BLUEWATER HEALTH CELEBRATES CANADA 150 - Page 8 CT Campaign Bluewater Health Reaching Final Celebrates Birth and Stretch Renewal Page 3 Page 6

A Publication of Bluewater Health Foundation Volume 17 Issue 3 WWW.BWHF.CA Fall, 2017

DREAM HOME fully VisitAble in2018

Nelson Peters of Elite Homes Sarnia shows Foundation board member Dan Edwards plans for the interior of the home. Elite Homes is this year’s Dream Home builder. Bluewater Health Foundation’s 2018 could access, visit, and be comfort- difficulty walking temporarily (for can help reduce the number of falls tion on the opening of their innova- Dream Home, this year located at able in our Dream Home, and up to example due to a broken leg). by seniors. tive and sustainable Dream Home,” 3866 Arie Court in Camlachie, is the “More and more, as the popula- this point, it wasn’t always possible,” “We’re thrilled that our first time be- says Roger Gervais, Certified Aging first in Ontario to be fully VisitAble. ing involved with the Dream Home tion ages, we see the need for in- says Kathy Alexander, Executive In Place Specialist. “This is a com- The ‘VisitAble’ home concept in- creased accessibility and supports Director, Bluewater Health Founda- Lottery is also the Foundation’s volves designing and building a for people to stay in their homes mendable accomplishment which tion. “We’re proud to be able to lead first time building a fully VisitAble home with basic accessibility, al- longer,” says Mike Lapaine, Pres- highlights the innovation in your home,” says Nelson Peters, Presi- lowing for easier access to the main the way in making dream homes ident & CEO, Bluewater Health. dent, Elite Homes. “We’re so proud organization, and is a wonderful level for visitors of all ages and more accessible for all our guests.” “This home’s design supports our to be involved in a project that is example of the next important trend mobility. Those who rely on wheel- A ‘VisitAble’ home has three fea- desire for Sarnia-Lambton to have a paving the way in providing Visit- in new housing.” chairs or walkers, or who have lim- tures: a no-step entrance, clear pas- robust care-at-home strategy where ited mobility due to age or other Able, universally-designed homes.” families can age and remain in their For more information on VisitAble sageways, and an accessible bath- VisitAble houses are environ- factors, will now comfortably be homes and community for longer. homes, visit visitablehousingcana- room. In addition, the modifications able to access the main level of the mentally, financially and socially We are proud to be supporting a will also allow for the homeowner da.com. Full Dream Home Lottery home – something that was never sustainable, providing benefit to home that is pushing the design details can be found at bwhf.ca. possible before. to more easily transport furniture communities with older citizens, envelope for accessibility.” “It was very important for us to or strollers into the home, and will allowing people to live at home “I want to offer sincere congratula- Tickets will go on sale October 2 ensure all people in our community be of benefit to those who may have longer. Having a no-step entrance tions to Bluewater Health Founda- and open houses start October 7.

Dream Home committee members, local dignitaries, and Bluewater Health and Foun- Artist’s rendering of the exterior of the Dream Home. dation staff gathered at a hard hat tour of the home on August 8.

