Summer 2012 www.rqhealth.ca Revised plan tackles surgery waits he Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) plans to build on its success and aggressively Taddress surgery wait lists with its Revised 2012-13 Surgical Initiative Plan. By continuing to provide sooner, safer and smarter surgical care, the RQHR has renewed its commitment to the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative’s goal of providing all patients an offer of surgery within six months of booking by March 2013. “Our Region has made really important strides in improving wait times and focusing on the patient experience so far,” Dwight Nelson, RQHR president and CEO said. “In order to meet our targets – and sustain them – we have created a plan that includes new and innovative actions beyond what is currently in place, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.” The plan was revised to more aggressively address the issue of patients with extended waits for surgery in the Region. Currently, 95 Premier Brad Wall, HRF CEO Judy Davis, RQHR president and CEO Dwight Nelson and Health Minister Dustin Duncan at per cent of patients receive an offer of the site of the future Plains Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre. surgery within 12 months. The RQHR’s revised surgical plan proposes a broad range of actions, New surgery/outpatient centre including increasing capacity, improving daily work and best practices, further enhancing the Facility to help relieve pressure on RQHR current human resources plan, atients across southern Regina Foundation (HRF) and the Patients will be able to spend less time and strengthening leadership, Saskatchewan will benefit from Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The and energy waiting for appointments accountability and engagement of all a new facility in Regina that centre will put patients first in its staff and physicians. The plan will or navigating a hospital and more willP provide a full range of outpatient design, care delivery and location. time looking after their health.” require additional financial resources services including surgery, diagnostic estimated at $21 million in order “This facility will enable a level The innovative approach to the project imaging, pharmacy, rehabilitation, of co-operation and co-ordination to achieve significant additional stems from the recommendations of outpatient cancer care and other in outpatient health care services procedures. the 2009 Patient First Review, and related services that do not require an that has never been seen before Strong efforts will be made to find overnight stay. in Saskatchewan,” Wall said at a will support Saskatchewan’s focus efficiencies within the surgical Premier Brad Wall has announced June 5 event at the SIAST campus on improving access to surgery, and services value stream. The RQHR will approval in principle for the Plains announcing the facility. “Patients the health care system’s recently also work with the Ministry of Health Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre, will appreciate having related health announced strategy to improve to address funding requirements if the an ambulatory care facility that will services in one location. For example, primary health care through a team Region exceeds budgeted volumes. be designed and built in partnership a cancer patient may be able to receive approach to health services. with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health a CT scan next door to where they See Plan on Page 3 Region (RQHR), the Hospitals of receive chemotherapy treatment. See New Centre on Page 3 Inside This Issue

Meet the new authority...... Page 2 New solutions Stronger client care A first for Sask. Hands-on learning...... Page 4 The Regina Two exciting The province’s first Making baby care better...... Page 4 Qu’Appelle Health primary health atrial fibrillation Your voice for your health...... Page 5 Region is finding care projects ablation, a RQHR at a glance...... Page 5 new ways, through underway in procedure to destroy partnerships and the Region will abnormal tissue Tackling employee injury...... Page 6 innovation, to meet strengthen client that suppresses Helping orphans, families...... Page 7 the service demands care in inner city the heart’s normal New surgical centre opens...... Page 7 created by a rapidly Dwight Nelson Regina and the rhythm, has been SUN partnership renewed...... Page 7 growing population. Fort Qu’Appelle-Balcarres-Lestock area. performed at the Region’s EP lab. RQHR’s 2011-2012 budget...... Page 8 See President Page 2 See Client Care Page 3 See Heart Procedure Page 6 Giving children strength...... Page 8 Message from the President Meeting the challenges of growth

