A STORY OF HEALTH CARE IN THE HIGH RIVER HOSPITAL DISTRICT

ALBERTA HEALTH LIBRARY SERVIC ES © COPYRIGHT 1990 THE HIGH RIVER HOSPITAL AND NURSING HOME

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publishers, excepting brief quotations for review purposes.

Published by Sandstone Publishing Ltd. ISBN No. 0919489-23-0 Printed by Style-Craft Printing Ltd.

11 The anniversary seal was adapted from the official logo described below and used on hospital correspondence and specially designed items throughout 1990.

This logo is an incorporation of of peacefulness and sustenance, ancient and modern symbolism. which indicates the physical location The brown tree symbolizes the of the hospital and nursing home; "medicine tree" and is a link from The white open sky above symbol­ High River's past; izes the eternal purity; The stylized blue river which And the blue outer circle, encom­ crosses the tree at a point above passing the logo, captures the eternal ground level, symbolizes the river of aspect of human endeavour. life; This design, while symbolic, is al­ The partial inner sphere of green so functional, uniquely identifying signifies "mother" earth and qualities this institution.

111 In any community's pursuit of health, wealth and happiness for its citizens, the first requisite is health. Modern medical science continues to do wonders. The discovery of germs, serums, new drugs, anti-toxins and complex diagnostic tools is never-ending. History tells us that the modern hospital had its beginning long before the Christian era, when India, Persia and Arabia gave methodical care and attention to the sick. The Greeks and Romans provided shelter and attendants for their sick. One of the earliest such shel­ ters was founded in 370 A.D. The hospital idea grew and expanded. The difference between the early historical concept, and modern times in the Western world, is that care centres and skilled attendants were provided only for the wealthy. The larger percentage of the populations, the poor, had no access to medical care centres. Today, all members of society have equal access.

IV This is direc_ted towards four distinct areas of service:

- High quality of treatment ofpatients.

- The promotion of health within the community.

- Long term care services that recognize potential maintenance of health and quality of life.

- A broad range of treatment, assessment, diagnostic and support services on an area wide basis.

v fJn f°JhE cSpi'rit

[/nbwduction Nostalgia ...... 33 Hospital Day ...... 34 The Logo ...... iii Public Health Unit a "First" ...... 34 Health ...... iv Candy Stripers ...... 35 Mission Statement ...... v Service Tickets ...... 36 Message from Chairman ...... viii Blue Cross Hospital Plan ...... 36 Message from Executive Director .. .ix Doctors' Medical Contracts ...... 37 Editor's Notes ...... x New Health Care Benefits ...... 39 News Flash ...... xi Medical Services Inc ...... 39 Caiffj ~c:dicinc: Problems - Bats In The Attic ...... 40 Red Cross Blood Donor Service ...... 41 Medical Care ...... 1 Hospitals Names ...... 42 Pioneer Doctors ...... 3 Nurses Home -The Noble House .. .42 The First High River Hospital...... 8 The Second High River Hospital ...... 9 The Farm Women's Lobby ...... 10 ~ta((Okotoks Health Care ...... 17 A Stormy Year ...... 57

Vl The Transition Period ...... 78 Support Services ...... " ...... 115 Environmental Services ...... 11 7 c:lf- df01pitaf SEcond Clo Rehabilitation Therapy ...... 119 c::fVonE The Laboratory ...... 122 Administrative Reorganization ...... 80 Diagnostic Imaging ...... 123 A New Executive Director ...... 80 Nutrition Services ...... 124 Planning the Building ...... 81 Dispensing Good Medicine ...... 126 Volunteer Services ...... 127 CfhE {)((iciaf {)pEning The Auxiliary ...... 128 Blayney and Clark Memorials ...... 87 Personal Emergency Response ..... 130 Into the 1980's Under One Roof.. ... 88 Meals On Wheels ...... 131 A New Health Care Era ...... 88 CanSurmount ...... 131 A New Role In Nursing ...... 90 Pastoral Care ...... 132 Buttons and Bones ...... 133 Cfh'"lEE df01pitaf1 l/J.ndE'"l {)nE Counselling Services ...... 135 d?oo( Outreach Programs ...... 136 Emergency, Surgery and The Social Committee ...... 137 Maternity ...... 92 (Fun and Games) Nursing Home and Long Term High River District Hospital Care ...... 95 Foundation ...... 143 The Medical Unit ...... 97 The Art Collection ...... 144 The Lieutenant Governor's Scholarships ...... 145 d1!(Edicaf Sta((, 7990 ...... 98 Accreditation ...... 146 Long Term Care ...... 147 CfhE f):)i1hict c:lfmb-ufancEi Statistical Flashback ...... 149 Ambulance Service ...... 101 Ambulance Service - Okotoks ...... 104 CfhE c:lfnniuEHa'"ly

vii d1!1t:11a9t: 'Jwm 'Jht: Chai'l.man of th£ !Boa'id

"In the Spirit of Good Medicine" The Hospital District owes a debt bears testimony to the patience and of gratitude to the men and women commitment of the volunteers who who have contributed to the success work so diligently to enhance this of this hospital and to the high quali­ hospital. ty of health care enjoyed throughout Some two years ago we initiated the the District: the physicians, nurses, project, and formed a volunteer book administrators, volunteers, patients, committee to help celebrate the 70th politicians, and hospital workers in anniversary of the first High River Hos­ every part of the health care system. pital District Board of Directors. On behalf of the 1990 Board of The First Board meeting in 1920 Directors of the High River Hospital was held to set boundaries and build and Nursing Home, I salute them all, a new hospital. In 1990 we're talking and I salute the hard working mem­ again about proposed regional bound­ bers of the Book Committee who aries. We've never really stopped have brought their stories to us. talking about hospital expansion. Congratulations. A Board of Directors brings its own priorities and expertise in pro­ Yours truly, viding leadership and direction to the hospital. Over the years each Direc­ tor has left his or her own particular ~J mark, depending on the era and the Manley Flynn, issues facing them. Chairman

Vlll This book is as much about pio­ Those problems are still with us neer spirit as it is about the early today, further complicated by chang­ pioneers who fought long and hard to ing demographics and a medical tech­ bring safe, dependable health care to nology which will force everyone to the people of this hospital district. examine their priorities and ethics Their spirit is as much alive to­ like never before. day as it was over 70 years ago. Their Change is constant and inevit­ standard of exceilence is the corner­ able. We know from Reports like the stone of the reputation we enjoy and Premier's Commission on the Future sometimes take for granted today. Health Care of Albertans that we will Health care workers in this area all be affected. The question is how have long been known as cooperative, and what role we will play in framing innovative problem solvers. Through our own destiny. projects like Single Point of Entry and The success we enjoy now we owe the Southern Rural Health Care to our past, to the dedication and hard Committee, we've worked together to work of our forebears. With the same provide the highest quality of rural pioneer spirit at work today we can health care possible. expect no less of our future. The High River Hospital and My congratulations to everyone Nursing Home has played a central who played a part in this book. role in both of these projects, and has initiated many more within the facili­ Sincerely, ty itself. In the past, board members, nurs­ ing directors and administrators have all wrestled with problems of funding, staff shortages, and lack of space and L. T. Myggland, equipment. Executive Director

IX It is one hundred years this De­ ing number of "firsts" in community cember since my father made a fast health care. horseback ride by night, over icy As editor of this book it has been trails, from High River to Calgary gratifying for me to see the story and back. It was a futile attempt to unfold; one of continuous concern and bring medicine prescribed by Sur­ compassion and always the goal of geon General Fraser for my dying quality. grandmother. It is obvious the hopes, dreams At age forty-five she died of pneu­ and determination are as alive and monia, which could be prevented to­ well today as they were a century day. ago, prepared to challenge the future. Sixteen years later my parents Each member of the Book Com­ suffered another tragedy, also pre­ mittee with whom I worked had his or ventable under hospital care condi­ her own vision of what this book tions. They were not alone. Such should be, depending on the individual tragedies were shared by every pio­ professional or geographic expertise. Mrs. Knupp has written neer family. Therefore, just as they It was my task to draw those for a number of publications had built the first school and the first viewpoints together, eliminating the and has edited three commu­ church in this district, they organized unfamiliar hospital language, creat­ nity histories. As editor of the High River Times she the first hospital. ing a picture for the average citizen received several Canadian Our community founders neither of the extensive health care outreach Press Women's awards. Dur­ ing the past decade, as an expected nor received acclaim for in which we are all a part. historian I researcher, she their efforts. They were motivated I hope I have been successful. has written six books and only by concern and compassion, with over four hundred weekly newspaper columns. She has determined, caring optimism for received the High River Mu­ their community. seum I Rotary Club Histori­ cal Award, the Macdonald­ Nothing but the best was to be Cartier Award, Historical good enough. Society of Alberta Award and Over the decades they and their Lillian Short Knupp Alberta Historical Resources Foundation Award of Hon­ successors have achieved a surpris- our.

x "The best copy we have ever High River on that Board until 1924. written was turned in to us (at the Joe's father, Charles was a Board High River Hospital) at 1:30 Mon­ member from 1971 until his death in day afternoon." May of 1982 and was involved in the An unusual birth announcement, planning and building of the present perhaps, but on June 5, 1939, wonder­ Hospital and Nursing Home. fully appropriate if your name hap­ As a young high school student pened to be Joe Clark and your Joe made his own contribution to the grandfather the publisher of the High High River Hospital. One of his after River Times. Joe's father, Charles A. school jobs was to deliver the daily Clark printed that birth announce­ Calgary Herald to hospital patients. ment for friends and relatives in a His mother remembers many an special "first addition" to welcome his evening when Joe's dinner sat in the new son into the world. oven because he lingered to chat. "He During the 18 years he lived in really enjoyed it," says Grace Clark. High River, the hospital was never "He found the people interesting and far away from Canada's 16th Prime I suppose they found him a willing Minister. listener." When he was only a few days old, Joe didn't stay in High River to he was taken around the corner and take over the family business. Nor up the street a few blocks to a red did he bring his wife and child to the brick house on Macleod Trail. The brick house near the hospital as did house was built in 1908 and was also his father and grandfather before the first stop for Joe's father, who was him. born in High River's second Cottage In fact in 1982, when he dedicat­ Hospital. It was Joe's home until he ed the hospital's Clark Centre in hon­ left for University and remains the our of his father, he was quoted as family home today. feeling "like the one member of the Joe and Peter Clark Healing and the hospital have family with the least call" to do so. always been important to the Clarks. He needn't have worried. The Joe and younger brother Peter were hospital community reaped many delivered by their Uncle Dr. Harold benefits from the high standards and Soby. Cousin Lola Ballachey and pioneer principles of the Clarks and Aunt Marnie Clark were both nurs­ the Sobys and the Ballacheys. es, the latter being a graduate of High As Minister of External Affairs, River Hospital's School of Nursing. he brings as much integrity, hard In 1920 Uncle Alex Ballachey work and commitment to the interna­ became the Vice-Chairman of the tional community as his family fi rst Municipal Hospital Board Dis­ brought to the rural communities trict #11 and continued to represent served by this hospital district. Peter, Grace, and Joe Clark

Xl

While the district Medicine Tree Surgeon General Fraser, retiring may have provided the first pastoral from duty with the Imperial Army in In 1870, with officialdom in Ottawa sending ludicrous care and medical approach for the area's India, stopped en route to England to instructions for dealing with aboriginal dwellers, the site also offered visit his son. He and Mrs. Fraser decid­ ra mpant smallpox epidemics decimating the native popu­ shelter for almost every early explorer of ed to build a home east of the present lation, the Indians them­ what is now southern Alberta. town, calling their large house "Glen­ selves developed their own Among the latter was surgeon and bow". Surgeon General Fraser, al­ technique of vaccination, similar to present day scien­ geologist Sir James Hector. Accom­ though handicapped by lack of an avail­ tific discovery, and equally panying Palliser on his 1857 to 1860 able supply of medicine, made many successful. Expedition, Hector's diaries describe difficult journeys when called by ailing the first recorded medical/environmen­ settlers. Their home destroyed by fire in Jn contrast to practice in tal study done in the area. Noting that 1892, the Frasers returned to England E urope, one of Dr. Welch's native Stoney Indians developed enor­ where Surgeon General Fraser was first emergencies was ampu­ tation of a rancher's axe­ mous goitres when visiting the Sask­ appointed Honorary Physician to Her mutilated toe. Using the atchewan River, but gradually return­ Majesty Queen Victoria. counter of the High River Trading Company as operat­ ed to normal when home in the south, That same year, 1892, Dr. Henry ing table, with a cowpuncher he treated the condition with burnt W. Welch arrived here, after practicing p ressed into service to sponge, and blamed it on the water. in Montreal. The nephew of a Harley administer chloroform, the operation's only complica­ Fur trader John McLean, in his Street British specialist, he had studied t ion occurred when the 1849 book on the Twenty-five Years in Austria, England, France and Ger­ patient woke to witness the store cat eating the amputat­ With the Hudson's Bay, had referred to many. While in High River he married ed part. the same medical puzzle_ Miss Laura Hallett, sister-in-law of It was not until 1888 that district the town's first station agent. In 1901 pioneers had a medical doctor available_ the Welchs moved to Okotoks. Fort Spitzee, on the site of the late Senator Dan Riley's 1883 homestead west of High River, had been cho­ sen for its popularity with natives and early explorers alike. The site was ideal, providing feed, fuel, water and an easy river crossing. i ts greatest attraction was the Medicine Tree. Two trees about five feet apart, joined 15 feet above the ground by a common branch, it was a fre ak of nature worshipped by the Indians. Believed to have supernatural healing power, gifts of tobacco and dried meat intended to appease the Spirits, as well as bodies of dead infants fre­ quently were placed among its branches. In 1901 a young graduate from experience in Edinburgh, Dublin, Glas­ University of Toronto medical school, gow and New York", would be opening G.D. Stanley came west at age 25 an office, "With special attention to dis­ because of health problems following eases of women and surgery", in his res­ tuberculosis, and found the climate so idence near the mill, on the north side invigorating that he made southern Al­ of the Highwood. Three months later it berta his home. One of High River's was reported Dr. Ferguson's property four "pioneer doctors", his story, with was for sale, as he was suffering from those of Dr. Edgar Buswell, Dr. York blood poisoning in his right arm, which, Blayney and Dr. Harold Soby will be his Calgary physician advised, would be carried in more detail in the separate amputated. chapter, "Pioneer Doctors". With the departure of Dr. Ferguson In 1902 Dr. Ernest Willis of in May, 1906, the local paper carried London England came west, also for ads the same month that Dr. W.T. health reasons - this time his wife's - Hamilton, formerly of London, Eng­ and opened an office on the east side of land, a surgeon and specialist in dis­ the railway. The following year he eases of Ear, Nose and Throat, would be moved to Calgary to resume his prac­ opening a practice in High River. Early tice with T.B. patients. the following year ads showed that Drs. That same year, 1903, Bob Edwards' Stanley and Hamilton were in partner­ High River Eye Opener would announce ship. Together they opened the first that Dr. G. Everett Learmonth, Cottage Hospital, something which The news reporter, evi­ dently anxious to find a sil­ physician and surgeon, graduate of they anticipated soon would become a ver l ining in every dark McGill University, would open a prac­ VO.N. or a town sponsored hospital. By cloud, concluded '"'Fortunat­ ely it is his right arm, which tice from an office west of the railway 1909 neither sponsorship had material­ was partially p a ra lysed depot. Previously he had spent a year in ized and in August of that year towns­ before blood poisoning set West Africa studying tropical diseases, folk bade farewell to Dr. and Mrs. in." and for two years had been a ship's doc­ Hamilton. They were presented with an tor on Atlantic liners. Three years later illuminated scroll, the work of WE.M. Wi ves of pioneer doctors his office was moved to the Lane Block. Holmes, and a silver tea service before were dedicated, too. One lo­ cal bride arrived by train Evidently Dr. and Mrs. Learmonth both departing to Vancouver. from the East, was whisked travelled and entertained travelling That year Dr. R. Edgar Buswell, to her future sister- in-law's home fo r a morning wedding friends. Joining the army in World War former High River pioneer school teach­ ceremony. S he was seated at I after Armistice he practiced in Calgary er and silver medallist from Toronto the luncheon prior to a hon­ until his death in 1957. University, returned to High River fol­ ey moon trip to Banff when an urgent father-to-be com­ Another young McGill graduate, lowing a year as House Physician at mandeered the groom for a Dr. Fred W. Seifert, apparently took S.R. Smith Infirmary in New York City. trip to a distant home. The doctor returned next day to over the Lane Block medical office for a He would become the second of High find a team and wagon hit­ short time in 1906 before negotiating to River district's long-term pioneer doc­ ched and waiting to trans­ purchase the Medical Building. Later tors, opening a small office on the east port him to an emergency 25 m iles in another direction. reported to be in poor health, he be­ side of the railway. E ventually reu nited, h e came a ship's physician. Three years af­ In 1919 Dr. Stanley joined the found his bride dissolved in tears, wh ether from j oy or ter leaving High River in 1909, a cable­ founding group of Calgary Associated realization of the future life gram reported his untimely death on Clinic, his practice being taken over she had chosen was not quite the West Coast of Africa. temporarily by Dr. Percy Bachus clear. Ten yea rs (a n d two children) later the doctor and Also in early 1906 it was reported until Dr. York Blayney could assume his wife had their delayed that Dr. H.J. Ferguson, "with a varied duty. Dr. Bachus then accepted a wedding trip - to a medical convention in Edmonton.

2 University post, and news reports indi­ Buswell's practice the following year. cate he was an active participant in Together, the four long-term pioneer organization of Provincial Municipal doctors, Stanley, Buswell, Blayney and T he telephone in Stan­ Hospitals. Soby, served this community for a total ley's drug store eventua lly Dr. Buswell was joined in 1928 by a of 113 years. They also witnessed the included a switchboard and young Albertan, Dr. Harold Soby. A transition from the age of the doctor 15 tow n subscribers. When Bell Telephone took over they graduate of Alberta University and travelling long miles to the patient, to suggested closing the switch­ McGill, with a year's internship in the era when the patient began to trav­ board at nig ht. Stanley refu sed; already planning a Montreal, Dr. Soby would take over Dr. el to the doctor. barbed wire line into the east country, h e hoped to boost both practice and future political support.

A matched team of blacks, "Blackie" and "Darkie" were the confidants who heard the doctor memo­ Through hardships unknown today, swollen throat hard, breaking the rize his Lodge rituals on they served their community well. abscess and bringing not only relief to long trips. "The best horse I "Look wise, say nothing, and grunt," his patient but also "quite a measure of ever had, Brownie, was foundered during an emer ­ were the words a visiting doctor, speaking fame to smooth the process of getting gency". The doctor added he in Highwood Memorial Centre to a local established." had received no payment for the distant house call. chapter of Alberta Association of Reg­ However, it was through hard work istered Nurses (AARN), once attributed to and personality, as well as medical Sir William Osler as being suitable medi­ skill, that G.D. Stanley became some­ cal advice for an emergency situation. thing of a legend in the community over It was in this spirit that pioneer the next two decades. doctor George Douglas Stanley once An early call 35 miles west meant referred to his first medical case in opening 36 barbed wire gates before High River. reaching his destination. A 100 mile trip The young doctor, having been to Stavely area sometimes meant fording advised to travel to Western Canada flooded creeks. Cross country travel by because of its alleged prairie therapeu­ team of horses and buggy in the east tic qualities for those recovering from country meant fewer gates to open, but tuberculosis, had arrived in town to the going was rough, particularly in win­ open a medical practice. Frail and ter. weary after the long trip, the August In 1910 Stanley bought an automo­ Dr. G. D. Stanley weather did nothing to uphold the cli­ bile. Thereafter his license plate was matic promises. On the train ride from Number6. S hallow water wells, pit Calgary, a summer snow storm had Dr. Stanley's philosophy for adapta­ latrines, and annual floods forced a halt while the crew obligingly tion to pioneer life, he wrote later, was to all combined to encourage regular typhoid fever epide­ swept off the sticky tracks south of grow a beard in order to look older, to mics. Dr. G. Everett Learmonth Midnapore. Arriving in High River, he introduce such innovations as a drug was appointed H ealth was lunching in the station dining room store and the first telephone line (25 Officer at a salary of $50.00 a y ear to enforce the con­ when he was asked to treat a young boy yards from store to home), and "as a stantly changing demands of ill with quinsy. proper country doctor" to join everything the town's Health and Sani­ tation Committee. (In com­ In later years the venerable doctor that came along. Undoubtedly all three p arison, town administra­ would recall that in his nervousness of helped him achieve the political career tion appointees received "this first test of skill" he pressed the to follow: eight years in the Alberta $250.00 per annum). 3 Legislature and eventually Member of immensely to the well-being of patients Parliament for Calgary East. and family. Stanley's policy of joining every­ In 1934 he and Dr. Harold Soby thing brought him into the first Town combined forces to introduce the third Council in 1906 and consequent intro­ medicare scheme in Canada, a family duction of numerous by-laws concern­ contract plan providing medical attention ing health and sanitation. at a fee of $25.00 annually, and hospital Following heavy demands on medi­ fee of$1.00 a day. S tanley, a st rict tee­ cal services during the 1918 flu epidem­ Following cessation of World War 2 totaller, frequently was a t odds with Bob Edwards of ic, when Dr. Stanley himself became ill, the High River Clinic was opened on H igh River Eye-Opener fame, he was advised to leave country prac­ 5th Avenue W. , in a converted building a l t h oug h B ob ob viously appreciated medical services tice. With a number of city doctors, he from the local flying training school. wh ile sobering-up. "He may became a founding member of Calgary Dr. Norman Foster, former Med­ have been green, but he was Associated Clinic. ical Officer of the local (wartime) RCAF never yellow," Edwards once ed itorialized, a lso ad vising His house, office and practice was Elementary Flying School joined the "It 's far m ore im portant to taken over by York Blayney. partnership. Later another ex-RCAF h ave confid ence i n your p hysician than that h e When Dr. York Blayney began his officer, Dr. Cliff Forsyth would be­ should know anything about High River practice few of his patients come a partner. your case. ever realized that this gentle, kindly The transition from "country doc­ community sportsman and friend had tor" to clinical care did not prevent Dr. all his previous medical service with York from continuing his lifelong habit the Canadian Anny overseas. of answering house calls, and it was a A graduate of The University of proud moment when oldest son Dr. Alberta's first Arts class in 1912, he Bruce Blayney joined the firm in studied at Toronto School of Medicine 1951. He and his wife, Dr. Margery for three years before going overseas Blayney, who joined High River with 13th Battery, Canadian Field Hospital Medical staff later in 1951, Artillery. Returning to Canada in 1916, carry on the Blayney family tradition of he completed two years' medical school service to the community. in one year, then served as a medical Once described by colleagues as officer overseas until 1919. In "the ideal family doctor", R. Edgar September of that year he arrived in Buswell is said to have given "the best High River with his bride and took up 20 years of his professional life in the Dr. York B layney residence in the former home of Dr. service of the High River district." G.D. Stanley. Raised on a farm in Ontario, he had York Blayney served the community attended teachers' training school in for 50 years, retiring in 1969. During that Regina and became principal of High time he saw the traditions of his calling River's new, four-roomed school in 1902. progress from the medical services of He returned to University of Toronto, early pioneer time to the antibiotic age. graduating in 1906, followed by a year Active in community and sports, he as House Physician at S.R. Smith had been a founding member of High Infirmary in New York city. He then River Rotary, an Elder in his church, a returned to High River, opening an curler of prowess, a member of a provin­ office in a small building on Fourth cial award winning hockey team, an Avenue East. Later his office was a part entertainer and poet, and a man whose of the Buswell home located on the cor­ keen sense of humor contributed ner of Third Ave. and Second St. E . Dr. R.E. B uswell

4 One of the highlights of Here Mrs. Buswell assisted in the office, partnership with Dr. J.M. Adams. the mammoth farewell party saw Dr. Soby, with due cere­ and logged telephone calls, offering Harold Soby was brought up at mony, hand over to Dr. advice as needed. Otherwise, unlike the Claresholm, Alberta, at age 1 7 begin­ Blayney a legacy from Dr. other pioneer doctors, Buswell refused ning his study of medicine at The Stanley's pionee r days - an enormous, ankle length, fur­ to participate in community life, with University of Alberta. He graduated lined overcoat which Stanley the exception of rare fishing trips along from McGill and served his internship had worn on his many long winter trips when answering the Highwood with fellow enthusiasts. at Montreal General Hospital. At age 25 rural calls. Claiming to have geared himself too he joined Dr. R.E. Buswell and the fol­ heavily to sports and recreation as a lowing year, 1929 took over the practice. young man, he avoided any social life With his bride, Anne Hanson, which took him away from his profes­ Soby took over the Buswell home and sion, refusing to "mix up" in municipal office. His wife died suddenly in 1932. politics or civic duties. Later Harold Soby married the former Said to have endless patience and Marnie Clark, daughter of a High gentleness with those who were ill, he River pioneer family and herself a grad­ could become incensed over any public uate of High River school of nursing. criticism of those who did not pay their Harold Soby, who once had been medical bills, and left High River with advised to choose music as a career, thousands of dollars uncollectible on his found time to continue his interest in books. that field, and organized High River's During the 1918 and 1919 flu epi­ first Barbershop Quartet. demic, when Dr. Stanley himself While not a pioneer doctor in the Dr. Harold Soby became ill, for six weeks Buswell was "horse and buggy" sense, Dr. Soby con­ the only doctor serving a large territory, tinued to make house calls as requested One pioneer doctor "extending east to Buffalo Hills and to isolated areas of the community, reported an interesting ex­ change of correspondence west to the mountains". Driven by Bill sometimes under difficult conditions. with a local bartender who Bell, a week would go by without stop But, like Dr. Blayney, he saw the bene­ eve ntually moved, not hav­ ing attended to a large medi­ for change of clothing, Buswell sleeping fit to patients in bringing them into the cal bill which had grown in on Bell's shoulder while the latter hospital. As the Depression years made proportion to the growth of drove, Bell sleeping while the doctor it increasingly obvious that health care his family. Receiving a state­ ment of account from the attended patients. Buswell was highly was being neglected, Soby and Blayney doctor's lawyer, the indig­ indignant when it was suggested a less joined forces in a pioneer project of a nant man replied that h e had always looked upon the than adequately trained helper might different sort. doctor as a friend and in­ be brought in to assist. Together they modelled Canada's tended pay ing his bill some­ Following an unfortunate accident third health care program. Based on a time but, in light of the third party involvement, his doctor resulting in amputation of one finger, similar project organized in Cardston, friend could "now go to hell." Buswell left High River in 1929, turn­ Alberta, this would become a model of To this the jovial doctor wrote expressing the appreci­ ing over his practice to Dr. Harold Soby. interest and a forerunner of today's ation of the invitation to hol­ Soby affirmed it was a hard act to fol­ medicare. iday as a guest in a warmer low, as Buswell's patients considered Eventually, Doctors Blayney and climate and asking to be no­ tified when his erstwhile him to be "the last word in skill, author­ Soby would join forces in High River friend and patient intended ity and understanding." Medical Clinic and except during some to depart. The bartender had the last word, writing, Following a brief tour as a ship's emergencies, would see patients in "S hall be glad of your com­ doctor, Buswell attended post-graduate increasing numbers come to the doctor pany. Don't know any place courses in Vienna, Budapest, Debrecen for their health needs, rather than the t hat will suit you better. When we get there I'll help and London before becoming a Calgary doctor travelling long distances to you burn up that account." Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat specialist in administer care.

5 Harold Soby was an active partici­ cian and Surgeon at Blackie in June of pant in community affairs, his musical 1920. He made his rounds in a Model T interests counter-balancing his part­ Ford roustabout. ner's interest in sports. He served his patients in their homes In 1953 Harold Soby, his health in and in the High River General Hospital. jeopardy, decided to cut down his work Upon the start of the Blackie Sub load by joining the Canadian Immi­ Hospital early in 1921 he became its first gration Department as Medical Officer. Physician and one of the physicians and To the consternation of friends and pa­ surgeons to serve at the High River tients, the Sobys went to Europe for Municipal Hospital following the new four years. Over 700 attended a tearful hospital's opening in the fall of1921. farewell party in Highwood Memorial Shortly after his arrival at Blackie, Centre, with telegrams and messages of Dr. Burke married Ida Stewart, a good wishes pouring in from across the school teacher who had grown up in the continent. Davisburg-Gladys district. They had Following their European stint, the one daughter, Mary. Sobys returned to duty in Halifax, later The hearts of the people went out to retiring in Calgary. the doctor on the untimely passing of The four pioneer doctors, G.D. his wife Ida late in February 1924. Stanley, R..E. Buswell, York Blayney Some years later the thoughts and and Harold W. Soby, witnessed the prayers of the local citizens were with transition from travel under tedious and him once again while daughter Mary difficult conditions in order to administer spent a long hot summer battling sleep­ rudimentary care, to medical care in ing sickness, before recovering. safer and more professional surround­ In June of1925 Dr. Michael Charles ings. Also, they saw the transition from Burke and Cora Stauffer were married. doctors going to patients to patients com­ Cora also grew up locally and was a ing to the doctor. Three of the four went nurse at the High River Municipal on to less exacting practices elsewhere, Hospital. Their family consisted of a In 1906 a Mr. Guy was adver tising his "isolation motivated by health reasons. Three of son, Bill and daughter Patsy. hospital" on the north side of the four added to or perhaps relieved, The morning trips from Blackie to town a s being fo r sale. Evidently there were no their duties by finding time for heavy the High River hospital grew arduous. It takers. involvement in community affairs. One, seemed to fall upon the doctor to be the Dr. "York", saw his duties somewhat first to plow the mud on the route or to lessened by organized clinical work in break the first trail after a bad snow­ home surroundings. In this he would storm. receive the strong back-up support of fami­ Dr. Burke sold his practice to Dr. ly members from Dr. Brnce Blayney and KI. Murray in the fall of 1927 and left daughter-in-law Dr. Margery Blayney. to join Dr. George Carson at Vulcan. But all four of High River's original With the departure of Dr. Murray in and long-time "pioneer" doctors took part 1932, Blackie and district found itself, in a significant change in medical prac­ once again, without a medical doctor. tice, over the span of three short decades. In an attempt to solve this problem, After his return from his stint in a delegation oflocal citizens approached the Canadian Medical Corps and his in­ Dr. Burke, with a contract scheme of ternship in a Vancouver hospital, Dr. payment patterned after the one initiat­ M.C. Burke became the local Physi- ed in Cardston a short time previously. Dr. Michael Burke

6 The financial security of the scheme the curling club. appealed to Dr. Burke and so in 1932 They left in May of 1932, following he returned to once again practice in closure of Blackie Hospital in January Blackie. 1931. This coupled with the difficult Many are the elder men of today times of the leading edge of the depres­ who remember, as young lads, being sion led the doctor to accept the finan­ shoe homed into the rumble seat of Dr. cial security of a company practice at Burke's Nash coupe to be transported Coalhurst. to another baseball tournament. Ball Marie Meyer Davis, a trained tournaments were the doctor's favorite nurse, lived in High River from 1903 relaxation and he was only too pleased before she and her husband homestead­ to supply transportation for as many ed southwest of town. She accompanied players as he could accommodate. Dr. G.D. Stanley on many trips to diffi­ Transportation was getting better, cult cases during difficult times. One roads were getting a little better, the such occasion, when her husband morning trips to the High River hospi­ Walter Davis had driven the medical tal were still tedious and office calls duo by team and wagon over prairie were replacing house calls, all of which trails, saw a tiny bachelor cabin turned gave Dr. Burke logical reason to move into an emergency surgical ward. his residence and his office to High Removing the door from the hen house River in 1937. and lashing it over two wooden chair The end came to a caring and dedicated backs provided an operating table, career with his death January 1st, 1940. which was covered with a sterile sheet. His wife Cora returned to her pro­ With Walter Davis holding a lantern fession of nursing, serving many years and Mrs. Davis administering the Marie Mayer Davis in charge of the Turner Valley Hospital. anaesthetic, the doctor performed an Dr. Ken Murray purchased the emergency appendectomy. The patient Blackie medical practice of Dr. Michael lived. History does not record the fate of Charles Burke in late 1927. The doctor the unsheltered hens. The Davises came from Vancouver but was a native retired to Calgary after 1939. Mrs. of the prairies having served the com­ Davis had attended dozens of emergen­ munity of Raymond previously. cy cases, including many during the flu While at Blackie he attended his epidemic, often working alone. patients in their homes as well as in the Netta Hunter, R.N., with her hus­ hospitals of Blackie and High River. band Albert Miller, came to High The doctor and his wife Essie, a for­ River in 191 7 and did some nursing mer nurse, played a major role in the with the High River General Hospital. community life in the village. Their She was particularly interested in main interests being in the fields of obstetrics, and accompanied Dr. Jeanette (Netta) Hunter their church, the community club and Buswell on many of his country trips.

7 In June, 1906, a house owned by combine cooking and cleaning duties. Miss Abigail SexSmith was leased by The Ladies Aid provided mended Doctors Stanley and Hamilton, and linen, in addition to soliciting funds and renovations made. The Cottage Hos­ supplies from the community at large. pital was ready for occupancy on July For many years citizens made a prac­ tice regularly to donate jams, jellies, 7th. By the following week the small First patient, suffering facility was filled. eggs and dairy products, with farm veg­ from typhoid fever, was a etables a regular source of supply to the Gladys Ridge homesteader The Victorian Order of Nurses sent Joseph Hoelscher. Three Miss Georgia Heales and an assis­ local hospital. days later James McKay of tant, Miss Beaubier to take charge. While Miss Reid advertised that ma­ Arrowwood fell from a roof, ternity cases would be accepted, over­ breaking his leg and collar However, the new institution was lack­ bone, and became the second ing in funding and equipment, despite crowding and lack of privacy saw most patient. the efforts of district and town support­ women continue to have their babies at ers and a hastily formed Ladies Aid. home or in the homes of local midwives, By December the VON nurses had a practice which continued to the 1920's. The two nurses were paid Best known pioneer midwives were monthly, $50.00 and $35.00 moved on to less primitive prairie facili­ respectively, and required to ties, and Miss Ethel Reid became Mrs. Elizabeth Spalding, Mrs. Mar­ do nursing duties through­ tel and Mrs. William Ward. The latter out the district. "when not matron. She was provided with one needed in the hospital". assistant nurse, and a "domestic" to two took patients into their homes. History does not record if they found time to do so.

Mrs. Harold Soby, nee Marnie Clark, a graduate of High River Hospital School of Nursing, was born in the first Cottage Hospital.

It was obvious from the beginning that the Cottage Hospital could not meet the demands of a rapidly grow­ ing community. By 1909 the community embarked fur­ ther on an intensive and well organized lobby. Supporters, headed by Mrs. A.H. Eckford who is said to have paid the rent for six months, kept the Cottage alive. In December of that year the Ladies Aid were reported as continuing to be busy keeping the hospi­ tal linen in repair. Miss Reid and Miss Starke were still at the helm in May, 1910.

The First General (Second Cottage) Hospital 8 CfhE 'Jiut §EnE'"laf ( ~Econd CottagE) dfo:i,pitaf

Following well publicized appeals hospital committee in each surrounding by Mrs. Eckford to High River town municipal district, with associate mem­ council, that body appointed Council­ berships of $5.00 annually, and three lors C.C. Short, W.C. McDougall, and weeks free hospital care if needed. H.N. Shephard as well as A.H. Eck­ In 1912 a Maternity Hospital was ford, A.A. Ballachey and C. Clark as opened in the west end oft.own under the The three patients were "ca refully removed to the a provisional board of hospital direc­ care of Miss McCully RN. By December new premises in a spring tors. A town meeting was held Novem­ the public was protesting the inconvenience democrat", supervised by Dr. ber 22, and Victorian Order of Nurses of nurses' residence, Maternity Hospital Stanley. On passing the St. George Hotel one patient invited to take charge of a hospital. and General Hospital being separated, wished to buy a drink in cele­ They accepted. Nurse Haggart of and the following year plans were un­ bration, an offer which was refused. Montreal arrived to become matron. der way for a new, 20 room hospital. Meanwhile Council of 1910, it was The war would put a halt to that. made certain, was thoroughly pro-hospital! Meanwhile, the Ladies Aid contin­ The Alberta Hotel again The Times had played its part, local ued to divide its time between war would be taxed to capacity during the flu epidemic of churches and fraternal groups made work and hospital work until, in 1955, 1918-19. their support known, and on October Matron Bea McDonald would sug­ 8th, 1910 patients and furniture were gest the organization be disbanded. moved to the larger premises, known as Typhoid fever and small pox fre­ Standard treatment for p neumonia in pioneer days the Varley House, at what is now Second quently became epidemic during the included liberal doses of Ave. E. The Ladies Aid continued their early days. While typhoid cases would be whiskey to counteract high fever and delirium. Tee-tot­ fund-raising activities, including until treated in the small hospitals, usually aller Dr. Stanley usually 1914 an annual ball which was a social small pox meant quarantine of homes, prescribed the best Scotch. highlight, but it was obvious generous and of the boarding houses and hotels One co wboy, known for his affi nity to Gooderham and support from the community, plus fees, where numbers of single men resided. Wortz products, amazed doc­ could not carry the cost. Early bank­ About 1905 or 1906 small pox tor and nurses by resistance which required the coopera­ books show regular monthly entries of caused lengthy quarantine of single tion of several staff members "hospital loan, $300.00" but few corre­ men living in the "Ritz Carlton" board­ to administer the medicine. sponding indications of repayment. ing house. In 1907 a similar epidemic On recovery he admonished, "But doctor, you should have In 1910 the board of directors decid­ caused temporary quarantine of the known I prefer G & W" ed to issue annual "insurance tickets". Alberta Hotel. For $10.00 a family hospital accommo­ An abandoned house on town out­ dation would be provided for three skirts was used as an isolation hospital. Hing and Wing had their weeks. Medicine and doctors' fees were Known as The Pest House, town offi­ own flu prevention theory, that of "letting blood" by extra. A government grant was re­ cials ordered it burnt in 1907. Shortly scratching their wrists raw ceived, 50¢ per diem for paying pa­ afterwards it was realized an isolation with copper pennies. N either tients, 25¢ for non-paying. Letters to hospital was required occasionally and contracted the disease. the Editor were calling for an ad hoc another building was pressed into use.

