website: www.suncountry.sk.ca

healthline: 1-877-800-0002

Box 2003 , SK Vol. 4 July 2005 S4H 2Z9 Tel: (306) 842-8399 Fax: (306) 842-8738

Families donate

to care centre Two generous donations, made recently to Sun Country Health Region’s newest facility, came from families with long-standing ties to health care. Dr. Philip and Gloria Fong and family, and Doug and Marga Cugnet and family, have each committed $50,000 to sponsor a “house” in Tatagwa View, the long term care facility in Weyburn bui lt to replace the 84-year-old Souris Valley Extended Care Centre. Tatagwa View was officially opened on Ju ne 22, with 123 residents at home. Six other donations came from the Weyburn Credit Union, Weyburn Co-op, the Young Fellows Club of Weyburn, CIBC, and a double contribution from

the RM of Lomond No. 37.

Dr. Philip Fong is resident physician at Tatagwa View and Weyburn Special

Care Home and a 40-year member of the Weyburn medical community. He

was deputy chief of staff for the Weyburn General Hospital for 30 years and chief of staff for the district/region for eight years. His wife, Gloria, director of patient counselling for Sun Country, has worked Adding beauty to the yard: Ron Kyle of Manor helps to beautify his town as a social worker in Souris Valley for 26 years. Two of their five children, through his “artful” yard. He has applied some imagination and welding skills and one daughter-in law, are medical doctors, also practicing in Weyburn. to old wrenches and other tools to create amusing works of art on his hand- made stone fence and in his back yard. Public health inspector Derrick Marga Cugnet is vice president of primary and integrated care for Sun Mooney says the work is guaranteed to cause motorists to “slow down, gawk Country and formerly for the South Central Health District. She has been a and smile.” nurse and administrator for 25 years. Her husband, Doug, works in the payroll division of the region. “Health care is a passion,” says Marga, who started her career at Weyburn General Hospital as a candy striper, at 12 years of age. “It’s a big part of my Beautiful towns life. I love it even more now than when I started,” she says. The couple has three children. Their daughter, a registered dietician, is again in university to obtain her degree in nursing. good for health “As a nurse, I never wanted to deal with the financial end of health care,” says Mrs. Cugnet. “I just wanted to look after people. But in a management What does a community yard mental health of their citizens, he role, I see that everyone, including the public, has to help support health clean-up have to do with good says. care. It’s not just government’s role,” she says. health? “Beautiful communities motivate “In considering our decision, I’ve asked others to donate to Tatagwa View It’s simple, says Derrick Mooney, people to be a little more and I wanted to show we would do the same,” she says.

one of the public health inspectors happy/content with their lives,” he “I’ve used Winston Churchill’s thought - that we make a living by what we get,

for Sun Country Regional Health says. but we make a life by what we give - as my guideline,” she says. Many staff Authority. “Beautiful communities Those are the some of the reasons do this in their fund-raising efforts for the facilities they work in, she says. prevent the spread of disease and public health inspectors encourage Mrs. Cugnet is continually amazed at the strong sense of community found in injury.” competitions - like the 13-year-old the small towns and rural areas of . A cleanup competition provides rivalry called the MAK Attack motivation for members of the between Manor, Arcola and . “When fund-raising projects come up, every individual feels a sense of responsibility for the project,” she says. “We need that feeling in the larger community to remove eye-sores like That contest was initiated by Public community, too,” she says. abandoned vehicles, derelict Health Inspection staff. It’s judged The Fongs’ philosophy is similar. “It is a matter of one’s priorities,” says Mrs. buildings and overgrown weeds, by a Public Health Inspector and Fong. “Weyburn is our home, after all.” says Mr. Mooney. “These are volunteers from neutral places that often shelter vermin and communities. She remembers when the family members of prospective patients recoiled cause injuries to children,” he says. This year, on June 17, Kisbey won on seeing the long term care rooms in Souris Valley. Some people lived Second, a competition encourages the MAK Attack trophy. Judging was seven and 12 persons to a room in Souris Valley, with little privacy, she says. community pride, says Mr. Mooney. done by: Ed Brady; Roy Olmstead In Tatagwa View, it is very different. “Tatagwa View will be the last home for With declining rural populations and and Audrey Young, all of Carlyle many residents and we want to make it the best we can,” says Mrs. Fong. disappearing small towns, and Mr. Mooney, Weyburn. “People are happy here.” communities that have been cared “It’s not what you have that dictates the level of your contribution, but what for are good for the morale and continued on page 3 you are willing to share,” she says.