egina Qu’Appelle Health have to do things differently. Not primary health care sites – one Anita Hammond who is pleased that Region’s (RQHR’s) population only to contain costs but to serve our located in Regina’s inner city and a the new area gives mothers a place to is rapidly expanding. clients and patients better. Doing so second, rural west site, serving Fort gather for support “when the rest of Qu’Appelle, Balcarres and Lestock BetweenR 2009 and 2011, the covered will ensure that our health services are the world is asleep.” area (see Page 3). The sites aim to population – the number of people stable and sustainable. Many of the better meet the needs of patients, In further support of Lean, one with provincial health coverage – articles in this issue of HealthNews communities and health care of the terms of the partnership jumped more than five per cent to demonstrate this. providers. renewal agreement signed by the 267,931 people. That’s more than The new Plains Surgery and Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, 14,000 new babies and newcomers Outpatient Care Centre (see pages 1 Lean, an approach to health care the Regional Health Authorities to the RQHR in two years. Statistics and 3), to be built on land opposite delivery which looks at finding and the Ministry of Health, was a Canada projects steady provincial the SIAST campus, will put patients efficiencies through the eyes of the joint recognition of the need for a population growth well into this first in its design, care delivery and customer, is becoming integral to collaborative approach to using Lean century. location. It will support the province’s how all provincial health regions do business. To ensure the care we principles (see story Page 7). We welcome focus on improving access to surgery provide is patient- and family-centred, these newcomers. and improving primary health care We’re making our workplaces better. patients now participate in all of the They bring with through a team approach to health To address the high rate of workplace Region’s Lean initiatives. The creation them the hope for services while helping the RQHR injury, the RQHR has put in place a of the new mother-baby lounge (see a better future, address its capacity demands. Page 4) in the Rawlco Centre for plan that aligns with the province- confirming by The Region is working with Mother Baby Care was the result, in wide Ministry of Health’s 2012-2013 their presence communities to develop two more part, of input from former patient plan to reduce employee injury. The what those of ministry’s five-year goal is no injuries us who live in by March 31, 2017. Dwight Nelson the RQHR have known all along – Meet the new authority In an effort to recruit and retain local that this is a good place to build a life. he Regina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority (RQRHA) is the graduates, the Region is training a While growth provides opportunity, it governing body of the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR). Earlier portion of second- and third-year also creates some challenges. Tthis year, the provincial government appointed the 11-member board. Three medical students who would have studied in Saskatoon in the past. The Service demands are growing as our new members have joined the RQRHA. They are Linda Jijian, Jocelyne Lang new Dilawri Simulation Centre (see population not only expands but ages. and Pat Sparvier. Returning members are Lloyd Boutilier, chairperson, Page 4) is part of this initiative. The Region’s fastest growing age Brian Barber, vice chairperson, Colleen Bryant, Jacqueline Carter, Marie group in 2009 was those over the age Agnes Everett, To create further efficiencies, we’ve of 85. Sean Quinlan, signed agreements with third-party Health services are often under Gary Semenchuck services providers (see Page 7); pressure. For much of this past fiscal and Peter Woidyla. entered into a partnership to share select services with other health year, the demand for acute care For biographical medical and surgical beds exceeded regions and the Saskatchewan information, please see the Region’s capacity. Cancer Agency (see Page 5); and the RQHR’s website At the same time, filling surgical are participating in a provincial at www.rqhealth.ca nursing vacancies has been a laboratory results repository and click on The challenge and the Region has been (see Page 5). Inside Story, then the asked to find significant savings Even though there are growing pains, RQRHA link. Lloyd Boutilier, Brian Barber, Vice through efficiencies (see budget story/ we are fortunate as a health region efficiences table on Page 8). While the Chairperson, Regina Chairperson, Regina Beach and a province to see our numbers Region’s operating revenue (revenues grow. Through partnerships and from all sources including other innovation, and by studying how government agencies, patient fees, parking fees, cafeteria proceeds, etc.) industry leaders achieve success, we has increased 2.8 per cent to $926.3 are facing the challenges that growth million for 2012-2013, reductions have brings and RQHR will continue to been made to base funding (global deliver health care services that put operating funding provided by the our clients at the heart of what we do. Ministry of Health), requiring $12.3 On a personal note, I have recently million in efficiencies to be identified. announced my plans to retire from We have revised our surgical initiative RQHR at the end of 2012, after 11 plan for 2012-2013 (see pages 1 Colleen Bryant, Jacqueline Carter, Marie Everett, years as CEO. I have greatly enjoyed Regina Fort Qu’Appelle Moosomin and 3) with continued emphasis on leading such a talented staff of providing sooner, safer and smarter health care providers to the strong care for the patients in our Region. and sustainable position within the With this plan in place, our goal is to province’s health care system we have provide all patients an offer of surgery achieved and now hold. However, within six months of booking by March 2013. there are personal opportunities I would like to pursue at this time, as In order to meet surgery targets, we well as supporting my family as they have identified that an additional take new career strides. Retirement $21 million in funding for surgeries will afford me with the time required will be required. We will be looking for further budget efficiencies in the to focus on these personal priorities. surgical value stream, but anticipate Linda Jijian, Jocelyne Lang, Sean Quinlan, I have been honoured to serve with Regina Regina Regina that there will be additional funding so many people providing such a requirements to the extent that we valuable public service with passion exceed our original targeted volume and dedication. I am confident they of 24,269 surgeries. will continue to move the Region Despite these challenges, we remain forward successfully in its journey committed to improving access to to create the best possible health care health services that improve the experience for the people we serve. patient experience, contribute to healthy communities, create healthy workplaces and foster a healthy business. To do so means we, as a health region, Dwight Nelson Gary Semenchuck, Pat Sparvier, Peter Woidyla, President and Chief Executive Officer in partnership with the Ministry and Regina Cowessess First Nation Indian Head the province’s other health regions, Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region

2 Summer 2012 Plan Continued from Page 1

On average, the RQHR performs 21,500 surgical procedures per year. Last year, the Region exceeded that number, performing 22,700 surgeries. The RQHR Revised 2012-13 Surgical Initiative Plan can be found at www.rqhealth.ca by clicking on the following links: Programs & Services/ Programs & Services A-Z/Surgical Care Services.

New Centre Continued from Page 1

The project scope and cost projections are being determined.

The Plains Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre is to be located on Crown- owned land opposite the SIAST campus, south of Wascana Parkway.

The HRF has committed to raising funds in support of the centre.

“Our mission is enhancing health care through donor support,” said Judy Davis, CEO of HRF. “An outpatient care facility will be transformational and will have such a positive impact on how health care services are delivered. This is a project we know our donors will want to be a part of. We are excited Dr. Robert Horner, one of four physicians who will operate the inner city primary health care site, and Marci Scott, primary for the opportunity to work with the health care strategic planner, with a site model. partners on this project.”