9 The grey, wooden two-storey former 1913, returning east for further study residence which became High River in surgery the following year. During General Hospital consisted of a six bed her absence Miss Mary Wilson (Mrs. men's ward, and operating room on the Ted Howard) from 1915 to 191 7, and main floor, a kitchen on a lower level, Miss Eleanor Hughes (Mrs. A.E. and upstairs a six bed women's ward Cartwright) acted as matrons. Assis­ and smaller ward for privacy. A small tant matrons during these years includ­ nursery and a diminutive room for ed Miss Kathleen Christie (Mrs. nurses completed the facility. In emer­ Frank Burnett), Miss Nellie Stewart gency, the six bed wards could accom­ (Mrs. Neil Riley). Nurses during this modate double capacity. time included Miss Cora Stauffer The operating room utilized cup­ (Mrs Dr. Burke), Miss Bessie Beattie boards, small tables and a fireplace (Mrs. Skuse), and Miss Jean Webb shelf for equipment. Nurses made the (Mrs. Hughes). dressings, sterilizing them on a rack in Miss McLeod returned to assume a copper boiler on the coal stove. In matron's duties in time to cope with the extremely crowded periods, nurses flu epidemic of 1918. With her staff of slept in a very chilly front porch which Christie, Stewart and Evans, the hospi­ had been glass enclosed. The matron tal was faced with overcrowding and was on 24 hour call in the event of 24-hour duty. Two nurses visiting the emergency. Her desk was located in the district, Miss Pearl Talbot and Miss main hallway, where the walls were Bond, were recruited but themselves Kathleen Christie hung with charts. died of flu within a few days. A Chinese cook, Hing Quon was In October 1921 Matron McLeod, master of the kitchen. His assistant and her staff of Nellie Stewart, Cora A regular tour of duty in 1919-20 was a 12 hour shift, Wing, also acted as orderly. Stauffer (Mrs. Dr. Burke), Elsie Bar­ with someone responding to Early matrons were Miss Cum­ ton (Mrs. Joe Robertson) and Miss any call for help from the mings, Miss Prosser, Miss Mae Mc­ Hollingsworth were ready to move night nurse in an emergency. Rate of pay, $75.00 a month, Donald and Miss Mabel Wait. Miss into High River Municipal Hospital. worked out to approximately Annie Mabel McLeod was matron in 20¢ an hour.

CfhE 'Ja'im

From the end of the first week for larger and better facilities. World after the Cottage Hospital opened in War I did not hamper these efforts. 1906 it was obvious that the commu­ The United Farm Women of Al­ nity's health care needs far outdis­ berta, were a particularly active tanced the capacity for health care. group from the day they organized Following the opening of the High locally in June, 1916, and following River General and High River the provincial government's introduc­ Maternity hospitals, both town and tion of a new Municipal Hospital Act rural residents began active lobbying in 1920 not even the ravages of the

10 flu epidemic slowed them down more gency station for several years into than temporarily. In their efforts the 1920's, before being transferred they had support from townspeople, to Vulcan. the married ranchers in the west This, in character, was a prelude country and the homesteaders in the to the Public Health Unit set up here east. in 1931. A pilot project, one of two in By 1920 a Health Nurse had a Alberta and the first such rural group, small "station" locally, equipped to do was financed by the Rockefeller emergency dressings and treatment, Foundation on a three year trial basis. as well as travel through rural areas, At the end of that time the provincial monitoring health care needs. VON government became responsible for Nurse Davidson ran the local emer- 60% of the operating costs.

Few people realize or remember ers settling the prairie acres none Mrs. E.J. Wheeler that the many names dotting the were more terrifying than the lack of maps of the Western prairies once re­ health care and services. Sarah McCullough presented ambitious and growing Early in the century the area east (Mrs. Egbert J. Wheeler) set­ towns. The area east of High River of High River included three major tled in Blackie in the fall of 19 11 and for many years was no exception. colonies of religious groups. Mennon­ assisted in caring for the ill. At the turn of the century home­ ites twice tried a venture in commu­ When just a little girl, steaders began pouring into the area nal farming in Aldersyde and its en­ Sarah McCullough's daugh­ ter Blanche remembers and such centres as Brant, Blackie, virons. A Mormon group settled many a time being passed Ensign, Cayley were only a few of the between Blackie and High River, ove r a back fence into the caring arms of Mrs. Tom flourishing small towns which sprang building substantial homes and com­ Hatcher as her mother up. First supporting stores, hotels, munity centres, until moving during rushed off on yet another churches and community centres, the depression years. A small group of errand of mercy. Sarah and her sister, doctors and travelling journeymen the Brethren church, known as Annie McCullough also printers were hard-put to decide in Dunkards, settled briefly near Brant spent several years nursing privately in High River. which budding town to settle. in 1902. Eventually drought, pestilence (in Their leader, Dr. George the form of the 1918 flu epidemic) Schamberger, travelled many a The war claimed many and two world wars would change lonely mile caring for the sick. In young doctors from both uni­ versity and general practice, the face of the prairies. Fire would 1912 the group moved to Arrowwood. with country doctors often destroy many of the buildings. Conso­ Dr. Gordon Brown also opened mou ing to cities where more patients required less rigor­ lidated schools and post-war falling a practice in Brant in 1908, with Dr. ous travel. Rural patients grain prices which in turn necessitat­ W.W. Upton settling in what would usually travelled by train to ed mammoth farm units, would become Vulcan, to be joined there by Calgary or Lethbridge - stretcher cases and emergen­ change the face of the prairie. Dr. George Carson in 1912. Two cies frequently accomodated But in the beginning the occu­ years later a trained nurse, Miss in the baggage cars - and as a utomobiles became more pants were optimistic. While many Ramsey also moved to Vulcan. a vailable travel to High concerns and trepidations accompa­ With construction of the Aldersyde R iver medical services in­ nied the optimism of the homestead- to Lethbridge railway beginning in creased.

11 1910 Dr. Brown saw the wisdom of cian and Surgeon. D r. Michael Charles Burke made his first rounds moving into the more promising area In September of 1920, a meeting in a Model T Ford. It lacked of Blackie, remaining there until 1914. was held in High River to discuss an some comforts but was faster Dr. Charles Galbraith, who had extended district. The Rural Munici­ than a h orse and buggy - most of the time. joined Dr. Carson, moved to Blackie pality (RM) of Dinton was represent­ after Dr. Brown's departure, leaving ed by its secretary, H.H. Wilson and in 1915 to join the British Medical the Village of Blackie by W.J. Evans.. The next proposal made Corps. Dr. Carson also left the follow­ This meeting brought results. A was, a yearly grant of ing year to enter military service. 20 bed hospital would be built in $1000.00 from the village would be augmented by a Dr. W.E. Saunders became High River and Blackie serviced by a fee of $10.00 per quarter­ Blackie's resident doctor in late 1915, resident District Nurse. Jack A. section from the municipali­ ty. The spirit was w illing leaving for Calgary the following year. Schmidt and H.H. Wilson were dele­ but the pock etbooks were Dr. Bradford arrived in the gated to obtain suitable accommoda­ weak. spring of 191 7, staying four months. tion and to hire a qualified nurse. In 191 7 Cora Rhinehart opened For $25 a month, they acquired Although the Blackie sub a four room hospital in Vulcan, adding the Stackhouse Building, known to hospital had a number of another two rooms the next year. But the pioneers as "the insurance office" deficiencies, one cannot deny the flu epidemic in 1918 saw Blackie, and furnished it with equipment that working there did much for marriages and longevity. without a doctor or hospital, converting from the High River General Hospi­ Housekeeper Annie Wall­ one floor of the local hotel into an emer­ tal. They hired Miss Riley, a native is, and Resident Nurse, J en­ nie Nash both were married gency hospital, with Miss McLeod of of Ottawa, as District Nurse. and ea ch celebrated their High River making herself and mem­ The Blackie first aid office opened ninetieth birthdays. bers of her staff available whenever in February, 1921 and was an immedi­ possible for emergency nursing. ate success. R esident Nurse Miss With human compassion said to Riley was followed by have reached its pinnacle during the Blackie Sub-Hospital Jennie Nash. Both, when they required a day off, were flu scourge, there followed an even So it was that the sub-hospital was supplied a replacement from more determined demand for hospital born. And although it never reached High River, most often care in rural areas. official status, it served that purpose Nurses McCorquodale, Sexsmith or Stewart. In September 1919, Dr. Auld of until its building closed in 1931. Cook I housekeepers who Stavely moved into Blackie, but re­ On April 14, 1921 a Ladies Hos­ followed were Mrs. Warner, Miss McCaig and, in 1924 turned to the larger Claresholm pital Aid was founded in the commu­ Annie Wallis. three months later. His rumored re­ nity room of the lumber yard. The placement failed to appear. membership fee was 25 cents. This Government reaction to rural de­ group continued to supply the hospi- mand was to set up hospital districts, but the suggestion that Calgary Dis­ trict extend to within four miles of Blackie created considerable hostility in the Dinton-Blackie area. On the other hand, there was no money to build and support their counter pro­ posal of a local hospital, although bureaucratic decision to restore the original boundaries was made. In June, 1920 Dr. Michael became Blackie's local Physi- Burke Blackie Sub-Hospital 1921-22.

12 tal with linen, china and kitchen her for holidays. Undergraduate Braithwaite's report utensils until 1926, when a dwin­ nurse McLean and cook/housekeeper stated that patients who were "up and about" were dling membership could not keep up Rosie Allen were with the sub-hos­ required to use an outdoor with the labor required. pital when it closed. latrine. This involved either In March of 1922 the sub-hospital walking through the office and kitch en or going out was moved to Annie McCullough's The Death Knell into the stree t and around home on the corner of Aberdeen St. During the summer of 1930 Dr. to the rear of the hospital. and Burns Ave. There were five pa­ E.A. Braithwaite, Medical Inspector tient rooms, a case room, scrub room, of Hospitals made one of his periodic N aomi Eix (Mrs. Tom office, kitchen, and one bedroom and checks on the Blackie sub-hospital. Findlay) worked for several sitting room for the nurses. "Considering the nature of the years as the Blackie Hospi­ tal's cook-housekeeper. I n­ Dr. Michael Burke, the resident building", he said, "it is to the credit spired by the women around doctor for the Blackie sub-hospital of the staff that they have kept things her, she entered n urses' since its origin in 1921, in 1927 sold in as good an order as I found them". training at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge in 1929. the practice to Dr. Ken Murray and Staff consisted of one graduate left Blackie to join Dr. Carson. nurse, one undergraduate nurse and The Resident Nurse of this era one housekeeper who slept out. Early in 1938, the Dinton municipality con cei ved a handled the job alone. It was a 24 Dr. Braithwaite saw the only solu­ scheme whereby a tax of 1 hour a day, seven day a week job. tion to be a new hospital designed and mill ($3.50 per quarter sec­ tion) would be applied to a 1925 was a tumultuous year. Des­ properly equipped for hospital purposes. "doctor fund". This would be pite vocal protests by its Blackie repre­ This Report sounded the sub-hospi­ used to hire a medical doctor sen tati ves, the Municipal Hospital tal's death knell. With the depression, to live in Blackie. The turn­ out was apathetic and the Board decided to close the sub-hospital a new hospital was out of the question. Council dropped the scheme. in April, reverting health care back to At its January 15th meeting, the From then on the people o{ Blackie and the munici­ a District Nurse. Public pressure High River Municipal Hospital Board pality of Dinton became de­ caused it to reopen a month later. moved to close the sub-hospital over pendent on the h ealth ser­ An undergraduate program was the protests of its members from vices in High River. included and it became a two-nurse Dinton, Royal and Blackie. Ten days facility. Trainees spent a short time later the sub-station came to an end, Dr. A.C. Bradford fol­ locally before returning to a city hos­ and once again the district was lowed Dr. Burke in 1937 staying only a short time as pital to complete their R.N. program. served by only a District Nurse. the last resident doctor in Miss L.M. Hefferman, R.N. After protests, threats of reprisals Blackie. became matron in 1930, with Helen and months of controversy, cooler Schmidt R.N. of Blackie relieving heads prevailed and it was decided to settle the question democratically. On the 27th of February, 1932 a vote was held for or against withdrawal from the High River Municipal District. Separate votes were held in the village and in each individual town­ ship. Old hopes and optimism for a separate entity still ran high. Blackie and townships 19 and 20 in ranges 26 and 27 strongly favored going into the High River Municipal Hospital District, voting 168 to 40. ----~· ·-- However, three townships in Blackie S ub-Hospital 1922-31.

13

ALBERTA HEALTH LIBRARY SERVICES range 25 and two in ranges 26 and 27 townships would join as they saw the voted for withdrawal, 200 to 35. The benefits being derived. turnout had been low, one of the lat­ Dr. Burke had moved to Vulcan ter polls only six people voted. It was in 1927, replaced by Dr. Ken Mur­ because of this very low citizen re­ ray. The latter left in 1932. Dr. sponse that another vote was held at Burke was persuaded to return with which time the majority favored join­ a unique medical contract, and prac­ ing the High River district. ticed in Blackie until 1937 when he In the following years, other moved to High River.

Winnifred Louise Mac­ Donald - private nurse who assisted Dr. Burke. c!Vanton The story is told that in later years, browsing among the h eadston es of Nanton It was not until March, 1942 that ranching country, of importing 100 Cem etery, C reig hton was Town of Nan ton came into the High head of goats. known to have commented of River Municipal Hospital District. In 1927 Drs. Keen and Creighton h is rival, Dr. W.H . Keen , "Keen put more of them here Prior to that, early doctors had estab­ together built Nanton General Hospi­ than I," adding in fairness, lished their own hospitals. tal, later converted into an apartment "B ut then I suppose he'd say h e h ad a bigger practice Longest serving was Dr. J. A. building when Nanton joined High than!". Creighton, from 1905 to 1951. Fol­ River Medical District. Following lowing service as a scout in the South Keen's death in 1938 Keen's practice African War, and acquisition of first a was taken over by Dr. Hector Mc­ Keen is remembered as an aggressive a thlete w h ose teaching degree, followed by an M.D. Kenzie who joined the Army in 1940, medical treatment of fellow from University of Manitoba in 1902, at which time the hospital closed, the players included generous ap­ he then received registration #302 equipment being sold to Magrath plication of red hot ointment to their cuts and bruises. from Northwest Territories in Regina Hospital. before coming to Nanton. Dr. G.M. Robertson also began Homesteading east of Nanton, he practice in Nanton in 1905, and is re­ Dorothy Campbell, d ur­ formed a brief partnership with Dr. puted to have introduced the first x­ i ng her n ursing career in N anton, was the victim of Toll in 1905, before the latter moved ray machine into Nan ton. He spent m any p ra n ks played by a on. In partnership with Dr. G.M. considerable time on his ranch, the RL. you ng lad requi ri ng long Robertson, the Chisholm Drug Described locally as a "sort of gangling hospitalization. She once re­ called that from that time on Store was purchased in 1908 and Ichabod Crane figure ," he is re­ she always received a rose later bought outright by Creighton. membered for his Maxwell car of which every Christm as f rom her former patient. Dr. Creighton served as a medi­ he bragged "If the law of gravity would cal officer in the far east in World War allow, this car would climb a wall." 1, contracting malaria and returning to Other early Nanton doctors in­ Dr. K een's g oats later Nanton where he continued to practice clude Dr. James A. Allan who won over the sceptics by their useful ness in breaking up until his retirement. opened an office in July, 1904 but not fig hts bet ween rangeland Dr. V.H. Keen, also started much more is known of him; Dr. bull s and ch a sing away practice in Nanton in 1905, serving Bechtel who was there in 1908, and marauding coyotes. However Keen did not win fa vor with there until 1938. He, too, acquired Dr. Wall who arrived in 1911 but re­ local butch ers. By taking land in the district where he also turned to Redcliffe. advance orders for goat meat before slaughtering, he could achieved the dubious distinction, in Dr. George Wannop, a member not be accused of peddling.

14 of the Army Medical Corps during Elizabeth Kennedy, affectionately World War 1, followed by six years in known as "Aunt Mattie". She first China as a Medical Missionary, set came to Nanton in 1909, returning up practice in Nan ton in 1926. He, later with her two girls who them­ too, established a hospital in what is selves grew up to become nurses. The now the Shaw and Cooper Block elder daughter, Agnes Kennedy where Nurse Millard acted as ma­ went out on "special" cases for Dr. tron. In 1929 his practice was taken Keen. over by Dr. Tiffen who left shortly Prior to 1927 Mrs. Mary Find­ afterwards for Edson, Alberta and lay began working for Dr. Keen as a the small second hospital was closed. "practical nurse" before Nanton Hos­ Dr. McKie of Taber practiced in pital was opened. She is remembered Dr. Bellamy, Nanton Nanton from the 1930's until 1941 as having brought many babies into when he moved to Saskatchewan. the world, in Nanton district, and the Dr. Dick Bellamy came in 1936 legends of trials and tribulations suf­ Evidently somewhat ab­ and left for Wetaskiwin in 1951, leav­ fered as a nurse on call in a pioneer sent-minded, Dr. Robertson and his car also are remem­ ing an opening for Dr. Andrew Lit­ district are many. bered for his parking style. tle who has since retired from prac­ Edith Elliot Gates' first posi­ Frequently forgetting to ad­ tice, and still resides in Nanton. tion, in 1929, was six months as just properly the gear shift and hand brake located on More recently Nan ton has had housekeeper in Dr. Keen's eight bed the outside of the car's body, the services of Dr. Len Senger, a hospital. She recalls that Jenny and tending to leave the mo­ tor running while parked, vi­ graduate of University of Alberta, Bourne and Ann Scheidma both of bration would shake the car who was in partnership with Dr. Fort Macleod, were nurses at the into gear and the doctor John Tenove for a short while hospital and Annie Forrest was the would be seen running down the street trying to grab the before moving to High River. cook. Dr. Bouck of Calgary did much appropriate levers. One of the earliest nurses of Dr. Keen's surgery. Edith herself remembered in Nanton is Mary later nursed overseas during the war, returning to Nanaimo, B.C. as a Li­ censed Practical Nurse (in Alberta, a Nurses' Aide). Katherine Tighe (Katy Turn­ bull), who spent two and a half years at Dr. Keen's hospital from 1932 to 1934 before "specializing", recalls that Mrs. Keen, herself a nurse, actually did the cooking for patients and staff at Nanton Hospital. Mabel Taskey also nursed at the hospital from 1932 to 1937, as well as doing practical nursing in Cayley and Nanton districts. Another nurse was Jennie Bourne from 1930 to 1937, later going to nurse at the Drs. • Landers' hospital in Turner Valley for several years. Following her grad­ ONCE A HOSPITAL - This well-known apartment building just west of the Nanton uation from High River School of Post Office once was a hospital, operated until his death in 1938 by Dr. William Keen. The Residence to the left (east) was the Keen home .. Nursing in 1932 Dorothy

15 (Campbell) Gardiner also joined Mrs. Annie Forrest cooked at the hospital staff for two years. Nanton Hospital from 1934until1937.

Few residents today remember one by name. that Cayley once had its own hospital. Australian by birth, Margaret Started in 1908 by Dr. A.O. Murray is remembered as a "vigorous Brown, Cayley's longest resident doc­ lady who worked hard for the health tor, it was situated adjacent to his resi­ of Cayley", and alternately as "de­ dence on Railway Street and also termined" and "bossy". housed a drug store. Old-timers recall it With her brother W.P. Breeding, being in operation in 1916. Dr. Brown a Crimean war veteran, she owned a Nurse Murray brought later retired to White Rock, B.C. half section of land on the south side some TB patients for care in Other early doctors in Cayley in­ of Timber Ridge and while resident her nursing home, employ­ there walked to and from Nanton for ing Mrs. Albert Ducom­ cluded Dr. Thinhardt and Dr. De­ mon to assist her. Part of Long, but their residency evidently supplies. Neighbors recall her stories the therapy for tuberculosis was short lived. Families east of Cayley of having run away from three con­ was cool air, but her assis­ tant felt Nurse Murray car­ relied on Dr. Shamberger, a versatile vents where she had been placed by a ried it too far when a pa­ gentleman who taught at Sharon devout mother. tient complained that his hot water bottle had frozen school, was a Dunkard Church min­ in bed. ister, practiced medicine and "proved up" a homestead simultaneously. About the same time as the Cay­ Not enough can be said in ley Hospital opened, Margaret Mur­ tribute to pioneer women. For in many cases, it was ray, certified nurse and diplomaed they who supplied early midwife, opened a cottage hospital, health care to friends and possibly as early as 1906. The Nan­ neighbors in time of need. Although some had nurs­ ton News carried her announcement, Cayley Cottage Hospital - 1906 ing experience, many had no­ "Doctor in attendance if required. thing more than a kind heart Terms moderate" but did not specify and common sense.

lfP./#ISf \ lllLU 1..J.ll -l't /(,/ ' \

Municipal District Circa 1920

16 According to Book Committee Consequently Murray arranged to member Allan Murray - otherwise have a doctor on call for what he con­ known locally as Bearcat Murray the sidered might be more combative oc­ First, father of Bearcat Murray of casions. Dr. George Wannop of Calgary Flames renown - sports med­ Nanton, having been assigned the icine in the community was instigat­ duty during a particularly heated ed in the 1920's. Rivalry among the confrontation in that town, was busi­ towns was known to include specta­ ly attending an injured player when tor participation, particularly in hoc­ a fellow practitioner, Dr. W. H. key where injured players sometimes Keen, himself a dedicated sports fan, went unattended while onlookers stepped in from the audience. Words fought up and down the ice surface. were exchanged, Keen was flattened On other occasions, spectators feeling by Wannop, the victim was temporar­ less pugnacious would call persis­ ily abandoned, and, to quote Murray, tently for medical attention for those lay helpless in one corner of the ice they considered deserving of same. while fans and medical attendants Local doctors became impatient over thoroughly enjoyed a free-for-all. Bearcat Murray needless journeys to the arenas.

It was January 1964 before Oko­ office in 1904, and was listed in the toks came into the High River Muni­ telephone book in 1907, but no further cipal Hospital district, with Longview records can be found of his tenure. He joining in May of the same year. was Okotoks' first mayor. Dr. J. S. A number of doctors had practiced Murray came to Okotoks about 1909 in the town and district, the first being or 1910, moving to Calgary in 1914, and Dr. A.E. Ardiel Dr. H.W. Welch from 1901to1914. is remembered for an interest in hockey Longest resident pioneer doctor and as owner of one of the town's first was Dr. A.E. Ardiel who, following automobiles. service with the Canadian troops in Dr. E.W. DeLong was an early One old-timer remarked, South Africa in 1900, graduated from practitioner, selling to Dr. Ardiel. His "As I recall, the first thing a doctor did was tell everyone Western University and began prac­ daughter Winnifred DeLong was a to get a bunch of boiling tice in Okotoks. He served the area trained nurse and masseuse. water ... and I've n ever from 1907until1950. High River's Dr. G.D. Stanley also fo und anybody that knew what they did with it!" Dr. F. W. Stockton opened an was on call for many district patients.

17 Names ofothers who practiced briefly of the polio epidemics. These occurred in the town and then moved on include often during the 1940's and 1950's, at A local anecdote tells of Doctors Newton, McWatt, Maxwell­ times when Okotoks frequently was the liveryman, having driven Joyner, Nelles and McKenzie. without a resident doctor. Dr. A rdiel to a rather poor farmstead where the woman As one old-timer recalls it, hospi­ As the town grew and more people was in labor, and finding the tals were few and far between, al­ moved into the centralized local area husband absent in search of most every illness required a "house the need increased for localized medi­ help a nd three small ch il­ dren huddled in a cold bed, call", and livery stables did a very cal care in Okotoks but residents pre­ being recruited into emergen­ good business, as most doctors did ferred home care to hospitals. Some, cy housekeeping duty. On the advice of the oldest child he not own their own rigs. too, relied on the Drs. Harry and tore slabs off a co rral fence Eventually nursing homes, mostly Dave Lander, the latter Polish­ for firewood and chopped a for maternity cases, opened in Okotoks born, pioneers in the emphasis of hole in ice to find water. Dr. Ardiel, attending the patient, itself. Mrs. M.K. Hayman, who, like "humanistic medicine" and treatment handed t h e ch oreboy a Winnifred DeLong was a trained of alcoholism and drug abuse as dis­ squa lling infa nt a n d told him to find som eth ing to nurse, in 1906 was taking patients into eases, who practiced at Oilfields cover it with. His assistant her home, with special arrangements Hospital from the 1930's. found a torn suit of Stan­ made for maternity cases. Another The hospital had grown from field Unde rwear. At t his point Ardiel repeated the re­ such nursing home was operated by humble beginnings as an oil company quest and a second infant Mrs. Knight, who was followed by (Okalta) privately operated hospital was wrapped hastily in the liveryman's sweater. A third Mrs. Harry Lusk (the former Mrs. which former High River nurses request h ad the assistant Rose Elliott.) Four other women are Mabel McLeod and Cora Stauffer com mandeering the doctor's . remembered as taking maternity cases Burke first opened in 1940. Starting To the relief of both gen­ tlemen, the next arrival was into their homes - Mrs. Bonnieman, with a six-bed unit in an abandoned the husband, returning with Mrs. Alice Spackman, Mrs. Ed cook car, the two dedicated nurses a female assistant. Hayes, and Mrs. Petro. lived for six months in a dug-out Both Mrs. Spackman, and pioneer basement, often paying for materials Mrs. Charlotte Carr assisted Dr. Ardiel from their own pockets. At Miss Mc­ One pioneer, when inter­ v iewed, rem a rked, "M id­ on many of his cases, the majority of Leod's death in 1950, the hospital wives and neighbor women women giving birth in their rural homes. had grown into a 24 bed care centre. did the deliveries; just some­ In 1930 Mrs. Edward Hayes, the Other local patients tended to one who had been through it and knew more or less what former Marjorie Mossop R.N., drift naturally to the north and to to do." opened a maternity hospital and dur­ Calgary Hospitals until 1955, when ing the next two years assisted at 35 Okotoks once again welcomed the Mrs. Hayes' first patient births, as well as dealing with other presence of not one but two medical was a wom an who arrived emergencies. Her patients not only immigrants - the Doctors Janet and declaring that she knew her child's birth was imminent. came from Okotoks. Her records indi­ Morris Gibson. With both receiving H er reason "My feet a re cated nine from Turner Valley, six from hospital privileges in High River cold". Black Diamond, one each from Cross­ Municipal Hospital, it was inevitable field, Aldersyde, Hartell and Parkland. that patients would make increased Dr. Dave Lander eventu­ ally received considera ble District residents remember, too, use of the facility to the south. fame, receiving among other the reliable Kitty McKay (Mrs. Largely through their influence, a wards the $25,000 Sir Frank McKay), a registered nurse to Okotoks joined the hospital district Frederick Haultain Prize in 1983, and being publicized whom many mothers turned in emer­ nine years later. internationally in R eaders gencies, particularly during the stress Digest "Most Unforgettable Character" feature story.

18 (Written by Ors. Janet and Morris Gibson)

Emigration when just past one's coloured shirts, frontier pants and youth is never easy. In 1955 Janet cowboy boots. Not only that, but they and I with our eleven year old daugh­ shook hands with us most cheerfully ter Catriona left a successful practice and insisted on our having coffee with in the city of Hull, England at the them before the meeting started. ages of 39 to come to Okotoks. Over Then we waited in the corridor 900 doctors, unhappy with conditions outside the board room. of work in Britain's Health Service, "Shall we make it ladies first?", emigrated with their families that asked the secretary, ushering Janet year. Like us, they saw their stan­ in for her interview. dards of practice steadily deteriorate. Janet had been an anesthetist to The Canadian emigration officer the Women's Hospital in Hull and in Britain urged us to go to a small asked for medical and anaesthesia town. "That's where doctors are badly privileges which she speedily re­ needed," he said. He gave us the ceived. She joined me in the corridor names of three towns in need of doc­ within minutes. Dr. Janet Gibson tors. Janet made the choice. "They're so nice," she said. "I've never "Let's go to Okotoks," she said. been interviewed by a Board like that." "It's got two O.K.'s in it and we can't She should know. She had years go wrong." of hospital work behind her. What the emigration officer didn't I was next. Mr. Mitton of High say was that a British city doctor might River chaired the meeting. not have the broad skills necessary for "Now doctor," he said, "We're very Canadian country practice. In fact he happy to have Doctor Janet - another cheerfully dismissed any doubts. anesthetist - join the staff. So I sup­ "Once you get there, just apply for pose you're the surgeon? What opera­ privileges at High River Hospital," he tions do you do? We'll need some assured me. "You'll have no problem." proof of course." So once in Okotoks, which, with "Operations?", I gasped. "I don't Dr. Morris Gibson its gravel roads and 700 residents do operations!" seemed like another world, as remote In 1948 general practitioners in as a village on the moon, Janet and I England were barred from hospital Dr. Morris Gibson, author of fo ur books since his retire­ applied for privileges at High River practice, and my heart rapidly des­ ment, also has been featured Hospital. In due course we were in­ cended into my boots. internationally in Readers terviewed by the Hospital Board. "That's a pity," said Mr. Mitton, "for Digest. Following his move from Okotoks to University of British Hospital Boards tend to we hardly need another anesthetist... " Calgary, he was influential be composed of very serious-faced, "I don't give anesthetics either," I in that institution's innova­ tive Faculty of Medicine pro­ formal individuals, but in High River said unhappily. gram stressing training for we were greeted by six or seven affa­ "You'll set fractures though? We general practice, particularly ble men, in Western dress, wearing get a lot of these." in rural areas.

19 "No sir," I replied in despair, "I acquire surgical skills and that I don't set fractures either." would be allowed those privileges Mr. Mitton looked at me steadily for within limitations after a year's proba­ Out of our hospital tales a time that seemed an eternity, then in tion and the approval of my colleagues. comes the story of one of the puzzlement and not unkindly, he asked, No decision could have been more early victims of the zipper. fair, to me, or to the patients whose Not long after its introduc­ "D'you mind my asking, doctor? tion some clothes desig ner What have you been doing with your­ safety was entrusted to the Board., planted one on the round self since you qualified?" he added, The warmth of that first meeting lady's friend the corset. The story is told of how a chubby "You might be better off in the city." opened a new page in our lives. Janet lady got trapped in her foun­ British city doctors were indeed and I came to love the life and work. dation garment when the "It's a poor day, " I told her years zipper stuck and refused to at a disadvantage in trying to become release her. It is not known, Canadian country doctors. later, "that I don't learn something however, whether she had to I waited while the Board con­ new." be cut out of it or what hap­ pened to the offensive (pos­ ferred. In the end, Dr. York Blayney Twenty-two years later, as Profes­ sessive) lingerie. saved the day for me. As the medical sor and Head of the Division of Fam­ advisor to the Board, he pointed out ily Medicine at The University of Cal­ the testimonials regarding my medi­ gary, I saw to it, to the best of my When one of Gibson's books, condensed in Readers cal competence. I had also delivered ability, that young doctors entering Digest, was translated for hundreds of babies in the days when country practice received practical the Chinese edition the tran­ training from competent physicians slator was confused. A phone babies were born in parents' homes. call from Montreal requested The Board directed that I should and surgeons in smaller communi­ help from the doctor in inter­ have medical and obstetrical privi­ ties, one of these being this same preting the term "frontier pants. " Did he mean buck­ leges, that I should make all efforts to High River Municipal Hospital. skins?

A bandy legged tough lit­ tle cowboy prided himself on the fact that in his fifty years of life he had never spent a night. in a hospital. One spring day the inevitable happened, his saddle pony slipped on a wet sidehill, breaking his leg in two places. After a painful ride in the democrat he ended up in the High River Hospital. Here he suffered the in­ dignity of being bathed in bed by a lady nurse. After the nurse had given him a quick general spit bath she handed him the wet wash cloth saying "you know what to do now". He really did not, but he was not about to admit it. He swears that for the next three days his room had the clean­ est windows in the hospital. (/)fannin9 CfhE c/111,unicifaf

George Mclrvine df01-f ital

There were 110 patients There were several factors which the Chairmanship of George Mclr­ treated for a total of 13 15 combined to establish the High River vine, members prepared the 20 year hospital days in 1919. The Municipal Hospital District in 1920. debenture bylaw to borrow $55,000 to Government Grant of 25 ce nts p er day came to a The current Hospital was too build and equip the hospital, and es­ total of $328. 75, with the small to serve the needs of a growing tablished a schedule of fees to supple­ hospitals lobbying to have the grant raised to 50 cents population. The Flu epidemic of1918/19 ment revenue derived from taxation. a day. demonstrated only too drastically the Resident ratepayers and their Only contributions re­ need for improved medical facilities. families paid $1.00 a day for hospi­ ceived by the hospital lrnm the various municipalities In 1920 the Alberta Government talization. Non ratepayers were served was $300.00 from the passed the Municipal Hospitals Act, charged a daily fee of $6.00. municipality of Riley. putting hospitalization within the reach In 14 months, from September of all. The idea was actively promoted 1920, when the Municipal Hospital 'l'he hospital lacked a children's ward, youngsters that several municipalities cooperate Board was formed, until the official being placed in cots in rooms together to assume responsibility for opening on November 15, 1921, the with adults. providing and paying for hospital care. hospital was built, completely fur­ The Minister of Public Health re­ nished, and staffed, on time and Clothes chutes to a well ceived a petition on May 18, 1920 re­ under budget. equipped laundry, a kitchen co m plete with refrigerator, questing the creation of the High During that time the Board dealt two dining rooms, maid's River Municipal Hospital District. This with many issues. Besides the quarters, supply rooms, sewing room, and iron lung was duly established six weeks later on $55,000 debenture, they found and room, x -ray and detention June 30th. The Municipal Councils purchased a three acre site in High and isolation wards all com­ then met to appoint a Hospital Board River costing no more than bined, after 1940, to give ratepayers and patrons an which would plan construction and $1,500.00. In January of 1920 they upgraded service. operation of a new hospital. took over the operation of the Cottage The Board wasted no time. Under Hospital free of encumbrances. The current Matron, Miss Mc­ Leod and those staff members she recommended were to stay on in the new hospital. The small sub-hospital in Blackie was to be maintained with the ser­ vices of a nurse. In February 1921 Mr. Jeffers was appointed architect for the pro­ ject and Gauley and Vandenhoogen were awarded the building contract for $45,316.00. The Municipal Hospital - 1921 CONSTRUCTION OF THE accommodated on second floor Mater­ One early incident noted in Dr. Learmonth's career MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL nity. It included the case room, nurs­ was the patient suffering The two story, 18 bed hospital, ery, bath and diet kitchen. from a throat ulcer and re­ The proposed budget for 1921 was quiring complicated surgery. built of brick and concrete, was fire­ Dr. lngs of Calgary proof from cellar to garret. $30,419.00. responded, travelling to The basement contained the main Despite a severe snowstorm, 300 High River by private rail­ way car and did the surgery kitchen, equipped with a dumb wait­ guests saw the new High River with the light of a lamp. er to service the two floors above, Municipal Hospital officially opened Total charge to the patient by Premier Greenfield on Tuesday, for the emergency was staff dining room, x-ray and drug $75.00. rooms, storage and staff quarters. November 5, 1921. The main floor was largely surgi­ The success of the campaign and cal. It contained the operating room the positive atmosphere surrounding and accommodation for 12 patients. the opening was credited to the tre­ As well, there was a main office, sun­ mendous support, moral and finan­ room, baths, utility, diet and steriliz­ cial that was given so generously by ing rooms. the area communities. Six patients and five nurses were

If the Municipal Hospital was to have his duties interrupted by ready for patients, Matron Mabel anything as mundane as departure McLeod and her staff were ready and arrival, and this provided only and eager to move. minor difficulty. With her staff, the transfer was Surrounded by his pots and pans made quickly and efficiently on Oc­ loaded onto a horse-drawn dray, and tober 21, 1921. Dr. Buswell and a chatting merrily with officials and nurse accompanied each small group, spectators during the procedure, travelling by truck or, for those on Hing continued to peel his vegetables stretchers, by horse and dray. while being transported. The only hitch in the transfer After all, it was almost time to came when the cook, Hing, refused have supper ready.