AA ppuubblliiccaattiioonn ooff tthhee SSuunn CCoouunnttrryy RReeggiioonnaall HHeeaalltthh AAuutthhoorriittyy

Walk to your

neighbours.

Three streets over.

All across Saskatchewan, more and more people are getting active – and liking it! Have you joined the movement? Thirty minutes of physical activity a day. Do it for your health. Do it for your self. Learn more at saskatchewaninmotion.ca or call 1.866.888.3648.

WGH Volunteers: The Weyburn General Hospital Junior Volunteers enjoy their annual windup on June 1, 2005 at Riverside Park with a supper of pizza, pop and cake. In the back, from left, are Vanessa Paslawski, Kim Faber, Kallie Colbow, Ryan Green, Lindsay Geisler, Ashton Pitre, Julie-Ann Paslawski, Shavonne Munro, Carolyn Klemmer. In the

front row, from left, are Haley Bousfield, Chelsey Edwards, Angie VanCuren, Sydney Ivany. Sun Country Regional

Health Authority’s home care volunteer coordinator, Val Borgen, says junior volunteers donated 446 hours of volunteering at WGH this year. They deliver meals trays to the patients and return the trays to the dietary area, assisting there as well, says Borgen. They serve the patients cold water, run errands for

the patients, and visit with them. They stock shelves in the patient’s rooms and bathrooms, run errands for the nurses and help direct visitors to the patient’s rooms. Missing from the picture are Cassandra Baumgartner, Stacy Dighans, For information on becoming a volunteer please contact: Kim Huffman, Miranda Kohonick, Lindsey Labatte, Daylene LaCoste, Kendal McCormick, Trisha McLeod, Megan Paxman, Jessica Pragnell, Rochelle Val Borgen at (306) 842-8477 Regnier, Niki Rodine, Megan Roelfsema, Chantal Troendle, Richelle Wick and or [email protected] Priyanka Yodav.

St. Joseph’s Hospital sets its priorities

This is a set of eight priorities for 3. Re-structuring current 6. Renal Program and Dialysis 8. Geriatrics Services : To provide future programs which has been services: Restructure the nursing Unit: comprehensive geriatric service in recommended by the Planning for department to better care for To offer a program that would there are several factors to the Future Committee at St. patients and families, for provide screening and education at consider. We need to ensure acute Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan. It confirmation of adequate safe the onset of renal disease would care discharge readiness in our was adopted by St. Joseph’s staffing. We need to identify areas minimize the number of people elder population – establishment of board of governors in June. that RNs are needed, areas where requiring future dialysis. Formation The committee told board LPNs can be better used and match of a committee to establish this a step down unit, incorporating the members the plan must work in jobs to scope of practice of all health program would be an initial step in use of “FOMAC” and other outcome cooperation with unions, care staff (aides, EMS etc). We will its development. This same measures, ensuring physician buy in physicians, Sun Country Health need to meet with staff and unions committee could look at the to establish appropriate discharge Region, Saskatchewan Catholic for discussions on staffing needs, possibility of establishment of a protocols and establishment of Health Corporation and scope of practice & role definitions. renal dialysis program in Estevan. convalescent services would all

SaskHealth. Factors to consider in a review work to proper utilization of services

4. Workplace wellness: To provide include physical space and resulting in proper discharge and a incentives for working at St. requirements, staff resources, the reduction in re-admission rates. Priorities: Joseph’s to contribute to recruitment impact of the program on other We need to establish addiction and retention. A review of private services and sustainability. services strategies, implement a 1. Recruitment and Retention: industry’s incentives as well as falls prevention program, enhance This is the key priority. Many issues talking directly to staff and asking 7. Diagnostics: To provide are based on having adequate them what is worthwhile to them. appropriate diagnostic services for access to ambulatory care services resources. Key activities include Identify special occasions and St. Joseph’s Hospital and area we (e.g. therapies and home care); development of a human resource celebrate with staff. Approaching first need to determine what is improve access to geriatric plan in consultation with health care external partners for potential appropriate and what is timely. assessment and promote respite staff, physicians and the community; funding or support. Activities include pursuing a pre op beds, all of which would help to setting up incentives for both program for out of region facilities maintain independence and keep recruitment and retention, in 5. Utilization: Development of a that is coordinated with the surgical people at home longer . conjunction with the community. framework to determine if we are care program; capital investment in We need to enhance day hospital making the best use of our time and equipment including an inventory services to geriatric clients. 2. Chemotherapy Outreach resources. Activities to assist in this and replacement schedule; We need to focus on personalized Program: To provide process include an analysis of job consideration of private collection care and quality of life issues. We comprehensive chemotherapy descriptions and job tasks, an site involving a validation of volumes services for all clients who are analysis of stats, work load and contacting on vendor; need to work with the Region in referred to our site. Issues are volumes, call backs, admissions and computerizing the system; a human consideration of planning for long chemo nurse availability, improved re-admissions, length of stay, time it resource plan in order to ensure term care beds on one site and access to a medical social worker, takes for placement, need for detox sustainability of programs. A support the community initiative that improved physician support for the beds, psychiatric admissions and pursuing of the possibility of CT is investigating the feasibility of program and pharmacy support as discussions with managers and staff service should be considered for establishing new resources for long required. around issues of work. future planning. term care in Estevan.