The centre will enable the RQHR to consolidate services and reduce the future need for large capital Stronger client care investments in its facilities. Two primary health care projects underway It will be designed and constructed using Lean principles, which will he Regina Qu’Appelle Health in a week-long event with consultants that work continues, we’ll also be reduce operating costs and improve Region (RQHR) is proud to be a John Black and Associates, the group addressing more immediate needs for delivery of services for patients. partner in two exciting projects brought on to implement Lean the community as it relates to access “This is an exciting opportunity to T– both of which feature patients and methodology in the RQHR. to services.” their families at the centre of care. transform the way the people of “When I first started the process, I was Towns, rural municipalities, First southern Saskatchewan access health The first is the creation of an inner city very skeptical,” said Tammy McMillan, Nations and Métis locals in the area services in the Regina Qu’Appelle primary health care site in Regina, a patient who feels strongly about the will be approached for their feedback located directly across from the Health Region,” said Dwight Nelson, potential of primary health care in the regarding the strategy. In addition, Pasqua Hospital. Led by four family president and CEO of RQHR. Region. “While we’re not at the end of staff and physicians from RQHR, All physicians, and with support from the it yet, I really felt like I was an equal Nations’ Healing Hospital in Fort “Sustainable surgical capacity will be RQHR, the site will provide primary during the design process, and that my Qu’Appelle and other local health key to helping us maintain our target health care services to Regina’s inner opinions mattered to the doctors and care providers and partners will be of providing surgeries within three city neighbourhoods, in addition to other staff members around the table. engaged to ensure the plan addresses months of a referral. We will engage providing visiting services to the rural We all had the same goal, and that’s to all target groups. patients, staff and physicians in the locations of Regina Beach, Southey and provide better health care.” Cupar. Among its offerings, the site Both the inner city primary health planning and design of the centre.” will focus on meeting clients’ unique Work on this project is already well care site and the Rural West Primary Said Scott Livingstone, Saskatchewan health care needs — including chronic underway. Construction on the centre will begin shortly, with an anticipated Health Care Project are recipients Cancer Agency CEO, “Cancer care disease management — and provide of funding from the Ministry of extended hours for urgent care. opening later this summer. In is about partnerships. Creating an Health, which committed a total of addition, a nurse practitioner has been integrated centre will bring together “Regina’s inner city already features brought on to begin working with $3.6 million in primary health care some really excellent primary health services and experts that will offer the rural locations. Residents in those funding to all health regions in May care services,” said Marci Scott, better care and better health for communities can expect to receive of this year. primary health care strategic planner patients and families in southern services starting in July. for the Region. “We’re excited about Saskatchewan. This is a true patient how this new site will work with The second project is currently referred What is primary first response that we are proud to be what’s currently offered to strengthen to as the “Rural West Primary Health part of.” care for that area, as well as provide Care Project,” and is focused on the health care? development of a primary health care As the project progresses, the Ministry some new services that haven’t been Primary health care is a framework previously available.” strategy for Balcarres, Fort Qu’Appelle, of Health will continue to work with which provides everyday health Lestock and surrounding areas. its partners, including the RQHR, An important component of the services with a focus on patients, the HRF, the Saskatchewan Cancer primary health care model is “We’ve just begun a detailed clients, families and communities Agency and the Wascana Centre community input. The community has consultation process with stakeholders by working with a team of health already been directly involved in the that will continue throughout the professionals. Authority, which oversees the land planning of the centre by taking part summer months,” Scott said. “While around the SIAST campus.