Kicking off We Are the Holiday Bluewater Season with Health Fun for All Page 7 Page 2 Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 2 Fall, 2017 Upcoming Events KICKING OFF THE Foundation Events October 7: Dream Home open houses begin HOLIDAY SEASON October 12: Sick Not Weak – An Evening with Michael Landsberg WITH FUN FOR ALL November 15: National Philanthropy Day November 24 - 25: Winter Wonderland (see story this page) November 30: Children’s Auxiliary’s Annual Cookie Walk (see ad this page) November 30: Light Up Our Hospital For Foundation event information please contact the office at (519) 464-4408 or visit our website at www.bwhf.ca. Bluewater Health Board of Directors Meetings September 27, 5:00 pm October 25, 5:00 pm November 22, 5:00 pm For location, meeting details and other hospital events, please visit the events calendar on Bluewater Health’s website at www.bluewaterhealth.ca. Health Watch October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Occupational Therapy Month, Patient Centred Care Awareness Month, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, Healthy Workplace Month October 1: National Seniors Day October 1 to 7: World Breastfeeding Week (Canada) and Mental Illness 99.9 The Fox FM morning show host Sarah Woodley and Foundation vice-chair Rob Jenkins stop for a selfie with Santa at last year’s market. Awareness Week Bluewater Health Foundation, to- ing some of Sarnia-Lambton’s performers in each group. October 10: World Mental Health Day gether with Mainstreet Credit Union, finest gift merchants, all while en- Join us and kick off your holiday October 15: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day is excited to announce the return joying festive sights, sounds and season with two fun, festive events while at the same time support- October 16 to 20: National Infection Control Week of Winter Wonderland, again be- local food and drink in a cozy mar- ket environment. ing Bluewater Health Foundation October 16 to 22: Spiritual & Religious Care Awareness Week ing held at DeGroots Nurseries. On Saturday, families can expect in raising funds for much-needed October 21 to 27: Respiratory Therapy Week The popular holiday event will take the same holiday fun as in previous equipment for our community hos- October 22 to 28: Canadian Intensive Care Week place over the course of two days pitals. For more information, visit years, with a few new fun additions. October 29: World Stroke Day bwhf.ca. this year: a market on Friday, No- New this year is the addition of a October 30 to November 3: Canadian Patient Safety Week vember 24 from 5:00 to 10:00 pm, kids’ talent show, where each en- We are still seeking ven- November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness and the traditional kids’ fun fest on trant will be entered in a draw to dors for the evening market. Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Diabetes Awareness Month, Saturday, November 25 from 11:00 win a grand prize. Children of all Contact Adele Stewardson at CPR Month, Woman Abuse Awareness Month and the Period of PURPLE am to 4:00 pm. ages can participate in one of two [email protected] Crying to raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome On Friday, adult guests can start age categories, and small prizes or call 519-464-4439 to learn November 5 to 11: Medical Radiation Technologist Week their holiday shopping by perus- will also be awarded to the top three more. November 6 to 11: Family Doctor Week November 6 to 12: National Senior Safety Week November 12 to 18: National Addictions Awareness Week November 14: World Diabetes Day GRANFONDO November 15: World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day November 20: National Child Day DEMONSTRATES November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women GROWTH AND SUCCESS December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On August 6, 750 riders took part in be funding the first Lambton Palli- (which also sold out). Three routes the second annual Bluewater Inter- ative Care Retreat which will help were offered once again – the Sarnia national Granfondo that started and in the continuing education of the 50 K, the Lambton 100 K, and the finished along the shores of Lake Palliative Care nursing community Bluewater 150 K – and welcomed Huron in Bright’s Grove’s beauti- in Sarnia-Lambton. cyclists who travelled from across ful Mike Weir Park. This year, the The sold-out event increased its Canada, the United States and inter- event raised over $50,000 and will ridership by 250 from last year nationally. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 3 Fall, 2017 CT CAMPAIGN Donor Profile REACHING FINAL LiUNA STRETCH

Members from LiUNA Local 1089 stand outside their Confederation Street offices in Sarnia with Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander.