Region honours long-service employees

Sun Country Regional Health Schlacter, Emile Wilvers, Carole Merle St. Onge, Karen Taylor, Linda Plaster, George Quarrie,

Authority held its third annual Yeik Jeanne Vogel, Pauline White, Brenda Saboe, Corrine Sandstrom,

Employee Recognition Evening on Loretta Yaganiski Mary Anne Schaffer, Robert Shaw,

June 10, thanking 143 of its 25 Years: Mara Barbarin, Dorothy Kenneth Skjonsby, Greg Skoczylas, employees for long service from 20- Barsi, Janet Bornn, Agnes Boutin, 20 Years: Brenda Bakaluk, Josie Deborah Skogberg, Deborah Thuen,

35 years. Lynn Brady, Florence Brownridge, Beaulieu, Patricia Bernstrom, Joyce Coreen Ward, Tannis Wilson,

Four people have worked for 35 Maureen Carles, Barbara Clark, Carlson, Audrey Clark, Judith years in health care in this region, Ellen Colbow, BettyAnn Dedecker, DeRoose, Donna DeVreese, Retirees: Robert Balogh, Evelyn with another 13 having worked for Mary Deren, Loeldine DeVries, Jeannette Dixon, Jean Doud, Boire, Ruth Boychuk, Jeannette

30 years. Thirty people will retire Diane Dickie, Loraine Dumaine, Brenda Fellner, Juliette Ferguson, Callan, Loretta Carriere, Colleen this year. Deanna East, Carol Ellingson, Ruth Gammack, Janice Giroux, Chapman, Lois Cherry, BettyAnn

Rhonda Erickson, Gloria Fong, Jeffry Greening, Cheryl Hack, Joan Dedecker, Loretta Ferch, Mary

The employees are as follows: Tammy Gervais, Sheila Goebel, Hamilton, Debra Herberholz, Carol Fieber, Reg Fisher, Donna

Linda Gordon, Linda Grimes, Carole Honig, Sara Irwin, Charmane Fornwald, Elsie Frecon, Jeannette

35 years: Mary Barry, Joan Bavle, Gutheil, Susan Hannan, Owen Johnson, Birdene Keefe, Patricia Galarneau, Audrey Harrison, Helen

Heather Cugnet, Sharon Schindel. Hewitt, Marcellia Hill, Jean Hobbs, Kessler, Joy Knoll, Myrna Hutchison, Patricia Jacques,

Lynette Hume, Amos Johnson, Koeckeritz, Barbara Kuntz, Shirley Elizabeth Latham, Sharon Lesy,

30 Years: Elaine Brenner, Valerie Patsy Kerowatski, Jane Kerr, Gloria Lamontagne, Evelyn Lochart, Beatrice Marsden, Shirley Mossing,

Cameron, Marie Clements, Lorraine Lee, Ruth Marcotte, Patricia Marek, Wesley Lonoway, Eunice Massett, Shirley Nixon, Darlene Pachiorka,

Douglas, Lucille Gervais, Rosemary Gisele Marin, Diane McDougald, Donna Matsalla, Jeanette McBain, George Quarrie, Margaret Rattray,

Henricksen, Joanne Hollingshead, Betty Metzler, Chris Mildenberger, Linda McDonald, Judith Olfert, Helen Reiser, Donald Rose, Carol

Vicky Lizuck, Janelle Martin, Donna O'Dell, Ione Peterson, Marlene Olson, Delinda Onstad, Watson, Loretta Winters, Emile

Dorothy Rebrinsky, Jeannie Marion Rustad, Roberta Rygh, Sonia Oxelgren, Janet Peacock, Wilvers.