------· When Premier Greenfield and High River School of Nursing saw six other dignitaries, both provincial and classes and 22 nurses complete train­ local, officially opened High River ing between 1921 and 1934. Seven Municipal Hospital on November did not complete training. 15th 1921 it may have come as a sur­ All are remembered for their ability prise to many of the 300 present to and the quality of their nursing skills. hear Greenfield's announcement. Superintendent McLeod attracted High River Hospital would have the members from her own alma mater to first nursing training school in a her staff, and Canada's first municipal Mabel McLeod R.N. municipal hospital in Canada. school of nursing is remembered for It was no surprise to Mabel Mc­ personnel and graduates all of whom Leod R.N., an outstanding graduate were a credit to their profession. of Lady Stanley Institute of Ottawa. The first school (1921 to 1924) Mabel McLeod had been lobbying had two enrollees, Evelyn Robert­ hard for some time for permission to son (Mrs. A.A. Leitch of High train nurses as she felt they should be River) and Jean Laidlaw (Mrs. Ted trained. In addition to her frequent Brookes, Calgary). The former re­ visits to authorities in Edmonton, she calls that she had first been attracted had visited every city hospital in to nursing by conversation with the Alberta, reviewing their training pro­ assistant matron Cora Stauffer grams. Eventually she chose the (Mrs. Dr. Burke). She joined the staff Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmon­ of the High River General as a sort of ( ton as the place best suited for her Girl Friday and liked it, moving with nurses in training to spend their third the hospital into the new quarters and and final year before graduation. enrolling in the first class. Mabel McLeod's reason for this choice would be appreciated by today's nurses. While she approved many of the features of those Alberta hospitals being managed at that time by religious orders (usually The Grey Nuns) she chose the Royal Alex be­ Cora Stauffer (Burke) cause it was there, she felt, senior nurses were permitted more authori­ Evelyn Robertson Leitch ty and opportunity to make use of reminisces that following lec­ Graduates of the first class of Nursing students, t ures in Anatomy, Physi­ their advanced knowledge and skills. left, Miss E. Robertson; center, Mabel McLeod, ology, Medical Nursing, Sur­ Although Mabel McLeod would Superintendant of Nursing; right, Miss J. Laidlaw. gical Nursing and Obstetrics not be in charge to see the last two "There was no problem to Highlight of the graduation of classes graduate, (resigning as know what to do with days this first class was the presentation off - there weren 't any." Superintendent of Nursing in 1929)

23 of their pins by Edward, Prince of "There had been a picnic given by Wales on his second visit to his High the Prince at his ranch ... It rained River ranch in 1924. These pins, most of the day, and the reception at designed by Miss McLeod, were the hospital was scheduled for eight replicas of her own Lady Stanley pins o'clock in the evening. All the mem­ with the exception of the centre. Here bers of the Board and their wives and she had substituted a western motif, innumerable guests had been invited. a sheaf of wheat. At 5:00 p.m. the Prince arrived at the Evelyn Leitch recalls that door with a couple of Aides and asked she and Jean Laidlaw if he could present the pins then, as Brookes were sent hastily to change into clean uniforms. he was retiring to his private railway Jean, who had been prepar­ car and did not wish to come out ing a patient bath, in her again in the evening. nervousness dropped her only clean apron into the tub. "Miss McLeod with her usual Evelyn, who had been taught presence of mind said, 'It will take at boarding school all her life to curtsy properly, to the some minutes to get ready. Would chagrin of her mother forgot you care to visit the patients while I to curtsy to the Prince. make the necessary arrangements?' "Most people know that 5:00 p.m. The Board Minutes of is the really busy time in a hospital. October 10, 1924 report the However Miss McLeod would intro­ graduation with slightly duce a patient to the Prince, then is­ more deference to the errant Royal visitor: sue orders to the nurses. One young "On the evening of Octo­ airman from the local Flying Station ber 1st H.R.H. The Prince of Wales called at the Hospital was on the bedpan when introduced and presented to Miss Rob­ ... a fellow named Brazil ... who ertson and Miss Laidlaw laughingly remarked later that not their graduating pins. H.R.H. Edward, Prince of Wales chatting at "On the evening of the his ranch with High River Mayor George Young many had had the distinction of 10th of October, at a public and his wife. shaking hands with the heir to the function, the two graduates were presented with diplo­ A gala evening had been planned throne under such circumstances. mas by Dr. Laidlaw, M.H. 0. for the ceremony, with visiting digni­ "Finally arrangements were com­ of Alberta, the Nightingale pleted and a dozen or so guests had Pledge was given by Rev. taries invited from surrounding towns Father Bowlen of High River, for miles around. The cook, Hing, had been phoned ... among them my Dr. Buswell gave an address prepared a special array of delicacies. mother . . . and the pins presented. It to the Nurses and Dr. York Blayney an Ode. But the Prince changed the plans. was all over in half an hour or so. "The graduating exercises Evelyn Leitch tells it as follows: "Unfortunately it was the sad lot were followed by a dance for the nurses which was well ~ •. ~ ~ . L. which befell Miss McLeod to tell the patronized by the entire Hos­ ffi:· -~tll Mlll'lttt~ ~-~ arriving guests all evening, who pital District, the auditori­ 1\ ...\~ · - : · ~~(); came over muddy roads (there um of the Town Hall being WIN !ti'f!i!ll4 A.t.Ull<~A crowded until 2 a.m. weren't many cars in those days, "High River Municipal either) from all the neighboring Hospital has the proud dis­ towns and district in pouring rain, 'I tinction of graduating the first Municipal Hospital pu­ am so sorry. The Prince of Wales has pil Nurses in Canada, and come and gone"'. the graduates were signally honored by having their pins Miss McLeod, herself punctilious presented by H .R.H. The about appointments, never had much Prince of Wales and their respect for Royalty after that. diplomas autographed by him."

24 Neither did Hing the cook. ter became matron of High River Hos­ Following the initial trial, three Early nursing school stu­ pital before becoming a staff member dents recall that in 1928 in­ students were admitted in 1924, Kate of a Salem, Oregon clinic. These three structors were Nursing Dir­ MacDonald (Mrs. O.V. Snodgrass, graduated. However Florence Hogg ector Miss McLeod assisted by the graduate nurses on High River), Nellie Stewart (Mrs. (Mrs. Neal Trout, Black Diamond), staff, Barbara Beattie, El­ Ner Clark, Lethbridge), and Amy and Ivy Lawrence (Mrs. Wallator, sie Barton, Florence Moore­ Stoness (Mrs. Royce Gravert) who Longview) did not complete the h ouse and Jean Laidlaw. graduated in 1926. course. The sixth enrollee, Betty Nel­ Graduates in 1928 were Marjory son, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Keith H a ving received a pro­ posed increase in salary to Young (Vancouver) who bec.ame a Nelson of High River, died of spinal $ 115. 00 per month effective Nursing Sister during World War 2, meningitis at the end of her first year J anuary 1st, 1921, Superin­ tendent Miss McLeod imme­ Rene Golightly (Mrs. Al Curry, in training. diately came to bat on behalf Vancouver), Janet Richardson (Mrs. In 1934 it was decided to discon­ of her nurses, suggesting Archie Hogg, Longview), Muriel tinue the High River Hospital School they should be receiving $80. 00 monthly. To this the Watt (Mrs. Tommy Pierce, Nanton). of Nursing. Board did not agree. Their Class of 1927 to 1930 was Helen Increased demand for patient appreciation of their Nur­ sing Superintendent, howev­ Cascadden (Mrs. Edwin Service beds and attention again was pres­ er, is evident in the Decem­ of Portland, Ore.), Lila Thompson suring an overcrowded hospital.The ber bonus of $100.00 voted (Mrs. Dan McGivern, Portland), resignation of Miss Mabel McLeod annually during her tenure; something not recorded as Florence McMillan (Mrs. J.M. in 1929 was not considered lightly. being immediately forthcom­ Cairns, Calgary), Margaret Clark Accompanied by petitions from Ladies ing for her successors. (Mrs. H.W. Soby, High River). Fern Auxiliary and local groups, and with Sim (Mrs. Joe Nadorozney) did offers from the Board for a leave of Dr. W. A. Lincoln of Calgary, addressing the not finish her training. absence, she remained adamant. Fol­ nursing graduates of High This was the first class to hold lowing brief periods in Vulcan and River Hospital in 1932, rem inded them that in their graduation under Supt. of Grace Hospital (Calgary), with Cora L ondon, England in 1829 Nursing Harrison. Stauffer Burke she was persuaded one of the new rules was that Included in the 1929 to 1932 class to open a Company Hospital support­ nurses administering med­ icine must be able to read were Kay Gribble (Mrs. Overand, ed by Okalta in the booming oil fields and write. Edmonton), Alta Beaton (Mrs. C.W. around Turner Valley. MacCrae, Cayley), Charlotte White­ It was here that she ended her The "girls in pink", as side (Mrs. Buck, who later nursed at nursing career. Friends recall the th ey were known at the Royal Alex, always stood out Taber, Alberta), Margaret Rogers hours she spent after completing among the hundred or more (Mrs. Webster, Trail, B.C.), Christine trainees wearing the Royal Rasmussen (Mrs. Milligan, Coch­ Alex blue. Local graduates insist that their time spent in rane, Alta.), Dorothy Campbell H igh River Nursing School (Mrs. Gardiner, Calgary and High was much more objective, as the large classes in the city River). Alta Williamson, Alma hospital gave little time for Stubbs and Helen Beagle (Mrs. Lyle first hand observation. Snodgrass) did not complete their training. The latter worked later for Hours during the two three years in the local hospital. years training were 7:30 to 7:3 0. Day shifts had two The last class, that of 1931 to 1934 hours off each day, one half enrolled Jean Matheson (Mrs. day off a week, and one day off the morning they came off MacNabb, Calgary), Mabel Suther­ night duty. A two week night land (Mrs. Gilbert Diebert, High High River Nursing School Pin designed by shift followed six weeks of River), Florence Cameron, who la- Mabel Mcleod. day shift.

25 tours of duty, sitting in the nursery progressive hospitals, she was indefa­ rocking newborn babies tigable in her devotion and standards As always during her long term of for community health care. service to High River and two of its

Pictured on the High River Hospital Grounds are standing, left to right; Dr. York Blayney, lecturer in Pediatrics and Anatomy at High River School of Nursing, Superintendant Mabel McLeod, R.N., Dr. R . E. Buswell, instructor in Maternity and Obstetrics, Dr. Michael Burke lecturer. Seated left to right, Student Nurse Helen Cascadden who later became Matron, Instructor Miss Florence Moorhouse R.N., and staff member Jean Laidlaw R.N., member of the 1924 first graduating class.

26 TAX ESTIMATES FOR years to build an addition to the 1922 Rural areas were to pay existing hospital. .03 cents per acre. Architects Meech and Meech pro­ The different municipali­ cJh9h cf?iuE'i c:dlll._unicipaf posed a 50 foot two story addition to ties payed the following - the south end of the building, minimiz­ M.D. of Royal df01pitaf (cont.) ing any structural changes and taking - # 158 - $ 690.42 advantage of the current utilities. M.D. of Riley GROWING PAINS - # 159 - 5119.20 It wasn't long before patient de­ The proposed plan included 43 M.D. of Dinton patient beds, two isolation beds, and - #189 - 5544.10 mand outgrew available space in the four children's beds on the first floor M.D. of Sheep Creek hospital. In May of 1924 the Board ' - # 190 - 4074.99 plus an enlarged nursery for 16 cots. M. D. of Stockland moved that steps be taken to increase - # 191 - 288.24 the level of accommodation. In an emergency, this could be L.I.D. The Laycraft property, formerly expanded to 68 beds, by using sun - # 160 - 1843.16 rooms and maids' quarters. L.l.D. the Hanna home, was leased for one - # 161 - 150.00 year as nurses' quarters to provide The plan also included upgrading Town of High River space for patient beds. the basement with a well equipped - 3500.00 laundry and kitchen. Village of Cayley By 1940 the original 18 bed hospital - 150.00 was increased to 36, by adapting sun Percy Taylor and Son were the Village of Blackie general contractors, watched over by - 350.00 rooms, taking over the children's ward and making four bed wards from what Hospital Secretary, Frank Swain, The 1933 mill rate was had previously held two. and Miss Florence Cameron, the 1. 5 mills on the assessed Superintendent of Nurses. value. There were still occasions when dresser drawers received the new The new addition was officially arrivals from Maternity. opened on November 20, 1941, with Kitchen and laundry facilities these words of Chairman, Mr. H.D. were inadequate. There was only one Johnson. "This is an occasion for toilet on the main floor for men celebration with a special feeling of ' women and children. Surgical pa- gratitude that in this period of strife tients had to be carried upstairs on and destruction, we are dedicating a stretchers after their operations. building for the good of humanity There was no isolation ward for the and the alleviation of suffering." seriously contagious cases. Minor improvements continued to At a ratepayers' meeting on May be made to the hospital over the next 30, 1940, a motion was passed re­ fifteen years. In 1945 a passenger questing the Hospital Board to as­ elevator was installed and the heat­ semble the necessary data for a de­ ing system upgraded. Later a deep benture by law. freeze, and new laboratory and x-ray Four townships, including Nan­ equipment were purchased. ton, were added to the Hospital Dis­ But the need for yet again a ma­ trict. Ratepayers were informed that jor upgrading and addition soon be­ there would be no tax increase for the came apparent if the increasing de­ new addition. mand for first class hospital service The Hospital Board paid off the would be met. Area population was 1921 debenture that year. On Novem­ steadily increasing and an ageing ber 2, 1940, they received an over­ population was changing treatment A fire escape slide was whelming vote of approval, (94%) to patterns. added for bed patients .. . Due to the low cost of hospitaliza- nurses enjoyed trial runs. borrow $35,000 over the next ten 27 tion and prepaid hospital and medi­ ray and Laboratory requirements, as cal insurance plans, people with ail­ well a s modern laundry and boiler ments formerly treated at home were rooms for the new facilities. now being cared for in the hospital. In October 1959 there was another There was also an increase in out official opening. Secretary Treasurer, patient use. The demand for this ser­ Barry Johnson introduced Minister vice further strained available facili­ of H ealth, the Honorable J, ties. New techniques in surgery and Donavan Ross and Board Chair­ maternity required more sophisticat­ man, H. T. Nixon to the 500 guest s ed equipment. Although quite up to assembled for the occasion. date in 1921 , they could no longer Matron, Miss Tillie Holoway­ The Board announced in J une 1936 that infectious keep pace with the modern medicine chuck received a key to the hospital patients (typhoid, etc.) were of the mid fifties. from officials of Oland Construction the responsibility of the local board of health and not to be In 1957 the Provincial Depart­ and Dr. York Blayney cut the ribbon admitted to the hospital ... ment of Public Health authorized a which officially opened the new facility. This was later modified. 20 bed addition to the existing 44 bed Dr. Blayney, whose practice of hospital. Architects A. Dale and As­ fifty continuous years paralleled sociates recommended expansion of those of the High River Hospital, was the south extension and plans were presented with a gigantic cribbage 1· sent for approval. board by Mrs. Nora McNichol, on This time the contract was behalf of the hospital staff. awarded to Oland Construction of As early as 1961, two years later, Lethbridge and the mechanical con­ renovations began again. This time it tract to Whittick Brothers, also of was to enlarge the physiotherapy Lethbridge. By June of 1959 the new unit and update the kitchen with a wing was in operation and renova­ walk in freezer. The pediatric ward • tions to the old wings begun. was upgraded and a badly needed Gladys Longson posting The new addition boasted mod­ maintenance shop and garage built. isolation. ern, well equipped maternity, surgi­ No amount of effort could keep up cal and emergency facilities, along with the work to be done. By 197 4 Jn May, 1958 ratepayers voted 92% in favor of a with expanded outpatient services. there was a list of 57 items in need of debenture by law to borrow After the renovations, female pa­ attention. $395, 000.00 for construction of a 30 bed additional wing. tients were accommodated on the sec­ The Hospital Board realized that ond floor with male patients on the no amount of renovation or remodel­ first floor and children in a ward at ing would solve the problems of the A maternity section, self the north end. physical plant - current or anticipated. contained, with well equip­ ped la bor and case rooms, Oxygen was piped to the wards They began to map a plan that nursery, fo rmula room, ster­ and recovery rooms, and a two way, would lead to the construction of a ilization unit, as well as an isolation section were on the electronic communication system completely new and modern medical second fl oo r. The first fl oor connected each bed with the nurses' facility, one that would set even high­ included a new operating station. er standards of programs and ser­ unit, also self contained, a central supply room and an The basement was again remodel­ vices for rural health care. emergency area with out-pa­ ed to provide expanded Dietary, X- tient facilities.

28 New wing on right half of pic­ ture was officially opened in 1941. The square pillar on end of building houses the passenger elevator added in 1945.

The extensive south wing including maternity, surgical and emergency plus increased out-patient centres such as x-ray and physiotherapy, was added in 1959.

1961 new garage and mainte­ nance shop, was added plus upgrading to kitchen and physio­ therapy areas.

And then they tore it down. §7-aduation

Dr. York Blayney would recite And you long for some really fresh air; his poems on every occasion, some­ Some woods, with nobody about you, Progr.amme Except for just a squirrel or a tree; Opening Prayer Re.v. Wm. McNkh(ll times as mothers were in labour, or a The freshness, the freedom that calls you, surgical patient about to be trans­ Just that will be plenty for me. -- ferred onto the operating table. M~'.i. T. Merriam

The winter! hot water bags! blankets! Addrefs to 9ra~duate~ Dr. Y. Blayney This poem was dedicated to the The patients all chilly and numb; Presentation oi Diplomas High River Hospital School of Nurs­ You chase through the basement half frozen - - Mr, A. K. Wltlston ing's first graduates. To find that the "el" will not run. (Supervisor of Ho1:1 pitals ) The corridors older than history Nigb.tingale' Pledge

The cracks where the wintry winds slant; PrfS!lJlt(\J:ioo ~f Speqil Prll!C The Too Much - Trained Nurse This life is a terrible mystery - , · ~rs. A. w. Thonip~on I wanted the training - I got it! I want to go home - but I can't. 6od. Save' thC Khlg I scrabbled and mucked like a slave. Was it Typhoid or T.B. - I fought it; There's a place where you don't have to hurry, I hurled my youth into a grave. And there's plenty of time and to spare; I wanted the training; I got it - There are people who don't have to worry, Come out with an R.N. next fall And never give thought to a dare, But somehow life's not what I thought it, There are hardships here nobody reckons; And somehow an R.N. 's not all. Where all is just peaceful and still' There's a place - oh, it beckons and beckons, ,c .C•' No! The real life! (Have you tried it?) And I want to go back - and I will. TJ;ie P4qr~'%~ J'{jgll,tingale It's the blessedest thing that I know, . .. PLEDGE - \'·. •O;, • • ..'<: ,,,,_'>:. · ·. ·/.···:..<'i To leave all this trouble behind you They are making my conscience diminish, ~o bf!. t"k~ ff# fhe G ~·~•JiRf SJas! ,before r~eceiving thtdr Diplomas" And strike out and let yourself go. I'm sick of the scold and the blame. Some say New York is a gay city; · ~· rf · SoJ~.mnly nJedge . ;.iny~ ·; lf, b;fore God Thank God! when I'm trained to a finish, ~. _a~d ln ' , th~_ ~rCse?lce ()f thiS a~sembly , Some say it's a fine place for fun; I'll hike to the homeland again. to)>ass ~ny ~fejnJ?urftx P.Dd t.o pra'ctice my Maybe; but there's some as would trade it prOfossiOn: f~thfully. ~ · ~ wiJI · abStai~ fr.om I'll live - and you bet it's no sham life; w~atev~~r i$ · >pele,terious ~pd '0 . ~1ischievo~s, For just the outdoors - and I'm one. and · Will Mt take o:i- J_,:'.no"ii\ringly .idminister It's heaven! I've been there before, ari,Y 'ba.rmful dl3µg . .,., .. ,. " And it's better than this by a darnsite, J ,: wHf., do an .·it.;. ll1Y POy.rer to mairifain .and You come to get trained (darned good reason); cfpnlti'th'e s,taDtji'fd ''oi my _profession, and So me for the Homeland once more. will hul

One day Matron Margaret Carey walked into the nurses' office to find Dr. York stand­ ing on a chair facing a very tall Miss Judith Sedgeley. Up on inquiry, he replied, "How else can I look her in the eye when I talk to her?"

An embarrassed nurse, rushing to assist a pregnant looking "lady" was cha­ grined to find she was assist­ ing Dr. York Blayney into the Dr. York, interupted during a community labour room, dressed in vaudeville, attended an emergency maternity heavy overcoat, a scarf over patient in costume during a recess in the show. his head, moaning and wad­ dling realistically. Probationers and more experienced staff soon learned to be alert for Dr. York's prac­ tical jokes.

One elderly gentleman, fre quently admitted to hospi­ tal in the 1950's, asked to have a tobacco can brought in from the unlocked trunk of his car which had been several days in the parking lot . The can contained $4000.00 in cash. The doctor's car. (1920's). Another time, RCMP had to Doctors Room, old hospital Dr. York relieve the same gentleman of a playing solitaire. revolver while he was a patient. 31 After cleaning the toilet in the ladies' staff quarters one day, N ed hooked up a battery to the toilet seat. S everal peo­ ple were mildly shocked. He tricked the cleaning staff by putting a pair of rubber boots and overalls in the m en's stall. They could n 't under­ Ned Theroux came to the hospi­ mour and busy as he was, he always stand how the gentleman could spend two whole days tal in 1945 to "fill in for the new man had time for a joke. "on the the throne". who didn't show up." Twenty years One December morning, Ned was later someone asked "what would you accidently tricked when he went up on do if the other guy showed up now?" the roof to install the Star of Bethlehem Fortunately for everyone at the just in time for Christmas. Another High River Hospital "the other guy" chap came along and when he couldn't never showed up and for years Ned see anyone, took the ladder away. Ned was a welcome sight pushing his chore spent two hours in a howling wind cart and taking requests as he went. before he could get anyone's attention. Ned lived in the hospital's base­ Ned married head cook, Irene ment quarters. He worked seven days Dorrett and they had one son, whom a week most of the time, and was al­ Irene took to the hospital in a car­ Ned and Irene Theroux ways on call. riage when she went to work. Whether you called him a janitor, Ned Theroux was honoured sever­ handyman, maintenance supervisor al times by his colleagues. They loved The story oftenest repeat­ ed about N ed Theroux, long or mechanical engineer, everyone him for his quiet sense of humour time employee who is men­ agreed that Ned was one of the most and his willingness to help. Ned tioned for his good humor in important people to work at the High retired in 1976. almost every nurse's memo­ ries, tells of him being River Hospital. He had a sense of hu- stranded on the hospital roof While putting up the traditional star, part of the LANDSCAPING bitious including five varieties of six annual Christmas d ecora­ tions, a fellow employee is The new Municipal Hospital was to eight year old trees, and smaller said to have removed the sited in a bleak looking setting. shrubs to be planted in clumps. ladder prematurely. Two On May 14, 1923, following con­ "This layout will make our hospi­ and a half hours later N ed was rescued, his teeth chat­ sultation with experts from Indian tal grounds one of the beauty spots of tering from the cold. Head Nurseries in Saskatchewan the province," The High River Times There is another version. Ned, one narrator claims, and Lacombe Nurseries in Alberta, enthused, going on to encourage local left his assistant stranded, 1800 small trees and shrubs arrived residents that the experiment would holding the celestial orna­ ready for planting. Accompanying the be successful, and should be an exam­ ment while N ed went down town for convivial compan­ shipment of the potential small forest ple to home owners to follow suit. ionship with his friends. was the senior partner himself from Certainly the landscaped proper­ Perhaps it happen ed , in retribution, the following Lacombe. ty became beautiful. The grass with­ year. Ground had been prepared as per in the semi-circular driveway to the instructions and the lay-out planned. entrance eventually sprouted a car­ Under supervision the trees were pet of native violet. Handyman and One morning, in the fall of 1955, fi ve deer were seen planted within three days and ar­ gardener Ned Theroux usually found grazing on the lawns of the rangements made that an inspection excuses to postpone mowing the lawn High River hospital. They went about their foraging be made the following year and any within the enclosure until the spring quite unperturbed by the dead plants replaced. violets ceased their annual blooming. sights and sounds of commu­ The landscaping project was am- nity life. 32 A favorite initiation for new nurses back-fired on one practical joker. Whenever trips to the morgue were nec­ essary, she would dash ahead and hide under a sheet, moaning eerily at the appropriate time. An emer­ gency delayed the arrival of the anticipated escort party and their lamented ex­ patient. The morgue, natu­ rally, was cold. When the expected convoy arrived half an hour late, it was met by a well chilled nurse. Throwing off her inadequate sheet she demanded indignantly, her teeth chattering, "And where the "H" have you been ?" Reaction of the probationers to this ghoulish greeting was not recorded.

Matron Bea MacDonald, ev idently an indomitable match for a parsimonious Board, in 1955 was instru­ mental in having the hospi­ tal's run down old physical plant renovated, cleaned up and rejuvenated.

Many nurses, recalling earlier days on staff in High River Hospital, comment how grateful they were to receive a bonus of $5.00 in cash at the annual Christmas parties.

One nurse during the 1940's, Mabel Gordon, recalls a family situation Veteran "HONEY WAGON" modernized with pneumatic tires. when the father was brought to hospital with a broken leg; Sanitation in early days could be Consequently the "honey wagon" the three year old son swal- somewhat primitive. Doctors insisted travelled the back alleys nightly, 1o wed a metal staple and was hospitalized several Town Council practice infection con­ eventually acquiring quieter pneu­ days on a diet of mashed trol following a typhoid epidemic. matic tires. potatoes and cotton balls; the mother was admitted to maternity. All four got home safely.

33 During the early days of the Cot­ this town for the care of the sick of tage Hospital there was much discus­ your district, so anything you can do . sion of holding an annual Hospital will lighten the efforts of your board." The suggestion went on to men­ Sunday, both as a tribute to those Patient care cost $3.61 a serving in the health care field and tion that "luxuries in the way of chic­ day in Dec. 1930. as a promotion of public awareness ken, cream, butter or fruit" would not within the community of the atten­ only lighten the load of the taxpayers tion given their health care needs but also express material evidence to There was an increase in out-patient usage of the and how they could assist. staff and administration of public Hospital increasing the While the original observance support and appreciation. demand for adequate facili­ ties in 1955. 840 out-patients never materialized, in reality every "If at any time, the public care to were treated while 1017 day was hospital day for the volun­ come and see the work that is being received treatment in 1956. teers and dedicated supporters of ad­ carried on, a hearty welcome will be vocating better facilities. accorded them" the article concluded. One early trainee recalls In 1921 a national hospital day It was in this spirit that local that in the first years of High again was advocated. This time May health care evolved, and continued to River Municipal H ospital flourish. With the exception of a brief Board Chairman George Mc­ 12th was the proposed date, the anni­ lrv ine and Miss M cL eod versary of the birthday of Florence period beginning with a request from "ran the hospital between Nightingale. The guest book shows administration itself in 1955, commu­ them ". The chairman ar­ rived every week to go over that 89 local residents visited the nity health care has meant just that - accounts and check hospital Nurses Residence on that first occasion. heavy involvement from the commu­ business. In the midst of all this Perhaps more to the point was nity, above and beyond the contribu­ Mabel McLeod made a point the article in the local paper, an­ tions of the taxpayers. of visiting every patient on a nouncing both the occasion and the Volunteerism has contributed, daily basis, and more than once was found drying dish­ means by which the public might re­ and continues to contribute an inte­ es for Mrs. Albert Blanc, who spond. It read in part: gral part of the community health came in every evening to at­ tend to the day's accumula­ "A new institution is to be built in care system. tion of dirty dishes, pots and pans.

1953 saw the beginning of another polio epidemic, this time a new virus which A Public Health Unit, later to be sibility for immunization programs affected the respiratory sys­ known as Foothills Health Unit, was were the mandate. tem. Fortunately the discov­ ery of the Salk and Sabin a local "first" begun in 1921. Funded The boundaries of the unit are not vaccines proved a miracle for by the Rockefeller Foundation, it was coterminous with local municipal, many and the number of one of two such projects in Alberta, hospital or school division boundaries. cases were greatly reduced. the other being in Red Deer. Prior to the Health Unit, an At the end of the three year trial, emergency health care centre was In 1948 the Health Unit Alberta government assumed respon­ operated by VON staff, one of the ori­ added Mental Hygiene and Child Guidance clinics to its sibility for 60% of operating costs. Re­ ginal nurses being a Miss Davidson services. Clients were visited mainder was the responsibility of the who was transferred to Vulcan in the in High River on a regular district. Health inspection and respon- mid 1920s. basis. 34 Frank Swain once said to To many of the male gender, were known to, between rounds, poke Kay Porter after a rash of young in years and young at heart, in their head out the back door for a marriages at the hospital, "I thought I was a good Secre­ search of enjoyable companionship, thirty second chat and then back to tary Treasurer, but really, I the back door of the hospital was more serious matters. It must also be run a matrimonial agency." He would have under­ where the real world began. It was said that many a date was postponed stood why had he known that through this door the nurses passed due to a nurses dedication to ailing whenever Dr. Arnold Smith on their way to and from work, young, patients in need of extra care. had teeth extractions to do, nurses conspired to see that beautiful, energetic nurses in need of, It is not surprising hospital man­ Matron Jean Squire was his as each young swain was sure, just agement was always searching for re­ sc rub nurse. Their match making was a success! exactly what he had to offer_ placement nurses. Many is the young After three hard years of training, man who successfully convinced one a move to a new town, gainful em­ of the staff to come home with him In 1956 the average occu­ ployment and the adoration of the for a lifetime. We are glad they did. pancy of the Hospital was districts most eligible all contributed These ladies are as dedicated to their 82% and in August the m aternity occupancy was to an interesting lifestyle for these family and community as they were 45% with the surgical occu­ ladies. to the nursing profession. pancy at 90%. Dare it now be said that nurses

Candy Stripers represented the By January, 1972 Terry had contribution of younger volunteers to worked 100 hours as a volunteer and the local hospital scene. Organized in was awarded the 100-hour pin; by 1969, and working after school and February of the following year an during weekends and holidays, the additional recognition for 200 hours Candy Stripers were a corps of volun­ work. teer teenagers whose ages averaged The girls who received such re­ Terry Gillis 13 to 14. Usually about 20 would be cognition were the most consistent in on call, with a lesser number avail­ their attendance at the hospital, giv­ able as duty rosters were drawn. ing up their spare time to act as Those who completed 50 hours of vol­ "gofers"; delivering and arranging unteer work were awarded certifi­ flowers, talking with lonely patients, cates. First certificates were received visiting and playing with homesick December 4, 1971 by Terry Gillis and youngsters in the children's ward. Susan Stafford.

Susan Stafford

35 Ratepayers of the High River Mu­ ratepayer. Upon such payment being nicipal Hospital District, at the time made after February 1 in any year, the of it's origin, paid a hospital fee of enjoyment of such privilege shall not $1.00 per day of usage plus a proper­ commence until after the expiration of ty tax. Those whose taxes did not 30 days from the date of such payment amount to $6.00 were required to pay except in case of accident. up to that amount before becoming This ticket must be signed by the eligible for the $1.00 rate. holder in the presence of the Secre­ Resident non-ratepayers could tary or authorized member of the purchase a "Service Ticket" for the Board and countersigned by such of­ sum of $6.00 which entitled them and ficer or member. It must also bear the families the privilege of the $1.00 per date of purchase." day rate. Non-ratepayers arriving in the A 1922 advertisement for Service district during the year could reach Tickets reads as such - ratepayers status by paying the $6.00 "Any non-ratepayer resident in or a pro rated portion of it and abid­ the High River Municipal Hospital ing by the 30 day waiting period. District upon payment to the Secre­ Over the years the $6.00 fee rose tary-Treasurer of the district on or to $10.00 although improvements in before February 1 in any year of the services at the hospital gave the cus­ sum of $6.00 shall be entitled to all tomers more for their money. the privileges of hospital service for The "Service Ticket" program con­ himself and family for the calendar tinued without interruption until the year, to the same extent and upon the adoption of the Alberta Health Care The proposed budget for same terms and conditions as a resident Insurance Plan. 1921 was $30,419.00.

This 1948 proposal, which had a ization in a public ward for a period world wide membership of 30 million of thirty days for each separate hos­ people, was discussed and adopted by pital admission for each unrelated ill­ hospital staff. ness or condition. It is an interesting comparison "All participants are also entitled with today's health care. to operating room service, meals and "The Blue Cross plan is a method special diets, routine nursing ser­ of prepayment for hospital service vices, X-ray examinations and other wherever and whenever hospitaliza­ hospital incidentals up to a maxi­ Wage scale for nursing staff tion is required. For the payment of a mum of $35.00, physiotherapy treat­ in 1948 was set at $130.00 for first si.x months, $135.00 for si.x monthly fee of $1.00 dollar for an ments up to a maximum of $30.00, to 12 months; $140.00 for one individual or a family contract, the special drugs and medications ad­ to two years; $145.00 after two participants are entitled to hospital- ministered while in hospital up to years service. 36 $10.00 and other tests and laboratory with the largest public trust fund in services. the world. A Blue Cross plan must "While out of the province of Al­ have a board of trustees, to include berta, participants are entitled to members of hospital staffs, Medical benefits up to $5.50 per day for acci­ associations and ordinary citizens. It dent or emergency cases in any must be sponsored by the Association approved hospital. of Hospitals of Alberta, a group of "The Blue Cross hospitalization 103 hospitals supporting the Blue plan is a non-profit organization, Cross plan."

The years of the early 1930s were cal examinations, health advice and financially difficult for everyone. all other professional services usually Doctors were no exception. Medical rendered by physicians and surgeons bills were not being paid and many in general practice, to the patient health problems went unattended. and his family as shall be required To counteract these problems a and reasonably demanded during the system of "Doctor's Medical Con­ term or period defined. tracts" was introduced at Cardston, Conditions were: Firstly - The Alberta. Much of the credit for its ori­ term or period during which such gin is to be given to D. C. Wight, edi­ services are to be rendered by the tor of the Cards ton News, and a physician shall commence on the champion of state medicine. date on the contract and continue for The regulations and by-laws laid twelve consecutive months. All con­ down by the Cardston association tracts to be signed 30 days before and adopted by others were: coming into effect. The charge for a year's medical Secondly - if at any time the ser­ care to a family, under the contract, vices of a specialist are required by was to be $25.00 cash. the patient or considered necessary The word family would include the by the physician, or if in the perfor­ husband or wife of the patient, as the mance of any operation the atten­ case may be, and the unmarried chil­ dance of extra doctors are required dren of the patient, if and while re­ by the patient or by the law, the lia­ sident with, and dependent upon, the bility for the charges and expenses patient for support, and also any un­ incurred by the employment of such married brothers and sisters, under 21 specialist or extra doctor shall be years of age, as well as the fathers and upon the patients. mothers of the patient dependent upon The medical and surgical services him or her for support. hereby agreed to shall not include - The services rendered will encom­ 1- Services usually rendered by a pass medical and surgical services in­ dental surgeon. cluding major and minor operations, 2 - Treatment of any person for in­ obstetrical cases with pre-natal and sanity or mental disorder, any vener­ post-natal attendance, general physi- eal disease or any disease attributa-

37 ble to the use of alcohol or narcotics. terned after the program originated 3 - Services required on account in Cardston. of severe injuries to eye, ear, nose, or Dr. Burke, upon moving his prac­ throat not ordinarily performed by tice to High River in 1937, joined the the general practitioner. local doctors in their medical program, 4 - Any service not ordinarily ren­ making any or all of the High River dered in the general practice of a doctors available on one contract. physician and surgeon. The form of medical contracts 5 - Services contrary to the code adopted in southern Alberta became of ethics of the medical profession. well known throughout the continent. 6 - The furnishing of any medi­ Dr. Charles T. Fisher, President of cines, serum, vaccine, drugs, special the County Medical Society of Salis­ dressings or other material except bury, Maryland had written the High such as is generally provided by a River Medical Society in March of1934. physician in general practice. He was interested in obtaining a copy of In the event of the physician be­ the contract involved in the local ing called by the patient or any mem­ scheme which supplied subscribers ber of his family to render services with medical and surgical services. pursuant to the agreement, outside In July of 1941, Dr. Benjamin the town of the doctor's residence, the Horning, Supervisor of the Ameri­ patient shall pay 30 cents per tra­ can Public Health Association, came velled mile. All mileage charges to High River for an extensive discus­ along with other added costs are due sion with Dr. Soby regarding the in 30 days from the time of incurring medical program. It is not difficult to such costs. see that Dr. Horning's enthusiasm for With the departure of Dr. Ken southern Alberta's unique medical Murray, Blackie and district were contracts was not shared by the without medical services and had American Medical Association. small chance of acquiring any. To fill The medical contract program The first health services, north east of High River, was this gap a delegation of area resi­ stayed in place until 1949, rising in supplied by the Nuns at the dents approached their former doctor cost from the original $25.00 per fam­ Dunbow Industrial School. M.C. Burke, now in Vulcan, with a ily per year to a high of $65.00 at its This residence school, situat· ed a little upstream from the contract scheme such as had been im­ time of termination. junction of the Bow and plemented at Cardston. The Doctor There were many advantages to Highwood rivers, was built in 1884 with the purpose of liked the financial security of the pro­ the program but the doctors could see teaching trades to the young gram and re-established his practice a couple of problems. The contract natives from the surround· in Blackie. On December the first of must be renewed every year whereas ing areas. It was operateted by the Oblate Fathers with 1932 the second Medical Services a continual contract would cut down the h elp of the Sisters of Contract in Alberta came into being. on the paper work and would keep Charity. The Sisters served the Dr. York Blayney and Dr. Har­ more families within the program. medical needs of the students old Soby, the High River practition­ The second fault is a reflection of along with those of their ers, faced the same financial prob­ human nature. The chronically ill famili es who co uld be en· ticed to trust the white man's lems as did all prairie doctors, the and those anticipating health pro­ m edicin e. They also gave consequence being that on January blems subscribe while many of the first aid to the homesteaders before sending them home or the first of 1934 they joined in part­ the healthy people, at least temporar­ on to a hospital in Calgary nership and adopted a system of ily so, chose not to join, leaving the should their condition war­ Medical Contracts, once again pat- doctor's earnings somewhat below a rant it.