UESTIONS LTH Q HEA UR YO ING ER SW AN green pages • ION YOUR HEALTH REG IN YOUR SASKTEL PHONE BOOK

Summer 2012 3 New centre offers hands-on learning

Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may by EMS to an intensive care unit in remember. Involve me and I’ll understand. Regina. Our new technology allows – Chinese proverb us to rehearse the care and hand off at hanks to the support of each step along the way.” major sponsor the Dilawri The simulation centre offers students a Foundation, and partners such variety of methods and environments asT the College of Medicine and the in which to learn. In some cases, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, the learners work with actors to practice Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s skills required to work with patients new Dilawri Simulation Centre is in a clinic setting or when transferring open for business, giving both health an immobile patient from a bed to a care providers and students a chance stretcher. For other learning sessions, to develop and hone their skills in a they work with part task trainers safe and realistic environment. (simulated body parts) to practice The centre, located in Regina General specific skills. And sometimes learners Hospital, officially opened June 8 work individually with state-of-the- with a media event. Attendees art technology, such as the lacroscopic included Minister of Health Dustin surgical trainers or 3D virtual reality Duncan, RQHR president and CEO training systems, to perfect key skills. Dwight Nelson, Regina Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority chairperson However, the real stars of the show Lloyd Boutilier, Hospitals of Regina are the patient simulators. Foundation CEO Judy Davis, First, there is Harvey, the College of Medicine Dean Dr. Bill cardiopulmonary patient simulator Albritton, and Dilawri Foundation’s used to teach bedside cardiac Ajay Dilawri, as well as other assessment skills. “He is incredibly, representatives from the RQRHA incredibly realistic in terms of what he board, HRF and Health Region. does,” said Dr. Kish Lyster, medical Laureen Larson, director of Academic director at the simulation centre. “This L-R: Murray Schultz, a clinical engineering technologist, Sarah Roder, a clinical Health Sciences, said the simulation is exactly what it would look like, sound nurse educator and Melinda Sauvé, a registered nurse, rehearse the care of a centre was necessary to accommodate like, and be like on a real person.” critically ill patient with Hal, a computer-model-driven mannequin. the increasing number of health Along with Harvey, the simulation science students completing their The fully programmable mannequins can examine X-rays, order lab tests and centre is also home to a family of high- training in Regina. However, it are designed to respond to the treatment even contact the virtual doctor on call. fidelity human patient simulators, that is initiated so that students can see will also provide great value to Above all, the centre offers a safe including a man, woman, child, how their actions will directly affect trained health care professionals environment for staff and students to already working within the Region. toddler, infant and premature baby. the patient. Instructors can also adjust prepare for high-acuity, but relatively “We know, of course, that learning The high-tech, interactive mannequins the mannequins to introduce new rare events, such as treating a trauma continues throughout our careers,” can move, talk and replicate most challenges mid-scenario. “When you she said. “One of our goals is to conceivable medical situations that a adjust the physiological parameters, the patient. In these high-stakes situations, encourage training as a team, since health care professional might face in mannequins’ response is what you’d see there is no room for error. By practicing that is how we work in our practice treating a real human patient, from at the bedside,” Dr. Lyster explained. and refreshing their knowledge, health settings. For example, a pediatric an infection, to a system failure. The The centre’s high-fidelity training care professionals can be confident in trauma may start in a rural setting, be female mannequin, Noelle, is even rooms replicate actual hospital their ability to step up to the challenge stabilized there and then transferred capable of simulating labour and birth. environments, and staff and students of any medical emergency. Making baby care better

he Regina General Hospital continues to take improvements to its Mother Baby Unit since her first moves from one unit to another. By documenting great strides in ensuring its youngest patients child was born, so when she became pregnant with everything on the same form, nurses in each unit can receive top quality care. Most recently, efforts her second baby, she decided to call the hospital to see what type of care the infant has already received haveT focused on improving communication between find out what she should expect. “I wanted to come and what tasks still need to be completed. all those involved in caring for an infant during the as an informed patient,” she said. “We’re hoping to see consistent care and an first few days of life, including staff in the three units After her daughter, Leah, was born in October improvement to that care so that everybody is doing that deliver infant care, and the baby’s parents. 2011, Hammond was invited to use her experience the exact same thing,” said Tom Sorenson, manager to further improve infant care at the hospital. She Regina resident Anita Hammond knew that of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. worked with representatives from the Labour the Regina General Hospital had made several and Birth Unit, the Mother and Baby Unit, The team is also exploring ways to improve and the nursery on a Lean project to improve communication with patients – particularly new communication amongst the units, coworkers and mothers and fathers – by making sure they have patients and standardize the way infant care services all of the information they need before they arrive are delivered. Lean is a patient-first approach to at the hospital, while they are there, and after they health care delivery that puts the needs and values leave. Some of this information will be accessible of patients and their families at the forefront and in the hospital’s new mother-baby lounge – a space uses proven methods to continuously improve the designed to give new moms a place to breastfeed health system. and interact with other new parents. Hammond said the experience has been interesting. “When you come to the hospital to have a baby … “There’s been so much good discussion about improving the quality of care,” she said. you know you’re going to go through this process and it can be scary; it can be overwhelming,” Hammond The group started by determining a baseline for the said. Keeping parents, particularly first-time moms existing delivery of services, looking at items such as and dads, informed of what to expect at each stage, can when to administer medications or give baby its first go a long way toward making sure the first few days of bath. Next, they created standardized best practices for how those services should be delivered in the their baby’s life are comfortable for the entire family. future. The new standards enable nurses to see, at a “It always comes back to communication,” said glance, what tasks need to be done, when they need Sorenson. “If people are talking to each other and Regina resident Anita Hammond, with baby to be done, and why. hearing what the issues are and why those issues exist, Leah, participated in a Lean project to improve These best practices were then used to create a new it’s always easier to resolve [them] and it makes people communication among those who care for infants. tracking chart that follows each infant as he or she feel better about what we are doing.”

4 Summer 2012 RQHR at a glance

Sharing through 3sHealth The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region, the 11 other provincial health regions and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency are cooperating to provide select administrative and support services through the shared services organization Health Shared Services Saskatchewan (3sHealth). 3sHealth, governed by a board of representatives internal and external to the health sector, assumes the established shared services and associated employees of the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO). 3sHealth and its health sector partners have achieved cumulative savings of $29 million, to date. The target is $100 million in cumulative savings for the Pamela Olson reviews the My Voice workbook with her husband Daniel Dumont and their daughter Josée. health system by 2015. SAHO will continue to provide labour relations services, including collective Your voice for your health bargaining, as the representative employers’ organization. Advance care plan directs your care when you can’t