Sun Country receives first

three-year accreditation Sun Country Health Region community and provincial received commendations and a partnerships, palliative care, and three-year accreditation standing the falls prevention program. Some from the Canadian Council on areas for improvement include Health Services Accreditation measuring meaningful health (CCHSA), after a one week survey “markers” to ensure quality of care, of facilities this spring. replacing or rebuilding physical Part of the accreditation process plants and structures in some of requires regional teams to the older facilities, involving more complete a self-assessment of staff and patients in the their area. The self-assessment accreditation process, and allows a team to rate its services developing a formal process to and identify areas of strength and receive feedback from hard to areas for improvement. Outside reach populations. surveyors review the self- The survey took place from May 8- assessments and then compare 13, 2005 and involved a six person Sun Country’s rating to national survey team from across . Action on health: Harry Ohrn instructed a group of about 40 women in the standards. The survey team toured most of relaxation techniques of Tai Chi at a Women’s Heart Health Day in Carievale The Sun Country Health Region the facilities, interviewed patients, Community Hall this spring. Ohrn, who is manager of Addiction Services for received recommendations that conducted focus groups with Sun Country Regional Health Authority, has been trained in Taoist-style Tai will help staff focus, and community partners, patients, and Chi, Yang- style Tai Chi Chu'an and Qi Gong, and Tae Kwon-Do. The day- improvement activities to enhance staff, and interviewed the Region’s long session on health in Carievale included a discussion with Grace Plonka, the quality of care and services 11 Continuous Quality Weyburn RN and volunteer educator with the Saskatchewan Heart and provided to patients, residents and Improvement (CQI) teams. Stroke Foundation, about preventing strokes and heart attacks. The event clients. The Canadian Council on This is the Sun Country Health was sponsored by the Gainsborough/Carievale Health Advisory Committee. Health Services Accreditation Region’s first accreditation. Each Committee member Kathy Kyle said the committee hoped the opportunity to stated that the recommendations of the three former Districts that listen, reflect, question and share will help the women take another step in “aim to support your continued made up the region when it health promotion. improvement efforts.” amalgamated in 2002 had The Region was commended in accreditation status as districts. the area of health promotion and The next accreditation survey will protection through strong be conducted in 2008.

Beautiful towns good for health – continued from Page 1

The judges said it was a shame they could only pick one winner. “All three communities showed strong participation from residents, businesses, service clubs, churches, schools and town employees,” says Mr. Mooney. He says the smaller communities had a tougher time because there are more vacant lots and abandoned houses but they managed to turn vacant lots into neatly mowed parks. Lawns on most abandoned homes were mowed by neighbors or town employees. Even with the above average rain this year, there were no noticeable ponds, bird baths, water-filled eves troughs or other standing water sites that could become mosquito-breeding plac es and carry the West Nile virus, he said. The award was presented at a luncheon hosted by last year’s winner, the Working with the community: Staff members at the Radville Marian Town of Arcola. About 30 guests were present including the mayors, Health Centre, an affiliate of Sun Country Regional Health Authority, administrators, town employees and some enthusiastic residents from each created a float for the town’s parade on June 18. The float travelled to the community. Ceylon and Minton parades this summer as well.

SSuunn CCoouunn ttrryy RReeggiioonnaa ll HHeeaalltthh AAuu tthhoorriittyy

Saskatchewan Health announced the reappointment of 11 current members of the Sun Country Regional Health Authority to a second three-year term this summer. Health Minister John Nilson said the health authority members, under the leadership of Chairperson Earl Kickley and Vice-Chairpers on Sharon Bauche, have served the community well since the creation of regional health authorities in 2002. "I am pleased that we can call upon them for three more years of service,” the minister said. One vacancy will be filled in the coming months. These are the members of the SCHR:

Earl Kickley Sharon Bauche Maurice Koszman Rita Dash

Chair Vice-chair Mr. Koszman, of Bengough is a Mrs. Dash lives and works on a retired English teacher. farm near Kipling with her Mr. Kickley lives in Mrs. Bauche is a former nurse His priority for SHCRA is the best husband and two sons. Their with his wife, Eleanor. They have and retired farmer who lives in possible care to all people. daughter attends university. four grown children and 11 Antler. With fiscal responsibility being a She studied nursing at grandchildren. Earl worked for She was a board member on the big part of that. “Everybody thinks and began work at Kipling in SaskPower for 37 years and former Moose Mountain Health that if we just toss more money 1974. In 1995, she was elected to retired as District Operator in District Board from its formation into the pot, it would fix the former Moose Mountain Lampman at the end of 1993. He until her appointment to the Sun everything, but there are many Health District and appointed to served on the former South East Country Regional Health other pieces to the puzzle, both the Sun Country Regional Health Health District board since Authority when it was formed in regionally and at a provincial Authority in 2002. September 1993. 2002. level,” he says. “If we could hire Her priority is innovation. “I am Mr. Kickley played hockey until Ms. Bauche is chair of the all the people we need from looking to the future and one year ago and also spends as Strategic Planning/ Needs physicians all the way down the exploring new and innovative much time as possible flying the Assessment Committee and line, the service would be better.” ways to deliver health care in an family airplane. Mrs. Kickley is represents SCHRA on the When medicare was first environment where the region is also a private pilot. Saskatchewan Association of implemented in 1961, residents faced with staff and physician As chair of the Regional Health Health Organizations and the received all services locally. “We shortages,” she says. Authority, Mr. Kickley is an Ex Saskatchewan Governance can’t do that any more so the Mrs. Dash serves on the Officio member of all its Committee. regions must work together,” he Executive Committee, Strategic Committees. says. He sits on the Finance Planning & Needs Assessment Committee, and is Chair of the Committee and the Education Education/Communications Committee. Committee. Mr. Kerr was first appointed to the