Bluewater Health Foundation Chair Jon Palumbo (left) and Executive Director Kathy Alexander (right) present the first million-dollar Labourer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1089 rep- installment for Bluewater Health’s new CT scanner to Mike Lapaine, Bluewater Health President and CEO, and Dr. Youssef Almalki, resents approximately 700 Construction Craft Workers and 200 Industrial Consultant Radiologist, Medical Director, Diagnostic Imaging. Janitorial Workers in Lambton County. A diverse and socially-responsible In early 2017, with the help of the in another community, or maybe The overwhelming response from union, LiUNA works with many community groups to ensure the public and Foundation, Bluewater Health ac- not at all. our donors and Grateful Patients, elected government representatives are aware of the benefits that unions quired a new state-of-the-art CT In June, Bluewater Health Foun- combined with the support of a gen- bring to the economy of Sarnia-Lambton. scanner. Bluewater Health is one of dation shared the touching story erous individual donor who matched With a long history of community commitment and a strong desire to give only three hospitals in Ontario to of Emily, a patient who benefitted the first $10,000 in gifts, made this back to the communities in which their members work, LiUNA is actively in- acquire the Revolution CT scanner. from a CT scan at our community one of the most successful mail volved in many events and charitable endeavours in Sarnia-Lambton both fi- Equipment of this caliber required hospital. Emily’s story was shared campaigns in our history! In just one nancially and through thousands of hours of volunteer time from its members. a significant investment, and as a not only with Foundation support- month over $52,000 was raised to- Bluewater Health Foundation is pleased to have its generous support as a result Bluewater Health Foundation ers, but also patients who had re- wards the new CT Scanner, bringing Gold sponsor of the upcoming Tribute Gala featuring Michael Landsberg, with began a $2.4 million campaign for cently been to Bluewater Health for us to 83% of our $2.4 million goal! proceeds going to Mental Health and Addictions Services at Bluewater Health. the purchase of this scanner in 2016. a diagnostic imaging procedure. So We are grateful to everyone who has In addition to its generous sponsorship of the Gala, LiUNA 1089 and its It has been an exciting time for the often patients express to physicians contributed to the campaign so far. Ontario Provincial District Council (OPDC) have recently pledged $250,000 team in Diagnostic Imaging as they and other hospital staff their appre- We still have some work to do to in to improve and enhance mental health treatment for children and youth at are able to now see firsthand the ciation for the care they received order to reach our goal and you can Bluewater Health. This gift, the largest ever received by a union, will play potential of the new machine. One at Bluewater Health and they wish a vital role in improving the services available for Child and Youth mental of the first people to experience the there was a way they could express help! Please consider making a gift health patients in Sarnia Lambton. benefits of the new CT was a patient their gratitude. Our Grateful Patient to the CT Scanner today. Every do- “The Sarnia-Lambton community and our members’ children and loved ones with Parkinson’s disease. A scan mailer provided thousands of peo- nation makes a difference and helps have come to rely on the mental health care that Bluewater Health provides,” would not have been attempted ple with the opportunity to give back to strengthen healthcare for so many said Mike Maitland, Business Manager, LiUNA Local 1089. “The members with this patient in the old scanner and acknowledge the work of a de- in the Sarnia-Lambton community. of LiUNA are so grateful to Bluewater Health for the services they offer to due to the blurry images that result partment or individual at Bluewater To learn more about the campaign children and youth struggling in our community, and we are committed to when a patient can’t stay still. He Health that went above and beyond or to make a donation please visit working with Bluewater Health to enhance the care and services they provide would have had to receive his scan in their care. www.bwhf.ca for our youngest citizens. Local 1089 wants to help create a safe space for our children, youth and their families; that is why we are making this invest- ment in our community hospital.” Bluewater Health Foundation is proud to have had LiUNA Government and BLUEWATER HEALTH Community Relations Coordinator Jason McMichael on its Board of Direc- tors for the past three years. Jason has been actively involved with the Foun- PUBLISHES RESEARCH dation including the role of MC at the annual Gala. STUDY