38 realistic leveL tr~cts were born of necessity and U pan looking back one comes to were beneficial to both the patient the conclusion that the medical con- and the doctor.

Dr. W.W. Cross, Alberta's Minis­ vices, in case of emergency. Non ter of Health, announced, in June of Emergency hospitalization, extended 1947, a program of free medical help health care and optical and dental for all Old Age Pensioners, Blind services were available on the recom­ In June 1948 the board received a request from the Pensioners and recipients of Mother's mendation of their physician - dentist Alberta TB Association for Allowance. and the approval of the Department "patch tests" of patients on trial basis for one year. They were presented with a pink of Health. card which entitled them to the ser-

As early as 1943 the Canadian in the Massey Harris building. His re­ Medical Association was promoting a imbursement came from a fee of one health insurance scheme with pre­ dollar which was added to each con­ sentation to the House of Commons. tract. H.R. T.27 Sept. 1951 - The There was discussion as to whether The following points were con­ association (M. S. I.) states that some form of individual such a system should be controlled tained in the contracts: or community enrollment is federally, provincially or by a work­ 1. The plan offers complete medi­ being studied with the possi­ bility of this being offered by able combination of both institutions. cal, surgical and obstetrical care with January 1. Nothing definite came of this at­ very few exceptions. Meeting April 1959 - tempt and nothing developed for 2. The plan is province wide and That the M.S.I. contract be incorporated into the hospi­ some years, but eventually an accept­ offers a free choice of doctors. tal personnel policy. able system was devised. Medical 3. It provides for emergency treat- Services (Alberta) Incorporated was a ment when outside the province. voluntary health insurance program The dues were: An announcement was sponsored by the medical profession. Single person - $19.20 per year made on May 30, 1949 whereby the Department of The scheme was non-governmental Family of two - $38.40 per year Health paid the hospital but was approved by the Alberta De­ Family of three - $48.00 per year $4. 05 per day for the care of partment of Health. This system was Family of four maternity patients. adopted all across Canada. or more - $54.00 per year It came into being at the end of For those over 65 years the single A meeting was held in August in 1949 replacing the Medical rate was - $24.00 per year. Vu lcan in February 1955, Contracts that the local doctors had These Medical Service contracts attended by trustees Nixon and Green to discuss recipro­ with the citizens. gave the added benefits of any x-rays cal hospitalization of rate­ Mr. E.C. Kellam was the local taken in the doctors office, laboratory payers in the Vulcan and secretary for the scheme with offices and diagnostic services and specialist High River hospitals.

39 even that could not save Medical Connie Loree, ACNA consultation and treatment. caught bats in a bath towel This system was proving to be Services and it was forced to cease and released them outside so beneficial, but as early as 1950 it was operations after 1951. they "could be back with all their relations". in financial difficulty. The local sub­ The financial recovery from the scription numbers were a bare 700 depression spurred on by the busi­ when at least 1000 were required for ness resurgence following the war Camille (Stewart) Lay­ it to be viable. just past was presenting problems in craft never forgot night shi~s at the old hospital in the six­ The rates were raised by 35% but meeting the rising cost of health care. ty's. Nurses never crossed a hall without looking in either direction. Bats always had the right of way.

Almost everyone who ever worked At least one evening conference in High River Hospital from 1920 to concerned the wisdom of causing con­ 1970 has a bat story. sternation to an elderly, sleeping pa­ Oftenest recalled is the time tient when a bat was discovered perched on his chest. Fortunately the One night a couple of when two would-be exterminators, young orderlies and a ward investigating the attic haunt, fell bat solved the problem by flying into aide decided to investigate the hallway. the attic. The footing was pre­ through the ceiling. carious. Showering dust and The Matron was not amused. Instructions from higher up were zonolite insulation pellets, all Nurses reacted differently, some that bats were to be captured, by three came through the ceil­ whatever means, and immediately ing right in front of the sec­ bravely facing the night invasion ond floor nursing station and with an arsenal varying from paper consigned to the backyard incinerator. Matron Carscadden. Gentle Mary Guengerich And there was the time bags to floor mops soaked in ether. someone sent an Xray to Cal­ Others found rescue calls to willing always begged a drop of ether from gary that looked suspiciously young RCMP on duty to be expedi­ surgery, first anaesthetizing her cap­ like the skeleton of a bat. A full report came back signed, ent, although this was frowned upon tured bats. "going batty". by authority. The new hospital is bat free. Jn the I930's with no R ed Cross Blood S ervice, closest relatives were called in for cross -m a t ch ing of blood types, g i ving transfusions d irectly. L ater, with blood supply banked in Calgary, RCMP or friends would rush by car to meet the emergency supply being sent out of the The Blood Donor Service in this Scouts checked coats and school girls city, u sually by willing police. area was established in April of 1944 washed bottles and other equipment by women in the High River Red used by the Red Cross. Cross Group. They had been active for In 1954, Mrs. Kay Irving be­ some years, particularly when they came convenor. People from the Hut­ contributed generously in supplying teri te Colonies always have been various materials to the war effort among the generous donors. One and blood donor clinics elsewhere. driver, Clarence Irving, is reported In the beginning, donors were to have rewarded his passengers with asked to sign up ahead of time and an ice cream cone on the way home. clinics held for a couple of hours in In 1959 it became a requirement the afternoon and again in the even­ to give donors food and beverage ing. The convenors of those early after they had given blood, and other clinics included Mrs. H.E. Beding­ organizations began to help the Red field, Mrs. L. Heywood and Mrs. Cross in providing lunch. L. VanTighem. In 1960, Mrs. Alpha Fraser and From the beginning, attendance Mrs. Anne Callahan organized the was good; so good that in October of Clinic, and in the same year the High Ove r the past ten years, 1948 donors had to be turned away River Chapter of Registered Nurses 2, 9 69 Hig h River and District residents have due to lack of time and beds. took over sponsorship of Blood Donor attended blood donor clinics. Two years later a total communi­ Clinics. Kit Heseltine became the Wit h th e components n ow made from blood, as many ty effort resulted in 204 people being first convenor. In 1980 the High as 11,268 hospital patients registered. A house to house canvas River Chapter was awarded a certifi­ may have been helped. was made for donors, baby sitters cate of Service. were organized for the day, the Boy Over the years, convenors, Dor­ othy Holmes, Beulah Tompkins, Donelle Kuntz, Marie Callahan and Gladys Longson have seen many changes connected with the program: changes in hours, the intro­ duction of disposables and plastic bags for the collection of blood, a name change in 1987 to the High River and District Nurses Group. Attendance at the Clinics has risen and fallen over the years, with the most severe drop in 1985 as peo­ ple began to hear about AIDS. Public education has dispelled many of the early fears and attendance is once again improving. The 1906 Hospital was called In 1966 the name was changed to The Cottage Hospital. The large once again become the High River house on Second Ave. E. in 1910 was General Hospital# 11. called the General Hospital, In 1977, because of the absorption although local residents used the of the Twilight Nursing Home, the term Second Cottage Hospital. name became the High River Gen­ In 1920 the General Hospital was eral Hospital and Nursing Home taken over and was called the High District # 11. With the opening of the River Municipal Hospital # 11. present day hospital in 1982 the Upon the opening of the new hos­ name became the High River Gen­ pital in 1921 it was called The High eral and Auxiliary Hospital and River Municipal Hospital # 11. Nursing Home District #11.

The home in which the nurses bathroom facilities. The "Nob le first lived was the former Hanna Home" was only large enough to serve house. Later they moved to quarters half of the nursing staff leaving the converted from a private residence, other nine nurses the problem of find­ the George Noble home, in 1927. A ing living quarters in private homes house of that vintage had many defi­ within short walking distance of the ciencies as a group home, one of the hospital as wages of that day did not main faults being its lack of adequate provide monies for automobiles. 42 "If your heart is not in your work, pital had two male orderlies, Sgt. you will not succeed. The nursing Major Watkins who evidently was profession calls for self sacrifice, high rather a stern man, and the more ideals and patience. Keep Florence genial Scotty Linstead, remem­ Nightingale's work before you as an bered by staff for many years. ideal. Don't depreciate yourself, oth­ Naomi Eix Findlay who first Those were the days when ers will do that. Never become dis­ worked in Blackie sub-hospital before a needle was sterilized in a spoon h eld over a B unsen couraged. Plod along - things will graduating from Galt Hospital, Leth­ burner. right themselves. Success in any pro­ bridge in 1929, nursed in High River fession is only attained when you have Hospital first in 1933 as a "special". reached the summit. Win and respect By that time former graduate Char­ Accounts received for hos­ pital expenses for the month the confidence of your patients, treat­ lotte Whiteside (later to be Mrs. of F ebru ary 1931 were ing their secrets as sacred". Buck) had joined the staff and the $2317.68 for the "main hos­ pital", $53.61 for Blackie. With these words in 1924, Dr. R. two remember the orderly emergency E. Buswell wished the High River management after a Greyhound bus Hospital's graduates of Nursing crash in 1933. Miss Harrison, the super­ School successful careers. Miss Thelma Powell had re­ intendent had a staff of 29 g ra duate n u rses and six High River Hospital has been for­ placed Miss Florence Harrison as under-graduates. tunate over the years, in that the ide­ matron the previous year. The last als expressed have been dear to the school of nursing undergraduates fin­ hearts of so many of its dedicated ished their local training with Miss staff members, in every phase of the Harrison and her staff. health care process. Naomi Eix was with the hospital NURSES OF THE 1930'S until 1939. In 1935, when each nurs­ There are very few, other than the ing superintendent across Canada re­ graduates, who can recall this era. ceived the King George V and Queen One member of the graduating class Mary Silver Medal, she was a local of 1924, Jean Laidlaw Brookes, recipient. Mayor Frank Watt made returned to nurse in the High River the presentation. Hospital for three years before going Naomi Eix Findlay would recall to Queens Hospital, Honolulu for two in later years the relief which nurses years. On her return she nursed at felt when the hospital included an Thelma Powell (R.N.) Vulcan until her marriage to Ted elevator; meal trays to patients were Brookes of Calgary in the early 1930's. more easily handled, and nursing Her co-graduate, Evelyn Rob­ aides could give nurses more time to Matron Florence Harri­ ertson Leitch, did occasional pri­ do their desk work and the responsi­ son, hired in March 1931, proved unpopular, expecting vate nursing. bility of checking and counting drugs. the nursing staff to serve her Miss McCorquodale of High Ruth Hunter also was on staff in meals, running back and fo rth from hospital kitchen River staff would assist at Blackie as the 1930's. to residence. required. During this period the hos- Helen Beagle Snodgrass

43 worked at the hospital for three suaded by Matron Cox to do so. years. Having no isolation hospital at the Instruments were boiled Miss Norma Cox was appointed time, the Town of High River rented' in a small electric boiler Brent McLeod's house as a quaran­ until the autoclave was Superintendent of Nurses from 1934 acquired. After that they to 1938. Resigning in February, the tine hostel. were scrubbed, sorted and Board asked her to continue planning Kay recalls Secretary-treasurer wrapped, and sterilized ready for use. the final graduation, which was held Frank Swain's despair over the. that June. She, too, was recipient of a marriages which depleted the nurs­ Jubilee Medal. ing staff: Ollie Thorne became Mrs. The first lab technician, Stella Grant Marshall, Ida Thompson Montgomery Williams was ap­ married Roy Pollard; Eleanor pointed in 1937. She was followed by MacLeod became Mrs. Vin Stanley, Isabel Gilbert Pearce. Bessie Beaton married Charlie It has been recalled that the Marshall of Nanton; Alberta King­ , ...... board, on second thought, cancelled horn became Mrs. J. Wambeke; \ ..... the appointment of a lab technician, Norma Cox married Earl Good­ but reconsidered. The reasoning was win; Jean Laidlaw married Ted that there were three unemployed Brookes of Calgary; Kay herself nurses in the district. went to Nanton, marrying Bill Florence Cameron became White. matron in 1938 at a salary of $40.00 For some reason, at this point in a month. one memoir, it is recalled how hard it In 1938 Miss Olive Thorne, was, in the crowded nurses' resi­ Miss I. Gilbert and Miss T. dence, to book the old sawdust-filled Thompson joined the staff, following chesterfield in the sitting room. Dorothy Campbell Gardiner Bessie Beaton & Norma the resignations of Miss Beaton, Bedingfield Mrs. M. Wilson and Miss Norma also returned to nurse in High River, Bedingfield that year. and once recalled that Matron Flor- Mabel Sutherland Diebert did private nursing locally after her mar­ riage and return to High River. This was frowned upon at the time as married women were not expected to work outside the home. In 1969 she would be nursing at Twilight Nursing Home. Jean Matheson McNabb, also of the class of 1934, did private nurs­ ing in Calgary before working in the office of Dr. Frank Swartzlander, Florence Cameron, Jean Matheson McNabb, Mabel Sutherland Die be rt retiring in 1979 after 30 years. Back Row: Ivy Lawrence Wallator, Florence Hogg Trout Mabel and Jean both recall nurs­ ence Harrison always wore her for­ ing infectious cases of children ill in mal nursing veil while on duty. While Blackie district. Ivy Wallator remembers completing training at the Royal Alex having to buy necessary text Kay Potter White of Nanton Dorothy roomed with Kay Gribble. books, as well as pay for also recalls nursing contagious cases, breakages, from her nurse in Following her husband's death in training wage of $10.00 a particularly polio, having been per- 1977 Dorothy did private nursing. month.

44 Ivy Wallator, who did her train­ Nursing in 1934. She was first re­ ing at High River, recalls the 12 hour quired to take a month-long course in shifts; the night duty with one gradu­ x-ray procedure in Calgary. ate and one student nurse who also Arriving in High River, her nurs­ were required to deliver morning ing staff included Bessie Beaton, trays before going off duty. Day shift Dorothy Watt, Alta Beaton, included many extra tasks not per­ Naomi Eix, Kathryn Gribble, formed by nurses today. Pay was Margaret Thilson, Charlotte $10.00 a month and deductions made Whiteside and Ruth Kumlin. Her for breakages. Yet Ivy recalls the pay was $90.00 a month. rewarding as well as the sad times. She shared an office with secre­ She would return, briefly, in 1969 to tary-treasurer Frank Swain, with N orma Cox work at Twilight Nursing Home. one desk - one chair on each side. A Mary Plestid Myers and Marg great deal of hospital material was Michael both worked in the laundry re-used. Nothing was wasted, and during the 1930's, and recall the there was ingenious creation of nec­ helpfulness of Lindy Linstead. essary equipment needed for good Norma Bedingfield Lower recalls nursing care. that at this time the cooks were While administration might be ' known as Amelia and Lily. earning a reputation of being stingy, · -" - -~ a -~ .f'i::' Isobel Hart did private nursing, nevertheless the effects of the pover­ ,._,!.,_ .c- . t;, but relieved Joyce Dougherty for a ty-stricken depression days must be . .:. {" time. Like many another nurse, she remembered. ~ -::.:·. ~ ·. :. recalls the smoking habits of Miss In the words of superintendent of Fisher. One reminiscence of Isobel nursing Norma Cox: "Good nursing Hart's is significant of the hardships care was all we had in those days and ~,w,~rl of rural life in that era. After a cer­ was the key to the recovery of the 1935: Margaret, Mary, Lindy tain length of time patients must patients." Linstead, Erna, A melia, Linda leave hospital. Those from a distance, and still requiring lengthy nursing, NURSING IN THE 1940's would find it necessary to rent a Anne Thomas McNeil writes of house in town, and long term care joining High River Hospital Staff in would be provided by hiring a "pri­ 1941 as an x-ray technician, sharing vate" nurse. "And there was none of this duty with Matron Florence this eight hour business," says Mrs. Cameron. With the elementary Fly­ Hart in describing her work load. ing Training School opening at High Paid by the month in such cases, River, many x-ray duties involved Mrs. Hart recalls that private nurs­ RCAF personnel. ing on hospital shifts usually was Staff nurses remembered in the quoted at $5.00 per eight hour shift, early 1940s include Kay McNeill, but during the depression years nurs­ Genevieve Laing and Kathy Bird. es often made allowances for pa­ Mabel Gordon Green joined the tients' pocketbooks. staff in November, 1941. Her salary Norma Cox Goodwin also had of $55.00 a month was considered a done some private nursing, and a fortune when compared with the year on staff at Vulcan, before coming $4.50 monthly stipend previously re­ Marg Michael to High River as Superintendent of ceived during her last two years of

45 training at Holy Cross. Mabel re­ one week off. Miss Kearney was an members the High River nursing R.N. on staff and Miss Helen staff as efficient, congenial and car­ Fisher, R.N. of Calgary - famous for· ing. She recalls good times and sad her habit of hanging a lit cigarette times, with young students from Ele­ from one corner of her mouth while mentary Flying School with whom mixing infant formula or sterilizing the nurses might have been dancing needles - became a senior in Matern- . at socials previously, being brought in ity ward that year. to hospital following plane crashes. Joyce Miller Dougherty began There were lighter moments, the first stint of her years of nursing at when nurses played tricks on genial High River Hospital in 1947 as a spe­ Ned Theroux, the maintenance cial duty and part time R.N. She too man, who is remembered for his worked part time nursing again in the unfailing good humor. 1950's and 1960's, eventually working In 1943 Miss Tenant, Operating full time from 1969 to 1986. Her story Room nurse and lab technician, is carried in more detail in the latter Helen Fisher R .N. resigned, as did Matron Florence part of this section on nursing. Cameron later that same year. Miss D. G. Kearney, superinten­ Staff had begun to see In September 1943 Miss D. G. dent since the previous year, resigned some salary increases. By Kearney was named Superintendent in January 1949 and was replaced by 1952, most had more than of Nursing and would hold that posi­ Miss Isabel Lamont. Miss Kearney doubled from ten years before. Administrative staff tion until 1949. had been with High River Hospital had been enlarged to include Florence Peterson became for five and a half years. Miss Jean an A ssistant Superintendent, (the title of Superintendent Operating Room nurse and lab tech­ Squire also was on staff that year. replaced "Matron"), and an nician in December, 1945, and in Lucille Russell Dougherty office assistant. 1949, following resignation of Eliza­ nursed in High River Hospital, leav­ beth Carnihan, was promoted in ing in 1947 to marry and raise a fam­ that department. ily. However her interest in the hos­ Nurses in 1943 Right to left Peggy Heath Murphy (more re­ pital continued, and she has served - front row: cently known as Peggy Eddolls) as Board member and on many advi­ Ida Tennant, Anne McNeil, Melba Howard, Erica Gifford joined the staff in July 1946 as sory committees. Lucille remembers 2nd Row: Kay Overand, general duty nurse, to become that fellow nursing staff members in Mabel Gordon, J essie Little, Eleanor McLeod, Myrtle Operating Room nurse and Operating the 1940's include Hilda Kitt Hesel­ Brocklebank Room Supervisor before her departure tine, Helen Prentice, Dorothy Earl from this first stint of duty in August, and Yvonne Head Christopherson 1948. Peggy would rejoin the staff in 1961. Writing of the 1940's, Peggy re­ members the equipment adequately up-to-date for the times. The working schedules and hours were good, as was the support received from ad­ ministration and medical staff. Eight hours shifts were now being as­ I , signed, with monthly rotation of all shifts except OR. That staff was on \ ' call for three week shifts, followed by .. 46 ' The 1940's, with a war following a depression, was not an easy time for hospitals. In 1944 High River Hospi­ tal Board, in an abortive resolution to Associated Hospitals of Alberta, per­ haps summed up the problem best_ Pointing out the general shortage of nurses, and the tendency for nurses to prefer to work in cities, the drastic proposal was that all new nursing graduates be obliged to nurse one year in a hospital before engaging in special nursing, and the number of nurses allowed to "special" be regulated. It is doubtful if the Calgary Regis­ try of Nursing endorsed that sugges­ tion. In January 1949 the medical staff also requested and received repre­ sentation on the Hospital Board in an advisory capacity. Yvonne Head (in charge of charts, 1947) with Frank During this year, too, the short­ S wain. 1947: Mabel Diebert, Dorothy Earle, Amy Tuttle, age of staff had forced temporary clo­ Lucille Russell, Joyce Miller sure of one entire floor of High River Hospital.

~- ;, Ail \J Mrs. Sandeman (Hart) -- t

People had greater mobil­ The Nursery, 1949 The doctors had their request answered for oxy­ ity in the post war years and gen in the nursery, 1950's. like other professions, the AARN was faced with the NURSING IN THE 1950'8 than needed quantities. enormous task of evaluating the credentials of nurses While the 1940's had ended on a Obviously the Board, while hav­ emigrating to Alberta. Many note of difficulty, the community was ing received urgent requests from came without their nursing records or had language lim­ gathering itself together. Organiza­ medical staff for upgraded equip­ itations, and were approved tions and clubs were purchasing and ment, and oxygen for nursery and a fter gaining local work donating much needed equipment for wards, had been attempting to im­ experience. the hospital, although in smaller prove morale if not material. While 47 refusing to purchase new x-ray turned to Canada and was a hospital equipment in favor of continuing T.B. staff member in 1950. She left that Patch Tests, they apparently at­ autumn to marry Steve Sears of tempted improvement of working Nan ton. Margaret recalls working conditions by refusing admission of with Dora Quon, Mary Kabyama, "violent drunks". Margaret Rose, Jean Hague, Jean Secretary Frank Swain, in a job Squire, and Mandy Grant. Mandy . analysis outline written in mid- later married Harry Noble. 1940's said that during the war, with Jean Hague was OR nurse . little or no improvement since, ... a Miss Lamont, the matron, lived in continual and rapid turnover of per­ the nurses' residence. The elderly J ean Hague, R.N sonnel had resulted. Added had been and slightly eccentric Miss Fisher the general wear and tear and drain was adored by her patients, although upon physical and mental resources workers such as Flora Yelland did of staff. not always refer to her as "Florence "Caring for patients and serving a Nightingale". And Margaret Crowe critical public for 24 hours a day, 365 Sears also adds, "I couldn't stand days in the year, striving heroically to anyone complaining about the meals obtain and retain the necessary per­ .. . after war-time England. It was so sonnel to provide that service, has been free here. Over there the British nothing short of a miraculous feat." caste system kept you in your place." Evidently things improved. Perhaps this is what appealed to r 1 • In October, 1950 the Superintendent the travelling nurses, coming from Mrs. Dubois, Housekeeper in of Nursing reported "a full staff'. the British Isles, Australia, and other Res. However, as far as community in­ countries, to see the world and travel volvement was concerned, the mid- on. Although some of them made Rubber g l oves u sed in 1950's would see marked change in High River their permanent stop­ s urgery or obstetrics were wash ed a n d hung t o d ry, this involvement. While staffing con­ ping-place thanks to the importunate turned inside out and d ried ditions improved, the community's bachelor population. again, patched if necessary, efforts were dampened for a time. Working as a ward aide in 1950 powdered, wrapped in heavy cotton, marked for size, ster­ At the hospital, social life seemed N antonite Marie Weber Smith re­ ilized and stored - one more to be active, if somewhat informal. members Mary Nell Repson R.N. ch ore for nurses in their The year 1951 reports the nurses' being on staff. E. Dingwell from "spare time". softball team having a successful sea­ Vulcan worked in the laundry room, son, although members' teams are slightly anonymous. Players listed are Nelles, Johnson, Collier, Fer­ guson, Larson, Dr. York Blayney and Jean Squire (the only truly identifiable members), Ostrander and Dunham. In 1952 a new nurses' residence was opened. Margaret Crowe of Nanton, who had nursed in Glasgow and Greenock, Scotland for eleven years, ""'~ including through the war, had re- Waserita, Hall, Co nnie, Griff, Jean, & Ti.llie

48 she recalls. air. complaints but also put forward Cynthia Bergin, now of S. Lan­ ideas and recommendations. sing in West Sussex, worked first at Svea Rowland, 1955 to 1961, general duties, becoming OR and was Operating Room supervisor, on finally first floor supervisor. her weekends acting as matron to do times as staff member varied from emergency lab and x-ray work. She 1954, the last stint of duty being remembers crowded conditions, and from about 1963 to 1970. She writes extremely warm rooms in summer, al­ that she enjoyed working at High though the new wing created better River and found the equipment ade­ working conditions. The staff was a quate, although not to be compared close-knit group, with nurses and doc­ with today's high-tech. And she re­ tors working well together, in and out members the bats! of the hospital. They staged dances Tillie Holowaychuk Beamer and floor shows to raise money for the worked in 1954 in general duty, then piano in the nurses' residence. to OR, x-ray and lab before becoming assistant to Superintendent Jean Squire. She then became Director of Nursing from 1958to1960. She remembers that equipment had improved materially under the firm hand of Matron Bea MacDonald. Good will prevailed, and the single nurses living in the nurses residence always were ready to help when needed. Jean Squire Lucie Short was on staff from Svea Rowland, Tilly Holowaychuk, Ellen 1953 to 1954, and again 1961 to Carpenter, 1957. 1952 Salary Schedule 1969.She then went to work as Dr. In 1954 Bea MacDonald became High River Municipal Hospital Dennis Mercer's office assistant. Matron, holding that position until Secretary Treasurer Lucie remembers the inadequate December 1956. At her insistence, $245 / month equipment of the early 1950's: only Superintendent such groups as the Ladies Aid were $220/month four beds whose heads could be dissolved. She was firm in her opposi­ Ass't Superintendent raised, the rest of the patients being tion to volunteer community involve­ $170/month Operating Room Nurse propped up with pillows. There was ment in her domain. $180/month one over-the-bed table on each floor, Jean Stanton Hansen was a Graduate Nurse and some patients brought their own $160/month general duty nurse from 1956 to Certified Aides hot water bottles, as the hospital's 1957, and Supervisor in Maternity $ 95/month leaked. While the Secretary in 1957 to 1959. The hospital had a staff Office Assistant $110/month 1954/55 boasted that High River's of about 21 at that time and worked Cook was the only rural debt-free hospital in two weeks day shift, two weeks $125/month in Alberta, the equipment was lack­ Assistant Cook afternoon and one week night duty. $ 85/month ing. "But we managed". Mildred Cox Perry worked in Laundress Between 1961 and 1969 a Staff High River Hospital operating room $ 85/month Assistant Laundress Nurses' Association was formed at from 1956 to 1961 before moving to $ 75/month the Hospital and Lucie Short remem­ Calgary. She returned in 1972 and for Fireman Janitor bered that nurses not only could then $180/month two years was Director of Nursing at

49 Twilight Nursing Home, returning to Miss Mifflan went to Calgary for a High River Hospital on a part time short time for further training as lab basis 1975 to 1985. She recalls the con­ and x-ray technician. spiratorial efforts of staff to see that It was in 1958 that Alice Rose­ Superintendent ,Jean Squire became man MacLean was hired part-time. scrub nurse whenever Dr. Arnold She would begin as a full time staff Smith was doing teeth extractions, member the following year, remain- . thus helping promote a successful ing with the hospital until retirement romance. in September, 1973. "Rozzie", as she Joan Sturrock ("Joanie") work­ was known to her fellow workers, ed in the hospital kitchen in 195 7 worked in all the nursing departments where, as cook, she remembers sec­ at various times, for several years ond cook Ruth Fiddler's familiarity staying on permanent afternoon shift Alice Roseman MacLean with knives. Joan joined second floor looking after the emergency ward. housekeeping staff, working a split shift of six a.m. till noon, then four to six in the afternoon. In addition to cleaning, she tended the patients' flowers. Eventually she acquired an assistant and a straight eight to four shift. In the new wing in 1959 she became head housekeeper. In 1972 she took over housekeeping in the Residence until her retirement the following year. She remembers work­ ing with Edith Flaterud in kitchen, Lillian and Agnes Bickford in housekeeping, and Gerda Koiner who later worked at Twilight Nursing Mrs. Bea McDonald & Miss J ean Squire Home. Audrey Haiste worked as a N urs­ ing Aide from 1956 until 1959, with duties of patient care in all units. By 1959 the Superintendent advised that the staff should be increased to 24, with this including 10 nursing aides. In 1956 Betty Griffith Mid­ dleton was maternity supervisor. Shirley Mifflan was x-ray techni­ cian. The old x-ray machine finally had been replaced in 1955 and pa­ tients no longer needed to be trans­ ported to the Blayney clinic for x-rays. Most plates, however, were sent to Calgary technicians for final judge­ ment on all but the most obvious such as broken bones. The following year The new x-ray machine, 1954-55.

50 As Rozzie MacLean summed it up personnel, one welcome switch was at her retirement party: she couldn't from alcohol lamps and narcotics to remember why she chose nursing as pre-mixed solutions. Disposable nee­ a career but it wasn't the money! dles were being used, too and Neither was it a glamorous profes­ although too expensive for general sion. But it is a career which offers use, there were some disposable med­ something ... and one can be proud of icine glasses. Sutures in glass vials the achievements accomplished. were about to be exchanged for foil It is the compassion inherent in packaging. Winona remembers her this statement which has helped four years as happy ones, and is par­

With the discovery of the make High River Hospital a caring ticularly proud of having instituted a drug penicillin, one might place to be in. fund in memory of Board Chairman say, medicine took a new di­ In May, 1959 Miss Stanton Howard Nixon which resulted in rection. For pneumonia type problems it was adminis­ resigned as Maternity Supervisor, presentation of a Roland Gissing tered, at regular intervals, by being replaced by Miss Cox. painting. This, perhaps, marks the a long hypodermic needle, deep into the muscle of the beginning of what has become a valu­ buttock. NURSING, 1960TO1970 able collection of art work in High As one local youth could The 1960's began with an aura of River Hospital. Many such paintings, testify it was an uncomfort­ able and humiliating experi­ change in the air. bought in tribute, have increased in ence. Being a vigorous young A physio-therapy department was value over the years. More impor­ fellow, he might even be des­ cribed as being rambunc­ being phased in, doctors were being tant, they have provided much plea­ tious, he decided one night advised to keep their medical records sure to patients and visitors. that he wanted no more of up to date, nurses and supervisors Also joining the nursing staff in that. He intimidated the f/,oor nurse, chasing her from were attending short courses in Ed­ 1960 was Danelle C. Kuntz. She, his room upon which she monton, some expense paid, and a too, nursed in all departments during pressed the emergency button hurridly summoning the basic 40 hour work week was an­ her stay until 1971, becoming Asso­ nurse from upstairs. She nounced in March. ciate Director of Nursing, and, for a being a local lady, knew the On the other hand, the half hour time, Acting Director. She remembers youth, so entered his room visiting with him until the meal break was not considered part of the staff changing oxygen tanks, and opportune moment, at which paid working time, and coffee breaks having patients engage in "occupa­ time she delivered the dirty deed, then scampered for were to be at the matron's discretion. tional therapy" by folding newspa­ safety. In September Miss Margaret pers into bedside garbage bags. The By morning the youth's Carey R.N., who had previously been acquisition of a new and more mod­ humor had not returned and his teen-age stomach was interviewed in Superintendent Jean ern kitchen was a highlight of those protesting the lack of its Squire's time, was named Matron, years. Social life, too, saw organiza­ usual copious quantities of food. He shoved his head in succeeding Miss Holowaychuk who tion of dances, and entering floats in the dumb waiter shouting held that position from May 1959. parades, with patients involved in descriptive instructions, in Iva Gavelin became Assistant making decorations. an auctioneer's voice, to the cook below. Alerted by the Supervisor. Judy Sedgely was named Jean Johnson became lab tech­ noise the same upstairs supervisor of the Nurses' residence, nician in April, 1961. nurse quickly took stock of the situation grabbed a pit­ under the direction of Miss Carey. In August Peggy Murphy was cher of ice water dumping it Winona Rouleau R.N. would back, to become, the following year, down the shaft onto the head join the staff in January 1960, re­ responsible for Emergency Operating below silencing the outburst. Suffice to say the penicil­ maining until August, 1963. She Room as well as its supplies and lin treatment worked. The nursed in all departments, becoming pharmacy area. Peggy would stay to youth, now a mature man, still lives locally and the Assistant Director of Nursing. While see the move into the present hospi­ nurse enjoys retirement near she saw very few changes, except in tal, retiring in 1985 to become Mrs. by. 51 Eddolls. Peggy recalls that in 1961 there had not been much change in general duty nursing but many more drugs were in use than when she left l in 1948. She saw the gradual in­ crease in Nursing Aides, physiothera­ py, and the introduction of Candy Stripers as volunteers. Phyllis Quon joined the nursing staff in December, 1961. In 1962 Mrs. Ursula Hall was charge nurse. Danelle Kuntz was in charge of the men's ward, later be­ coming Assistant Matron. Mrs. Mas­ sie, Mrs. Ann Dunn and Mrs. Carol Moore are mentioned in records of CLOSE OBSERVATION - Post Surgery recovery room care by nurse P. Murphy. that year. Iva Gavelin agreed to Vital signs are closely monitored. return, at a salary of $400.00 as Assistant Supervisor of Nursing dur­ ing holiday periods. Mrs. Kuntz replaced Mrs. Tarasoff as Men's Ward Supervisor. The Board announced an increase of $15.00 per month to a maximum of $350.00 for nurses salaries; increase of $10.00 to maximum of $195.00 for Aides. Mrs. Lillian Young joined the staff January, 1963 until March 197 4, working in both medical and maternity wards. During her tenure she saw new maternity and surgery units opened, and while Nursing often was short staffed, she remem­ bers enjoying working with Nursing Assistants. (CAAS). It was during this era, she recalls, that a Staff Nursing Association was formed. Members of the Visiting Team and the Staff of the Rehabilitation Department. From Eluned (Lyn) Jones-Arnold left to right: Karen Peterson - Occupational Therapist, Val Robertson - Physiotherapist, Little was nursing full time general Mary Wallace - Nurse Physio, Ruth Tarasoff - Nurse Physio - Dept. Head, Mary duties, later to be Maternity Super­ Guengerich - C.N.A. Physio Aide. Sitting - Mr. Walter Fitzherbert - a patient. visor during her years from 1963 to From 1964 to 1969 Joyce Olive Ogle took over the Dougherty was back as a part-time laundry in 1962 and retired 1966, after which time she worked in 1986 after 24 years. Al­ until 1970 as part time nurse in Ma­ R.N. She then became a full time though she liked the new ternity. She recalls that in the 1960's member of the nursing staff, retiring machinery and computerized machines which dispensed the hospital began to note a decline in 1986 as a Staff Nurse. During that soap, bleach, etc. automati­ in birth rate. time she served as head Nurse for cally, she felt somewhat iso­ lated in the new building. 52 two years for the Second Floor Sur­ and Mrs. Irene Maguire were gery, Medicine and Womens' Wards, working in the kitchen. The following four years, until 1976 Colleen Smith, R.N. joined the saw her serve as head Nurse on First Nursing Staff in 1964, staying for one Floor, in Pediatrics, Men's Surgery year. and Medicine. She recalls that until In December 1964 nurses and the 1960's the nursing staff was nursing aides were notified by the responsible for wrapping and auto­ Board of a new requirement. They claving all sterile supplies, In addi­ must belong to their professional or­ I . tion all cleaning, except for floors, ganizations. .I.··,;,_ ,., walls and bathrooms was done by Gladys Longson, a graduate of ':-:- '· them. She saw the Total Team Con­ Medicine Hat General Hospital and a cept develop the Department of Phy­ former Health Unit Nurse, came siotherapy, managed by Mrs. Ruth back to take a refresher course, in Tarasoff R.N. and assistant Miss 1965. She liked High River Hospital Alberta Achievement Award Mary Geuegerich R.N.A. Other so well that she stayed until 1988. being presented to Gladys Longson by Premier Getty. improvements in service were enlarg­ She worked full time and part time ing the Medical Records Department, on maternity, medicine, and on the and hiring a Dietician. surgical unit. With the staff during A staff nurse who has been with the move into new quarters, Gladys the hospital since 1964, writes of ex­ combined a thorough and profession­ cellent morale, great rapport among al manner with a dedication to com­ staff, (both doctors and nurses) with munity service. Always aware of the the RCMP and the Fire Department, good of her profession, she held many all of whom would gather for coffee in offices with the AARN for which she the front lobby whenever possible. has received many honors, culminat­ She refers to the RNA's being used ing in the Alberta Achievement both for surgical and medication as­ Award.She has been active in the sistance. One of the major changes she social unification of that side of hos­ Gladys Longson RN and sees now is the amount of paper work pital life, and no retirement, birth­ friend. ' and the importance of nurses in han­ day, celebration, or public participa­ dling same. Today no RNA's are used tion by hospital and staff has gone by In the 1960's Dr. Bruce on surgery. Administration has without it having been recognized Blayney was the younger Blayney doctor and Dr. Mer­ increased, as has the number of con­ and recorded in Gladys Longson's cer had dark hair. Dr. Gib­ sultants, but nursing staff has de­ scrapbook of memories. son had not yet written his creased proportionately, digital equip­ 1965 saw Miss Eluned Jones books and Dr. Little was still making rounds in his Ber­ ment increasing. From her first R.N. join the staff, and Mrs. Chris muda shorts and knee stock­ introduction - which was Dr. York Tannas become the First Floor ings in November. Blayney asking whether she curled or Supervisor. Miss Cynthia Bergin bowled - she felt welcome not only in and Mrs. Peggy Murphy attended the hospital but also in the community. O.R. Institute; Mrs. Danelle Kuntz It was in 1964 that Miss Moran and Miss Jones completed a course and Miss Kells also joined the staff, on Nursing Unit Administration. On Miss Battle was a new Nursing November first Mrs. Kuntz was Aide, Mrs. Jean McLeod became named Assistant Director of Nursing. lab and x-ray technician, Mrs. In 1966 High River Hospital drew Doreen Blair, Mrs. Bella Bradley up a "no admit" list which, possibly, Jean McLeod 53 made circumstances easier but re­ cords do not give an opinion. The following year, 1967, staff changes indicate Miss Katie Hie­ bert C.N.A. was hired; Miss J. Fuch R.N. replaced Mrs. Ursuala Hall as Supervisor of Floor Two; Mrs. Go­ lightly was employed but in what ca­ pacity is not mentioned; Miss Schmaltz R.N. is mentioned; Dean Tomkins was to replace Ned Ther­ oux on the latter's retirement, with lliii...~ "" f from Twilight Nursing Home to Unit Everett Hicklan to fill in; Miss The Happy Hour Jean McLeod to be supervisor of the 200. May 1968, saw Judy Christie Nurses' Residence at a stipend of R.N. become a General Nurse at $30.00 a month.Con Ings Loree, a As of May 1, 1960 Was­ High River Hospital. To quote Chris­ Nursing Aide at this time, remem­ serman tests became routine tie, "General meant (being) able to on admission on a trial basis bers Ursula Hall with some affection ' care for any medical, surgical, pedi­ for 6 months. while recalling that "all the nurses atric, maternity or emergency pa­ were very good to us". Grace Kew­ tients along with a high number of ley R.N. is mentioned. Carrie John­ During the 60's several geriatric patients. Also included were specialists began to come son worked in the kitchen and down from Calgary to do some psychiatric and suicidal ... to Agnes Tinney in the laundry. surgery. add variety. Other duties included Nursing Aide Eileen Anderson housekeeping, maintenance in check­ Johnson, 1966 to 1969, remembers ing boilers and changing tanks, HIGH RIVER Kay Herbert and Anne Presley, dietary nourishment, admittance HOSPITAL and the Australian nurses who were 21 Nov. 1928 clerking after 1800 hours, bed pan Moved by Messers Mcin­ especially noticeable because of their washing each afternoon during rest tosh and Sheppard that accents. She would commute from members of the Board be al­ period, pharmacist restocking of Nanton with Con Loree and Judy lowed to light their pipes be­ tween 3:00 o'clock and 3:15 Christie. Gwen Hartwick Miller medicine cupboards, etc." But she is quick to add, "this gave me a broad p.m. at Board Meetings. was on the staff at that time, as were Motion carried. Mrs. Lyons of Nanton, Linda knowledge of patient care and the 21May1943 basic functionings of a hospital ... a The price paid for eggs Trolley, Maternity nurse Miss Carr was discussed and it was foundation on which I have built my who later returned to England, and moved by Wickens and career. Patients are basically the same Schmidt that a committee Kay Kreksch who with Eileen pre­ composed of Mitton, Derrick whether the year was 1968 or 1989. sently is working at Claresholm and Margetts be appointed to Each patient is an individual and has enquire into the average Nursing Home. unique qualities and reactions to his prices the year around and Also a CNA at that time was Bar­ report findings and sugges­ disease process. Those who ... retain bara Jarvis, who after completing tions to the Board at the next meeting. her Nurse's Aide training in High their sense of humor in the face of adversity are the most endearing." Feb.1967 River Hospital went on to become a The Matron, Miss Jean With such a philosophy it is not Squire requested the Board Registered Nurse. surprising that Nurse Christie be­ to purchase an electric sha­ Camille Laycraft, staff nurse, ver to be used on the first came Relief Evening Supervisor, pro­ worked from 1962 to 1964, again floor. gressing to Relief Evening Admin­ 1971 from 1982 until 1986, coming back on istrative Co-Ordinator in the new R.B. Newman advised staff in 1989, making the transition that he had collected $7.12 facility in 1982. In 1987 she was for the bed pan fund. 54 Educational Clinical Development Floor Administrator for Unit 300. Nurse, and in 1988 became Nursing After 20 years, she is still proud to be a part of the hospital team. In 1968 the Board hired its first fire marshall, Tony Wojtowicz_ Administrator Barry Johnson's salary was increased to $800_00 a month, Director of Nursing Mar­ garet Carey's to $700.00. Assistant Director of Nursing was Beulah Tomkins. Mrs. Marilyn Davidson was hired as a consulting Dietician at $4.50 a hour plus 10 cents a mile travel allowance_ Laverne Ducom­ mun was appointed Administrative Dr. Andrew Little on his retirement in 1980 being presented with a corsage by Joyce Dougherty R.N. Assistant. And, perhaps to counteract all this lavish expenditure, the Hospital Board decided not to supply the patients with Kleenex; they could make that purchase from the mobile supply cart. In many ways 1969 was a year of continued "firsts" for High River Health Care. Member of the Nursing Staff, one of two women to be named, Arlone Jensen R.N. was elected to the Hospital Board in 1969. Dr. Andrew Little became the first Chief of Medical Staff. (Left) Miss Cynthia Bergin R.N. and Mrs. Celia Thrun CNA console a young patient. An Acting Director of Nursing was named, this position going to Mrs. Danelle Kuntz. The Rehab service, I which had been introduced on a part time basis with Hertha Schiebner It became policy in Jan­ uary 1966 to grant up to 4 Blayney as physiotherapist, no days compassionate lea ve , longer was supervised from Calgary. without loss of pay, upon the d eath of family m embers The Rehab program, with phy­ from children to grandpar­ siotherapist, rehabilitation nurse, ents and guardians. inhalation therapist and speech ther­ apist would be headed by Ruth Tar­