Sun Country Regional Health

Authority in June 2003. He had been

an elected member of the former

South Central District Board since Allan Arthur

October 1999.

Mr. Kerr was the business manager Mr. Arthur has farmed southwest of

for the Weyburn Union Hospital for Redvers for over 30 years. He was

over 22 years. His previous formerly the chair of the Redvers

experience was eight years with the Union Hospital Board and the former

Government of Saskatchewan, five of Moose Mountain Health District

which were related to health-care Board before that district

finance. amalgamated with South East and

About life in Weyburn, Mr. Kerr says, South Central Districts to form Sun

“As a single guy, I moved to Weyburn Country Regional Health Authority.

in 1972 to accept the position at the Mr. Arthur’s focus is locally delivered,

hospital with the intention of staying high quality health services. “In a

two or three years. My wife and I wider scope, we also have been

raised three children here and are moderately successful in providing

settled in our retirement home”. quality health care and accessibility to

Mr. Kerr serves on the Finance and everyone in the southeast,” he says.

Ethics Committees for Sun Country

Dave Kerr Regional Health Authority.

RRee--aappppooiinnt teedd ttoo SSeeccoo nndd TThhrreeee--yyee aarr TTeerrmm

Jack McFarlane Darlene Standing Ready Vernon Palmer Natalie Bieberdorf

Mr. McFarlane lives and works in Mrs. Standing Ready is director of Mr. Palmer was a member of the Mrs. Bieberdorf is a veteran Gainsborough, and health for the White Bear First former South Central Health social worker of 21 years living in Oxbow areas. Nation, where she lives. As a District for two years. He was Weyburn. She and her husband He is married to Lynn and they former member of the board for appointed to SCRHA in 2004. have a family of four children, grain-farm 800 acres. He also the Moose Mountain Health He has worked as administrator including nine-year old triplets. sells John Deere equipment for District, and a member of SCRHA, for the RMs of Heart Butte and She was appointed to the Kosior Tractor Ltd. of Oxbow. He she has many priorities for health Happy Valley for 27 years, a SCRHA on its formation in 2002 was district manager of South care. “The main one is to ensure factor that gives him a broad and brings a keen interest in East Home Care for 14 years. the provision of quality health understanding of the people in public health, mental health, Mr. McFarlane has been mayor services,” she says. She also has the area and their needs. addiction services, and ethics to of Carnduff for the past five years an interest in training First Nation’s His motivation for serving on the the table. “These are the areas I and was an alderman for the people in the health care fields. board is his desire to ensure know the most about,” she says. previous 12 years. His goal is to “We have the human resources locally-provided health services. But with her broad general life ensure a high quality of care for here but it takes time to develop The area has two large experience and curiosity, she is all residents in the area. “I feel I the interest,” she says. The health industries, the SaskPower Polar also learning about the financial represent the patients and the fields are competing with student River Power Station and Luscar’s end of health care. employees on the SCHRA and interest in other faculties available Poplar River mine, a town of 900 “My first priority is to ensure want to look after their interests,” from the post-secondary education and a larger catchment area with quality of care and accessibility,” he says. “I feel it’s important to institution on the White Bear more young people than many she says. consider the people who work for reserve she says. Mrs. Standing small communities. Mrs. Bieberdorf serves on Sun Country Health Region.” Ready is a mother of five children, “We had nine births this year at SCHRA’s Finance and Ethics His hobbies include golfing and four of whom are either post- the Coronach Health Centre,” he Committees. curling. He is an avid secondary students or have says. Recruitment of physicians Saskatchewan Roughrider fan. already completed their degree. becomes very important in an She sits on the Strategic Planning area like this, he says. & Needs Assessment Committee Mr. Palmer serves on the for SCHR. Strategic Planning & Needs Assessment Committee and the Finance Committee.