Bluewater Health prides itself on published literature to explore what Periareolar Injection of Technetium Volunteer Profile offering personalized, exemplary options were available to help ease Tc99m Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Golf Fore Health cancer care. Patients diagnosed the discomfort of this procedure. Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Can- with breast cancer receive the ben- She discovered little evidence sup- cer: A Randomized Control Trial, Planning Committee efit of high-quality imaging, skilled porting the use of a topical anaes- has been accepted for publication surgeons and oncologist, short thetic cream so she designed a re- in the Journal of Imaging and Ra- wait times, and a patient navigator search study to add to the scientific diation Sciences (JMIRS). JMIRS to provide support and information knowledge. Canning was able to se- along the way. Part of breast can- cure a research grant from Medbuy is an international, peer-reviewed cer surgery often involves a ‘senti- Corporation, and also recruited Dr. journal that accepts manuscripts nel lymph node biopsy.’ A sentinel Mikelle Bryson-Campbell and Dr. in all fields of diagnostic imaging lymph node biopsy involves inject- Rajeev Suryavanshi to partner on and radiation therapies, including ing a ‘tracer’ before surgery to locate the study. radiological technology, magnetic Pictured from left to right are members of the 2017 Golf Fore Health planning commit- the lymph nodes closest to the tu- The study determined that topical resonance, nuclear medicine, radi- tee: Tyler Casselman, Brendan Kelly, Ernie Wong, and Tyler MacLaren. Missing: Jon Leppington, Jamie Parkinson, Trevor Roberts, Andrew Warder, and Jeff Wong. mor and then removing these during anaesthetic cream does not signifi- ation therapy and sonography. The surgery. This allows the team to as- cantly reduce pain during the pro- Golf Fore Health has been a signature Bluewater Health Foundation event for design, implementation and revi- sess if any cancer cells have spread cedure. However the study aided 23 years. The planning committee, comprising staff and Foundation volun- sion process for publishing a study to the lymph nodes (presumably the in clarifying the current conflicting teers, plan all aspects of the tournament and gather prizes and auction items is a very challenging endeavor. It first place cancer would travel). research and identified areas for fu- during the months leading up to the event. Proceeds from the tournament, Patients at Bluewater Health have ture research and refinement in the is a great honour to have Bluewa- totaling over $350,000 since 1994, have helped to fund much-needed proj- indicated the tracer injection pro- sentinel node biopsy procedure. ter Health’s work recognized and to ects and equipment purchases across the hospital. This would not be possi- cedure can be very painful. Patient The research study, Effect of Topical influence the direction of care in the ble without the hard work of our committee volunteers, and we wish to extend Navigator Sarah Canning reviewed Anaesthetic Cream on Pain during field of breast cancer. our gratitude to all committee members, past and present. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 4 Fall, 2017 WE COULDN’T DO MO’RUN BENEFITS Winners Helps Mental PROSTATE CANCER Health Patients CLINIC

Thank you to Winners for its generous donation of games and supplies for patients in the Mental Health and Addictions Services program at Bluewa- Thanks to the organizing committee of Mo’Run Sarnia for donating the proceeds of 2016’s race to Bluewater Health’s ter Health. Pictured, Lindsay (right), founder of The Stigma Survivors and Prostate Cancer Clinic. Members of the committee (including young Jacob, pictured front and centre, who was the a Winners employee, delivers the items to Recreation Therapist Beth (left). run’s top fundraiser!) formally dropped off a grand total of $8,000 to members of the Foundation and the clinic in May. Catholic Women’s SHOP LIKE CHARLOTTE League Supports PROCEEDS TO CEEH Palliative Care FOUNDATION

Thanks to the Catholic Women’s League of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Sar- Denise Thibeault-Sanders, Petrolia Volunteer Business Group (left) presents the proceeds from the 6th annual Shop nia for its generous donation of supplies for patients in Palliative Care. Pic- Like Charlotte event to CEEH Foundation Chair Owen Byers (second from right). Also in the picture is Marcel Blais, tured from L to R: Kathy Alexander (Bluewater Health Foundation), Courtney Nurse Practitioner and Anastasia Carron, Charge Nurse. The $2,500 donation helped purchase L-Carts for the Emer- Young (Palliative Care unit), and Joan and Pat (Catholic Women’s League of gency Department, a CPR mannequin, and a defibrillator. This equipment will allow all CEEH staff to be trained on- Our Lady of Mercy Church). site, thereby avoiding travel to another location for this education. Pediatric Patients SARNIA SAINTS RUGBY Supported by FOOTBALL CLUB Elementary Students DO IT FOR SARNIA

Throughout the year, Cathcart Boulevard Public School teacher Ms. Mortimer rewarded her students who did good deeds (like sharpening pencils, etc.) with spare change. As students completed the deeds, nickels, dimes and quarters were placed in a jar and collected throughout the year. At the end of the school year, the students decided to donate the money to Bluewater Thank you to Sarnia Saints Rugby Football Club for selecting the Do It For Sarnia campaign as the beneficiary of its Health, specifically to purchase materials to make children’s pillowcases for 2017 Playing It Forward dinner and auction. The event raised a total of $7692 for the campaign. Pictured, Spencer pediatric patients in Day Surgery. The class formally offered the donation to Houlihan, the club’s Captain and Secretary, and Jon Palumbo, Foundation Board chair who is also involved with the Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander in June. club, present Dan Edwards with the cheque. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 5 Fall, 2017 IT WITHOUT YOU VOLUNTEER Family Fund Benefits CELEBRATES 60 YEARS Hospital OF SERVICE

Thank you to the Catterson Family Fund, held within Sarnia Community Foundation, for once again allocating funds to Bluewater Health Founda- tion. Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander (left) accepted the do- nation from Sarnia Community Foundation Executive Director Jane Anema.