heck out the ‘Personal Finance’ favourite son or daughter,” Peters To help with those discussions, Capacity details online shelf at your local bookstore advised. “It’s a discussion best held Peters and her team have developed Information on Regina’s hospital or the ‘Financial Planning’ with all of the family.” the My Voice workbook, available at Csection in the Yellow Pages, and it’s www.rqhealth.ca (under ‘Programs capacity is now available on the Pamela Olson, a psychologist and clear: financial planning is a hot topic. Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s mother of two, said her experience & Services,’ click ‘Advance Care A growing number of Canadians are website. with her mother’s death illustrates Planning’). This easy-to-use guide investing time and thought in a long- the importance of being clear in one’s breaks the advance care planning Included is occupancy data for the term plan for their estate and finances. health care wishes. process into three steps: Thinking Regina General Hospital and Pasqua But what about health care planning? “My mom was a nurse by trade about what’s important to you in your Hospital, as well as details about how And who makes the difficult decisions and she watched lots of people get health care, talking to people you love we manage our capacity challenges if you are suddenly too ill or injured resuscitated,” Olson said. “She was as well as your medical professional, and what members of the public can to speak for yourself? always very clear: ‘Don’t let that lawyer, and spiritual advisor, and expect if they access care services in Sometimes called a living will, happen to me.’” acting by sharing your decisions and these hospitals. advance directive, or health directive, After a lifetime of good health and values with those closest to you. The information is updated an advance care plan is the legal set relative freedom from illness, Olson’s While many may associate advance Mondays to reflect information of directions you develop for your mother passed away quickly after she care planning with ominous subjects from the previous week. To view medical care if you are unable to was diagnosed with a brain tumour at such as terminal illness or death, the information, go to the Region’s communicate or make decisions due 72 years of age. Peters advises that individuals view website at www.rqhealth.ca and click to illness or injury. Already reeling from the suddenness this type of planning in the same way on the Capacity Information link Cathy Peters, project manager for the of their mothers’ illness and imminent as they view financial planning. death, Olson and her siblings were under News and Events. development of RQHR’s advance care “This kind of planning should be a grateful to have a clear basis for planning protocol, emphasizes that part of everyday life,” Peters said. decision-making. an advance care plan is only used if “It’s just taking care of business.” Faster lab results individuals are unable to speak or Cathy Peters suggests five key events that should prompt us to develop – The Saskatchewan Lab Results communicate for themselves. In that event, she said, “This is their voice; or review and update – our advance Repository is putting lab results in this is the way they speak up and say, care plans. They are the five D’s: providers’ hands faster. Comments? ‘This is what’s important to me.’” diagnosis with a chronic condition, The repository, announced by the divorce from a spouse, a decline in your Please let us know. Any health crisis, be it yours or a province’s Ministry of Health on health, advancing in age to a new HealthNews is published by Regina family member’s, brings a good deal April 27, is a key building block of the decade (turning 40, for example), and Qu’Appelle Health Region. If you of stress; that stress is compounded electronic health record. It will ensure the death of a family member. All of have comments or suggestions, when decisions must be made without these significant life events serve as fewer duplicate tests, quick access please contact us. any clear idea about the patient’s opportunities to consider what would to lab results and a more complete wishes. be most important to us if illness or Phone: (306) 766-5365 history of previous testing. “People have been left feeling very injury rendered us unable to speak for Fax: (306) 766-5414 Providers are now able to access guilty because they didn’t have those ourselves. Email: [email protected] 85 per cent of all provincial lab discussions,” said Peters. “They didn’t Here’s the good news: an advance Or write us at: results. As the repository is fully know what their mom or dad or care plan doesn’t have to be an Communications implemented, electronic lab results spouse would have wanted.” arduous, difficult, or complicated Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region process. It doesn’t even have to be will be available anywhere a While many of us will express our 2180 – 23rd Avenue written down, as long as the key patient seeks medical care across wishes informally to a loved one, Regina, SK people in your life are clear on your Saskatchewan. these private conversations can lead S4S 0A5 health care preferences and values. later to conflict and stress between © Copyright 2012 Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region The Lab Results Repository has cost You can revise your advance care plan family members. $26.7 million to date, and Canada whenever you wish. The key is to Health Infoway has committed $22.7 “Make sure this isn’t a discussion ensure you pass along those revisions million to this project. you end up having with just your to those who should be aware.