Mrs. Gallaway, of Estevan, has had extensive board experience, having Map of served on the Saskatchewan Council of Cultural Organizations as well as Sun Country H ealth Region the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts, the Saskatchewan Arts Board and the SIAST board. She has also served on the national and provincial boards of UNICEF, the MLA committee of remuneration review, and the SIAST committee of review. She is a member of the Order of Canada. Mrs. Gallaway was executive director of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils for 13 years. She serves on the Strategic Planning & Needs Assessment Committee, and the Education Committee for SCHRA. Her priority for Sun Country is wellness and providing the best Marguerite A. Gallaway services possible to the residents of the region.

Did You Know?

Did you know? Nearly half of Canadians don't

use booster seats for their

children once they outgrow forward-facing car seats. Booster seats are needed to provide protection to children

who weigh 40 to 60 pounds - until approximately age eight.

Did you know?

Four out of five car seats are not used properly. Common

errors: Many car seats are not installed properly, and the Did you know? harnesses holding children are About 90% of all diabetes cases

often too loose. in Canada are Type 2, non-

insulin-dependent diabetes Did you know? mellitus, which is strongly linked That Oxbow and Area have nine to obesity (80%) and inactivity. First Responders that volunteer

their time 24 hours a day. Did you know?

The Whistler at Tatagwa View Healthy lifestyle changes such Did you know? as restricting salt intake, They call her the Whistler. Ingri came to Canada. Let Me Call You Dust and surfaces in a stopping smoking, being Roman is her name. Sweetheart is a favourite with smoker’s home are a physically active for a minimum One of the many pleasant features elderly residents. of working at Tatagwa View in She learned the skill as a child in significant source of passive of 150 minutes per week, and Weyburn is the sound of Ingri’s Chile, while playing alongside her smoking by babies, according eating more vegetables can whistling coming from out of the brothers. Ingri’s family lived in the to a recent study. In just a decrease your blood pressure by long hallways. central port city of Valpariso until few weeks, say researchers 10-12 mmHg. This is equal to The Whistler has worked at Souris 1976 during the regime of General at San Diego State the effects of using 2 blood Valley Extended Care Centre, and Augusto Pinochet, when she and now Tatagwa View, for the past 28 her husband fled to Canada. University, infants can be pressure medications. years. She’s whistled while she “Some days I just don’t feel up to exposed to tobacco fumes works for about 15 of those years. whistling,” she admits. equivalent to several hours Did you know ?

“I used to hum, I guess, but I “But I try to remember one of the of active adult smoking whistled songs now and then and hymns from church and before I That soft drinks contain the residents encouraged me. So, know it, I’ve forgotten what I was phosphoric or citric acid and now, I do it a lot,” she says. “I upset about. Some of the nurses Did you know? that this is harmful to the whistle in the shower, and say it brings a little sunshine into the Approx 50% of teens surveyed enamel on your teeth - making sometimes on the street.” room.” reported spending more time them more susceptible to tooth The children in the day care facility “I’m glad I can do something to at Tatagwa View listen for her tune, make their life a little easier,” she playing games than reading and decay. too. “They notice it, now, because says. more than a quarter doing more we see them more often here than Ingri took a longer-than-usual gaming than homework. Did you know? we did in Souris Valley,” she says. holiday last year and found Stretching as a warm-up, as a The Tatagwa Kidz Kare centre is residents missed her. They Did you know? located right in the heart of the new wondered where the Whistler was, break during repetitive activities building. she says. Women over the age of 40 and as a cool-down after Ingri began while she worked in the Now she’s considering retirement at spend nearly 50 per cent more exercise - helps you to move recreation department, whistling a the end of the year and residents time each week playing online easily, keeps your muscles classical piece from Taichovsky. are already wondering how they can games than men and are more flexible and relaxed, your joints Usually, she whistles a favourite convince the facility manager that hymn, or one of the country or folk the ability to whistle should be one likely to play online games daily mobile, and relieves tension and pieces she’s learned since she of the job requirements. than men or teens. strain.