Providing Help to Bluewater Health celebrated the 60 years of service of volunteer Jean Paisley. Ms. Paisley worked as a nurse in Pediat- H.E.L.P. Program rics and Surgery at Sarnia General Hospital before joining the Children’s Auxiliary as a volunteer in 1957. In addition to being instrumental in helping the Auxiliary in its fundraising to support the Maternal/Infant/Child program, she has also served for more than 25 years throughout the hospital as a supportive care volunteer who spends time at the patient bedside. Bluewater Health President and CEO Mike Lapaine presented Ms. Paisley with a certificate and token of the hospital’s appreciation. A SECOND YEAR OF THE DO IT FOR SARNIA BLOCK PARTY

Thank you to Kathy and Polly from St. Paul’s Anglican Church of Pt. Edward (pictured with Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander) for their do- nation of beautiful afghan throws to the Hospital Elder Life Program (H.E.L.P.) Introduced in 2016, the program aims to prevent delirium and functional de- cline in patients over the age of 70 who are admitted to the hospital.

Patient Lending a Helping Hand to Dialysis Photo credit: Theresa Chalmers - Limitless Thank you to the community, especially title sponsor BMO, for its support of the second Do It For Sarnia Block Party. Pictured, Foundation staff poses with Dan Edwards at the event held on July 14.

Bob Cassetta, a dialysis patient at Bluewater Health, is in the midst of a fundraising campaign to purchase a new dialysis chair for the department. His efforts include a concert in the fall, and a bake sale that was held in the atrium in July. The bake sale alone raised over $1,000. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 6 Fall, 2017

BLUEWATER HEALTH Achieving Another CELEBRATES BIRTH Step for Withdrawal AND RENEWAL Management

In July, Bluewater Health received $200,000 from the Erie St. Clair LHIN and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to help determine a location, de- velop a detailed design, and to secure planning assistance for the Residential Withdrawal Management program in Sarnia-Lambton. “The announcement is a significant milestone for the residents of Sar- nia-Lambton,” according to Mike Lapaine, President and CEO, Bluewater Aamjiwnaang First Nation drummers and dancers participated in a celebration of birth and renewal at Bluewater Health. Health. “We are one step closer to making our Residential Withdrawal Man- Bluewater Health’s Maternal/Infant/ Two drummers, four dancers and The rooms were renovated with agement program a reality and this is great news for our community. Getting Child unit officially opened its new- an elder, from Aamjiwnaang First the support of Bluewater Health the ‘green light’ for the next phase is fabulous news.” ly-renovated birthing rooms with a Nation, led the hospital in cele- Foundation. Identified by our community as a high priority, Bluewater Health has invest- ribbon-cutting by MaLynda Maness bration in the Atrium following the “We’ve been working with Blue- ed heavily in Withdrawal Management. Between April 2014 and December and Joanne Culley from the Aamji- dedication, to celebrate birth and 2016, our Withdrawal Management program has helped more than 800 lo- water Health for some time to wnaang First Nation’s Health Babies renewal, and bring awareness to cal residents through over 4,500 patient interactions. It has seen more than achieve this result,” says Joanne Healthy Children program and Mike Indigenous customs and traditions. 550 family visits and provided assistance to 455 non-registered clients (who Lapaine and Sally Jenkins from “The blessing of the Indigenous Culley, Aamjiwnaang Healthy Ba- made informal inquiries). Services have been streamlined, resulting in short- Bluewater Health. birthing room was an excellent bies Healthy Children Nurse. “It’s er wait times for services such as counselling. Typical wait times at Bluewater The rooms were designed so important to have a safe Health have fallen from 19 days in April 2014 to less than one day currently. The new facility will be easily accessible and community based. In addition to allow expectant mothers and welcoming environ- to the existing community withdrawal management services, day treatment to stay in the same room ment for First Nations fam- and referral services, it will include 10 residential program beds and six throughout labour, birth, ilies, to give our babies the stabilization beds. “As we continue to work with our health system partners recovery and postpartum, best start in life.” to develop this facility, we will continue to rely heavily on the public and and represent a new birthing Bluewater Health is pur- our community partners to guide our work,” adds Paula Reaume-Zimmer, experience in the unit. One Integrated Vice-President, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Bluewater suing other opportunities of the rooms was special- Health. Please watch for more public input sessions in the future. ly designed for Indigenous to ensure it is meeting the Mike Lapaine, President and CEO, Bluewater Health along with births. Its size accommo- Chief Joanne Rogers and Elder Mike Plain from Aamjiwnaang healthcare needs of Indig- First Nation celebrate birth and renewal at the Sarnia hospital. dates larger families and enous peoples in the com- traditional ceremonies, and features opportunity for Bluewater Health munities it serves. It is supporting Kindness Rocks Indigenous art. Traditional birth to strengthen our relationship with the development of a Bluewater customs such as cedar baths, and First Nations communities,” says Spread Health volunteer Indigenous Ad- liquid smudging can be performed Mike Lapaine, President & CEO, visory Panel and an Indigenous Encouragement on-site. The room was blessed by Bluewater Health. “It will help us be Elder Eliza John from the Aki Kwe more aware in the care we provide Navigator role which Bluewater (Bkejwanong – Walpole Island First to Indigenous patients and families Health is working with our com- Nation). that come to our hospital.” munity partners to secure. COMMUNITY EVENTS Benefitting Bluewater Health