Summer 2012 5 Heart procedure a first for Sask. illes Perreaux was a marathon $900,000 for the ongoing operation of runner back in the ’80s. It the EP lab. was then that he first felt “The lab is a significant enhancement anG occasional flutter in his chest. to cardiac services in the province While noticeable, it was just one of and particularly for patients in those things that he didn’t pay much southern Saskatchewan,” he said. “It attention to until later in life, when is gratifying to see the dollars being those flutters lasted longer and longer, put into action, and we applaud the becoming harder to ignore. good work being done. This is another These days Perreaux, a bus driver example of our government putting from Bellegarde, is feeling a lot more patients first.” like he should, thanks to a new Dr. Omar Sultan, the physician who procedure being performed in Regina performed the procedure, said he’s Qu’Appelle Health Region’s (RQHR’s) gratified to play a role in providing Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation cutting edge technology in the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab. treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities The procedure – an atrial fibrillation to the people of Saskatchewan. ablation – destroys abnormal heart “Moreover,” he said, “we are the tissue that can suppress the heart’s second center in western Canada to normal rhythm. Perreaux is the first have used the latest technology in patient in Saskatchewan to undergo treating atrial fibrillation, namely the procedure – a milestone for the the Medtronic Arctic Front Cardiac EP lab, located in the Regina General CryoAblation Catheter System.” Hospital’s Mosaic Heart Centre. Judy Davis, president and chief Previously, patients had to travel out executive officer of the Hospitals of province and often had to wait to of Regina Foundation, noted that receive treatment. the HRF’s role is to enhance health “We knew when the lab opened that care through the support of donors it would be an exciting opportunity and partners. for Saskatchewan residents to receive “The EP lab was established because innovative care,” Lori Garchinski, of a $1.25 million donation from the director of RQHR’s Cardiosciences Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation in Program said of the facility, which 2009. The generosity of the Kinsmen officially opened in November 2011. – and all of the people who support “We’re looking forward to seeing many them – will make a tremendous more stories like this one in the future.” impact on the lives of patients.” Gilles Perreaux, with his wife Linda, says he feels more like his old self since Don McMorris, the province’s health Perreaux, now down to six medications receiving an atrial fibrillation ablation. minister when Perreaux’s procedure from his previous 10, says the was done, said the government is procedure has normalized his life. “I and I’m slowly getting rid of all the Best of all, that nagging flutter in his pleased to provide an investment of have a lot more energy these days, medications I had to take,” he said. chest has finally flown away. Region tackles employee injury

he Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (RQHR) 100 full-time equivalents (FTEs). In 2010-2011, there Besides implementing an effective governance is putting a plan in place to tackle its high rate were 7.33. (The provincial average for 2011-2012 was structure that supports safety, the Region recognizes of injury. not available at publication time.) In 2011-2012, the that managers need to be given the required T Region’s total number of injuries, both lost-time and time, tools, information and authority to enable “If you don’t have a safe environment for your employees, you’re compromising the quality of medical aid, was 2,100. them to be successful in minimizing workplace care you provide to your patients. Patient safety A “lost time” claim occurs when a worker is injuries. By providing staff and managers with an suffers,” said John Paul Cullen, executive director injured at work and misses time at work beyond updated regional safety policy and a functional of Workforce Strategy, Safety & Wellness – Human the initial day of injury. A “medical aid” injury safety management system they’ll have a strong Resource Services. occurs when a worker receives medical attention framework to work within, he said. Employee injury is on the rise in the RQHR. In as a result of a workplace accident but does not “We have to develop and provide performance 2011‑2012, there were 8.3 employee injuries for every lose time from work. measures and establish performance targets and The RQHR is determined to improve this situation. an effective accountability structure so managers “I want employee safety to be as important as understand what injury is occurring, why it’s patient safety,” said John Paul Cullen, executive occurring and how to address it. That’s the only way director of Workforce Strategy, Safety & Wellness we can hold individuals accountable. If you’re not with Human Resource Services. meeting your performance targets, then we need to look at why.” Saskatchewan’s health care workers have the most injury per occupation, reporting 5,060 Workers’ Support will be provided to the small number of Compensation Board claims in 2011, according to units which experience the highest incidence of WCB’s 2011 annual report. employee injury, he said. Eighty per cent of employee injuries in the RQHR The RQHR will continue to invest in equipment are musculoskeletal. and courses which train staff how to lift and move people and objects. The Region’s employee injury reduction strategy aligns with the province-wide Ministry of Health’s 2012-2013 “We also need to engage our union partners to plan to reduce employee injury. The ministry’s five- ensure we work together for the safety of our year goal is no injuries by March 31, 2017. employees and their members and we have to help our occupational health committees be more “Safety is everybody’s responsibility and we all effective.” have a role to play in making sure ourselves, our staff and our colleagues are safe,” said Cullen. “The Once injury reduction has been achieved, it must be organizations that are effective in reducing their sustained, he said. injury rates have created an environment where “At the end of the day, we will reduce workplace Employee and patient safety go hand in hand: a everyone drives the priority of safety, from the injury when everyone throughout the organization safe work environment enables quality patient care. senior leadership through to the front line.” makes it their mission to do so.”