Seat belt

clinics need

more techs

The Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps says 25 children died from motor vehicle collisions in Saskatchewan during the five year period between 1995- 99. During the same period, 160 children under 10 years old were hospitalized from motor vehicle accidents. Transport Canada estimates 90 per cent of the deaths and 70 per cent of these traffic injuries can be prevented through the use of proper installation and use of child restraints. Yet, a study in 2000 conducted by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) found that only 50 per cent of children under the age of five years in the province are properly restrained in a vehicle. So the question is: How do you know if your child’s car seat or Graduates in special care: Students and instructors with SCHR’s spcial care aide program gather at Tatagwa view. booster seat is the right size or fitted In the back row from left are: Dorothy Bjarnason (instructor), Ann Marie Underwood, Vance Peterson, Trisha Lee, in a safe manner? Christine Ashworth, Anita Snider, Jill Dixon, Kyla McDiarmid; In the front row are: Katherine Krushelniski, Karla Cox, It’s a good question. Pat Horner (instructor) Maybe you should take your car to a seat belt inspection clinic in your Nine grads finish special care aide training community. Unfortunately, those clinics have development, communication in the Nine students graduated from Sun Students from this program can be been few and far between in recent Country Health Region’s special employed in Saskatchewan, Alberta, workplace, special needs, and years in this region because of the dementia. They must also have care aide program this spring. and Manitoba public and privately- lack of certified technicians. As of completed three other courses, on Christine Ashworth, Jill Dixon, Karla funded nursing homes, she notes. July, 2005, only one woman in the Cox, Katherine Krushelniski, Trisha Ms. Horner is confident that when food safety, professional assault region is a certified technician, after response, and first aid training. Lee, Kyla McDiarmid, Vance students are finished the course, having received the full, two-day Community colleges in the province Peterson, Anita Snider and Ann they know what they’re doing. training and annual updating Marie Underwood completed the 40- Course requirements are developed will offer the course in the future. required by the Saskatchewan Southeast Regional College is week program and embarked on by the Saskatchewan Institute of Safety Council. planning to offer it in the fall 2005 their practicuum in nursing homes. Applied Science and Technology The regional coordinator for the “It’s an excellent program,” says (SIAST). session. No start date has been Acquired Brain Injury Program in announced. instructor Pat Horner, clinical Students study modules in personal Sun Country Health Region tried to Students can also take the course coordinator of education services for care, personal competence, safe sponsor a training course in June. It Sun Country Health Region. environment, human growth and through distance education. was cancelled when too few applicants signed up. Laurie Decker was disappointed. West Nile virus season on its way She knows people are busy. Some had weddings to plan, or medical The Medical Health Officer and of the province has been getting lots up, she said. appointments and, then, there are Public Health Inspectors for Sun of hot days, she said. There have been no major annual vacations. Country Regional Health Authority Windy hot days will kill a lot of the treatment advances for West Nile But the region needs several are advocating that residents follow adult mosquito population but when Fever, said Dr. Hudson. If a resident certified people so these car seats the four D’s this summer to help it’s not windy, they will survive even develops neurological can be properly inspected, she protect themselves and their in shrubs where it’s moist, she said. symptoms, different medical says. families against West Nile virus. “They don’t need standing water to interventions are used depending on “You can’t legally check a car seat Remember to Drain all standing survive.” the symptoms. unless you are a certified technician water, Dress in long-sleeved light No virus has been developed for and some people might not realize clothing, use an insect repellent that humans, although there is a horse that,” says Laurie. contains Deet, and limit Dawn and vaccine and horse owners are To be certified, you must have Dusk activities, says Dr. Shauna encouraged to inoculate their completed the two-day course Hudson. animals, she notes. taught by the Saskatchewan While there has been no early signs The reason for the lack of human Institute on Prevention of of West Nile virus activity in the area vaccine is quite simple. Handicaps, and continue to attend served by the Sun Country Regional It takes a long time to develop a one clinic every year. Health Authority - up to the third licensed vaccine for humans Laurie is hoping to coordinate a week of July - Dr. Hudson said because of the lengthy testing training course on September 13 recent weather conditions are ideal In 2003, most of the human cases of phases that must be completed with and 14, 2005. breeding grounds for the type of West Nile began showing up in late humans, says Dr. Hudson. mosquito most likely to carry the August and that’s what health “There’s a different expectation Anyone interested in virus and it will begin showing up. officials expect to happen this year, around the safety requirements of becoming a certified car “The key messages are, first, that she said. testing vaccines for humans than people should always prevent A variety of things start to come there is for animals,” she says. Until safety seat technician please mosquito bites and, second, the risk together, she said. First dead birds a vaccine for humans is developed, contact: of West Nile virus will increase in are found, trapped mosquitoes are the best advice is to prevent Laurie Decker late July and August,” she says. The positive for West Nile virus, mosquito bites by eliminating the mosquitoes that carry West Nile like veterinarians may find the virus in breeding sites for mosquitos and Tel: (306) 637-3643 or hot days and the southeast corner horses and then human cases show limiting mosquito bites, she said. Email: [email protected].