Sarnia Modern Women Show Al Weiss & Friends Volunteers paint Kindness Rocks to share messages of encouragement. September 30, 2017 October 7, 2017 Kindness is in the spotlight at Bluewater Health, featuring prominently in the current Strategic Plan. “Kindness at Bluewater Health is not new,” says Benefitting Mental Health & Addiction Services Benefitting Mammography Shannon Landry, Chief Nursing Executive. “Our renewed focus is meant to More info: sarniamodernwomen.com More info: imperialtheatre.net build on the foundation we had and spark a kindness revolution.” Volunteers bring kindness to Bluewater Health every day through their Benefit Concert Mo’Run Sarnia smiles, concern, time, and helpfulness. Recently, they contributed their artis- October 15, 2017 November 12, 2017 tic talents, producing “Kindness Rocks” for waiting areas This movement that is spreading around the world involves painted rocks with a word of encour- Benefitting Dialysis Benefitting Prostate Cancer Clinic More info: bwhf.ca or kidney.ca/Sarnia More info: morunsarnia.com agement. They are available in selected waiting rooms throughout Bluewater Health during the month of September, with the hope that our patients and families will select a rock with a word that resonates with them. They may also choose to give the rock to someone else who might need some support. Interested in planning your own fundraiser for Bluewater Health? Check out bwhf.ca/host-an-event for more info and to get started. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 7 Fall, 2017

TORY’S STORY Patient Experience Partners Contribute to Positive Change

Bluewater Health strives to make each and every patient interaction an exem- plary healthcare experience – and has engaged former patients (and family members) to use their own instances of care to benefit future patients. The motto of these patient advisors – known at Bluewater Health as Patient Expe- rience Partners (PEPs) –is ‘Giving a voice for positive change.’ To truly ‘give their voice,’ they need – and get – the hospital’s full support. PEPs are involved at all levels of the organization, from Board of Director committees to departmental project implementation. They participate in in- terview panels for new hires and in developing the organization’s provincial-