6 Summer 2012 Partnership aids orphans, families

to be somewhere between 490,000 and Mama Kwanza, which translated from two million. Swahili means mothers (or women) “They have much less than we have first, has two doctors offices, two dental in every way, in terms of medical suites, a lab, a medication dispensary, an resources, financial resources, drugs observation area, an immunization area – and they have huge health issues. and space for an ophthalmologist. The They do an incredible amount with next phase of the clinic’s development very little,” said Nelson, noting will include a three-bed ward and a that the regional hospital in Arusha labour and birth room. serves 1.25 million people and has 37 “It’s pretty impressive because it physicians. The RQHR serves 500,000 has North American equipment,” and has about 580 physicians. said Currie, adding that the clinic The RQHR began sending 40-foot sees about 25 to 28 clients daily, 40 containers filled with used medical per cent of whom are non-paying. equipment and community items to “The next challenge will be to get developing countries in 2001, when specialists to do ‘clinic’ days. The the Region formed a partnership with equipment is an incentive.” Pammla Petrucka, a University of In October 2011, Nelson and Saskatchewan nursing professor. By Green Hope’s Makongoro signed 2006, the partnership had grown to a memorandum of understanding include SaskTel. In 2007, the partners (MOU) to foster cooperation between teamed up with Green Hope Org after the two entities. This follows meeting acting director Emmanuel partnership agreements that Green Makongoro. Hope has with SaskTel and the Green Hope is a registered non-profit, University of Saskatchewan. non-governmental organization based Under the MOU, the parties have in Tanzania, formed by Tanzanians, agreed to work collaboratively to with the goal of supporting that source and distribute medical supplies country’s most vulnerable youth, based on Green Hope’s need, explore women and children. Since 2007, five opportunities to cooperate in research containers have been sent to Tanzania; and performance endeavours, and the next one will be shipped this create exchange opportunities for summer. physicians, nurses, researchers, staff “One of the largest challenges and administration from both the of sending containers filled with RQHR and Tanzania. equipment to nations in need is For more information on Green Hope, ensuring the contents reach the go to www.greenhopetz.com. intended parties,” said Currie. “In Arusha, distribution has always been Vulnerable families get free medical care at the Mama Kwanza Health Centre. done with efficiency and transparency. With the combined efforts of our ulnerable families – including Qu’Appelle equipment,” said Dwight partnership here and Emmanuel’s work hundreds of orphans – have Nelson, RQHR’s president and in Arusha, the Green Hope container access to free medical care at chief executive officer. “It has quite project has improved the lives of more theV Mama Kwanza Health Centre in an impact to see our used items people than we could have hoped.” Arusha, Tanzania, thanks, in part, to benefiting those who might not Green Hope’s mandate is to identify, a Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region otherwise get medical help.” promote and protect the lives of (RQHR) recycling project. Tanzania is in dire need of medical marginalized youth and vulnerable “To us, the retired medical equipment aid: the life expectancy for men is children in urban and rural Tanzanian has no value but, to them, it’s like 45.5 and, for women, 47.5, according communities who have limited access Christmas,” said facilities planner to 2002 World Health Organization to health care. Establishing the Mama Marj Currie of the supplies that the statistics. The leading cause of death Kwanza clinic in 2010 was a natural RQHR and its partners have sent to for children who survive the first next step for the organization which Tanzania over the past several years. month of life is malaria. For adults, it’s had, until this time, distributed the Dwight Nelson (left) and Green “The first thing you see when HIV/AIDS. The number of orphans in contents of the container shipments to Hope’s Emmanuel Makongoro sign a you walk into this clinic is Regina this East African country is estimated regional and municipal hospitals. memorandum of understanding. Regina Surgical Partnership renewed s part of a shared commitment to health system Centre opens transformation and patient first care, Health AMinister Dustin Duncan, Saskatchewan Union of dditional operating room capacity has Nurses (SUN) president Rosalee Longmoore and the recently opened for Regina Qu’Appelle regional health authorities signed a renewal of their Health Region (RQHR) patients, helping the partnership agreement on June 13. ARegion to continue its efforts to lower surgery wait times. This two-year renewal builds on the successes of a 2008 SUN/government partnership, which is The new Regina Surgical Centre began taking committed to work together to solve Saskatchewan’s patients at the end of February 2012 and shortage of registered nurses (RNs), registered approximately 400 patients have already received psychiatric nurses (RPNs), and registered nurse surgeries at the centre. Located at 2060 Halifax practitioners [RN(NP)s] by supporting and Street and operated by Surgical Centres Inc. (SCI), maintaining an appropriate, experienced, educated the centre is contracted by the RQHR to provide and engaged registered nurse workforce for the pediatric dentistry, orthopedics, and otolaryngology provision of high-quality, safe patient care. (ears, nose, and throat) surgeries. The renewed tripartite partnership agreement “Offering surgeries through stand-alone clinics, recognizes the importance of a collaborative Fatima Fazal outside of the Regina Surgical Centre. such as this one, is one of the innovative options we approach and the use of Lean principles to have incorporated into our surgical initiative plan,” are on separate floors to allow for the atmosphere to transform the health care system in a manner that said Lloyd Boutilier, chairperson of the Regina supports the principles of Better Health, Better Care, Qu’Appelle Regional Health Authority. be tailored to suit the needs of each patient group. The centre also boasts cutting-edge technology, Better Value and Better Teams. The agreement now Fatima Fazal, chief operating officer of SCI said, formally includes health regions – vital partners including a largely automated medical device “We’ve seen a wonderful combination of people, in the delivery of high-quality health care for of talent, of individuals who are really motivated reprocessing system which reduces the risk of Saskatchewan residents. to be part of what we’re doing here, which is a human error in cleaning and sanitizing medical equipment. The 2008 agreement set out a framework for SUN partnership with the RQHR.” and the provincial government to work with health Each area of the centre maximizes efficiency while All procedures provided through the centre are regions to hire 800 RNs, RPNs and and RN(NP)s. serving a specific purpose. The two children’s scheduled by the RQHR and performed by surgeons Now more than 900 additional registered nurses are operating rooms and three adult operating rooms with RQHR privileges. working in the province.

