 5receive the best care imaginable no matter their Team CISM Co-Coordinator, Addiction & Mental Health “We are dedicated to helping provide a first age, presenting complaint or social status. Services, Charlotte County Region class facility to allow the top‐notch medical team at The Moncton Hospital to better Melissa McCully care for our friends, family and our entire RN, Emergency Department, Upper River Valley Hospital community,” said Robert K. Irving, campaign A big shout-out to the Harrison Trimble High School student council for volunteering at the launch. chair. Hello... Bonjour. Your language. Your choice. Our commitment. Votre langue. Votre choix. Notre engagement.

How the Active Offer provided comfort

to two new Canadian residents Sherry MacPhee, Nephrology nurse manager at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital, and members of her team who took part in a successful Performance Excellence project to reduce work-up times for both kidney recipients and living donors, are photographed at the Nephrology clinic in mid-December. Pictured, from left: Evelyn Magee, RN and Renal Recipient Transplant Coordinator; Kayla McKay Transplant administrative assistant; Claribel Sosa Espinal de Rijos, Senior Project Manager, Performance Optimization; Dr. Paul Sohi, Nephrologist; Dr. Nessa Gogan, Nephrologist; Sue Melvin, RN and Renal Donor Transplant Coordinator; Sherry MacPhee, Nurse Manager; and Dr. Béatrice Vermaut, 44 years old, became a New Brunswick resident Martin MacKinnon, Nephrologist. Missing from the photo is Dr. Christine Pippy, Nephrologist. 18 in July 2017. 1919 While our family was in the process of In Oncology, the physician made an effort to Kidney transplant recipients to benefit from immigrating to New Brunswick, I was speak in my mother tongue. He always makes diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. We thought sure he is accompanied by a French-speaking Performance Optimization project at Horizon our dream was ruined. Fortunately, my cancer nurse to ensure we both understand each went into remission, and our trip to Canada other. The number of kidney transplants for Horizon’s care experience and quality of life. Nephrology patients has increased over the could continue. Performance Optimization helped Saint John Success by the Numbers Today, I do not even have to ask for my health last year, thanks to a project in Saint John focused on reducing work-up times for both Regional Hospital’s Nephrology nurse manager Obviously, frequent medical check-ups are care providers to speak French anymore; kidney recipients and living donors. Sherry MacPhee and team analyze their Recipient Patients necessary, and I’m an Oncology patient at staff recognize me and automatically use my processes and discover the root causes of the Reduced cycle time from 404 to 288 days from Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital. language of preference. Claribel Sosa, Senior Project Manager, wait times by applying Lean Six Sigma tools. January 2018 to March 2018. Performance Optimization has worked They also provided guidance through the Before my first appointment, I was afraid that Beyond the linguistic aspect, I would like with the Nephrology team at the Saint John implementation and control phases of the Punctuality Regional Hospital (SJRH) to reduce the wait project. communication would be a barrier because sincerely thank the employees of Horizon (work-ups completed within the eight months my English is far from perfect! Health Network for their professional and time for patients and donor candidates to complete their work-up process prior to As a result, the Nephrology team compressed or less) empathic approach. I know I am in good receiving or donating a kidney. A work-up and shortened the wait between patient tests, 2016: 32 per cent My doubts quickly dissipated. hands. involves a number of tests and consults to which meant fewer visits to the hospital for 2017: 30 per cent ensure safety for transplantation. Transplants patients. As well, new cardiologists were 2018 (as of September): 63 per cent The Admission and Registration department are then performed in Halifax. added to the recipient and donor evaluation offered me service in French immediately. process, nephrologists created more time Number of patients who completed work-ups “This is important because kidney recipients slots to assess patients and patients were also (per year): can be placed on the active list sooner to referred to centres with shorter wait times. 2016: 25 ultimately reduce the time to get a transplant,” 2017: 22 Having a monthly goal and a target date for Agathe Robert, 27 years old, became a Canadian citizen in 2016. she said. “When patients have to wait a long 2018 (as of September): 34 time to receive a transplant, they are treated each patient, celebrating small gains to keep I’m pregnant with my first child. It is sometimes difficult for me to express my the team motivated, and engaging leadership, with dialysis and in some instances become Living Donors questions in English, but staff always do their including project sponsor Geri Geldart, Horizon’s ineligible for transplant due to worsening of Reduced cycle time from 234 to 185 days for Of course, it’s a time of joy and euphoria. It is VP of Clinical Services and process owner Lisa best to speak to me in French. This is highly their condition.” the months of June 2018 to September 2018. also a time of discovery and questions. appreciated and reassures me, because I can Byrne, program administrator, helped make this Likewise for donors, the sooner their charts project successful. be sure sure I understand them correctly. are completed and evaluated, the sooner they Punctuality I want to express my gratitude to all Horizon can be approved to be donors. Claribel’s advice to colleagues across Horizon (charts completed within the six months or less) staff that I interact with. I recently registered to take prenatal classes who are embarking on a similar project is to 2016: 39 per cent in French. I’m so happy Horizon provides this The number of transplants has increased implement change management processes 2017: 50 per cent Whether it’s doctors, medical administrative opportunity for French-speaking parents. For from an average of 9.5 in the last four years early, as staff may feel overwhelmed with 2018 (as of October): 61 per cent assistants or nurses, their approach is always me, it’s a moment of intimacy, and having to 15 transplants in 2018. There’s also been a change, but don’t lose faith. reduction in cycle time and an increase in the professional and friendly. access to it in my mother tongue makes all the Number of living donors with charts number of recipient patients and living donor “With time and persistence obtaining results is difference. possible,” she said. completed (per year): candidates work-ups completed (see factbox 2016: 10 for more information). The project has already saved more than 2017: 12 Recipient patients have had their transplants $143,000 from avoided dialysis treatments. 2018 (as of October): 21 completed sooner, too, creating an improved Psssst. Hey, you! Yes, you.

Guess what? We’ve built a new online storytelling site, Horizon’s Community News Channel! On this site, you’ll read many of the same kind of stories you’ve loved on our social media pages — all in one modern digital space. We hope you take the time to read about the heartwarming, interesting and innovative actions, accomplishments and activities of your colleagues. Discover the community news channel at news.horizonnb.ca.