2004 wa s a good year for Region 2004 wa s a good year for Region

The vice president of corporate services for Sun Country Health Region says and medical imaging services, continue to work on standardizing policies and the move from Souris Valley Extended Care Centre into the Tatagwa View procedures to ensure consistent service delivery across the region, says Mr. facility in Weyburn made 2004/05 a landmark year. Searcy. In Sun Country’s annual report in July to the public and the Saskatchewan Last year, the region made continued progress in its focus on quality Legislature, Lloyd Searcy says planning began in 1996 for the construction of improvement and developed standardized guidelines and policies in areas a new long term care facility to replace the Souris Valley Extended Care such as infection control in order to provide quality, safe care and services to Centre, which was built in 1921. patients, residents, clients, and the community Over the ensuing years, staff worked on a design for the building which Financially, 2004/05 was a successful year for the region, says Mr. Searcy. centred upon the Eden Philosophy of care for the elderly and those with “It posted a surplus of about $6,000 on expenditures of approximately $93 chronic illness. million, while maintaining a high level of quality care to its clients,” he says. A design was developed that provided more home-like surroundings in 11 Projected revenues increased slightly due to a 1.2 per cent increase from “houses,” reports Mr. Searcy. The 123 resident rooms are clustered in Saskatchewan Health and a significant increase in operating donation houses of 11 or 12 residents. revenue of $424,000, mostly from fund-raising for the construction of Tatagwa View. Mr. Searcy also says investment revenue was significantly higher than budgeted, by six per cent, due to a delayed construction targets for the - Construction of Tatagwa View began Tatagwa View facility. in July of 2003 and the building was Information technology contracts and licenses were over budget by 36 per cent, due to the acquisition of automated programs for budgeting and

occupied in March of 2005 - nutrition services, he says.

Rent/lease/purchase was over

budget by 119 per cent due to the

The regional head office for Sun Country also shares space in the building, purchase of electric beds for a along with a 10-bed acute care psychiatric centre, a rehabilitation therapy number of facilities throughout the department, a day care centre, a regional laundry, and a regional materials region, he says. The repairs and management distribution centre. maintenance budget was slightly

Mr. Searcy says the move of residents, staff and equipment to Tatagwa View over budget by 4.7 per cent due to required a high level of coordination. It required preparation for the new minor renovations, he says. building prior to the move, at the same time staff was required to maintain Mr. Searcy says the bill for existing services at Souris Valley, he says. regional utilities was over budget

“That the move was completed without major incident is a testament to the by 21 per cent because of a delay dedication and fine work of the staff involved,” says Mr. Searcy. in moving into Tatagwa View and

Institutional laundry service was also affected by the move, becoming the need to pay utilities to both regionalized in early January 2005. Routes were developed for the collection Tatagwa View and Souris Valley and delivery of laundry to facilities in the region. Extended Care for two additional

In 2004/05, regional departments, such as nursing, health records, laboratory months.

For a complete list of the services provided in the

Sun Country Health Region check out our website at http://www.suncountry.sk.ca

SUICIDE INTERVENTION SKILLS TRAINING

You are more likely to encounter someone thinking of suicide than someone in need of resuscitation.

Date: November 3 & 4, 2005

Cost: $80 Location: Community Services Building, Weyburn Time: 8:30-12:30 p.m. & 1:30-4:30 p.m. both days

(Participants must attend all sessions to receive certificates) Registration deadline: Sept.15, 2005

Mail to: Henry Gobeil Mental Health Services, Box 2003, Weyburn, SK S4H 2Z9 Phone (306) 842-8668, fax (306) 842-8692, or e-mail: [email protected]

REGISTRATION (Cheque to Sun Country Health Region MUST accompany registration)

Name ______Occupation______Health Care Scholarship: Karly Murray of Gainsborough accepted a $1,000 scholarship from Warren Steeves, chair of the Gainsborough and Area Trust Address ______Committee earlier this year. The committee offers a scholarship to a Grade Town/City ______Postal Code ______12 graduate of the Carnduff Education Complex who is pursuing a career in the medical field. Miss Murray has successfully completed the first year of a Home Phone______bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Lethbridge. The committee is made up of representatives from the Villages of Gainsborough, Carievale, E-mail ______the Town of Carnduff and the RMs of Argyle and Mount Pleasant. The committee oversees the trust funds of the Gainsborough Health Centre and Employer ______Work phone______provides equipment and education for the health centre and staff, as well as Sponsored by Mental Health Services, Sun Country Health Region other health organizations in the area.