The memory of Dr. York, asoff R.N. and Mrs. Celia Thrun making his Sunday morning CNA, assisted by a team from Cal­ rounds, quietly singing his gary as necessary. The basis for many way from room to room still brings a smile to Co lleen of the present departments was in the Smith as it did to the fa ces Gladys Longson presenting E velyn Leitch with formative or planning stage that year. of his patients. "Heritage Service Award." 55 In July Joe Savrtka took charge joined the nursing staff. of maintenance. In September Miss However, if 1969 was a year of Dorothy Clark, Miss Violet innovations it also was a year with. Howes and Miss Sharon Lepp problems.

HOSPITAL CARE AS IT USED ters. Later the verandah area was TOBE glassed in to provide a sunporch, The first Cottage Hospital of which remains a feature of today's 1906, built about the turn of the cen­ residence. During the flu epidemic, tury, has been renovated many times as the hospital became over-crowded, and today is modernized with new staff bedrooms were converted into windows and exterior upright-style wards, the nurses getting whatever siding. Only the pillared verandah sleep they could in the very chilly and the size of the building remain "bedroom" in the sunporch. It was a the same. long, cold winter, but exhaustion and The Second Cottage Hospital the refilling of hot water bottles by (sometimes known as the General an obliging night staff at four a.m. Hospital) was built by pioneer law­ provided a degree of rest to the over­ yer Varley and is still a residence. worked nurses. Convereted into a hospital in 1910, windows were installed in the attic gable space to provide sleeping quar-

Second Cottage Hospital - Glassed in verandah where the night nurse brought hot water bottles at 4 a.m. for the nurses' comfort.

Former First Cottage Hospital (building has been remodelled).

Second Cottage Hospital porch later glassed in for nurses' sleep­ ing quarters. 1969 was a stormy year for both James Henderson. Administration and Staff at the High The community itself was divided River Hospital. in its support of Margaret Carey. It Among other issues, there was was therefore decided to hold the general dissatisfaction among some inquiry in public and in High River. nursing staff over work schedules, Fifty-three people gave evidence policy, staff relations and in particu­ and final recommendations were di­ lar, dealings with the Director of Pa­ rected not only to the Board of Dir­ tient Care, Miss Margaret Carey. ectors who had dismissed the Director Carey, a Registered Nurse and of Patient Care, but also to medical Midwife, was born in Britain. She staff and hospital administration. emigrated to Canada in 1957 and The Committee found no grounds nursed in Sudbury, Ontario and Cal­ for Miss Carey's dismissal, although gary, Alberta before joining the High they did suggest that her abrupt River Hospital in March of 1958. manner and lack of warmth or tact in During her 12 years in High some situations may have caused River, Margaret Carey moved friction in her dealings with staff, pa­ through the ranks from general duty tients and the public. nurse to Assistant Matron and Ma­ Because of the highly emotional tron. When the position of Matron nature of the case, they did not rec­ was eliminated in 1961, she was ommend that she be reinstated and named Director of Patient Care. suggested a fair severance. Tensions had been simmering for The Board's decision was pro­ at least a year before Margaret Car­ nounced "hasty and emotional". The ey's actual dismissal. Complaints Commissioners believed Board mem­ were made about poor staff and pub­ bers, as individuals, had tried to act lic relations, hours of work, a lack of in the best interest of the hospital, but confidence in Miss Carey's manage­ as a public body, they had failed to pro­ ment ability and her lack of coopera­ vide united, effective management and tion to reduce staff and costs. control in the hospital's administration. Attempts to resolve these issues Fifteen recommendations were by the Administrator, members of the made to the Minister. They included Board and the Medical Staff were un- the establishment of qualifications for successful. In December 1969 Miss Directors of Nursing and Administra­ Carey was dismissed by the Board. tors, regular surveys to determine Emotions ran high and petitions overall management and administra­ for and against the decision were cir­ tion, a consultative service for Hospi­ culated furiously. Finally, on January tal Boards, Administrators and Direc­ 6, 1970, a Committee of Inquiry was tors of Patient Care, and standard hospital established to examine "the contro­ by-laws which would set out in some de­ "I didn't ever feel that I was running a charm school versy over personnel matters" and tail the functions, duties and procedures up there". report to the Minister of Health, required to run a modern hospital. 57 NURSING IN THE 1970's both the old hospital and its bats; the In March, 1970 Mrs. Mary Cars­ former because it meant less walk­ cadden was appointed Director of ing, and the bats as mosquito con- · Nursing, a position which she would trollers. She stayed with the new hold for two years. Joyce Dough­ hospital, however, until 1986. Jean erty had returned the previous year claims, "Nurses used to put up with a and would remain on nursing staff lot and shut up because it (Nursing ) . until retirement in 1986. was the noble profession. But where In May, 1970 Estelle Stroud do you draw the line between your retired, after working as seamstress responsibility between the patient for 11 years. and the hospital?" This was the year when male at­ Shirley Christoffel, another tendants came on staff as trainees, N antonite worked in the High River Dr. Joe Cramer killed . 1970. both medical and nursing Superin­ Hospital as a lab technician from tendent to act as instructors. Names 1976 until joining the Nan ton of the first two are not listed, but the Medical Clinic in 1981. She recalls second team was Don Greenbank staff members Lora Anderson, and David Grey. Some re-shuffling Mrs. Swan, Medical Records person- of living quarters had to be arranged, nel including Mrs. Eileen Beiley, in order to provide accommodation and Mrs. Bernice Bragg in Emer- for the male personnel in residence gency. What she liked most about the while the program lasted. new hospital was having x-ray close October 31, 1970 was a tragic day to Emergency. for both hospital community and the Eulana Smith Sears returned to district at large, when a plane crash the High River Hospital in which she took the lives of a local doctor, his was born, but in 1982 her status had wife, and a Calgary couple. Both wo­ become Registered Nurse. While she men were nurses in High River Hos­ found the "old hospital" fun, recalling pital. Dr. Joe Cramer, his wife mice, bats, water guns, and soliciting Mary (the former Mary Schanke staff company if a trip must be made to R.N.) Mrs. Bahan R.N. and her hus­ the morgue in the middle of the night, band Bob Bahan were killed in­ nevertheless she enjoys working under stantly when the engine of the small the present and newer conditions. plane in which they were sight-see­ Susan Pennifold Stapley also ing failed, on the outskirts of town. came back to her birthplace, the old The 1970's saw a number of nurs­ High River Hospital, in 1977, staying es from Nanton join the staff. Made­ until 1981. She liked the small hospi­ line White Seeby began nursing in tal where everyone knew one anoth­ High River in 1972, entering the er, and remembers working with Foothills Public Health Service in Linda Tovee, Linda Hoogwerf, 1974. Ann Koster and Lois Beddome. Jean Comstock, a graduate of Pat Jensen was working on the chil­ Mount Royal College's two-year dren's ward at the time. training program and the first of that Sandy Sease and Laura Ander­ School's class to join the local staff, son commuted from Nanton about began her nursing career at High the same time, 1978. Sandy stayed River Hospital in 1972. She liked only a short time, and in 1987 went

58 Three months after moving into the new hospital ill health forced Bill's retirement. Mrs. Carscadden retired in 1972, being replaced as Director of Nursing by Miss Jeanette Purask. That was the year, too when Mary Guengerich, CNA received a well deserved Nursing Aide of the Year Award from the Province of Alberta. The following year Jeannette Purask was busy as Inservice Co-ordinator of Nursing Services. The 1970's became a time of active planning and orienta­ tion for the move into the larger and more modern hospital to come in the 1980's. Integration would not be easy, Bill Holtzman checking /fame adjustment on the and as the final departure became im­ furnace. This is one of the original coal furnaces minent there would be some change of that was converted to gas. "In November 1978 the staffing and much change of outlook. hospital first used the Plastic Embossing card system pur­ There were some who did not chased from Dymo Company wish to make the move and took at a cost of $4600. 00." retirement instead. Others sought positions in smaller centres. Some, December 1978 "feeling like Joan Fox RNA joined the nurs­ the Pinch " The Board ap­ ing unit in 1979 and continued until proved the following sign be posted on the cafeteria door late 1983 in the new quarters. In the "Our apologies. Due to limit­ old hospital she was involved in ed facilities, we regret we cannot accommodate visi­ patient care, pediatrics, surgery, tors. Cafereria for staff use medicine and obstetrics. In the new only." unit, nursing was less general. She notes the greatly improved equip­ In November 79 board Lark IsBell, one of the two full-time Emergency ment, with better infection control, approved the training of affi­ Medical Technicians, keeps in constant contact with isolation unit, and the more available the hospital via a sophisticated radio system. liate dietary technician stu­ supplies. While the demolition of the dents, providing them also back to nursing, this time with the with room and board. former hospital was sad, she recalls Home Care Department at Foothills the move as a time of excitement, im­ Health Unit. proved ambulance and in-service, a In October of 1979 Dir­ In 1975 Bill Holtzman began the ec tor of Nursing reported a good rapport among old and new shortage of nurses. 7 left due combined occupation of maintenance staff, and a pleasant social planning to pregnancy. and ambulance driving_ He and fel­ committee. Charting the transition is low workers Bill Vis, Lark IsBell something she remembers with plea­ and Tony Wojtowicz were kept In 1979 annual vacation sure. On the other hand, "I'll always was 4 weeks after 5 years busy, between trying to keep the old remember the robins chirping at 4:30 and 5 weeks after 20 years building in repair and doing similar a.m. through the open windows of the employment. Formerly it maintenance and even more needful had been 4 weeks annual va­ old hospital, giving all the nursing cation after 8 years of em­ repairs at Twilight Nursing Home: staff new life when working nights." ployment. all this in between ambulance trips. 59 Jeanette Purask, who worked at She remembers that while the first the hospital on two occasions until hospital was old, it was always clean 1980, with a stint in between as office and polished. However it was very · nurse for Dr. Dennis Mercer, writes inconvenient, with nurses frequently that she "doesn't feel like I'm a bit of moving beds about, when crowded con­ history." Nevertheless she reminisces ditions required adaptability. about the days of no disposables - dia­ Nurses would be expected to boil pers, brushes, needles or syringes, the nipples for babies' bottles, at the and evidently felt attached to her same time attending to patients in staff as not being in the same catego­ another room, until the smell of ry: "I hated to see any of them go." burning rubber from pots burnt dry Chris Tannas has been on the permeated the hallway. The work Nursing Staff for High River's hospi­ which could have been done by more tals since 1961. Coming from Scot­ casual work force distracted, she felt, Chris Tannas R.N. land as a new graduate, and after from caring nursing. working in The University of Alberta Therefore the "move from a very hospital, Mrs. Tannas found that the competent but small hospital to one moves both from large to small and of the leading rural hospitals in the from British nursing to Canadian, province" was a proud moment for required a great deal of adjustment. Chris Tannas, who says, When she and one other nurse "I love nursing and am excited first approached the local matron for about the ongoing evolution of the pro­ permission to form a Nurses' Asso­ fession. Hopefully we, the nursing staff ciation they were met with hostility of the High River Hospital and Nursing and much resistance. With persever­ Home, will continue to serve this com­ ance, she became one of the Asso­ munity as we have in the past." Peggy Eddolls R.N. ciation's founding members.

Christmas Dinner Julia Toth came to the hospital ·Marge Lyon was first employed m 1966 as summer relief in the as a Ward Aide in 1942. As Dietary kitchen and laundry. She stayed for Relief worker she also relieved per­ 20 years. Bessie Kinghorn was the sonnel during staff holidays. Her cook who found her the day she ward duties included making and locked herself in the freezer for two carbolizing beds; taking water and hours. When Laverne Ducommun juices to patients; assisting in admit­ sent his lunch tray back with a large ting patients, with special attention spider under the covering dish, Julia to itemizing carefully all clothing and scattered china around the kitchen. personal effects before storage. When maintenance man Dean Tomp­ Marge once recalled Matron Car­ kins saw her coming he learned to ey's decree not to waste linen result­ mutter, "Here Comes Trouble". ed in numerous returns from laundry However it was Julia, when shifted of an absolutely threadbare bed­ to permanent work in the linen room spread. It would be sent back to laun­ after Estelle Stroud retired in 1972, dry but continued to be returned for use. who made new ticking and replaced Finally after a tussle it was torn and feathers for pillows after patients com­ sent to housekeeping staff to make rags. plained about their lumpiness. It was Shortly thereafter a notice came Julia who was told by a Board member, out that in future if any linen had to visiting his sick wife in hospital, that be replaced the old piece must first be he had counted 35 patches on his wife's sent to laundry before replacement. bedspread. It was Julia who, aware Marge Lyon returned to the hos­ that purchasing agent Ducommun was pital from 1958 to 1960 in the Diet­ extremely cost conscious, always order­ ary department, a time which she ed extra so as to be sure she'd get the enjoyed. Patients meal trays were needed amount. "My department was being served with attention to vari­ always in the black," Julia reports, "My ous diets, then delivered to each floor biggest expense was thread for so with a "dumb waiter" trolley system. much mending." Later Debbie Wiere­ When Mrs. Carscadden became ter became purchasing agent. Every­ Director of Nursing in 1969 she insti­ one enjoyed Julia Toth's humor and tuted a training program within the personality, even though she never got hospital for Nursing Assistants. This the assistant she had been promised. included male attendants, some of After the move into the new hospital whom continued to work at the hospi­ she was more shut off from general ac­ tal after completing training. tivities. One reason, she explains, is Marge Lyon completed and worked that people had to don "special garb" in this program until 1981. At that time before being allowed to enter the laun­ she trained as a Unit Clerk, a position dry area. which she held until retirement. On Julia's retirement in 1986 her Mary Guengerich is a familiar job became redundant, as everything person to patients taking physiothera­ now is mended by hot patch. Julia py in the High River Hospital. She is Toth says, "When I came to the hospi­ well thought of by her contemporaries tal I had been trained as a seam­ in the Nursing Aide field in Alberta

Christine Rasmussen, Dor­ stress and ended up with 20 years of and has been selected as Nursing Aide othy Campbell, Charlot te patching." of the Year by the Alberta Certified Buck.

61 Nursing Aide Association. The competition for Nursing Aide Commencing employment at the of the Year is open to nearly 3,000 High River General Hospital on nursing aides throughout Alberta. · January 13th of 1961, she has worked The selection committee is appointed on all wards and shifts at the hospi­ by the ACNA, the points which deter­ tal, including operating room, in the mine the selection are: outstanding Department of Physical Medicine and contribution to nursing in the preced­ Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy). She ing year; contribution and/or partici­ served for two years as chairman of pation in community activities; indi­ the Provincial Education committee vidual contribution in her own of the ACNAA. specific are of work; CNA who has To further her career she took a exhibited a high degree of nursing course for Nursing Aides and order­ ability; CNA actively engaged in lies sponsored by the Emergency nursing and in her association; CNA Measures Organization in Edmonton. employed in alberta. She served as secretary of the disas­ Mary meets all these reqmre­ ter committee at the local hospital. ments.

Julia Toth "the Rose Lady" repairing bed· ding and personal clothing for the nursing home residence. Julia had been working for the hospital since June 1966. Mrs. Kathy Cuthbertson discussing menu choices Susan Leung, Physiotherapist, helping patient to Chris Christensen, R.N. spends with a patient. remove wax during a hot wax treatment. time with young pediatric patient.

"Carbolizing" beds. Mrs. Brookwell, Nursing Floor Adminis- Anne Koster, R.N., setting up Caseroom for trator, discussing plan of care with patient. imminent delivery.

Hygiene and sanitation is of utmost impor­ Tony Wojtowicz busy with Administration in WRAPPING SUPPLIES: Diane Neish tance, as Mrs. Edith Flaterud knows, as she dis­ Maintenance office. wraps a dressing tray in preparation for ster­ plays her talents cleaning pots and utensils. ilization.

63 Therapist, Pat Hall, giving an ultrasound treatment to Mrs. Isabelle Palinkas takes great The dining lounge provides hot meals and a patient's forearm. care in the task of setting trays for the snacks daily for staff of the hospital. Mrs. patients of High River General Hospital. Irene Fox serves a customer of the facilty.

REPAIR DEPARTMENT: Surgery in Sharon Morgan, Director of Mrs. Copple, Director of Patient Care, discusses progress - Surgeon, Assistant and Anaesthet- Education teaching C.PR. to a staff patient and unit needs with staff members, Emily ist on duty. member. Brookwell, R.N.; Judy O'Dell, R.N.; and Jane Kelly, R.N.

Mrs. Olive Ogle at work at High River Olga Brand, Admitting Clerk, recording Vivian Dudley Hospital. patient information before sending the patient to various out-patient departments.

64 In the 1960's the general duty attendants or orderlies. A number of nurse was still responsible for a great these trained and continued to work range of patient care functions. The in the hospital, although with no con­ emphasis was on "general", which sistent number of male patients to as­ meant that generally the staff nurse sign them, it continued to be a problem. did everything at one time or other. It also became necessary to pro­ But changes and improvements in vide them with living accommodation health care began to emerge and gath­ nearby so in December 1970 female er momentum by the end of the decade. staff were moved to the first and sec­ In 1965 the hospital changed its ond floors and male attendants and name back to the High River Munici­ orderlies were allowed to live on the pal Hospital and although the possi­ lower floor of the residence. (At the bility of applying for accreditation same time, there was some relaxation was discussed, it was felt that more in the restrictions regarding visitors). improvements were still needed. The same year Tony Wojtowicz In 1968, a consulting dietician was appointed the first fire marshal, was hired for the first time. Marilyn a position he held until illness forced Davidson was hired on a part time him to leave the hospital in 1989. basis at $4.50 an hour plus mileage In 1969 Laverne Ducommun of 10¢ a mile. This was considered to became Administrative Assistant and be a very liberal remuneration at the Dr. Andrew Little was named the Staff meals were 65¢ and room and board in the resi­ time. first Chief of Staff. dence only $65 I month. Physiotherapy service was intro­ In October the hospital board duced in the hospital in the early 1960's amended the visiting hours, reducing on a part time basis. In 1969 an ar­ the age limit from 16 to 12 years old. The L ocal Authorities Parents could visit the children's Pension Plan came into ef­ rangement was made with Calgary fect in 1963. It continues General Hospital to supervise a De­ ward from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Afternoon today. partment of Rehabilitation Medicine. It hours were extended from 2:30 to 4:30 provided the services of a physio­ with open visiting for children on therapist, a rehabilitation nurse, inhala­ Sunday afternoons during visiting tion therapist and speech therapist. hours only. There were still to be only Ruth Tarasoff was head of the two visitors per patient. department in the hospital assisted by Generally at this time the hospi­ Cecelia Thrun. The Calgary team tal was still a small town cottage hos­ visited twice weekly until the program pital providing good patient care, as developed into a full time service were so many small hospitals staffed by qualified therapists locally. throughout the province. But during When Mary Carscadden be­ the 70's, things began to change and came Director of Nursing in 1969 she progress as plans were made to build instituted a training program for the new facility. Laverne Ducommun nursing assistants. This included male

65 The Hospital Board, in 1951, des­ Construction of Calgary in the sum­ cribed the need for a new residence for mer of 1951. The residence was con­ the nurses in these terms - "Because structed a short distance north west the accommodation in the present of the hospital allowing for conven­ Nurses Residence is most unsatis­ ient connection of the utilities. It was factory and in order to obtain and keep a two storey frame building with a a nursing staff it is most desirable they stucco exterior, one hundred feet long be provided with good accommodation by thirty feet wide with a full base­ where they can all live together." ment that could be finished and fur­ An architect had been engaged, in nished as the need arose. 194 7, to prepare a plan, a cost esti­ On the main floor were eight sin­ mate and a feasibility study on an ad­ gle bedrooms, the floor's bathroom dition to the residence in use. One can and the superintendent's suite con­ only presume it was found to be more sisting of a bedroom, a living room practical to build a new structure. and bath. A large door separated the By now there was an immediate sleeping area from the living room A t the High River Hospi­ tal Board meeting of Febru­ need for a new nurses residence, a which contained a sitting area, a kit­ ary 21, 1955 permission was fact the Hospital Board fully recog­ chenette and a small dining space. given to place a cigarette nized, remembering, very clearly, the Large windows on both sides made vending machine in the hos­ pital. shortage of staff that had plagued the this a cheery place to entertain hospital in the recent past. friends. The second floor had four- The architectural firm of Steven­ son, Cawston and Dewar of Calgary drew plans for the new resi­ dence, J .M. Stevenson being the act­ ing architect. The building committee was comprised of E.J. Goodwin, H.T. Nixon and F.J. Cowling with superintendent Isabel Lamont R.N. and secretary F.J. Swain as advi­ sors. The Board of the High River Mu­ nicipal Hospital District No.11 and the Provincial Department of Health presented a by-law in regards the is­ suance of debentures to the extent of $80,000.00 The local taxpayers gave a vote of confidence to the Board by readily approving the by-law. Miss Kratz R.N. out­ Construction was started by Bird side the N urses Residence. teen bedrooms and a bath. Each floor furnish the home for the nurses was had a large communal bathroom con­ wisely spent. sisting of a bath, a shower, three toi­ A need for the use of the basement lets and three wash basins. The bed­ soon arose. The contract to finish the rooms had double windows, cup­ interior was left to the local firm of E. boards with adequate drawer space Johnson and Hank Martens. and a vanity, both of which were re­ The residence served the nurses cessed into the wall. Australian wool and the hospital well for many years carpeting covered the floors. but the need for everything changes The superintendent, Miss La­ and so it was with this facility. mont, and the off-duty nurses wel­ An increasing number of nurses comed a crowd of 500 visitors to the continued to work following marriage official opening July 31, 1952. Mem­ and a move to their own home, others bers of the Hospital Board conducted returned to their chosen profession tours of the premises throughout the as their children became more self afternoon and evening. Those who sufficient. These changes left vacant chose to attend were convinced the rooms at the residence allowing for $95,000.00 required to construct and their use by other projects

The sixties and seventies are were permitted and were common for often recalled as years of great cama­ nights. Days and evenings did not raderie amongst the hospital staff. In usually exceed night shifts. The four­ the dining room, physicians, nurses, teen nights were followed by a sleep administration and support staff day and six days off - an ideal rota­ mingled together and feasted on tion for the single girls who liked to Bella Bradley's famous butter­ travel. This period of time saw sever­ horns. The working relationships al R.N.'s from Australia and New were equally friendly and carried on Zealand spend several months at the beyond the hospital environment into hospital before moving on to new and the community. New staff were often different areas of the country. These greeted with "Do you curl?", by Dr. nurses often had difficulty adjusting York Blayney. to the high altitude here. There were 52 beds in the hospi­ Employees in the '60's laughingly tal at this time. Many of the staff recall the bedpan flushers which gave lived in the residence, paying $30 for unexpected showers if they were not room and board. Snacks of bread, closed properly. X-rays were hand butter, tomatoes, and sandwich sup­ developed and air dried. Glass ther­ plies were supplied gratis from the mometers were used which the pa­ Hospital kitchen. tient could control by raising or lower­ R.N. 's worked eight hour shifts - a ing the temperature (in a glass of Bella Bradley forty hour week. Fourteen day shifts water) when the nurse wasn't looking.

67 Advances were being made in the tients were bathed and received their field of pharmacology. Antibiotics treatments. Staff were often busy were very limited in scope and nurses assisting in Emergency as well as were delighted to see the end of alco­ looking after the ward patients. hol lamps and narcotic tablets and At bedtime the patients received the switch to pre-mixed solutions. back rubs and hot drinks plus a Glass syringes with disposable nee­ snack, made by the nursing staff. At. dles were used for most injections and lO:OOp.m. the C.N.A.'s made mounds disposable medication glasses were of fresh sandwiches and coffee, ac­ used for mineral use. Many sutures in companied by pickles, fruit and cook­ the Operating Room still came in ies for the staff breaks. glass vials, and it wasn't until the Night Shift began at 11 :30 p.m. mid-seventies that pre-packaged Immediately following report and sutures were available in all vari­ "patient rounds", the C.N.A.'s went eties. down to the kitchen to cook a full Nursing duties included house­ course meal. Kitchen staff left out keeping tasks, maintenance (check­ pork chops, hamburger, chicken, ing the boilers and oxygen equip­ liver, fish or steak, peeled raw pota­ ment), and assisting in dietary toes and vegetables. Dessert was in­ duties. The typical day started at cluded. Midnight supper was sent up 7:30 a.m. The first duties were baths, on the lift and eaten in a small bed making, treatments, checking pa­ lounge with an ear open for call bells. tients vital signs and changing water Coffee was at 4:00 a.m. and nursing jugs. The patient trays were sent up staff were often joined by the local from the kitchen on a dumb waiter, RCMP on duty and/or physician who hauled by rope pulling. They arrived had been called to the hospital for an two at a time which required a lot of emergency or a delivery. hauling and staff lined up to carry A little later in the evening a them to the patient rooms. Dirty C.N.A. was responsible to put on the trays were sent down the same way porridge water in a huge kettle, so it and if the lift was overloaded it would would be hot for the "early" cook and descend with a bang at the bottom. for a 7:00 a.m. breakfast. After lunch, all patients were set­ Surgery in the sixties and early tled for a rest before visiting hours. seventies included thyroidectomies, Blinds were closed and doors pulled gastrectomies, bone pinnings, as well to allow for a "quiet time". as the routine gall bladders, hyster­ Wards were tidied on a regular ectomies, tonsillectomies, appendec­ basis; bed covers straightened, pil­ tomies, D&C's, etc. The Operating Room lows fluffed, ash trays and paper bed­ was staffed by two R.N.s who also side bags emptied. worked in Emergency, Recovery Room, During this period the laundry and the Central Supply Room (C.S.R.). staff did not work on Sundays and if Often the nurses on first floor had to the supply of diapers was diminish­ recover surgical patients, as well as be ing, nursing staff were assigned the responsible for the patients on the ward. extra duty of rectifying the situation. Ether and cyclopropane were used for The evening shift commenced at anesthetics - highly volatile substances. 3:30 p.m. Fresh post-operative pa- The O.R. nurse was responsible

68 for all sterile supplies and the phar­ desk. The remaining 12 hours were macy area. covered by nursing staff to handle ad­ The Assistant Director of Nursing missions, phone calls, discharges and did the shift scheduling and the time various other duties. While the door cards. She worked 10 days with 4 days to the hospital was always open, the off over the weekend. It was she who al­ door from the front lobby to the located patient beds and booked patients wards was kept locked. Many nights for surgery, and met with the suppliers. the sofas and chairs in the lobby From 8 :00 a .m. till 8 :00 p.m. served as beds for vagrants. there was a receptionist at the. front

~ta(( cfVuue:i c!IHociation Clo fllnion ...£ocaf

In the mid '60's the Staff Nurses Act in 1964 allowed Staff Nurse One of the first issues to be addressed was that nurses Association was formed. This was the Associations to participate in collec­ not to be required to wash prelude to the present day union for tive bargaining for the first time. diap ers on weekends when the supply ran short. nurses. Several R.N.'s had read about In 1977 U.N.A. (United Nurses of similar organizations in "The Cana­ Alberta) was formed and has contin­ dian Nurse" - a nursing journal pub­ ued up to the present day to serve as lished monthly and distributed to all a bargaining agent for the nurses registered nurses across Canada. throughout Alberta. Since the Union When Nursing Superintendent began, nurses have held province­ Carey was approached by some of wide strikes four times in order to the nursing staff regarding the for­ achieve improved terms and condi­ mation of such an association in High tions of employment. River General Hospital she was not Throughout all nursing strikes, pleased. It was some time before the the nurses have always willingly pro­ S.N.A. was recognized by the hospital vided staff to help in the hospitals for and was able to bring about changes surgeries, deliveries on occasions, in working conditions for its mem­ and for any emergency task that bers. Changes in the Alberta Labour arose. All of our present day manage-

69 ment nurses have participated in period chosen not to cross the picket strike action at some point in their lines. Perhaps it is this fact of having careers at High River General Hospi­ been there themselves that has · tal. Some have walked the picket line strengthened relationships between and others have during the strike management and staff nurses.

~EC'"lEfo'"l!j1, - Cf'"lEa1U'"lEH - c:lf dmini~t7.,ato7.,~ - ExEcutiuE !bi7.,Ecto7.,~

For the only meeting of the Tempor­ cy, resigning the end of April 1932 to ary Hospital Board - Sept. 20, 1920 J.S. devote his efforts to the growing de­ Hunt served as Secretary Pro Tern. mands of his other commitment as George E. Mack became the first secretary for the Town of High River. JOHN HERBERT COPE studied to be a chartered secretary of the High River Municipal Mr. Mack seemed to inherit the accountant following his Hospital joining the staff of that in­ position of secretary for whichever return from the first world stitution the first of January 1921 organization he belonged. One such war. He took up residence in High River in 1925 where he upon the take-over of the operation of was the local United Church, also practiced his profession. the old General Hospital by the new serving it as a Lay Minister. Here he served as auditor to the hospital for the next 34 Municipal Hospital organization. George Mack lived out his life in years. This was a part time position the town of High River passing away He passed away at High which Mr. Mack served with efficien- in 1951. River in August of 1960. 70 Frank Swain commitment to health care was well Mr. Frank Swain became Secre­ recognized by his peers locally and tary-Treasurer of the High River Mu­ throughout the province. His dedica­ nicipal Hospital on the first of May tion led to him serving a term as pre­ 1932 following the resignation of sident of the Associated Hospitals George E. Mack. of Alberta. His starting salary of $80.00 per Following the untimely passing of month was not a reflection on his ca­ Mr. Swain, in the summer of 1954, pabilities but rather a reflection of the staff of the High River Hospital how difficult financial conditions hung a picture in that facility in com­ were on the prairies during the memoration of his life of service to Frank Swain depths of the depression. the sick and ailing of the district. Mr. Swain was the first secretary­ McNichol, Sondum, Goodwin treasurer to be employed full time Following the sudden passing of and to serve the hospital from an of­ Frank Swain, the assistant secre­ fice in that facility. tary, Mrs. Nora McNichol was The High River hospital has al­ appointed Secretary-Treasurer Pro ways experienced continuous expan­ Tern. She was ably assisted in these sion both in its physical structure and duties by Mr. E.J. Sondum. its services. The secretary-treasurer On September the first 1954 Earl played a major roll in guiding the hos­ J. Goodwin exchanged his position pital board through the hospital as Chairman of the Hospital Board building expansion in 1940-41 and for the responsibilities of Secretary­ the financing and construction of an Treasurer. He retired from this the adequate Nurses residence in 1952. end of March 1955 to devote his ef­ f;upervising the added services forts to his electrical business. He provided at the hospital along with was replaced by Barry W. Johnson. the added personnel required to uti­ Barry Johnson came from Brooks lize them changed a small job into a to become the Secretary-Treasurer of large one. The secretary's salary was the High River Municipal Hospital gradually upgraded in recognition of District No. 11 on April 11, 1955. He Secretary Mrs . N ora the increased work load. A part time was hired for a six month probationary McNichol and Matron Isa­ assistant was hired and this position period. He stayed for 26 years. bel Lamont. was upgraded to full time. Mrs. Mr. Johnson came just in time to Nora McNichol filled this position. become immersed in the planning In presenting a job analysis in the and financing of the hospital's ex­ 1940's Frank Swain described it in pansion and upgrading. These efforts these terms - bore fruit with the opening of a mod­ "Caring for patients and serving a ernized facility on October 1 7, 1955. critical public for 24 hours a day, 365 With the advances in health care days in the year, striving heroically to services, the nursing staff grew and obtain and retain the necessary per­ so did the secretarial work load. sonnel to provide that service, has Nora McNichol worked with Barry been nothing short of a miraculous Johnson for several years, as she had feat during the past decade. The won­ for Frank Swain. Alberta Patterson der is that any are left to tell the tale". and Vivian Dudley spent a number Barry Johnson The quality of Frank Swain's of years on staff and Laverne Du-

71 common served as an administrator River Hospital. He closes it with this under Barry Johnson. Others also summation - "It was my experience contributed to the efficient operation during 26 years serving the Hospital of the hospital. and Community that something new In 1963 the title of secretary-treasur­ and different happens almost daily in er was changed to Administrator to bet­ Health Care Services. The many peo­ ter reflect the realities of the position. ple I met made it a very interesting The name of the hospital was and exciting profession." changed in 1966 from the High River A picture hangs today in the High Municipal to the High River General. River Hospital commemorating the Mr. Johnson was responsible for dedicated service rendered by Barry preparing a brochure of rules and regu­ Johnson. lations to be presented to all new staff. When Lorence T. Myggland Prominently displayed was this quote. joined the Hospital in 1980 the title - "It will be appreciated that our first was changed from Administrator to concern at all times is the patient." Executive Director. Mr. Johnson, living today in Chil­ The title Matron and Director or liwack, British Columbia, was good Superintendent of Nursing was used Alberta Patterson was enough to send along a collection of interchangably during early years. a member of the hospital sec­ retarial staff for several reminiscences of his time at the High years in the 1950's.