Photo credit: Kaoss Studios ly-mandated Quality Improvement Plan which is publicly accessible. To date, Tory (centre, with son, Rhett) is thankful for her team of care providers at Bluewater Health, including Dr. Michel Haddad (left), Dr. they have logged more than 100 involvements, with future plans to involve Baljit Singh (right) and Dr. Paul Dobrovolskis (missing from photo). them in technology decisions, Quality of Care reviews, and more. My name is Tory, and I live in Thed- Following the first surgery, the team life support and began recovery af- “We interview all new PEPs to identify their interests, skills and abilities to ford with my husband, Jeff, and our discovered I have an unusual blood ter waking up the next day. Soon I ensure the work they do is meaningful to them and the hospital,” says Shannon three children: Eveleigh, Wesley, disorder and I continued to bleed began using my limbs again, and Landry, Chief Nursing Executive. “We also have the only PEP in Canada – and Rhett. uncontrollably. The team planned started physiotherapy and occupa- one of our Co-Chairs, Wayne Gohn – who is certified to train others how to My story begins in the second half a second surgery with a hysterec- tional therapy to return home. be an effective PEP, to help us get patients the resources and care they need.” of my most recent pregnancy. I was tomy to improve the hemorrhaging. I was in hospital a total of 18 days. When new PEPs join the organization, they attend a hospital orientation admitted to the Maternal/Infant/ Unfortunately this did not resolve it My son was cared for by family and Child unit because I was experienc- session along with new hires. This provides them with an understanding and I kept bleeding. I was moved to I met him for the first time (awake) ing complications, and at 29 weeks of Bluewater Health’s mission, vision and values, and strategic priorities. ICU at this time and placed on life when I was discharged home. gestation Dr. Baljit Singh became PEPs also have the opportunity to participate in Lean White Belt training support as my body was using large I can’t thank you enough for the my OB. taught at Bluewater Health by qualified instructors. Lean is a methodology amounts of blood and platelets to care you provided. Patty in MIC ad- After an ultrasound at roughly 31 Bluewater Health uses to continually improve its processes. It is extremely survive. My amazing ICU team kept mitted me and was with me during weeks I was placed on pelvic rest. working to keep me alive with fluids helpful for the PEPs to understand Lean concepts when working with various I continued working full-time as an my first surgery. She was so caring, and the needed blood products. At departments and committees, and allows them to be more effective partners. agricultural account manager and and I knew she was in my corner the this time, my son was brought down Prior to joining a committee, the PEP meets with its chair to gain a better slowed down my very busy lifestyle whole time. All the OB nurses made from the nursery for some skin-to- understanding of the committee’s scope. Those are but a few of the ways on our poultry and crop farm. And me feel like I was at home, and not skin time. My blood pressure dra- Bluewater Health prepares its PEPS to use their experience for the benefit of did I mention I have a three-year-old just a number. Dr. Singh was amaz- matically stabilized during this time future patients. and a two-year-old? ing, as was my anesthesiologist, Dr. to everyone’s amazement. Bluewater Health was invited to present at an international conference on I had some light spotting during Dobrovolskis. Dr. Haddad in ICU My team then performed a third patient care in August. Joining speakers from across North America, Bluewa- week 37. With the severity of my sat with my husband and explained surgery in Sarnia to control the ter Health’s Chief Nursing Executive Shannon Landry and the organization’s condition, Dr. Singh admitted me, the plan for my care, and was hon- bleeding. My chances of surviving Patient Experience Partner (PEP) Co-Chair Wayne Gohn shared Bluewater since it’s a long drive to the hospital est and compassionate about my the surgery were less than 5% as from Thedford should an emergency prognosis. He was also a champion Health’s ground-breaking patient experience partner model. The conference my body was using the blood and occur. A C-section was then sched- for my care and I know he worked was NRC Health’s 23rd Annual Symposium for Patient-Centred Care. uled for 39 weeks gestation. platelets so quickly. Once the sur- through the night to save my life. Beginning in September PEPs will undertake two more significant projects, For the week in hospital prior to my gery was successfully completed, Jenn, Marg, and Patty on ICU took in evaluating key patient commitment statements and rounding to units/de- surgery, the excellent nursing team however, the hospital contacted such good care of me. To all of you, partments to gain a better understanding of issues identified in patient sat- on MIC took care of me, with dai- LHSC and I was transferred to Lon- I can honestly say I wouldn’t be here isfaction surveys. PEPs will receive monthly updates from departments on ly fetal and mother monitoring, and don while still on life support. I had without you! advances in patient and family-centred care in the hospital. check-ups with Dr. Singh and other literally used all the blood products “Exceptional Relationships is one of the four priorities in our Strategic Plan, OBs. I was able to get a day pass a up in Sarnia. In London, they per- Did you have a positive experi- and we continue to expand the involvement of our PEPs,” says Mike Lapaine, few times, and visited with my mom formed a fourth surgery which was ence at Bluewater Health? Con- President & CEO, Bluewater Health. “Their role is ingrained in our organi- and kids in Sarnia during that time. planned by my Bluewater Health sider acknowledging the care My son, Rhett was born healthy by team. It was done three days after I you received by making a do- zation as they are engaged in meaningful and important work from system C-section at 39 weeks, weighing 6 stabilized, allowing my body to rest. nation to your community hos- design to program implementation as true partners in care looking through lbs 12 oz. The delivery was difficult I had a total of 26 staples as well pitals. Learn more about giving the patient lens. Their contribution of worthy work to our hospitals is truly for the team due to my complications. as internal stitching. I was taken off opportunities at bwhf.ca. best-in-class.”