Summer 2012 7 Budget balances 2012-2013 Efficiencies in millions Savings from vacancies achieved due to normal turnover $2.5 patients’ interests Savings from programs designed to support employee attendance $4.0 and reduce non-productive time Eliminate vacant positions $0.6 he Regina Qu’Appelle Health to increase its expenditures and to Region (RQHR) is receiving allocate an additional $2 million to Changes in processes to reduce costs $1.0 Tadditional funding this year, though capital, bringing the total for capital • Utilize technology to reduce manual tasks it has also been required to find expenditures to $42.5 million. • Streamline processes to eliminate waste • Explore third party funding for discretionary programs significant savings through efficiencies. However, a $14.7 million reduction in its The RQRHA approved the Region’s base funding means the Region needs to • Redesign service provision to avoid duplication and reduce cost 2012-2013 budget at its meeting find $12.3 million in efficiencies. Fee increases/realignments $0.3 May 28. • Increase staff and physician parking rates to align with market Background information and the rates The Region’s operating revenue complete public presentation of • Establish consistent process for long term care billings increases to $926.3 million in 2012- RQHR’s Financial Plan for 2012-2013 General cost reductions/productivity improvements $3.9 2013, from $900.8 million last year (2.8 are available on RQHR’s website at Total Efficiencies $12.3 per cent). This will allow the Region www.rqhealth.ca. Giving children strength Beads of Courage helps children cope with illness

he string of beads around they’ve received and what each she said. “For example, one child said eight-year-old Brooke Folk’s represents. she loved the teal coloured bead she neck is no ordinary piece The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region had received but didn’t like what it Tof jewelry. For Brooke, a pediatric (RQHR) and the Saskatoon Health represented. She got the bead because patient at Regina General Hospital, Region (SHR) are the first places in she’d been catheterized. the beads tell her story. Canada to introduce the program into “The program has the potential to “The yellow ones are for nights I’ve their facilities. Beads of Courage was connect families and patients with founded in 2004 by Jean Baruch, a stayed at the hospital; the purple ones each other and gain comfort from pediatric oncology nurse at Phoenix knowing there are others going are for the medicine I’ve taken. This Children’s Hospital in Arizona. The through the same type of experience,” one is for having surgery,” she says of program has since been launched in continued Webber. “And it provides a glass star. more than 100 children’s hospitals emotional healing and validation Brooke is one of the first participants around the world and is considered during the recovery process while the in the Beads of Courage program, the standard of care in the United child is in hospital.” States, providing innovative arts-in- introduced at Regina General and Nicholson noted that the program, medicine supportive care for children Tracey Folk discusses the Daily Bead Pasqua hospitals earlier this year developed in collaboration with coping with serious illness. Journal with her daughter, Brooke. to pediatric patients who are either nurses, doctors, child life specialists long-term, chronic or who have “The value of the program is huge,” and social workers, taps into the her overnight stays, blood draws and experienced a traumatic event. said Tegan Webber, a child life specialist patient’s own resilience and “has been dressing changes. with Regina General’s pediatrics unit. found to decrease stress, give children Children taking part in the Her mother, Tracey, said the beads Webber facilitates the program at ways to cope with their situation and program receive colourful beads have proven not only to be a great Regina General while Krista Nicholson, help them find meaning in their illness. commemorating treatment milestones a child life worker, oversees Beads of distraction for her daughter, they’ve “Their bead journal gives them a way of which they use to create necklaces. Courage at Pasqua Hospital. turned the two surgeries and her telling their medical journeys to others. Participants are daughter’s long hospital stay – “It helps children and their families This helps them own and understand also given a something that could have been a bad cope with illness by giving children what has happened to them.” experience – into something very good. Daily Bead something tangible to help them The program has been made possible Journal explain their “When the lab comes to do a blood at the RQHR and the SHR because of which hospital draw, what’s going through Brooke’s the generosity of the Saskatoon-based allows journey,” Gillespie Family Foundation. head is not ‘It’s going to hurt,’ but ‘one them to more bead.’ It’s the same when she gets track “I was being treated for cancer in new medication or a dressing change. how Saskatoon and I saw the way the kids “She’s had a really positive time at the many with cancer were and I felt bad for hospital, but this is icing. And what beads them,” said Doug Gillespie, with the foundation. “I felt there had to be child doesn’t like icing,” she said. something for them. I know from Tracey said the program has been having my own kids, and now meaningful for her, too. grandkids, that kids are motivated by rewards. Then, I saw a program “It’s a sign of strength for me. It was on CBS about Beads of Courage never life or death for us but Brooke and I decided that’s where has still gone through a lot for an eight I’m going to put my money. I year old. By looking at her necklace, I contacted the organization in realize that what’s she’s gone through Tucson and told them I wanted is so much worse than the discomfort to be the first in Canada I’m experiencing by sleeping involved.” overnight in a chair, for instance. It He and his friends raised gives us all strength and endurance.” enough money to launch the Brooke, who puts the necklace on program in Saskatchewan her intravenous pole when certain and plan to keep raising funds procedures prevent her from wearing into the future. “This will be an it, said that when she goes home she ongoing labour of love.” plans to keep her beads in a safe place Brooke, in hospital recovering – away from her three brothers. She’ll from surgery related to a also bring the necklace to school for perforated appendix, said she show-and-tell. received an anchor bead, which “It reminds me of all that I’ve been stands for strength through through,” she said. stormy times, a glass fish bead, representing courage, an acorn, When asked if the necklace made her Ajok Madol (left) and Brooke Folk with their Beads of Courage. again for strength, and beads marking feel brave, she firmly nodded, “Yes.”

8 Summer 2012