'JhE 'Jiut !Boa'l.d of thE d/-i9h cRicrE'i

The realization of many cl1!( unicipaf d/-o1-f itaf - 2::JL1hict # 17 dreams and schemes ar­ rived on September 20, 1920. The board of the High River General Hospital con­ A vote was held to elect one board Jack A. Schmidt vened a meeting whose man­ member from each paticipating Blackie date was to form a hospital district. municipality on November 16, 1920. Thomas Margetts Invited committee mem­ The first meeting of the High M.D. Royal #158 bers were - A.A. Ballachey - High River River Municipal Hospital District #11 William Caspell W.J. Evans - Blackie was held in High River on December M.D. Riley #159 C.B. Kervin - Cayley H.H. Wilson George Mclrvine - Sheep Creek 20, 1920. A.J. Flood -Royal The Board was composed of M.D. Dinton #189 Wm. Caspell -Ril.ey Chairman George Mclrvine W.m. Mcintosh R.H. Wilson -Dinton WM. Mcintosh - Stockland M.D. Sheep Creek #190 M.D. Stockland #191 H.N. Sheppard -I.D. # 160 Vice Chairman C.B. Kervin Henry N. Sheppard Emil Kuck - I.D. # 161 Cayley I.D. #160 George Mclrvine was chair­ man. Alex A. Ballachey S.M. Mace J.S. Hunt was secretary pro tem High River I.D. #161 The towns of Okotoks and Nanton had been invited to Secretary George E. Mack send representatives but chose not to do so. 72 dhgh cRiuE!L d-f01pital - 7::>i1hict # 77

!Boa'"ld Chai'"lmEn

Wilson Sutherland George Mclrvine ...... 1920-1928 Philip R. Bice ...... 1962-68 ;1969-71 J.S. Hunt ...... 1928-1937 George Houlden ...... 1968-1969 H.D. Johnson ...... 1937-1942 George Shaw - last few months of Thomas Mcintyre ...... 1942-1944 ...... 1969 Thomas Noble ...... 1944-1945 Wilson Sutherland ...... 1971-1983 H.B. McLeod ...... 1945-1947 Gwen Miller ...... 1983-1986 E.R. Kitchen ...... 1947-1951 Michael Bird ...... 1986-1988 E.J. Goodwin ...... 1951-1954 Henri Remmer ...... 1988-1989 H.T. Nixon ...... 1954-1962 Manley Flynn ...... 1989-

Gwen Miller

George Mclrvine ...... 1920-1932 R.P. Bird ...... 1931-1932 Alex A. Ballachey ...... 1920-1924 J.O. Anderson ...... 1932-1938 C.B. Kervin ...... 1920-22;1923-24 Thomas Mcintyre ...... 1932-1944 Wm. Caspell ...... 1920-1928 S. S. Thompson ...... 1933-1942 H.H. Wilson ...... 1920-1921 J.A. Wickens ...... 1933-1947 W.M. Mclntosh ...... 1920-1930 H.B. McLeod ...... 1937-1947 H.N. Sheppard ...... 1920-1934 Cecil N. Mitton ...... 1938-49;1954-63 Jack A. Schmidt ...... 1920-1943 J .P. Derrick ...... 1941-1944 Thomas Margetts ...... 1920-22;1931-46 Clyde Jessup ...... 1943-1945 S.M. Mace ...... 1920-1931 Ed Wellman ...... 1943-1965 Frank Ward ...... 1921-1927 E.R. Kitchen ...... 1943-1953 J. Kelly ...... 1922-1923 Harold S. Jenkins ...... 1944-1950 L. Beaton ...... 1922-23;1924-27 William H. Bews ...... 1944-1948 Kully Parker ...... 1923-1924 H.T. Nixon ...... 1945-1962 George B. McKay ...... 1924-1929 F.J. Cowling ...... 1945-1955 J.S. Hunt ...... 1924-1937 Ben Ball ...... 1946-1952 Frank Mallinger ...... 1927-1931 Clarence Peterson ...... 194 7-1948 J.S. Elves ...... 1927-1933 Earl J . Goodwin ...... 1947-1954 G.W. Cambell ...... 1928-1929 S.E. Elves ...... 1948-1951 N.P. Jensen ...... 1929-1930 Jack Thurber ...... 1949-1967 Thomas Noble ...... 1930 -1945 Philip R. Bice ...... 1950-1977 73 J. Munro McKay ...... 1952-1953 Arthur Patterson ...... 1977-1986 J .F. Harris ...... 1952-1955 Ursula Hoppenheit ...... 1978- 1989 George Shaw ...... 1953-1969 Howard Robison ...... 1979-1986 Clarence W. Green ...... 1953-1961 0 . Schmidtke ...... 1980-1981 Tom Weidenhammer ...... 1954-1956 Allan McCuaig ...... 1980-1985 Alistair H. Robertson ...... 1955-1969 Eric Read ...... 1981-1983 George Houlden ...... 1955-1969 A. Beaton ...... 1982-1983 Frank Thurber ...... 1961-1968 Michael Bird ...... 1982-1989 Roy Hallett ...... 1962-1980 Keith Dawson ...... 1983-1989 Cecil Talbot ...... 1962-1971 Keith Jensen ...... 1983-1989 Russell Kibblewhite ...... 1963-1969 Lucille Dougherty ...... 1984-1985 Ed Robinson ...... 1968-1969 Manley Flynn ...... 1986- A.O. Patton ...... 1969-1970 Robin Garstin ...... 1986- Donald Weibe ...... 1969-1971 N orman Podesky ...... 1986- Arlone Jensen ...... 1969-1974 Henri Remmer ...... 1986-1989 Gwen Miller ...... 1969-1986 Dr. Ed Sands ...... 1986- Wilson J . Sutherland ...... 1969-1986 George Meyer ...... 1989- Ken Houlton ...... 1971-1977 Hank Leeferink ...... 1989- Allan Murray ...... 1971-1978 Jean Comstock ...... 1989- Charles A. Clark ...... 1971-1982 Doreen Lewis ...... 1990- Earl Lewis ...... 1974-1980 Richard Newman ...... 1967-82; 1989- D. Tesky ...... 1977-1979

Following cessation of World War sorts for those with no other place to Two, and with the need for a home provide for homeless seniors. for ailing seniors obvious, an aban­ Following continued lobbying, the doned building from the now defunct Alberta Health Care Services set cer­ During the hospital's ad· Air School was purchased and moved tain guidelines and provided the major ministration of Twilight into High River. Having outgrown part of operational funding, with rural Nursing Home, Chief Nurs· ing Aide Viola Spencer the previous small cottage home pri­ districts in many cases amalgamating headed a staff of 13 aides. vately operated by Mr. and Mrs. H. for greater efficiency in forming There were six aides on Huckle, it soon became obvious that Boards of Management. This resulted housekeeping staff and an­ other six in cooking, laundry the building was far from reaching locally in the Vulcan-Foothills Nursing and maintenance. It was a satisfactory standards of safety, let Home District No. 11 Board being far Cl)' from the inadequacy of the original care given ini­ alone comfort. By 1958 authorities formed on September 30, 1964. tially at Twilight Nursing required that it be upgraded. In De­ Included were County of Vulcan, Homes prior to governmen­ cember of that year, following the M.D. of Foothills, and the towns and tal, District Board, and Hos­ pital supervision. upgrading, towns and villages within villages of High River, Vulcan, Aides included Gerda the Municipality organized to de­ Okotoks, Black Diamond, Carmangay, Kolnar, Mavis Mortimer, Cayley, Blackie, Turner Valley, Ar­ Arlene Spiller, Florence mand something better. deJong, M. MacDonald, G. Still less than anything which rowwood, Milo, Champion, Lomond Eaglesham, Linda King, would be considered acceptable by and Longview. Marie Blasius, W. Buchan­ an, M. Robillard, Jean today's standards, the building was Mrs. Margaret Deitz and Mrs. Watson and A Anderson. taken over by Mr. and Mrs. Deitz Evaline Eagleson were granted and continued to provide a shelter of permission to continue management

74 In an attempt to overcome prob­ 1i..--_r 1 lems and to give the utmost in care to the elderly, the Board purchased the Twilight Nursing Home from its own­ ers for $120,000 and immediately re­ quested $10,000 for renovations and $5000 for the first month's operation from Alberta Municipal Financing Cor­ poration. Government share of oper­ ational funding never covered entire costs, the balance coming from munici­ ' .J< ,. pal taxes and charge to the patients. The Vulcan/Foothills Board could foresee the need for an Auxiliary

Mary McAllister's 103 birthday, son Leslie standing. Hospital of 50 to 100 beds in High River alone, By this time High River General Hospital had plans for a new hospital which would include both an auxiliary and a nursing home wing, Seeing the impossibility of keep­ ing up with the constant need for re­ novation of what in the beginning had been an old and inadequate building, it was with relief that the Twilight Nursing Home was handed over to High River General Hospital in the fall of 1977. The name of The High River General Hospital and Nursing Home, District No. 11 was adopted and the Boards of the two gov­ erning bodies also were amalgamated. CRAFTS; Left to right: Mrs. Viola Thurlow, Mrs. Jetta Reiss (Activity Aide), Mrs. Vinnie Posegate, Mrs. Lena Gamble. The hospital continued to manage Twilight Nursing Home, with in­ creasing difficulty in keeping the in­ adequate building up to standard. Marjorie Ricketts R.N., together with Registered Nurses K. Scott, E.M. Lobe, Marion Metke, Linda Anderson, Orial Miller and Maria ( de Ryke continued to care for the Nursing 'Staff (l. to r.) Virginia Stevenson, Twilight's 34 occupants until the new Willow Hall, Mildred Stewart, Linda King. hospital opened in 1982. of Twilight Nursing Home, and Blunt Nursing Home of Calgary to build a 36 bed home in Vulcan. Elaborate plans proposed for a 50 bed future home in Mrs. Ricketts High River never materialized.

75 In the few years immediately pre­ McKenzie was to serve with Dr. W. ceding the move into the new hospital M. McKenzie in 1963. the medical staff had grown rapidly Dr. W. Wilson applied to join the from the three doctors who for many staff in 1964, Dr. Herring having left. years had served the community. The following year Dr. Joe Cramer After forming the High River Cli­ was on staff. He was killed in 1970 nic Doctors York Blayney and Har­ and his practice taken over by Dr. old Soby had been joined by Doctors Adam Jeeva in 1971. Also in 1965 Norman Foster and Cliff Forsyth Dr. Antliff was engaged as laborato­ following the end of the war. Dr. ry consultant and allowed to attend Michael Burke had died in 1940. medical staff meetings. Dr. F. H. In 1948 Dr. Maxwell-Joyner of Hodges of Okotoks was given profes­ Okotoks requested and received hos­ sional privileges. Dr. Maltby, intro­ pital privileges. Dr. Nelles of Oko­ duced by Dr. M. Gibson, was given toks joined the staff in 1951, with hospital privileges the following year, Doctors Bruce Blayney and Mar­ 1966. gerie Blayney coming to High River In 1966 the doctors formed their in 1951. medical society with Dr. W. Wilson In May Dr. Andrew W. Little of as president, Dr. W.M. Gibson as Nanton and Dr. John B. Newton of vice-president. Dr. Ellis of Foothills Okotoks received hospital privileges. Health Unit was a member. In 1968 While the Okotoks doctors eventually Dr. W. Wilson resigned from hospital would leave as that town's population staff. Dr. Dennis Mercer was grant­ dwindled, Dr. Little would remain in ed hospital privileges. Dr. Munday practice until his retirement in 1980. joined the staff in 1969 but moved to Doctors Janet and Morris Gibson Bassano a year later. arrived in Okotoks in 1955, and re­ Dr. Grant Hill of Okotoks joined ceived hospital privileges. By that the staff in 1970 as did Dr. Barry time Doctors Maxwell-Joyner and McCombe who later left. Dr. Nel Nelles had left. Wolf joined Dr. Gibson and Dr. Hill In July 1959 Dr. S. Friend Her­ in Okotoks for the summer months ring was practising in High River and Dr. Remington received tempo­ and had hospital privileges, Dr. Ar­ rary appointment that November. nold Smith had dental privileges, Dr. Adam Jeeva came on staff in and consulting pathologist was E.P. 1971. He introduced Dr. Mahmud Creighton with Louis Wayne con­ the following year, who remained on sulting radiologist.Dr. York Blayney staff for a short time, as did Dr. was given an honorary appointment McNeilly who was a member in 1972. to the hospital service in recognition Dr. J.C. Medway joined the staff of his many years of service. Dr. Rod in 1974 and Dr. J. O'Callaghan in

76 1975. In 1976 Dr. Michael Flanagan also was a member. Apparently there had been some departures in 1978, the Board that year listing the medical staff in January as Doctors Little, Hill, Mahmud, B. Blayney, M. Blayney, Jeeva, Mercer, Forsyth, Medway and O'Callaghan. Later that same year Dr. Ron Gorsche, Dr. J. Tenove (Nanton) and Dr. W.G. Len Senger, also of Nanton but who moved later to High River, were on Medical Meeting Doctors l. tor.: Dr. Antler, Dr. O'Gorman - Medical Health Officer, High River Hospital medical roster. Dr. Adam Jeeva, Dr. Cliff Forsyth, Dr. Flayne Byam, Dr. Len Senger, Dr. Keith Spackman In 1979 the doctors on staff are listed as Forsyth, Senger, Tenove, Flanaghan, Mercer, Little, Gors­ che, O'Callaghan, B. Blayney, M. Blayney, Hill, Medway, Mahmud, J eeva. Dr. Flayne Byam replaced Dr. Hill for July and August only. Consulting surgeon Dr. Wm. MacDonald (who joined the staff permanently in 1988); Consulting psychiatrist was Dr. Conway; con­ sulting radiologists Dr. Evans and Associates, and Dentists were Dr. Dale Rustebakke and Dr. Arnold Smith. Medical staff discussing the move. Seated at conference table left to right. Dr. Keith Spackman, Dr. Grant Hill, Dr. Bruce Blayney, Secretary Edna Langenberger, Dr. Ron Gorsche, Dr. J. O'Callaghan.

Dr. Grant Hill Dr. Adam Jeeva Dr. J ohn J. O'Callaghan Chief of Staff, 1990

Drs. Ron Gorsche, Dennis Mercer

77 In the words of one former High The Committee and their col­ River politician, "Nothing in this leagues had their work cut out for town gets done in a hurry!" them. No one had planned an opera­ The Hospital Building Program tion of that magnitude before. was a case in point. Nobody came to They came to rely on the expertise of know it better than its committee architects, Vaitkunas Jamieson members, Dick Newman, Charles Ltd. of Edmonton. Among their pro­ A. Clark and Wilson Sutherland. jects had been the hospital in Provost. All had long histories serving on It was their idea to design a hos­ the Board of Directors of the High pital integrating three levels of care River Hospital. Dick Newman joined into one building, Active, Nursing in 1967, Wilson Sutherland in 1969 Home and Auxiliary. This was to be and Charles Clark in 1971. Sutherland the first of its kind in Alberta. was Chairman from 1971 to 1983. Even taking into account the pa­ For years, additions and renova­ tience of careful planning, the Board tions had been made to the General began to experience the frustration Hospital in an attempt to keep pace known only too well at times by the with the demands of a growing popu­ present administration and Board lation and the changes of medical tech­ when it comes to government decision nology. As well, the Twilight Nursing making and government funding. Home was in drastic need of im­ In January of 1978 the Board was provement with a waiting list for both considering appealing to the Hospital Nursing Home and Auxiliary Care. Commission for funds needed to pur­ In the mid seventies, the board chase equipment which had been began to plan seriously for a major costed out three years before. The construction, one that would take the items had been pending while the hospital into the next decade and Board worked diligently to get the make it a model in the field of rural building program off the ground. health care. In February, Mr. Chatfield, De­ They took their time. Working puty Minister of Health, delegated with the Department of Hospitals Chuck McDougall, a senior mem­ and Medical Care, members of the ber of his staff to work with the Committee travelled to other facili­ Hospital Board and its Architect to ties in Alberta and the United States, resume planning. He advised that studying the latest in hospital design High River was one of three hospitals and construction, cost efficiency, in the province to do so. equipment and technology. Delays continued, with the Board Wilson S utherland 's wife insists that for 10 years a They went to Provost, Fort Mc­ requesting verification from the gov­ h oliday meant looki ng at Murray, Jasper, Bonnyville, Milwau­ ernment that, indeed, it intended to hospitals. Now that Wilson 's kee, Great Falls, Lincoln, Nebraska. move forward with the project. w ith the Wheat Pool, they look at elevators.

78 Much of the delay and difficulty sion and revision, Directors told the in planning the new complex was the architect to proceed with working role of the existing facility. The gov­ drawings. ernment wanted at least some of the In September the architect ad­ structure to be integrated into the vised that about 60% of the final new building, and hospital and pro­ drawings were complete. A develop­ Senior Citizen Lodges vincial architects went back and ment permit had been applied for In resp onse to the com­ munity lobbying, which was forth discussing the feasibility of and the hospital was assured that its well into becoming an active such a plan. application would be put on the prior­ force in 1957, the govern­ ment's first response was the Specifically they were considering ity list for approval. An appeal was opening of a senior citizens' retaining the 1959 portion and that later made to ease the height re­ lodge in Hig h River in 1960. was complicated. Differing floor lev­ straints of the new building allowing Constructed on land donated by Leland Soderberg, and els, the disruption in laundry service it to stand at 57 feet. originally a 50-bed home for that would take place during the By October of 1979, 75% of the seniors, it was called Medi­ cine Tree Manor, a name refurbishing, difficulties in making working drawings were complete and submitted by school pupil the building suitable for air condi­ the Board had received five applica­ Patty Dalling. At the same tioning, deciding where and how the tions for the position of Project Coor­ time as announcing con­ struction of the Lodge, the nursing home would fit into the dinator to oversee the construction of Minis ter of H ealth an­ phased construction and the possibil­ the new hospital. nounced that "nursing homes on the order of chronic hos­ ity of expanding in the future all had John Niven was hired to begin pitals with a hig h level of to be considered. work in January. Upon completion of nursing care ... and built ad­ Meanwhile the Board stood by its the building project, it was agreed jacent to active treatment hospitals t o u se existing earlier request for permission to de­ that he would become Director of laundry and dietary facili­ molish the entire 1959 structure and Maintenance for the Hospital Nurs­ ties" in 1958 were needed for "a n established need of one plan for a complete hospital nursing ing Home Complex. million patient days" in home complex. John had directed similar opera­ Alberta, and should operate At the Board meeting of August tions in Provost, Alberta. at "about half the cost of active treatment hospitals ... 23, 1978, Building Committee Chair­ On November 27th it was an­ for a shared cost to munici­ man Dick Newman was able to ad­ nounced that the Architects proposed palities of one to one and a half mills operating costs. " vise that approval had been received to go to tender December 6th with a Similiar lodges have since from the Department of Hospitals to closing of January 24, 1980. Demo­ bee n opened in Nanton, proceed with new construction that lition of the existing building would Turner Valley I Black Dia­ mond, and Okotoks. would not include retaining any por­ be tendered separately. tion of the existing building. On March 4, 1980 the Board By the end of October the plan­ agreed to hire Bennett & White ning process was still being delayed. Western Ltd. as General Contractor Although blueprints had been sub­ to build the hospital nursing home mitted to the Department of Hospi­ complex for $11,940,000.00. Nine tals and Medical Care, they were days later the official sod turning slow to give any further comments or took place. criticism. Scheduled for completion in the In March 1979 final preliminary spring of 1982, it was ready for the plans were submitted to the Board. official opening on June 18th at an John Niven At the end of May, after more discus- estimated cost of 12 million dollars.

79 From the very beginning, the tal.The Public Inquiry in 1970 had High River Hospital and Nursing pointed out weaknesses in structure Home set out to establish standards and lines of authority, as well as the of rural health care that would be se­ administrative limitations of some of cond to none, carrying on the same its senior staff. traditions of dedication, compassion The resignation of the Director of and excellence that had established Nursing, J. Purask, in December of the first cottage hospital of 1906. 1979 focussed attention once again But the decade into which this on the administration issue. new hospital had embarked was one With a construction start planned that, proportionately, would see more for early 1980, the Board realized changes, more rapidly than any other that a solution to this ongoing prob­ in its history. lem must be found and, on the advice There would be changes not only of the Alberta Hospital Association, in medical technology and equip­ hired a management consulting firm ment, but in the attitude and de­ to provide assistance. mands put on everyone working in Their report recommended a new the health care field. administration headed by an Executive New standards of excellence Director. They further recommended would be demanded of administra­ that the position be filled by someone tors, support staff, physicians, nurs­ outside of the current staff, someone es, and all those professionals who with strong administrative skills and backed them up in the labs, pharma­ the ability to turn the organization cies and therapy rooms in and out of around internally and improve its the hospital itself. standing within the community. From a tradition where the hospi­ tal's Chairman and matron were ex­ The New Executive Director pected to supervise alike the day to The Board had to consider more day operations of case room and kit­ than administrative ability and expe­ chen, the new facility demanded spe­ rience as they prepared to hire the cialized training and complex manage­ new Executive Director. The building ment skills to orchestrate and delegate was still under construction and they the responsibilities of a larger physical knew the magnitude of expanded staff plant and its more than 300 employees. and services would only add to the Health care had become an industry. already anticipated strain of change. Although some p eople Of the five applicants on the short may have viewed Lorence Administrative Reorganization list, Lorence Myggland seemed tai­ Myggland as an outsider, he was born in Claresholm, and For some time the Board had rec­ lor made for the job. in 1966, his first post as hos­ ognized problems within the adminis­ He had academic credentials, a pital administrator had been the Little Bow Municipal trative organization of the hospi- certificate in Hospital Administration Hospital in Carmangay.

80 from the University of Saskatchewan, lenge of change and establishing the a diploma in Long Term Care Or­ necessary element of trust between ganization and Management from the himself and the staff, and among Canadian Hospital Association, and a staff members themselves. Bachelor of Science Degree with a People react differently when it major in Health Care Administration comes to change and progress and so from Pacific Western University. it was with the High River Hospital. More importantly, he had the ex­ Not everyone believed in the need for perience. a new building or the money that Myggland had spent the previous would be spent constructing it. ten years as administrator of Seton There was strong feelings about General Hospital in Jasper where he some of the personnel changes at the had co-ordinated hospital ownership hospital. from the Sisters of Charity to a hos­ Myggland began a series of public pital District Board, and had planned meetings throughout the hospital dis­ and co-ordinated the construction of trict to tell residents what was going the new hospital building, which pro­ on at the hospital and exactly what vided active and extended care facili­ the new complex would mean to them ties and a residence for staff. in the future. He spoke at service The Jasper project had been a clubs and community groups. Before complicated one because of the con­ long he'd joined many of them. current jurisdiction of two senior gov­ He issued press releases on a reg­ ernment levels, Federal and Provincial. ular basis to keep everyone informed Not only was it completed success­ of the hospital's progress and encour­ fully, the Seton General Hospital aged anyone with questions to ask twice received international recog­ them. nition for its unique design and its Back at the hospital he took internal function. about six months to assess the staff situation as a whole before suggest­ The Mandate ing any major changes. The position In August of 1980 the Board ap­ of Administrator was changed to As­ pointed Myggland as its first Exe­ sistant Executive Director and Barry

Jacqueline Copple cutive Director. Johnson continued in that role until The Board gave Myggland three his resignation in April of 1981. He mandates: to co-ordinate the comple­ was followed by Harold Schmidt. tion of the hospital, to reorganize the Formerly the Assistant Administrator, staff complement and restore commu­ Laverne Ducommun was named nity confidence in the hospital's work, Planning Co-ordinator, working on the in the spirit of co-operation that had hospital construction with John Niven, built the hospital district in the first Director of Facilities and Planning. place. Jacqueline Copple continued as The building was well on its way Director of Nursing. This was under John Niven's supervision so changed shortly afterward to Dir­ Myggland turned his attention pri­ ector of Patient Care. Edna Langen­ marily to the staff and the community. berger became Secretary to the Exe­ In both cases communication cutive Director. Edna Langenberger wears many hats! seemed crucial to meeting the chal-

81 Communicating Up And Down way to excitement as the building The Organization Chart took shape, new equipment was de­ Because Myggland had pledged livered, and strangers became fami- · his committment to effective and liar faces. open communication in any staff re­ organization, one of the first things Clean Up Time he did was to establish a Senior Man­ Apart from the actual construc­ agement Group that would then be tion crews, there were no busier peo­ able to pass information up and down ple to be found on the new hospital the organization chart. site at this time than the housekeep­ Well before the new building ing staff. opened, he scheduled workshops and The responsibility for cleaning seminars with professionals in the and housekeeping services was con­ communication field and with psy­ tracted out to INTEG Management & chologists experienced in helping Support Services of Edmonton. A employees deal with the difficulties of staff of about 12 people looked after change. the hospital and residence and three Simplified design sketches and more worked at the Twilight Nursing floor plans were posted in the cafete­ Home. (The hospital brought house­ ria. John Niven and Laverne Ducom­ keeping in as a department in 1984.) mun held in service sessions so staff Just before Christmas, 1981, would begin to feel at home in the new INTEG Ltd. hired Rick Jones as the hospital even before they got there. new Director of Housekeeping Ser­ There were major changes. Ap­ vices. Once again, the hospital had proximately 300 employees would been fortunate in acquiring someone work in the new complex with 140 with experience. Although it was his beds in 110,000 square feet. At that first directorship, Rick had been time only 60 or 70 people were em­ involved in the pre-clean up and ployed in the 65 bed, 25,000 square opening of the new Miseracordia foot hospital and the 8,000 square Hospital in Edmonton. foot Twilight Nursing Home nearby. He arrived in High River on New Year's Day 1982. New Faces An extra 12 people were hired dur­ In the old hospital, everyone ing the clean up period and most of those knew everyone else. Doors were sel­ stayed on after the hospital opened. dom if ever locked. And while this One of Rick's main priorities was might have caused the occasional pro­ making sure that the staff felt good blem, everybody also knew (though about the new move. Rick made each never quite when) that the local one of the original staff a supervisor over RCMP would be dropping by for coffee a new employee. Together they learned and a look around. Help, it seemed, every square inch of the new building. was always at hand from some quar­ The pre-clean up began in Febru­ ter when you really needed it. ary. There were approximately 370 Now there were new faces and rooms and in each room, every sur­ talk of locked doors, electronic alarm face was washed with germicidal so­ systems and security passes. lutions. Floors were stripped, given a Eventually apprehension gave protective coating and waxed. "Don't they trust us any­ more?"

82 cleaning started all over again. There was always room for a little fun, between bouts of hard work and frustration. Practical jokes were com­ mon. After the floors in one area had been waxed to a perfect sheen, Rick Jones told a group of construction workers that he expected them to walk tenderly on the gleaming sur­ face. "In fact," he said sternly, "I ex­ pect you guys to wear slippers on these floors from now on." The next morning he found a pair of boots sitting neatly at the edge of Official Opening - Staff guiding visitors. the floor and a hard hatted construc­ Every item of furniture was as­ tion worker flap flapping about in a High River's new hospi­ sembled and cleaned before it went tal was a "first" in rural pair of bedroom slippers. Alberta, providing surgery, into a room. By Saturday, June 19th everything maternity and in-patient use, Although the construction work­ was ready for the Official Opening. long term rehabilitation, ers tried very hard to work with the auxiliary and nursing home Along with the Nursing Staff many of care all under one roof housekeeping staff, it wasn't uncom­ the housekeeping staff chose to show mon that a crew would return to fin­ off the new hospital as tour guides to ish off a little job in an area that house­ the general public. After all, who knew keeping had just cleaned. Then the place better than they did? Lining up to pipe the dignitaries to the platform.

Visitors in Hospital. Alberta Lieut.-Governor The Honorable Frank Lynch­ Staunton arrives to officially open High River Hospital and Nursing Home.

Giving the invocation. It was an extremely hot day, espe­ cially for the officials seated on stage at the front of the High River Hospital that June 19th. But even the heat couldn't spoil the feeling of pride and excitement evident throughout the crowd that afternoon. After years of planning, set backs and delays, the new High River Hospital and Nursing Home was officially open. Music was provided by the Sena­ tor Riley Wind Ensemble under the direction of John Brisbin. Barbara Andersen R.N. sang O'Canada and The Rev. Father Greg McLellan gave the invocation. After opening remarks from Chairman of the Board Wilson Sutherland and The Hon. Frank Lynch-Staunton, Lt.-Governor of the Province of Alberta unveil the Board Chairman Wilson Sutherland bronze plaque commemorating official opening of High River Hospital and Executive Director Lorence and Nursing Home, June 19th, 1982. Myggland, a variety of distinguished speakers had an opportunity to com­ ment on the occasion. These included Chief of Staff Dr. Dennis Mercer, Architect Joe Vait­ kunas, and Edward H. Knight, 1st Vice President of the Alberta Hospital Association. Her Worship Lucille Dougherty brought civic greeting while John Longson, Reeve spoke on behalf of the MD of Foothills. George Wolstenholme MLA in­ troduced The Honorable Frank Lynch-Staunton, Lieutenant Gover­ nor of Alberta, who gave the address and officially declared the new facili­ ty open. After the dedication prayer and benediction by The Rev. Canon Allan McCuaig, guests toured the new hospital and enjoyed refresh­ ments provided by the ladies of the Hospital Auxiliary. Later on that evening about 300 invited guests attended a banquet and dance held at the High River Re­

Graduates of High River School of Nursing, at banquet following hospital opening. creation Centre.

85 Dr. Ron Gorsche, President of the Medical Staff, was Master of Ceremonies and, as in the afternoon, many distinguished guests had an opportunity to congratulate all of those people connected with the hos­ pital's most recent achievement. Grace was offered by The Rev. Eric Read and after enjoying a buf­ fet that included decorated salmon and pyramid of crablegs guests were welcomed by Chairman Wilson Suth­ erland. Richard Newman, Vice Chair­ man and indefatigable Chairman of the Building Committee made his re­ marks. Director of Patient Care Jac­ queline Copple gave special recog­ nition to Evelyn Leitch and Jean Brookes, graduates of the first school of Nursing at the High River Hospital in 1924. Gordon Taylor MP brought greet­ ings from the Government of Canada and the main address was given by the Honorable Peter Lougheed, Premier Evelyn Leitch, member of High River Hospital Nursing School (a 1920 "first" the of the Province of Alberta. only municipal training school in Canada) entertains guests at the 1982 banquet with After the final presentations it her amusing anecdotes of the time the Prince of Wales presented the graduates' pins was time for guests to dance the and personally signed their diplomas. night away in celebration of a job well done.

The Board who planned the construction. The Board that completed the Hospital with Premier Peter Lougheed and Lt. Gov. Frank Lynch-Staunton.

86 Two local families stand out in the history of the High River Hos­ pital. Naming a place in the new faci­ lity after them seemed a logical and fitting way to honour their contribu­ tion and their memory. The Clark Centre and Blayney Lounge were dedicated on July 29, 1982. The Right Honorable Joe Clark, M.P. P.C. unveiled plaques in honour of his father, Charles A. Clark and Dr. York Blayney.

The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, MP, PC, formally opens the Blayney Lounge and the Clark Centre as memori­ als to two dedicated hospital supporters, Dr. York Blayney and long-time Hospital Board member Charles A Clark.

L. T. Myggland, Joe Clark and Wilson Sutherland Ecrofcring into thE EightiB

The 80's proved to be an exciting could become better organized. time for members of the health care The move from the Twilight Nurs­ team at High River General Hospital. ing Home took two days. This called This excitement spread into the com­ for double staffing, some at the Twi­ munity as construction of the new light and the remainder at the hospi­ hospital rapidly progressed. tal until the move was completed. Department heads visited various Families and friends assisted with hospitals in Alberta to share their the transfer which, of course, includ­ ideas and formulate plans. One team ed personal furniture and belongings. of nurses travelled to Seattle, Wash­ At 4p.m. on August 17th, the ington to purchase hospital beds. doors of the Twilight Nursing Home were locked. The telephone company Continuing Care Under One Roof installed an interceptor and the in­ August 3rd, 1982 saw the realiza­ surance company was notified that tion of many dreams as the official the building was vacant. transfer of patients from the old to On August 27th and 28th surplus the new hospital got underway. equipment and furnishings from both At 10:23 a.m. Mrs. Dan (Ber­ the Nursing Home and the old hos­ nice) McDonald and her son Bren­ pital were auctioned off by Eldon dan had the honour of being the first Couey Auctions Ltd. patients admitted to the new hospi­ Both properties were later demol­ tal. He was the last baby born in the ished, the old hospital to be replaced old facility while Laura Aspden was with a parking lot and the Twilight the first to be born in the new one Nursing Home land sold. August 5th. Many patients had already been A New Era In Health Care discharged prior to the move. Accom­ One of the congratulatory mes­ panied by nurses, most of the others sages published in the Times' Official were transferred by wheelchairs. Any Opening Supplement announced that strangeness patients may have felt in it was "definitely the beginning of a the new environment was eased by the new era in health care for the sur­ presence of familiar staff, for whom rounding district". things were equally new and different. What this new era really meant The greatly enlarged floor space was up to date facilities and equip­ on Unit 300 was the cause of many ment that would give medical and tired legs and sore feet. This was support staff the same advantages T he H ospital Auxiliary caused by what seemed like miles of their urban colleagues enjoyed. reorgan ized in the 1970 's, not only assisted in p urchas­ endless walking to the nursing staff In the past, city trained physi­ ing much needed hospital until they became more familiar with cians, and nurses in particular, were equipment. It also acted as a Public Relations arm for the the physical layout of the Unit and surprised at the situations in which hospital.