What is a hospital? It’s great care. It’s exemplary volunteers, caregivers and employees. It’s a kind smile. It’s a place to heal, a place of the most meaning- ful arrivals and departures. A hospital isn’t a building. It’s people. The 2,500 people who work and volunteer at Bluewater Health are our hospital. It’s the people of Bluewater Health who make it great. It’s the people of Bluewater Health who care for our communities. The daily commitment to service at the front lines of our dedicated and en- gaged staff, professional staff and volunteers results in endless possibilities. Through the We Are Bluewater Health campaign, we will shine the spotlight on some of Bluewater Health’s exceptional people. The campaign includes a short video, viewable on www.youtube.com/blue- waterhealth, and individual profiles shared on the Bluewater Health website and social media accounts, through posters and in print publications. These are the faces and people of our community hospital. Together we are proud and humbled to care for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. We are Bluewater Health. Volume 17 Issue 3 PAGE 8 Fall, 2017

BLUEWATER HEALTH CELEBRATES CANADA 150

Bluewater Health’s Healthy Living Team, in conjunction with Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital birthday in both hospitals with a unit/department decorating contest, delicious cake, and lots of (CEEH) Foundation and Bluewater Health Foundation, inspired celebration of Canada’s 150th Canadian fun. Here are only a few photos from Bluewater Health’s celebrations.

First Place (Sarnia) - Health Records and Patient Registration

A depiction of the Bluewater Bridge, complete with summer and winter scenes on each side (complete with real poutine for the The winning team at Bluewater Health, Sarnia enjoyed an ice judges to sample on the summer side!) cream party where they celebrated their win (and cooled off from the summer heat!)

Second Place (Sarnia) Third Place (Sarnia) Third Place (Sarnia) Diagnostic Imaging Palliative Care (tied with the Laboratory) Laboratory (tied with Palliative Care)

The Diagnostic Imaging team went above and beyond to create While the Palliative Care team decorated multiple areas in The team went above and beyond decorating the entire hall- this beautiful 150 display right down the hall from where pa- their unit, the outdoor Canadian patio was highlighted by way outside the Lab. Worth noting is the team’s Canadian tients register. Their display also continued in Mammography. judges. flag made entirely of lab supplies and pictures of real bacte- ria grown just for the occasion. First Place (CEEH of Bluewater Health) Physiotherapy

A very Canadian scene complete with a faux campfire and Bluewater Health, Sarnia celebrated Canada 150 by singing O Canada, followed by lots of cake. s’mores put the Physiotherapy department ahead of all the competition. The winning team celebrated its victory with a pizza party.

There was no shortage of cake and good company to celebrate Canada 150 at CEEH of Bluewater Health. The Foundation enlisted the help of Great Lakes Secondary School student Cassidy Cooper to help decorate for the big day by painting a very Canadian display on its front window.

Honourable Mention Honourable Mention Honourable Mention Best Department Spirit – Cardiac Care Cutest Decor - Maternal Infant Child Most Social Media Savvy – Poppies

The Cardiac Care team shows off how much they ‘heart- The footprints on the leaves were those of babies born in Hospital visitors could become a Mountie at Poppies’ beat’ Canada. June at Bluewater Health. photo station.