88 they often found themselves in High charting, as well as the "fun" or River. Accustomed to the support and Social Committee. FROM THE HOSPITAL authority of a strict hierarchy, they AUDIT-1938 The Total Team Concept expand­ discovered that in many cases they ed in the 1980's. This concept, in con­ Supervisor of H ospitals, not only had to make do with what junction with the Medical Staff, uti­ in his annual report fo r 1938went into meticulous they had but they also had to make lizes the expertise of a variety of detail compared to today's more of their own decisions. disciplines within the health care costs which makes the report a It is a compliment to the skill and system in order to augment already gem. Telegraph and telephone dedication of former doctors, nurses, prescribed nursing procedures. charges had been above the nurses' aides and administrators that Nurses and other professionals provincial daily average of 1. 6 cents. The local daily the level of patient care in this hospi­ from physiotherapy, occupational and average was 2.2 cents. tal district was as fine as it was. recreational therapy, counselling, Average operating cost Years of experience, competence pastoral care, dietary, volunteer ser­ provincially was $ 1.00 per and compassion moved into the new vices and other departments in the patient day, with the local building along with all the high tech hospital work together with the hospital operating satisfa cto­ rily for 91 cents per patient equipment. Tradition of caring was patient and family to better under­ day in 1938. an important link with the past. It stand and provide for the needs of More fish served would enabled Lorence Myggland to contin­ the whole person .. reduce the meat costs. A lso ue to encourage standards of excellence this local hospital lacked a vegetable garden! Carrots, and innovation which from the be­ First Of Its Kind cabbages, and other small ginning would set the High River Hos­ The new hospital was the first of vegetables were being ordered in expensive 20 pital and Nursing Home apart from its kind in Alberta. Under one roof it pound lots. other rural hospitals throughout the provided extensive outpatient and The Matron had the fire province. day surgery programs, in-patient regulations posted and Since the hospital was entering a care for adults, children and newborn framed, but questioning the staff indicated three nurses, new phase of patient care which in­ babies, and long term rehabilitation, the janitor and the cook had cluded an Auxiliary Hospital, man­ nursing home and auxiliary care. read the rules, but the cook agement nursing staff toured similar The three storey building was did not understand the oper­ ation of the fire extinguisher. facilities in District 24 in Edmonton funded 98% by the provincial govern­

Collectible accounts were prior to the opening. Partly as a re­ ment and 2% by local money. received "without the S ec­ sult of this, the Rehabilitation De­ $14,848,262 was spent on construc­ retary resorting to drastic ac­ partment, which includes Physical tion, equipment and pre-opening tion". Therefore he need not adjust his accounts as "bad", Therapy, Occupational Therapy and costs. Local funding of $393,844 cov­ "doubtful" and "good" as reg­ Recreational Therapy expanded and ered site cost, landscaping, paving, ulations instructed. has become a major factor in the on­ trees, lighting, etc. Chipped dishes indicated going, rehabilitative care of residents Maternity, surgery and emergen­ rough handling. The matron w h o prepared the menus, on Unit 200. cy departments were located in one was failing to find time to The patient Census haci increased wing of the main floor as were the prepare them several days in from 52 to 65 active care and 32 to 75 laboratory and x-ray departments. In advance. extended care, 25 of whom were Auxi­ the opposite wing were administra­ While there was no indi­ cation of partiality in plac­ liary patients and 50 Nursing Home re­ tive offices, medical records, doctors' ing monthly grocery orders sidents. The number of these extended lounge, pharmacy, and rehabilitation too much canned goods were care beds were reversed in 1988. bought. The auditor thought therapy. Across the back was the fresh fru it and vegetables The 1980's saw a more active par­ staff dining room, materiel manage­ should be bought daily. H e ticipation on nursing committees by ment, SPD and engineering. did note that the hospital had a problem in this regard staff nurses. Some of these were Long term care occupied the sec­ - lack of refrigeration and pharmacy, audit, procedure and ond floor; and intensive care, medical storage space. 89 wards and the pediatric ward were Attendant program available to located on the third floor. Nursing Aides on the same Unit. The role of Clinical Educator cur- · Increased Staff And Expanded rently held by Mary Baines has Services evolved from that of In-Service Co-or­ Most of the employees of the High dinator. Nurses who have held that CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT NURSE River General Hospital and the Twi­ position were Jeanette Purask, Baines, Mary light Nursing Home continued to Betty Clark, and Sharon Morgan. No matter the title the task has re­ No spoiled receipts were work in the new facility. For those found. who had been considering retirement mained the same: to provide the com­ or career changes however, the tran­ munity with highly competent nurs­ As the laundress was using half a saucer of soap sition was a logical time to leave and ing professionals. flakes in each machine full some chose to go on to other things. The nurse plays a central role in of water, this sloppy manage­ ment made it impossible for It took about five years from the the education program, for as she is the government inspector to time the new Executive Director was learning and expanding her skills, "ascertain whether or not the named to completely resolve all the she is also acting as the teacher as amount of soap compares favorably or unfavorably resentments and difficulties one she educates her patient to better with useage in other hospi­ would expect to encounter in such a care in her own home environment. tals," back in 1938. The in­ spector sounded a bit miffed major reorganization. But gradually The Department of Nursing is the about it. the sense of pride and accomplish­ largest single department within the hos­ As for furnace control, it ment in being part of the hospital's pital and it is from this central hub that was obvious the matron 's growing reputation for excellence, much of the planning and im­ duties included substituting for a furnace thermostat in brought a new sense of unity to staff plementation of patient care is generated. 1938. She was required to and patients. Registered Nurses, Registered report to the janitor any Nursing Assistants, Nursing Atten­ variations in temperature which might affect guaran­ NURSING EDUCATION dants and Unit Clerks work in con­ teed economic operation of Ongoing education plays an impor­ cert to provide a very high quality of the furnace. tant role in the work of today's patient care. Average provincial cost Registered Nurse. No longer does she for medical supplies in Alberta being 27.6 cents per pack away her studies upon graduation patient day, High River ran and tackle the role of health care over budget in this depart­ provider. She must be certified on an ment in 1938, spending a w hopping 32.9 cents a annual basis and pass certain compe­ patient day. However, with tency programs to maintain and up­ department and nursing salary costs being below pro­ grade her skills in the nursing profes­ vincial average, this compen­ sion. Some of these include certification sated the noted extravagance in Basic Cardiac Life Support, I.V. satisfactorily. (intravenous) competency, I.V. Push Storing the locally pur­ chased bread in a special Medication, Neo-natal Advanced Life breadbox saved .2 cents per Support, Post Anaesthetic Recovery patient. However, all those Room program, Cardiac Defibrillation canned goods increased total patient day groceries costs to and Obstetrical Competency. 16.94 - w ell above the Programs available to Registered desired 14.4 cents, and pur­ chasing a year's supply Nursing Assistants include Catheter­ wholesale would remedy this. ization, Blood Glucose Monitoring, No advise was forthcoming Director of Education, Sharon Morgan at work. Gerontological program for RNA's on on the storage problem. Unit 200 as well as a Personal Care

90 HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS IN 1982 Back Row: Barbara Andersen - Director of Nursing; Katherine Cuthbertson - Dietary Technician; Joseph Savartka - Director of Ambulance; Deborah Weireter - Director of Materiel Management; John Niven - Director of Facilities; Lorence T Myggland - Executive Director; David Lockhart - Facilitator of Session; Harold Schmidt - Asst. Executive Director; Geraldine Polanchek - Business Office Manager; Bernice Bragg - Administrative Co-ordinator; Dal Langengergcr - Director of Personnel Front Row: Eileen Beiley - Director of Medical Records; Jane Wilson - Administrative Secretary; Edna Langenberger - Administrative Assistant; Linda Fredell - Director of Counselling Services; Jacqueline Copple - Asst. Exec. Dir., Patient Care; Marjorie Ricketts - Director of Long Term Care; Sharon Morgan - Director of Education.

l eoARD Of DIR ECTORs l

.--~------, ,------1EXECUTIVE O!RECTOR t------AOMINISTRATJVE ASSISTANT

t------jiMEOICAL STAHi

!SENIOR ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASS! STANT EXE CUT 1VE 0 I RECTOR PATIENT CARE SERVICES

senior Director I S~n io r Director I Senior Director! Senior Direc~or I !Planning and F 1nance and !Hunan Resources !Support Services Actnin istrat ion I )Engineering I I I I I I I • Planning • Control'.er II • Pc"onnct I • Purchasing I I• Physical Plant l• Automation I• Education I• laundry/Linen I• Building Coard. I· M. I.S. I I• Security I I• Enviromental I I I !• Area Ser. j !• S.P.D. I

* October 1, 1990

EffECTJVE: June 1, 1990 fllnit JOO

Unit 100 encompasses Emer­ areas of Ante Partum, Post Partum gency, Operating Room, Maternity and Nursery, and is staffed by differ­ and Surgery. It is headed by Nursing ent nurses, the Maternity nurse in Floor Administrator (NFA) Chris High River works all three areas. This Tannas and Asst. NFA Beverley creates a close bond between the moth­ Chris Tannas R.N. Nursing er, father, newborn and the nurse. Floor Administrator Unit 100 The Emergency Department ex­ panded from a small one room treat­ ment area with a cramped waiting room to an area encompassing five separate rooms plus a large waiting room. The Emergency Operating Room (EOR) presently consists of two examination/treatment rooms; a three bed holding area in which pa­ tients can be assessed and observed for up to 12 hours, often eliminating the need to admit the patient to hos­ pital; a three bed Day Care room to accommodate patients having minor Mitchell. Because of the staffing sit­ uation, (one R.N. per area for EOR - Emergency Operating Room - Surgery and Maternity) nurses on the unit are trained to work in at least two of the areas. With 12 surgi­ cal beds and six maternity beds plus the nursery it is necessary for the nurses to be knowledgeable of the entire floor, as it is staffed by only one Registered Nurse (R.N.) over cof­ fee and meal breaks. Primary nursing care is utilized: that is, one nurse does all the nurs­ ing care for her patients including Case Room treatments and medications, working in conjunction with physician, physio, surgery in the Operating Room who The amount of required will be going home later that day: paper work necessary for dietary etc. complete records occupies a Unlike the city hospitals where and a large treatment room equipped good proportion of the pre· Maternity is divided into the three to deal with major emergencies. sent-day nurse's time.

92 8:00 the next morning by the evening and night co-ordinators. Now there is a staff nurse for all three shifts, plus assistance from the co-ordinators when needed, as well as a part time Unit clerk. With monthly statistics now greatly increased from the old hospi­ tal to over 1000 per month in the pre­ sent Unit, the outpatient care and emergency service as compared with that provided by the EOR is often a hectic scene. With several consulting physi­ Maternity Nursing Station cians coming from Calgary on a regu­ NURSING UNIT 100 The Nursing Station (an area NURSING SURGICAL lar basis, the need for patients to Andresen, Kim Elizabeth which was non-existent in the old wait for an appointment in the near­ Beaulieu, Donita hospital) not only contains the myri­ by city, along with the time and effort Brown, Elizabeth D. ad of necessary stationery supplies Czechak, Gloria required for the ailing to travel there, Friesen, Sharon but also provides a work area for has been eliminated. Particularly for Gallant, Georgina V. writing reports, charts, and so forth. an area with an ageing population, Holte, Irene Hopp, Olive Radio/telephone communication this is a boon. Kunz, Victoria also is a part of the Nursing Station Patients now come to the Emer­ Laughead, Margaretha equipment by which the paramedics Macdonald, Valerie Joan gency Department for a scheduled Miller, Jacqueline communicate to the nursing staff from appointment with a specialist. The pre­ Mitchell, Beverley Carrol their on the scene locations out of hos­ Morrison, Sue sent list of specialists include Dr. L. Shard/ow, Judy pital. Thus the nurse knows the Van Zuiden orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Spackman, Donna Mary nature of an emergency and can notify Kirk A. Barber dermatologist, Dr. Tannas, Christine Scott the necessary staff. Medical staff, lab Tannas, Lori Anne Paul Cameron psychiatrist, Dr. Da­ Tovee, Lynda Ann and x-ray technicians, etc. can know vid Skelton gerontologist, Dr. Ralph Younggren Debra in advance and set up the necessary gynecologist, and NURSING OBSTETRICS Gurevitch Dr. J. Ball,Margaret Helen equipment to treat the emergency Leong urologist. Both Dr. Gurevitch Benns, Sherrill L. patient being brought to hospital. and Dr. Leong also perform surgical Chisholm, Bonny Gone are the days when the EOR Fowler, Karen procedures in the local Operating McKeage, Barbara Irene was staffed from 8:00 a.m. until noon Room (OR) on a regular basis. Steel, Paula by one nurse (Chris Tannas); from OPERATING ROOM O.R . OPERATING ROOM Vooys, Barbara Joan noon until three in the afternoon by The move to the new Operating Williams, Clairinne Audrey the OR staff; and from then until Room Suite was a welcome one for the OR staff. the modern equipment NURSERY DAY CARE Bruinsma, Sophia which included an OR table, stretch­ ers, cardiac monitor, anaesthetic ma­ EMERGENCY SERVICES chine, etc. was well received. The Erickson, Linda Goffinet, Alhena Recovery Room was now built into Holmes, Dorothy Ann the OR suite thus providing a safe Mouser, Elizabeth Joanne Nickel, Doreen environment for the patient. Sapinsky, Earla Yvonne Peggy Eddolls remained as OR Sears, Eulana Operating Room staff Betty Clark, Barbara Co-ordinator (ORC) until her retire- Vooys, Peggy McCormack.

93 ment in 1986 when the position was schedule for emergency surgery, thus filled by Barbara Vooys and the providing 24 hour nursing coverage title changed to Assistant Head of the OR for 365 days of the year. Nurse, (AHN). The surgeries carried out in High River Hospital has varied only slight­ ly over the years. Due to advances in medicine the need for gastrectomies has been greatly reduced and thy­ roidectomies and most orthopedic procedures are no longer done locally. Three physicians perform as an­ aesthetist: Dr. Keith Spackman, Dr. Ron Gorsche and Dr. Margery Blayney, and the remainder of the medical staff is available to assist the surgeons as required. The majority of

Room staff were now responsible to the Nursing Floor Administrator (NFA) of Unit 100. Charge position of the OR Suite also included heading the hospital Infection Control Committee (ICC). This later became a shared duty of the Assistant Nursing Floor Administrator (ANFA) on all three floors of the hospital. As well as working days in the operating room the OR staff along with three other nurses are available on an on-call basis with a rotating

surgical work is done by Dr. W. J. Due to personal prefer­ MacDonald and Dr. Grant Hill ence only four R.N.s in High River Hospital now wear (Okotoks), with Dr. Adam Jeeva their caps while on routine and Dr. Dennis Mercer also doing duties. Pastel coloured uni­ surgery. Drs. R. Gurevitch and J. forms are worn, as well as white, which makes for Leong operate monthly, and are also some difficulty for non-hos­ available if needed more frequently. pital personnel to differenti­ ate between the nursing and Some dental surgery is done in other staff members. To the horror of many CHECKING SUPPLIES AND REMOVING OR, mostly by Dr. Robert Rehak, former nurses of earlier STERILE ITEMS FROM THE AUTOCLAVE: Dr. Dale Rustebakke, and Dr. days - although perhaps to Diane Neish checks the cart's supplies before going Arnold Smith of High River. As their secret delight - nurses out to the wards to restock their cupboards. Kay no longer are required to Hamilton unloads the autoclave of sterilized items well, Dr. David Williams of Okotoks stand while in the presence which are now ready for use in the Operating and Dr. Terry Melbourne of of doctors and senior staff Room, Emergency Operating Room and on the members. Wards. Nanton have dental privileges. 94 LONG TERM CARE SERVICES NURSING AUXILIARY HOSPITAL Aitken, Neva Allison, Mavis Arbour-Huff, Geri 200 Barstad, Joan rilnit Becker, Pamela Bowerman, Janice Bryson, Pauline Cardinal, Linda Second floor of High River Hos­ derson and Recreational Therapy - Castel, Jeanne Chikowski, Lorraine Irma pital - the Nursing Home and Auxi­ Ella Fung. These three ladies and Cowling, Shannon liary or Extended Care Wing - houses their staff provide a myriad of activi­ Dawson, Margaret Deck, Mary E. one of the busiest patient care areas. ties which enable the residents to Egeland, Jean Seventy-five residents (fifty in the carry out each day much as they would Elliott, Kaye Elliott, Ruth Auxiliary and 25 in the Nursing if they were in their own homes. Faubert, Kathy Home) make their home there - along On given days certain residents Ferguson, Carol Fox, Cheryl with the resident bird and the family can be seen in the Occupational Friesen, Diana of fish in the aquarium. Therapy and Recreational Therapy Fyfe, Sherry Geerlinks, Rita Under the capable leadership of room preparing their own meals. Re­ Gostola, Bonnie Betty Lobe, R.N., the Long-Term moti v a ti on Therapy groups meet Hall, Sue Hill, Pam Care Co-ordinator with 1 7 years of ex­ twice a week; exercises are held three Hindes, Kendra perience behind her, Unit 200 is a bee­ times a week; and many residents Hitchcow, Blanch Hunter, Annette hive of activity. Working along with attend the regular bingo games. Jeffers, Marcia Betty Lobe are Addie Sorkilmo, Church services are held weekly Marshall, Rosanne Martin, Joy Nursing Floor Administrator, and 75 in the hospital chapel located on Unit McCredie, Judith other care-givers. These include R.N.s, 200. All residents and patients in the Mcinnes, Lynne McKenna, Florence R.N.A.s, and N.A.s, many of whom active care areas of the hospital are McLean, Carolyn worked at the Twilight Nursing Home. welcome to attend. Morgan, Cheryl Pennifold, Shelley The daily activities are planned in Monthly birthday parties are held Pickens, Debra close conjunction with the Volunteers, for the residents with various groups Powell, Jeannine Quinn, Anne headed by Shirley Mann, R.N., in the community bringing cakes and Rensby, Ellen Occupational Therapy - Betty Hen- providing the entertainment. A hairdresser, Ingrid Lobe of High River, is available three times a week for the residents. Once a year a Farm Day takes place outside on the hospital proper­ ty. It is an all-day event whereby res­ idents can enjoy the animals which are brought in by local farmers. Volunteers visit with the resi­ dents, transport them to various other areas of the hospital, do shop­ ping in town for them, go with them to their various activities such as ceramics, baking and bingo, bring li­ brary books which include large print and "talking" books.

Marge Lyon at Unit 200 desk. Unit 200 has its own dining room

95 carry out programs for these residents, Reuser, Terri for the residents, where meals are Rogan, Susanne served restaurant style. Unit 200 already is looking forward to Scheuerman, Johanna Lee an increased allotment of beds and gov- · Siemens, Heather Children play an integral role Smith, Edith with the residents. Kindergarten emment funding and assistance. Smithson, Lori Sorkilmo, Adeline tours to the hospital include a visit Steele, Alice Kathleen with this Unit. At Halloween chil­ Suitor, Lou Ann M. Todd, Lana dren from grades one, two and three Ully, Brenda of Spitzee School entertain everyone Walsh, Vince Wark, Caroline with their costumes. Santa Claus Waterstreet, Denise makes his annual stop on Unit 200 Winter, Mary Lou and even the Easter Bunny has been Betty Lobe R.N. Zubach, Lisa M. Long Term Care NURSING HOME seen there on occasion. Co-ordinator. Andersen, Barbara C. The local Kitchen Band frequent­ Archibald, Janet ly is in attendance and very much ap­ Blakeman, Cathy Ann Chandler, Marva preciated, as indicated by the tapping de Ryke, Maria toes and clapping hands of those Gilchrist, Noreen Howie, Jean being entertained. Kirton, Gladys The Randi-Bus is kept busy tak­ Kroeker, Helen Kueker, Leslie ing residents to social events and out­ Laycraft, Camille ings in the country. Included are trips Lobe, Elizabeth Miller, Orial E. to the Calgary Tower, performances Nelson, Karen Gwen at the local Windmill theatre, tours Oldis, Corrine Anne Barbecue for the Nursing Home. Riess, Jette S. to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Rother, Susan and an overnight trip to the William Seguin, Marie Thiessen, Robin Carol Watson Lodge for seniors in Kanan­ Wood, Erica askis country. Auxiliary residents may take a 48-hour leave of absence from the Ward, and Nursing Home residents may take up to 30 days away during a calendar year. These "leaves" must only be carried out after consultation with the physician. Keeping in line with the philoso­ phy of families taking on more re­ sponsibility in the care of long term patients at home, yet recognizing the need for occasional breaks from such a responsibility, Unit 200 has a "res­ pite bed" available. This bed can be used for up to 28 days a year per family and allows for a break for fam­ ily members, while assuring confi­ dence in continuance of care for the loved one. With the increased demand both for long term care beds and for space to NURSING UNIT 300 Bates, Pauline Beers, Marilyn Bowman, Carol Anne Branch, Becky Jo Brown, Wendy Lynn Buchwitz, Lillian ru_nit 300 Burgess, Sandra Janet Card, Annette Carleton, Mary Louise Chipchase, Maria Unit 300 - or the Medical Floor, Christensen, Myrna designed so that infectious ailments Christie, Judith houses Medicine, Paediatrics and can be treated in an optimum manner. Cote, Pamela Special Care. Elliott, Shirley Erdman, Mary The nurses on this unit work un­ EllenErickson, Phyllis der the leadership of Judy Christie Ferrie, Nona Lee as Nursing Floor Administrator Foroozan, Sharon Patricia Forsyth, Chris (N.F.A.) and Donna Spackman As­ Hari, Marilyn sistant N.F.A. Team nursing is car­ Howe, Brenda ried out with R.N.A.'s working to­ Hyypia, Mona A Century Tub Jonkman, Trudy gether with the R.N.s on two teams. Kelly, Jane Elizabeth The Paediatric Area has eight Leigh, Sharon Jane Lorenzen, Tammy Lee cribs plus two youth beds, a large Lucas, Vicki playroom equipped with toys and T.V. Orr, Sherry Pace, Jane Elizabeth Parents are encouraged to spend Peppin, Mary as much time as possible with their Prairie, Milli hospitalized child and a sofa bed is Ratzlaff, Martha Ryan, Ann available to accommodate their needs. Schroeder, Judie Special Care has two beds and Shaw, Jacqueline Smith, Carolyn provides an area where intensive care Speer, Elwin can be given and the patient closely Stuart, Anne monitored by the nursing staff. Up to Taggart, Bev Watson, Lisa ·date monitoring equipment is present and the nurses are well trained to meet the needs of the patient. NURSERY DAY CARE On the Medical Floor there are Turner, Sharon three large private rooms which are designated Isolation rooms. They are

Nurses discussing patient care. Heart monitor.

97 The role of the physician has address this issue, as well as exploring changed a great deal not only since new ways to share skills and resources the early days of medicine, but also in among communities who lack them. the past twenty years or so. Nurses have been given much more re­ PRACTISING MEDICINE IN sponsibility in providing direct patient NEW SURROUNDINGS care, while a variety of professionals Some doctors will state that the now offer their expertise in such only thing different about practising areas as rehabilitation and pharmacy. medicine in the new facility is the With team conferencing, the phy­ public's perception about it. Handling Emergencies sicians can be at the centre of a pa­ The building is clean and modern In th e la te 1960 's there were four d octors i n Hig h tient's care, rather than being the iso­ and people just had to feel better River and one each in Oko­ lated though frequently exalted about it than they did about a build­ toks and Nanton. The High expert he was often credited to be. ing whose wooden baseboards were River doctors looked after emergency cases at the hospi­ And as medicine and technology peeling through, who knew how tal for a period of one week become more complex, so does the many layers of paint acquired over each. E mergency work meant exactly that. Today, emergen­ range of a doctor's resources. sixty years. cy departments in hospitals The kind of medicine practiced in New and specialized equipment tend to be used primarily as the district has changed too. Where enabled many patients to receive care a type of walk in clinic. 25 years ago, local physicians would in the community rather than being be expected to do almost everything, referred to clinics in the city as they A s there came to be fewer today they know exactly what and had before. doctors p ractising in H igh where the most appropriate medical For physicians, while the new R iver than Okotoks or Nan­ ton, an emergency roster was care is available, and if that means hospital meant working in more at­ developed at th e h ospital going out of the district, they're quick tractive and modern surroundings, it and everyone with acti ve to provide patients that access. also meant more structured guide­ p rivileges began to take his turn. Today a physician is on The population is ageing more lines, stricter documentation of poli­ call for a 2 4 h our p eriod , quickly today than ever before. Once, cies and procedures, and more hours with week ends and statuto­ ry holidays split from 0800 the majority of patients were active served on management and medical to 1700 a n d 1700 to 0800 young. In the future, physicians will committees. The age of even greater hours. be treating more active old and will accreditation and quality assurance find themselves involved in educating had arrived. In the words of one The Charlotte Whiteside and treating their patients toward physician, "I guess if you get fancy, Buck Medical R ounds were wellness and independence. you have to be fancy". established in June, 1990. One to three h our lectu res One of the most serious issues for Cooperation had always been will be held for the medical rural medicine will be the recruit­ high among physicians, whether it staff, funded by a donation from h er family. L ectures ment and retention of physicians meant temporarily taking over pa­ will cover a variety of topics with specialties in surgery and anes­ tient care or readily providing anaes­ including pediatrics, mental thetics. Talks are ongoing with the thetic services for an unscheduled h ealth, cancer, a nd oth er areas that need upgrading at College of Physicians and Surgeons to operation. This continued in the new the local level.

98 hospital, and doctors quite willingly Bikes belonging to Drs. Senger, became involved in committee and Jensen, J eeva or Spackman can liaison work in departments through­ be seen parked outside the hospital. out the hospital. Our modern doctors live in town There has long been a strong rela­ and in the country. They drive trac­ tionship between the medical school tors and trucks, motorcycles and in Calgary and the High River Hos­ mountain bikes, (some with newly pital. When Dr. Gibson left to become installed infant seats on the back). a professor of family medicine at The And while other rural communi­ University of Calgary, he encouraged ties try in vain to attract good and family practice residents to train in dependable physicians, we are fortu­ High River. The liaison has continued nate to have these men and women ever since. Several area physicians living among us. train residents in hospital and office settings on an ongoing basis. 1990 With a larger medical staff, pre­ ACTIVE STAFF PRIVILEGES sent day physicians are able to take Dr. Ron Gorsche ...... High River more time to continue their own train­ Dr. W. G. (Len) Senger ...... High River ing. In-service continues on a regular Dr. John Tenove ...... Nanton basis, augmented from time to time by Dr. Brian Jensen ...... High River special programs such as the most recent Dr. Dennis Mercer ...... High River "Charlotte Buck Medical Rounds". Dr. Adam Jeeva ...... High River Like others in the health care Dr. N. Grant Hill, Chief of Staff .... Okotoks field, our present physicians have Dr. Flayne Byam ...... Okotoks Dr. Margery Blayney, is the longest serving doctor managed to blend the old with the Dr. John O'Callaghan ...... Okotoks presently on High River new, and today carry on many of the Dr. Keith E. Spackman ...... High River Hospital medical staff fine traditions begun by their col­ Dr. Christine Fletcher ...... Okotoks leagues before them. Dr. Eric Wasylenko ...... Okotoks The first s urgery p er ­ Besides providing the same dedi­ Dr. Wade Steed ...... Okotoks formed in the new hospital cated and compassionate medical Dr. James McCracken ...... Nanton was by Dr. Adam Jeeva, care, most of them can be seen in Dr. Margery Blayney surgeon and Dr. John O'Callaghan, anaesthetist. many of the same guises throughout Anaesthestist ...... High River their communities. Dr. Brian Siray Like Dr. York Blayney before Surgery Assists ...... Black Diamond When Dr. Len Senger had him, has be­ Dr. Edgar Hoover his Nanton practice before Dr. John O'Callaghan moving to High River he often come a true poet laureate of the med­ Surgery Assists ...... Black Diamond rode his motorcycle to the hos­ ical staff. As entertainer, Dr. Keith pital for daily rounds. One day he decided to make good Spackman pipes in many a distin­ ACTIVE CONSULTING a promise he had made to an guished guest and has played percus­ Dr. Barry V. Evans elderly patient who was sion in at least one recent Windmill Radiologist ...... Calgary bedridden. Seated behind Dr. Senger Players production. As athletes, Dr. Dr. Lennart Marx with her arms firmly clasped James McCracken is rumoured to Pathologist ...... Calgary around his waist, the patient was seen riding off on the mo­ be a formidable squash player and Dr. Harry V. Sims torcycle with a smile a mile Drs. Brian Jensen and Len Sen­ Medical Microbiology ...... Calgary wide. They returned to the ger dauntless downhill skiers. As a Dr. David Skelton hospital unscathed. Although some of the staff may have collector of vintage automobiles, Dr. Gerontologist ...... Edmonton been slightly aghast, the rest Grant Hill is the undisputed expert. Dr. Lowell J. Van-Zuiden were delighted. 99 Orthopedic Surgeon ...... Calgary Dr. Peter McGuigan Dr. Peter Nieman Optometrist ...... High River Pediatrics ...... Calgary Ms. Barbara Groves Dr. Kirk A. Barber Mental Health Worker ...... High River Dermotologist ...... Calgary Mr. Donavon Bentz Dr. Paul Cameron Psychologist Psychiatry ...... Calgary - Mental Health ...... High River Dr. Stuart Sanders Geriatric Psychiatry ...... Calgary ASSOCIATE DENTAL STAFF Dr. Ralph Gurevitch Dr. Arnold Smith ...... High River Gynecology/Surgery ...... Calgary Dr. David E. Williams ...... Okotoks Dr. William J. MacDonald Dr. Terry R. Melbourne ...... Nanton Surgeon/admitting priv..... High River Dr. Dale A. Rustebakke ...... High River Dr. James Leong Dr. Robert Rehak ...... High River Urology ...... Calgary DIAGNOSTIC PRIVILEGES ATI'ENDING PRIVILEGES Dr. Bruce Blayney ...... High River Dr. Ron Spackman Dr. Pamela Nicholls ...... Okotoks Psychologist ...... High River Dr. Joanne Lavender ...... Okotoks Ms. Sandi G. Ruddy Dr. Edgar Hoover ...... Black Diamond Psychologist ...... Okotoks Dr. Brian Siray ...... Black Diamond Dr. Gerard Joseph Dr. Val Congdon ...... Black Diamond Podiatrist ...... Calgary Dr. R.V. Sillanpaa Optometrist ...... High River

Great cooks, those doctors. The history of Ambulance Service THE AMBULANCE DISTRICT is one more example of the innova­ Early in the summer of 1974, the tion shown over the years by the peo­ High River District Ambulance Ser­ ple of the High River District. vice was formed, with elected repre­ Although it began officially as an sentatives from High River, Okotoks, Ambulance Service on January 1st, Cayley, Blackie, Longview and the 1975, its roots go much farther back. MD of Foothills. There was also a re­ In 1929, Lyle and Helen Snod­ presentative from the Board of the grass, who operated funeral homes in High River Hospital. High River and Vulcan, began a pri­ A Director was hired to organize vate ambulance service that became a and train volunteers from the com­ family tradition when sons Robert and munity, Erich Rast, a young para­ Larry took over. For some 45 years medic graduate from S.A.I.T. this wonderful family provided High The concept of paramedics came River and surrounding communities about as a direct result of the Vietnam with fast and reliable ambulance ser­ war. Many of the medics who had vice without benefit of sophisticated been trained to treat and deal with equipment, training or drugs. trauma on the battlefield continued to In the early years, Helen Snod­ pioneer changes in ambulance service, grass would often find herself alone particularly in the United States. when a call came in. More than once, Wartime had proven that lives neighbours like Les Kirton at the can be saved if medical skills are ap­ nearby Meat Market, would be plied on the scene, rather than rush­ pressed into service to help her take ing the patient to the hospital with an ill or injured person to the hospi­ little or no treatment given en route.

Originally the ambulance tal or local doctor. Forward thinkers themselves, was a station wagon hearse. The cost was small. Larry and members of the newly formed ambu­ It was replaced in 1964 by Bob Snodgrass many times would lance board had the kind of vision an International Panel and the ser vice began to wean get up in the night for a $5.00 call. that resulted in the first rural para­ itself from the Funera l For many years they offered the ser­ medic ambulance service in Canada, H om e. The Inter nationa l Panel served as ambulance vice with no financial help from the and only the second to provide until 1972. Town or Municipal district. Eventually paramedic service in Alberta. they were paid a subsidy, the highest The first advanced life support By agreeing to establish ever being about $15,000 a year. vehicle, a 1974 Chevy van ambu­ a n a mbulance service t h e With the increasing demands of rais­ lance, was purchased from Ambu­ com m ittee m embers were taking quite a gamble. There ing young families and the pressures of craft Manufacturing of Innisfail, were rumours that the gov­ farming, it became difficult for the Alberta, and equipped with a heart ernment intended to fund a Snodgrass family to continue the service. monitor/defibrillator, Bird Mark 7 province wide service. It was fort unate fo r the people in A historic chapter in this community's Ventilator, intravenous and drug their comm unities that they health care had come to an end. medications and anti-shock trousers. decided not to wait.

101 A two bay ambulance garage was The office is now located in sepa­ built next to the hospital. The ambu­ rate quarters which were built in lance office was in the basement of the nurses' residence and the tele­ phone and radio dispatching commu­ nications system manned by office and nursing staff in the hospital. On January 1, 1975, the service became operational. During the first few months, Erich Rast worked 24 hours a day, co­ opting one of the hospital's mainte­ nance personnel, Tony Wojtowicz, to drive the ambulance during the day. A volunteer driver took over in High River Ambulance - original ambulance crew. the evening. Bottom row: Left to right - Joe Savrtka; Tony Wojtowicz; Bruce Thurber; Les Patterson; Rob Brown. Erich continued to train more vol­ Top Row: Ambulance Director Erich Rast; Otto S chlender; Lark IsBell; R eg unteers. They took turns attending Thiessen; Chuck Halverson; Brian McKinnon; Rod Traptow. on calls and giving Erich his needed day off. There was never a shortage of volunteers because everyone enjoyed working in this exciting new field. In 1976, Erich moved to Grande Prairie to start a similar paramedic service. Over the next four years the service expanded its staff to two full time paramedics, Director, Joe Savrtka, and paramedic, Gord Orchard. A second used ambulance was purchased as a backup unit. With the opening of the new hos­ pital in 1982, the ambulance service entered a truly progressive decade full of exciting and rapid change. The ambulance office was moved into the new building and a Para­ medic and Emergency Medical Techni­ cian added to the staff. Expansion continued regularly and today the ser­ vice employs five full time EMT paramedics, two full time EMT As­ sistants, sixteen casual EMTA's and nine casual Emergency Vehicle Opera­ tors to cover a 1000 square mile re­ sponse region. In early 1990 the name was changed to Highwood Emergency Medical Services.(EMS). Joe Savrtka, Assistant Ambulance Director, is surrounded by the ultra-modern equipment always at the paramedic's disposal to meet any emergency situation. 102 1986 adjacent to the hospital. The In 1984, local builders converted a ambulance garage also provides space new mini van into the first mini ambu­ lance in Canada. It is used primarily as a transfer unit but is fully equipped to serve as an Advanced Life Support Unit. This unit also made history by costing taxpayers only $30,000, consid­ erably less than any unit available from ambulance manufacturers. Under Porter's directorship, a rope team and water rescue team has been added to the service. There are six volunteer scuba divers on the Tony Wojtowicz aquatic team including Dr. Keith Equipment Spackman, who has been medical physician liaison since 1983. This group raised the money privately to purchase their equipment. Besides setting guidelines and medical protocol, Dr. K. Spackman is credited with keeping the unit abreast of new skills and training, in both the hospital and ambulance setting. Due to budget restrictions, mem­ bers of the water rescue team train on their own time with their own equip­ ment. In 1985 they purchased a 115 horsepower jet boat and water rescue equipment through contributions, donations and promotions: one more example of the committment these men and women bring to their work. When an air rescue service was established in 1985 called STARS, (Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) senior paramedic Joe Svartka was the first volunteer to join. Highwood EMS also has access to helicopters in Okotoks, and over as a training facility. It was funded the years more than one "eggbeater" In June of 1986 the water and built by the Hospital Board and has been seen landing in the play­ rescue skills of High River's is leased to the Ambulance Board. ground of Spitzee School next door. paramedics were called upon In 1985 Porter also pioneered a to save a life when D iane George Porter, Director of Am­ Smith was rescued from the bulance Services since 1983, has con­ Critical Incident Stress debriefing Highwood River. Although program with hospital counselor Don she remained in a coma for tinued to introduce programs that some weeks, Diane recovered provide a wide range of services sec­ Miskimin. The process helps staff to enjoy a grateful reunion ond to none in rural Alberta. members in dealing with their re- with her rescuers.

103 sponse to particularly stressful inci­ dents. Sometimes it involves whole families. Ambulance service members take part in regular training sessions twice a month in equipment use, climbing and rope rescue, pharma­ ceutical training, drug overdose man­ agement and everything else perti­ nent to emergency medical situations. Along with the RCMP, fire depart­ ment and people from the town and hospital, ambulance personnel play an active role in mock multi-casualty response training. In April of 1989, Highwood EMS took another step forward to become the only rural ambulance service in Alberta with in-hospital responsibilities. Operated as an independent depart­ ment with a capital budget, it can now do five year projections with no year end surprises. Funding is a combination of user fees and requisitions from con­ tributing councils in the area. As a hos­ pital department, EMS personnel also relieve staff in the emergency ward as well as in the community.

OK OTO KS There were concerns about the lack of ambulance service in Okotoks for some time before it actually began operations in 1985 under the jurisdic­ tion of the High River District Am­ bulance Service. Before that, an am­ bulance would be dispatched from High River with a much higher re­ sponse time than sending a vehicle out from Okotoks. Even with an ambulance housed in Okotoks, people would often call Calgary for an ambulance first, then be directed to call the service in High River who would dispatch the Oko­ OKOTOKS CASUAL STAFF Standing beside the Okotoks ambulance are the town's volunteer toks paramedics and vehicle. This EMTs, left to right, Pauline Krause, Paul Kaiser, Virdell Barclay caused delay and confusion. and Brian Morasch. The ambulance is on call around the clock. Photo by Judi Weaver.

104 Since 1985 the ambulance service reliable basis. Manpower was limited has operated entirely with volunteers and everyone had other full time jobs and one advanced cardiac life support to do. More than once people like vehicle, fully equipped to handle most Vance Kent would be tracked down in medical emergencies. As of June 11 , the field to answer an emergency call. 1990 part time paramedic Mark Training in the 70's consisted of Hoveling has been stationed in an advanced St. John' Ambulance Okotoks with office space and sleeping course.In 1974 Nanton became a part quarters in the Sheep River Clinic. He of the High River District Ambulance is backed up by six casual EMT:s and Service with full time resident three Emergency Vehicle Operators paramedic. The Nanton fire depart­ (EVO's). ment then could put more emphasis The Okotoks Fire Department and money into emergency medical also contributes the expertise of its services. volunteers and emergency rescue and In 1980/81 and later in 85/86 extrication equipment. courses for emergency medical tech­ Their rescue vehicle, equipped nicians were offered in Nan ton and with "the jaws of life'', has been part now the seven volunteer EMTs on of the system since 1988. Fire depart­ staff are qualified to handle any type ment volunteers participate in weekly of emergency. They also rely on the training sessions which include train­ Highwood EMS, STARS and their ing in rescue techniques, oxygen ther­ own fire department to help out in apy, first aid and hands on extrication serious or trauma cases. The town es­ practice. tablished a full time paid position for NANTON a paramedic who is on .call from 6:00 Like High River, the Nanton area a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with casual staff had originally been provided with handling evening and weekend calls. ambulance Service from their local The success of Nanton's ambu­ Funeral Home. lance service lies in the support and In 1962 volunteers were recruited commitment not only of its volunteers from the fire department to operate but also of its residents. To date, the the ambulance stationed there. The community has contributed an es­ Nanton Ambulance Service was born, timated $100,000 toward the pur­ with Larry Wannop its first driver. chase of high quality emergency In the early years it was very dif­ equipment. ficult to get people to respond on a

The N anton crew: Eric IsB ell, R on Monro, Vance Kent, Aldo R affi n, Gord Ohl­ heiser, John Dozeman, Shel­ don Annett, Dorothy Kent, Mike Blades, Carol E vans, Alice-Ann Todd, R on Todd, Brian Ward. Missing at photo time were Carol Doze­ man, Dino Johnson, Deanna White, George Wright. Photo by Frank McTighe. I would like to say a special thanks to all the staff, volunteers and casuals who have worked for our service, as well as all the Ambulance Board members who have been a part of the team over the years. A special thanks to Lorence Myggland, Executive Director of the High River Hospital, who for the past seven years has worked very hard on our behalf, giving encouragement and support. Listed with great honour are all of our staff, volunteers and casuals who have worked for our service and made it all happen and who each in their own way, contributed a part of themselves to help others who were sick and injured: 1990 AMBULANCE Barclay, Virdell Erich Rast, Donald Lane, Bill Bailey, Brian McKinnon, Lark IsBell, Joe Bates, Marti Savrtka, Otto Schlender, Reg Thiessen, Bruce Thurber, Elaine Eadie, Jock Befus, Richard Bagwell, Tony Wojtowicz, Rod Traptow, Les Patterson, Kathy Rawlings, Rob Bergen, Roxanna Blum, Jane Brown, Wayne Perehudoff, Bill Holtzman, Joe Heaton, Gord Orchard, Debbie Blum, Rick Wierter, Jim Edwards, Kim Zaun, Len Zebedee, Kirk Davis, Mark Pearl, Dave Bryden, Robert Cameron, Lori Cooper, Terry Quinn, Ken Orr, Louise Pickersgill, Brad Bossart, Peter Jones, Christensen, Ken Shirley Jones, Joan LaRock, Ken King, Bruce Day, Jim Jones, Scott Wardley, Clarke, Terry C. Tim Smail, Pat Buick, Mike Somes, Jay Anderson, Robert Smiley, Rick Moe, Clayden, Dwayne Doll, Dale Larry Edwards, Garry Lock, Bob Smith, John Benson, Dale Doll, George Porter, Dougall, Geraldine Trent Gahan, Steve Smith, Gord Leigh, Fred Stegmeier, Kathy Prather, Dave Galeski, Veronica Gauvreau, George Pawlitzki, Bob Dickson, Randy Risdahl, Richard Befus, Dale Gregor, Doug Hoveling, Mark Nickerson, Ernie Roberts, Bill Karran, Gord Virtue, Roy Hunter, Bruce Weaver, IsBell, Lark John Varndell, Steve Sharp, Paul Kaiser, Gerry Dougall, Jane Blum, Rick Kaiser, Paul Karran, William Blum, Andrea Cornils, Wendy Seufert, Fran Sosnoski, Irene Holte, Virdell Krause, Pauline Barclay, Pauline Krause, Dave Mospnay, Peter Laverock, Brian Dickman, Laverock, Peter Leigh, Gordon Tammy Leach, Al Wiebe, Don Sharpe, Veronica Galeski, Fred Johnson, Lynn Long, Lynn Long, John Lorenowicz, Scott Mcintyre, Dave Pickering, Ken Christensen, Jeff Lorenowicz, John Howie, Brian Morasch, Martina Bates, Lorraine Mounkes. Martin, Timothy Mcintyre, Scott Mciver, Michael Last, but not least, this ambulance service would not have been possible Morasch, Brian Mospany, Dave without the support of our wives, husbands, boy friends and girl friends, who Mounkes, Lorraine have had to endure the long absent days and nights and the months and years Orchard, Gordon training we put into the service. We thank you all. Pawlitzki, Dave Pickering, David Pickersgill, Louise Porter, George Primerano, Salvatore Savrtka, Joseph Sharp, Steve Sharpe, Don Stegmeier, Fred Joseph Savrtka Varndell, John Senior Paramedic Wardley, Scott Watkins, David P W. Wright, Susan

106 The fact that three levels of pa­ another dimension to patient care. tient care were now under one roof A full time Personnel Depart­ brought its own complexities. The ment was created to recruit staff, new hospital also gave the Board an implement and administer employee opportunity to expand departments benefits and assist in labour relations and add services that had been badly with the six bargaining units em­ needed for some time. ployed at the Hospital. Pharmacy and Rehabilitation The High River Hospital was became full time departments. Lab­ among the first seven to participate in oratory, X-ray, Medical Records an advanced computer-assisted finan­ and Dietary expanded their facilities cial management system, introduced and added staff. Like the Engineer­ by the Alberta Hospital Association ing Department, Materiel Man­ to assist its members in more effi­ agement became much more sophis­ cient fiscal management. ticated. New systems of purchasing During the first half of the decade and receiving, asset control and equip­ the hospital focused mainly on getting ment distribution were introduced as the new facility up and running. well as the coordination of housekeep­ In the mid-1980's its main con­ ing and laundry services in an ultra cerns were automation, shared ser­ modern facility. vices, advances in medical technology The new departments of Volun­ and the never ending struggle to find teer Services, Pastoral Care and more space. Counselling Services contributed c;/f dminij,t~atio n

There are five people who work in million dollars. Administration: Lorence Myggland, Executive Director, Marjorie Rick­ RUNNING A BUSINESS etts, Senior Assistant Executive Dir­ Managing a health care facility ector, Emily Brookwell, Assistant Ex­ like the High River Hospital is like ecutive Director, Patient Care Services, running any business. The organiza­ Edna Langenberger, Administrative tional chart reflects lines of authority Assistant, and Janet Snider, Adminis­ and reporting. trative Secretary. Together they over­ The role of the Executive Director see the operations of more than 20 is like the Chief Executive Officer. departments and a budget of over ten Reporting directly to him are the As-

107 sistant Executive Directors and the Senior Director, Planning and En­ gineering. Reporting to the board of directors, his major roles include strategic planning, setting future di­ rection, representing the hospital in the public and private sectors with final responsibility for hospital staff and programs. The medical staff re­ port to him. The role of the Senior Assistant Executive Director is like a compa­ Edna Langenberger, Administrative Assistant ny's Chief Operating Officer, respon­ sible for the overall day to day opera­ tions. Reporting to her are the ADMINISTRATION Assistant Executive Director, three Brookwell, Emily Jean Lorence Myggland, Executive Director Langenberger, Edna N. Senior Directors and the Directors of Myggland, Lorence Thor Rehabilitation, Health Records, Lab­ Ricketts, Marjorie Noel oratory and Diagnostic Imaging. She Snider, Janet is Acting Chief Executive Director in his absence. Reporting to the Assistant Exec­ utive Director, Patient Care Services are the Administrative Co-ordina­ tors, Directors of Ambulance, Food & Clinical Nutrition Services, Phar­ macy, Volunteers, Counselling, Clin­ ical Education, and Nursing Floor Marjorie Ricketts R.N. has an exten­ Administrators. sive background in nursing management The Administrative Assistant, and long term care. In 1978 she came to the General Hospital as a staff nurse backed up by the Administrative Sec­ after working in Ontario and Calgary as retary, co-ordinate the administrative a Nursing Co-ordinator at Calgary's Emily Brookwell shares much of her work of these senior officers, as well Care West, District #7. The following colleague, Marjorie Ricketts' early expe­ year she went to the Twilight Nursing rience at the High River Hospital. She as the Board of Directors, Medical Home as Nursing Co-ordinator. nursed at the General during the same Staff, Ladies Auxiliary and Hospital In the new hospital she played an period, beginning in 1974 in surgery, active role in setting up the Auxiliary emergency and pediatrics. She shared Foundation. Between them they Hospital (where there had never been one the position of Team Leader on the sec­ know pretty well everything about before), and through re-classification, ond floor until it became her full time the hospital's inner workings; they increasing the number of auxiliary care position, and then became a Nursing beds. Floor Administrator. take countless Minutes, type corre­ Marjorie is one of those long term Emily, too, has had her share of spondence and reports on the latest employees who has progressed through a titles: Assistant Director of Nursing, long list of job titles: Assistant Director Director of Patient Care, Senior Director computers, know the filing system of Long Term Care, Director of Long of Patient Care and now Assistant inside and out, greet the visitors and Term Care, Director of Patient Care, Executive Director - Patient Care. answer the phone. In short, by doing Senior Director of Patient Care, Assis­ For Emily it seems that the responsi­ tant Executive Director and currently, bilities have often come before the formal their jobs so well, they make it easier Senior Assistant Executive Director. title. She credits the hospital's adminis­ for everyone else to do theirs. She was very involved in the Single tration for encouraging her to pursue Point of Entry pilot and remains courses that have helped here career Chairman of that Committee today. growth.

108 'JinancE and clf dmini1-triation

Under Senior Director, Geri Pol­ anchek and Accounting Supervisor, Sharon Orum, this department performs the functions of controller, implements and co-ordinates automa­ tion services, and is responsible for MIS, Management Information Sys­ tem. This complex accounting system accurately can chart patient cost, breaking down each service or medica­ tion received, a function critical to determining patient load and fiscal re­ quirements throughout the hospital Finance and Administration looks after accounts receivable, issuing pay Geri Polanchek, S enior Director Financial cheques and producing regular finan­ Services & Administration cial statements. It serves as Paymaster cally as well as providing the capability for the Single Point of Entry and South­ of running additional applications such ern Rural Health Care Committees. as spreadsheets and word processing. In 1981 a state of the art comput­ Local Area Network (LAN) is used er-assisted financial management in the departments of Materiel Man­ system was introduced by the Alberta agement, Pharmacy, Admitting, and Hospital Association to assist its Engineering Services. A work load . members in cost containment. Infor­ measurement system has been designed mation Systems Services (ISS) contin­ for the Laboratory and Diagnostic ues to be used for a variety of func­ Imaging, and a program is presently FINANCE& tions, particularly payroll. being developed for Environmental ADMINISTRATION Base information is stored within Services. The hospital also uses ADT, a SERVICES Gordon, Beverley the main host computer and current computerized patient care system. Lyons, Irene Ethel data is entered locally, then transmitted With these computers, hospital phy­ Morrison, Gerrie sicians also have access to Medline, a Orum, Sharon to the main frame situated in Edmonton. Polanchek, Geraldine F The host computer processes the in­ medical data base in the United States. formation and transmits it directly back With its finger on the "financial to the hospital. Source documents remain pulse" of the hospital's operations, NURSING in the hospital. There are plans to bring Finance and Administration provides ADMINISTRATION Bragg, Bernice Edith payroll in house by the fall ofl 990. data that assists in budgeting for the Clark, Dorothy (Betty) The on-line terminal capabilities are continuation of programs and ser­ Edwards, Beverley vices, as well as planning the deliv­ England, Janice also useful in the processing of accounts Giles, Janice payable, general ledger, financial report­ ery of future health care alternatives. ing and activity-based budgeting. The hospital has two IBM PC XTs SYSTEMS SUPPORT Hemus, Brad which allow data to be processed lo-

109 The physical plant was designed place. to reflect state of the art technology Now called the Department of and systems that met the specific Planning and Engineering Services, requirements of a health care facility. its employees are officially responsi­ A completely separate air system ble for looking after the physical as­ in the operating room exhausts the sets of the hospital, the building, the air directly outside, ensuring that it equipment in it, (except for medical doesn't circulate anywhere else in the equipment) and the grounds. building. Air conditioning pressure is There is approximately 110,000 regulated to reduce cross infection square feet in the new building and control, and special precautions are over 2000 pieces of equipment which taken to handle the air from isolation range from laundry carts and wheel­ units. chairs to boilers and compressors. The hospital, extremely safety In 1986 the department became conscious, has standards even higher computerized, significantly increas­ than the law requires. ing its data base. Every piece of Even the best homemaker would equipment is entered, as well as a envy the mechanical rooms, which comprehensive program scheduled to are the talk of Honeywell reps and maintain it all on a regular basis. industry inspectors. There isn't a In a month, the computer may speck of dust. The floors gleam and generate as much as 600 work or­ the machinery hums softly. ders, some as basic as checking out a Each pipe is wrapped in canvas lamp cord, others requiring highly insulation and painted a cheerful pri­ technical expertise. mary colour, coded for that particular Where once a knowledge of gener­ system. The mazes of red, green and al maintenance was enough to look yellow can be seen from the ground floor right up to the penthouse. There isn't a gloomy looking boiler in the

ENGINEERING SERVICES Brackley, Shirley Buchanan, Jim Garies, Rita Louise Marles, Les McKay, Douglas Niven, John M. Ruth, Fred Thompson, R . Keith John Niven - Senior Director Les Marles - Manager Williamson, Lindsay

110 Nine years ago Shirley after the hospital building, operators Brackley thought she was applying for a groundskeep ­ today have Class A licenses and ing job, and when asked if steam tickets and can operate any she 'd be willing t o take a heating system in the province. course, assumed they meant landscaping. The next thing But they're not too overqualified she knew she was working to hang a picture or move a piece of on h er operator 's lice n se. Shirley was a registered furniture if one of the nursing home nursing assistani at the hos­ residents ask. pital for 24 years before transferring to Engineering Services."

Shirley Brackley doing repairs in the Maintenance Shop.

Tanks and more tanks.

Checking the boiler. SECURITY Ackermann, Bernard Martin, Jerry Riehs, Carl The title change from Personnel to Lung Month - all are observed with dis­ Robinson, Morley Vincent Human Resources reflects the impor­ play boards and speakers to raise the · tance placed by the hospital on effec­ consciousness of any employee who tive staff recruiting and retention. might be interested in taking part. HUMAN RESOURCES In May of 1981 Dal Langenber­ The Co-ordinator is also responsi­ Greenwood, Deborah Langenberger, John Dallas ger became the first Director of Per­ ble for giving new staff a comprehen­ Mason, Elaine sonnel, faced with the huge task of sive orientation of the building, its staffing the new and larger facility. programs and its policies. As people came and went, the Director One more employee will be became responsible for formulating brought into the department in the policies and procedures to deal with a fall of 1990. With greater emphasis on variety of employment situations and health prevention and wellness, the the six unions who were now repre­ hospital wants to expand its education senting a large number of hospital programs out into the community. staff. As of June 30th, 1990, 350 em­ Senior Director Dal Langenber­ ployees were on the hospital's payroll. ger, also the Hospital Foundation's It is policy at the High River Hos­ Co-ordinator is responsible for securi­ pital to promote from within its ranks ty in the building, and overseeing the when appropriate positions become Multi Casual Response plan among Dal Langenberger vacant. A tremendous amount of in­ the various hospital departments. In service and upgrading is made avail­ June he became responsible for Area able to staff who want to qualify for Services and Special Projects. In June of 1990 Dal had the additional title of "Com­ higher positions in the future. Since the department was formed pany Chauffeur" bestowed Staff development is seen as an in­ in 1981 only two people have worked on him. He'll be the official administrative driver when tegral part of human resources. Just as administrative secretaries. Jane the new bus is used for trans­ as Clinical Development is encouraged Pace was the first. Debbie Green­ porting staff to conferences for the nursing staff, employees wood, is the second. and seminars. It will seat up to 24 people, (o r 12 passen­ throughout the hospital are assisted gers and 7 wheelchairs) and through teleconferencing, lunch hour EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION cost far less than air travel when staff are attending con­ seminars, and on the job training. Since 1985 long service employees ferences or employee work­ In June of 1988, the name of the have been recognized each year at shops. department was changed to Human the Christmas dinner and dance. Resources, and a greater focus placed Certificates are presented at five During the 70th Anni­ on education. Elaine Mason was hired years, gold pins at ten, and diamonds versary year, staff from every as Co-ordinator of Staff Development. added to the pins at fifteen and twen­ department in the hospital voted for an "Employee of the As well as organizing formal in-service ty. After twenty five years, an Month ". The employee was and educational courses, it is largely employee is presented with a cheque presented with a framed pho­ through her efforts that practically for $500 which is to be spent on an tograph taken by T Dawson Photo I Graphics. A composite every national health day and week in item that will be a lasting reminder picture of the twelve staff the year is recognized at the hospital. of the High River Hospital and members will be displayed in the building at the year end, Participaction, Non Smoking, En­ Nursing Home. when an employee of the year vironmental Awareness, Heart and will be chosen. 112 Elaine Mason Co-ordinator of Staff Development Betty Clark presents retirement gift to Mildred 1981 Heritage S ervice Award Naomi Findlay Perry.

At the first ceremony held on June 20, 1985, 50 employ­ ees received their five year certificate, 19 their ten year Often the first contact visitors and doctor is. They can handle a full wait­ pins, and ten their 15 year patients have with the High River ing room of out patients or about to be pins. Hospital and Nursing Home is with in patients, respond to a constantly Joyce Dougherty, Peg­ gy Eddolls, Edith Flater­ one of the friendly and knowledgeable ringing switchboard and still find time ud, Mary Guengerich and admitting staff. to answer any question with a smile. Gladys Longson were each recognized for 20 years of con­ The office is open for business 24 Every month there are more people to tinuous service to the hospital. hours a day under the direction of see and more questions to answer. On Eunice Schmuland. an average day 75-80 people go Besides reception and admitting through this department on their way ADMITTING SERVICES Airhart, Marie duties, the staff also operates the to emergency, lab, diagnostic imaging, Campbell, Trudy main switchboard and ambulance dis­ appointments with a specialist, a ther­ Gaffney, Patricia A patch telephone. On any given day, apist or to be admitted to the hospital. King, Lee-Ann Pedersen, Irene Frances they manage to keep track of 140 The staff in Admitting is counted Riehl, Lorna patients and residents, physicians, among the very best of the hospital's Schmuland, Eunice Sewell, Joann visiting specialists, staff members on good will ambassadors. Thiessen, Kari A coffee breaks and who the emergency Todd, Alice

113 One of the first departments to two clerks, one transcriptionist, two move into the new building was Med­ MEDICAL RECORDS casual employees and a SAIT practi­ Belley, Eileen ical Records. The hospital Medical cum student during the summer Blayney, Joan Agnes Records Department provides valu­ months. Margaret Hitchner-Olson Hoffner, Cheryl Lyons, Doris Marie able patient information related to was the first technician hired in Middleton, Noreen patient care, research, education, 1971, Joan Blayney the first clerk, Olson, Margaret Lynn legal purposes, government report­ in 1974. Margaret has been director Thomson, Joan ing, utilization, quality assurance since January, 1989. and risk management. Record processing has advanced S ince 1963 a record has The general public has not been immensely. High River was one of the been kept of every baby born at the H igh River Hospital. made aware of what the Medical Re­ first hospitals to combine patient re­ Prior to this, the information cords Department is all about. One cords under one unique patient iden­ was forwarded to the Town newly elected Board member in the tification number. Charts have ex­ Office. late 1960's thought, when he first panded from two or three pages to toured the old hospital, that Medical hundreds. Transcription no longer In 1967 there was one Records personnel were the people consists merely of admission histories dictation mach ine, w hich was obsolete, with one cas­ who delivered the library books to and discharge summaries, but sette tape. It was replaced by the patients. Also, a patient wanting includes radiology, consultant special­ a newer version with t wo to see his record, stated he had just ist reports, total team conference tapes. In 1978 the hospital purchased five pocket d icta­ purchased a new record player and reports, counselling services reports, tors and m ini-cassettes that promised not to scratch his record if and all other related medical reports. doct ors co u ld carry w i t h it were given to him. them a nd use fo r d ictation. All records prior to 1959, up to and in­ Upon moving to the new hos­ In the beginning, Medical Records cluding 1974, had been sent to a Cal­ p it al the equipm ent w a s shared a cubby hole, across from the gary micrographics company for mi­ again enhanced to a Lanier loop system , allowing t h e main entrance, with the stationery crofilming. Microfilm equipment was physicians to d ictate with in and supply room. Equipment consist­ purchased in 1987 and is now utilized the h ospital or from t heir offices by picking up the tele­ ed of one filing cabinet, and one type­ in the hospital's micrographics area. phone. writer which was at that time 20 The Records Department has be­ years old, making it difficult to set up come a highly labour intensive envi­ a filing system and the master pa­ ronment reflecting the three levels of Medical R ecords suffe red the occasional occupational tient index. A larger department was care within the new facility. Areas of hazard in the old hospital. made available in the basement of responsibility are much more diversified, A s a result of one infamous Cascade wash ing machine, the hospital in 1969. educational processes have increased to soap bubbles often were seen Bob MacQuire was in charge of keep in line with new technology, and fl oating down the hallways. the Records Department for about the elements of productivity and man­ S taff would sometimes find their desks covered in water two years before Mrs. Eileen Belley agement have increased twofold. i f the d ra i n pipes hadn 't assumed responsibility in 1967. Since Automation also has influenced been put out soon enough in a heavy rain. It was no sur­ then the department has grown sig­ the department directly. In 1985 the prise t o be g reeted in th e nificantly from a one man depart­ first computer was purchased. Today morning by the occasional bat ment to one director, two technicians, there are four computers with word flying around the basement or in the freight elevator.

114 processing, graphics, data base, and many more applications that can be accessed. The Master Patient Index is also computerized. The health care data base is submitted by computer to HMRI (Hospital Medical Records Institute) in Don Mills, Ontario. This is a non-profit federally chartered company, specializing in health care related information processing. From 1965 to 1988 the data base was sub­ mitted (on paper abstracts) to PAS (Professional Activity Study), which is the American data base in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Training for Health Record Techni­ cians and Health Record Adminis­ trators are offered at SAIT in Calgary, and NAIT in Edmonton respectively. The Canadian Hospital Association also offers the program by correspon­ dence. Affiliated university manage­ ment degrees can be procured also.

Eileen Belley transcribes at one of the computer stations in the department.

Under Senior Director, Brendan erations related to printing, and the Cole, Support Services is responsible purchasing and receiving of every­ for the overall efficient management thing from medical supplies and sta­ of the hospital's supply and service tionery, to hazardous goods and cafe­ operations. It involves ordering, pur­ teria groceries. chasing, receiving and distribution of Dianne Neish supervises opera­ goods, printing, laundry, linen, cen­ tions in the Sterile Core where linen, tral sterile supply, decontamination equipment and instruments are han­ and processing. dled and stored. Here, medical/surgi­ Diane Neish Gesina (Gus) Allan supervises op- cal carts are re-stocked daily with

115 one-use items, re-usable equipment is decontaminated and sterilized, linen is mended and small in-house items are prepared. Approximately 500,000 pounds of laundry are done every year with washing machines that Alma Paul and Olive Ogle could only dream about in the old hospital. Over a million dollars is spent by the Support Services annually, using one of the most advanced computer systems available for ordering, pur­ chasing and accounting. For example, Gus Allan, Supervisor, one could look back four years and find Purchasing and Inventory out, not only what was bought for how Brendan Cole, Senior Director of Support Services much, but where, from whom, its usage MATERIEL photocopying facilities and FAX ma­ history, etc. The computer provides a MANAGEMENT chine is located in Support Services. Allan, Gesina E. complete integration of services. Bosgra, Sheri-Lynn Staff are trained locally on the job The mail room, which also houses Braaten, Debbie through teleconferencing courses and Cho, Young In through upgrading at University of Cole, Brendan Cowling, Lois Purdue. Culver, Lorna As the operations expand and be­ Dansie, Rinske Davidson, Colleen come more sophisticated, this depart­ Fraser, Janet ment continues to develop programs Hedley, Dawn and methods to streamline opera­ Hoffmann, Dean Mandel, Kim L. tions for the benefit of patients, medi­ Moncrieff, Larry cal staff and other health profession­ Marvis, Joyce Neish, Dianne Linda als within the hospital. Noble, Gloria Parker, Barbara Peterson, Aline Reding, Barbara Short, Faye Tangen, Suzanne Marie

Eight years ago Larry Moncrieff enrolled in a one year Development Vocational Program conducted locally by Mount Royal College. His in-house train­ ing was done at the local hospital where he has been employed full-time for the past seven years. Larry has a variety of duties. He looks after internal and external distribution of mail, brings wheel chair patients to the therapy department and back to their wards, and is responsible for the whereabouts of audio-visual and other equipment within the hospi­ tal. (Anyone who hasn't signed it out properly is in trouble!) Larry, with Linda Tovee and Margaret Larry Moncrieff proudly receives his first paycheck from L. Myggland (l) with Rick Olson, organized the Employee of the Month pro­ Jones,director Environmental Services. gram.

116 In 1974 Noreen Mitton discov­ blinds, drapes and bedside curtains ered that scrubbing floors at the Hos­ as needed and arranged for servicing pital paid better than being a . teller of cleaning equipment, humidifiers at the bank, and two years later be­ and air conditioners. came the Head Housekeeper. The goals for the Housekeeping ENVIRONMENTAL Noreen sent away for books on Department have been more than met. SERVICES Hospital Sanitation, Germicidals, In 1986 the department, now called Allain, Kathleen Arbuthnot, Donna Work Routines, etc. and not only Environmental Services, piloted a Attwood, S . Louise learned what was in them but made course for the Alberta Vocational Boucher, J ean Maurice the information available to her staff. Centre which covers everything from Brownridge, David E. Dearman, Gayle S. (Jacqueline Copple gave in-service on chemicals and infection control to com­ Duthie, Deborah Isolation Technique and staffs' part munication skills and how to deal with Elke, Rita E. Farrelly, J ennifer in it). Soon the staff began to feel patient issues like death and dying. Freeman, Dora Infection Control was everyone's Besides ongoing education in Goller, Marion business, and that the best germ housekeeping duties, staff also learn Irwin, Inez Arlene J ones, Richard cleaner in the world could not beat CPR, air-pac (fire brigade) training, Kochalyk, Denise good old elbow grease! spill control and the handling of dan­ Loeffler, Elizabeth A nne Nelson, Penny E. The staff was responsible for gerous goods. And they have a respon­ Petersen, Lois scheduling the cleaning and kept re­ sibility to help with hospital security. Pon, JeannettP. cords of all the cleaning done. Wards The department employs a staff of Roberson, S haron Taylor, Gladys were washed from top to bottm every 21 who work three 8 hour shifts clean­ William son, Wilma six months, and Strict Isolation after ing the 110,000 square feet of hospital, every discharge. They kept track of former nurses' residence now used for newly painted areas and those most offices, meeting rooms, staff resi­ in need of painting, ordered the dences and ambulance facility. Every member of the full time staff including director Rick Jones has been with the new hospital before or since it opened in 1982, and there has been zero turnover in the depart­ ment for the past two or three years. Environmental Services is typical of many other departments in the hospital. They may have the benefit of technical advances and training in their heads, but they care about the patients in their hearts. With an average cleaning time of 15 minutes a day in each room, the staff get to Barbara Vooys and Georgina Gallant set a good know people, and can often spot diffi- Juanita S cott Jones example during infection control awareness week.

117 culties. The close liaison between them and the nursing staff has pro­ ven to be a valuable one.

Preparing supplies for the Department of Supplies, Processing and Distribution are volunteers from the Hospital Auxiliary. (L. to R.J Helen Suitor, Anna Newland, Dorothy McDaniel, Evelyn Evans, Iona Denison, Lucille Hussey, Flora Heslip, Mildred Tannas, Hazel Dale. 118 Therapy services have come a long way since the hospital hired its first full time physiotherapist in 1975. In 1982, the addition of occupational and recre­ ational therapy offered a fully integrat­ ed therapy program for hospital patients, residents and out patients from throughout the district. They also share services with other area hospi­ tals. Physiotherapists deal largely with the difficulties of movement, espe­ cially of bones, muscles and liga­ ments. At the High River Hospital the treatment may involve the use of ther­ apeutic ultrasound waves, whirlpool baths, heat, ice, massage or electrical stimulation from a device called a 3M­ TENS unit, which reduces pain in back and neck injuries, and can also be adapted to help women in labour. Two of these units were recently pur- Faith Wood-Johnson Director chased by the hospital. Drug-free, and Mary Guengerich (CNAJ instructing nurse in use of crutches. people who through accident or illness suddenly find they have difficulty doing the little things in life that are often taken for granted. Some of these ser­ vices may include splinting, arthritis education and joint support, back care, providing and teaching about adaptive equipment for use in feeding, dressing, etc, and athletic injury supports. There are also group programs to promote motivation and socialization. Occupational, Recreational and Physiotherapists introduced Remoti­ vation Therapy at the hospital in March of 1989. Working with six resi- Dauid Brownridge relaxing on new physiotherapy dents one morning a week in a group Rehabilitation equipment.

119 Children from pre-school to junior high are tested for learning disabili­ ties such as dyslexia, perceptual · problems, fine and gross motor co­ ordination disorders, visual motor problems and attention deficiencies. Afterwards a team conference is held with parents, teachers, doctor and, if treatment is required the child is re­ ferred to the Alberta Children's Hos­ pital in Calgary. Previously, testing was also done in the city and parents could wait for up to a year before their children were seen by a therapist. Having the pro­ gram available here means that learn­ ing problems can be detected sooner and treatment begun without delay. Since February 1989, one The equipment for the program physiotherapist works half time in High River and half was funded by the High River Hos­ time at Vulcan Gen eral pital Foundation. Assessment re­ Hospital (sometimes com­ Physiotherapist, Berend Henckel, the hospital's quires written referral from a physi­ muting by bicycle!), under a "Ironman" triathlete. shared services agreement. cian with admitting privileges to the Every second week he spends session, they help people go beyond hospital, as well as information from half a day at Little Bow the institutional setting and expand Auxiliary Hospital, Carman­ the parents and school. gay under a similar agree­ their interests and awareness. They Recreational therapists contri­ m ent between the hospital try to build a sense of reality while at bute to the social and psychological and Vulcan General Hospital. In this way, areas that do not the same time encouraging reminisc­ well being of patients and residents. need a full time therapist ing and acknowledging aspects of the Activities are designed to help them receive services and the thera­ person's life before they came to the pist has a "home base". There maintain an active level of function­ is currently no OT at either hospital. Often they uncover long ing within the hospital or nursing the Black Diamond or Cal­ dormant feelings which can be talked home setting, and to encourage an gary sites and out-patients are again commuting to High about in a way that promotes self River for OT services. esteem. Staff have seen real changes espe­ cially in Alzheimer patients who seem The department has to regain a sense of awareness when recently replaced its old pul­ monary fun ction testing they're with the other members of the machine with a new, com­ group. Remotivation Therapy seeks to puterised one, calibrated to take into account that High "find the person in the patient" and River i s not at sea level goes far beyond simply looking after which is important when people in long term care. looking at lung functions. A Pediatric Screening Program is an extension of both the Occu­ The occupational thera­ pational and Physiotherapy Depart­ pists at High River are in­ volved in the Orthotics Clinic ments which presently operate out of Betty Turner preparing to cook breakfast for 2nd held approximately every two the hospital's Residence. floor residents who meet regularly in the OT depart­ to three weeks by an orthotist who travels from Calgary. ment. 120 Bingo, exercise classes, films, musical evenings, church services and craft lessons encourage everyone to meet new friends and learn new skills. A pet therapy program allows res­ idents to visit with animals who are screened and brought into the nurs­ ing home on a regular basis. It is also recreational therapy staff who help residents get involved in hospital activities like Participac­ tion, and Little Britches. Physiotherapy, occupational and

REHABILITATION Director of Therapies Faith Wood-Johnson recreational therapy offer important SERVICES and unique components to the total Chipchase, Joanne Ewanishin, Sandra Elairie easy transition back to their home health care of the hospital district. Fung, Ella and community. Gartner, Gwen Henckel, Berend Jakob Quite often they're the "party peo­ Henderson, Betty ple" who help celebrate birthdays and Hoogwerf, Linda Alieda special occasions with residents, pa­ Lavender, Patricia Ledoux, Grace Anne tients, and their families. Through­ Li, Sunny out the year they arrange outings for Riches, Joan Turner, Betty the residents, from baseball games to Tycholis, Norene Annette museums, eating places. On one me­ Wood-Johnson, Faith moraple outing, they were joined at supper by Olympic ski jumper Eddie

The Alberta Aids to Daily the Eagle who happened to be dining Living Program has desig­ alone at the same restaurant. nated High River Hospital as one of two pilot projects in southern Alberta to evaluate the usefulness of pre- fabri­ cated seating components for people who have difficulty sitting in a regular wheel­ chair. The proposal was written by Betty Henderson and Joan Riches. Long term care residents with mild to moderate seat­ ing problems due to su ch things as deformities, weak­ ness, muscle spasm etc., are bing tested.

The Paediatric S creening Program was spearheaded by Dr. R . Gorsch e in re­ sponse to the number of chil­ dren in the Foothills area with developmental and learning difficulties. In the old hospital, the lab techni­ cians worked in a basement room about the size of a 10'x14' carpet. Vito Arca, the Chief Medical Techno­ logist did his paperwork in the ECG room because there was no room in the lab. Vito came to High River in 1981 to establish the new laboratory. He was responsible for hiring staff, writing up protocols, developing new tests, order­ ing equipment, complying with gov­ ernment standards and co-ordinating the physical set up of the new lab. Although it seemed spacious by comparison, today staff and equip­ ment are again trying to work in an area incredibly small for its output. There are nine employees work­ ing in the department, four of whom moved from the old hospital. Vito's desk is tucked into a tiny corner of the lab, piled with files and binders and stacks of paper. A microbiology and blood bank were added to the haematology and biochemistry sections in 1982, which LABORATORY SERVICES was a major accomplishment for a Arca, Mavito F Arca, Ofelia rural facility. The ECG continued to Brown, Ann Maurine operate as a floating department. Cosgrove, Barbara Eileen Leavitt, Bonnie Marie Microscope Manson, Catherine Rogers, Lorraine Over the past eight years, lab Skory, Jennifer technology has changed dramatically Standing, Jocelyn Colleen with equipment like the Random

Access 1000 purchased in 1984. A test Lab technicians of earlier performed manually in the old hospi­ days still recall with dis­ tal might take up to half an hour pleasure the favorite prank of co-workers who w ould where today, it can be done in one or substitute apple juice for the two minutes. With the most up to date customary fluid sent in for urine analysis.

122 equipment it would take only seconds. Like most people in the hospital, lab employees are anxiously awaiting confirmation of the proposed expan­ sion. It would mean not only more space, but the opportunity to upgrade and add new equipment which would increase the lab's capability for pre­ sent testing. With a fluorescent microscope, a new section could be added to the lab, which in Vito's words, would add " a whole new horizon" to the hospital's work. Referrals are encouraged from doc­ tors and hospitals outside of the dis­ trict. With only about 10 to 15% of their work sent outside, the High River Hospital's laboratory is comparable to most city hospitals.

Like the Lab, the X-ray depart­ most dramatic changes when it ment, (now known as Diagnostic moved into the new building. Modern Imaging) underwent perhaps the equipment added a whole new dimension to the kind and amount of work they could now perform in the diagnosis and analysis of disease. In 1989 approximately 8,000 people came to have their pictures taken in this department. They jostle for recep­ tion space with the lab next door and are taken care of by ten staff members. Don Gaede is the Chief Technician. Radiology services continued to expand throughout the sixties and seventies. In the new facility and un­ der the directorship of Don Gaede, it began to move in directions most am­ bitious for a rural hospital. In November of 1984, the hospital DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Christie, Mary was successful in acquiring an ultra Fleury, Audrey sound unit, especially helpful in the Gaede, Donald Ray diagnosis of obstetrics, gynecology Holowaychuk, Viviane Y Laird, Frances and abdomen cases. Previously pa­ Loree, Deborah J ean tients had to go to Calgary where Merkel, Gaylene Percival, Benita there were often long waiting lists. Spiegel, Sally Dr. Len Senger became the depart­ Ward, Shirley Ann ment's liaison physician. Referrals have always been welcomed from doctors in Claresholm, Vulcan and Turner Valley. A radiology specialist comes from Calgary two days a week, to super­ vise and interpret more involved examinations. In the future, the hospital hopes to acquire a mammography unit. Not only will area women be spared the delay and inconvenience of travelling to Calgary for the examination, it will play a valuable part in helping physicians educate women about the early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

Every day, 365 days a year, the to smile at the person who comes in Dietary Department makes and after hours for that last cup of coffee. serves approximately 600 meals to There have been dramatic patients, residents, staff, visitors and clients of Meals on Wheels. They cater to hospital functions and are on call in emergency situations. By necessity, the Dietary Depart­ ment has become increasingly sophis­ ticated over the past few years. It's no longer a matter of being able to cook and serve nourishing food to patients. Today's staff must know all about infection control, Food and Drug regulations, WHMIS proce­ dures, special diets, and still be able Francine Newman - Dietician (Director)

124 changes in community attitudes as more and more people become aware of the importance of sound diet to their overall health. As physicians come on staff, they bring their own ideas which can often result in new requests which affect the profession mnewways. There are about 30 employees on staff including two dieticians, a diet­ ary technologist, and a dietary assis­ tant. Many of the staff enroll in the Food Services Certificate program Kitchen staff with Irish hats on March 17. offered by the Alberta Hospital Association. There is a comprehen­ sive department orientation for new employees and ongoing education for job related duties. DIETARY SERVICES Every year the hospital takes on a Bateman, Joanne K. student from SAIT's second year Bird, Dixie Buehler, Margaret Dietary Technologist program. The Carswell, Nanette department provides clinical coun­ Cass, Glen Clark, Mary selling for patients and out patients, Colbow, Heather Anne and participates in the hospital's Colwell, Dianne Diabetic Clinic. A dietician works part Culver, Lorna Cuthbertson, Kathleen Louise time at the Vulcan General Hospital Davidson, Vanita Kathy Cuthbertson - Dietary Technician and Little Bow Auxiliary Hospital for De rbecke~ Flosemary Dorrington, Karen clinical counselling and consultation. Duthie, Linda Food service operations are so Gregor, Valorie -. well organized that the hospital's Heggs, Gail Heninger, Donna dietary department is often chosen as Hoffmann, Carolyn a model for other health care facili­ Jones, Tara Kaye, Janice ties. Kiemele, Brenda Lewis, Cheryl Macdonald, Leslie Christine Mackenzie, Mary Jane Martin, Joan Neish, Kelly Lynn N ewman, Francine Pickering, Barbara Ann Flichmond, Agnes Fluddock, Linda Short, Janice Thiessen, Terri Wegener, June Whitehead, Monica Zilka, Linda Kitchen duty Coffee break

CLINICAL NUTRICIAN James, Heather

125 Before 1968, the hospital pur­ in-hospital patients and long term PHARMACY Johnsen, Sylvia chased drugs, medications and phar­ care residents. Manson, Donald W. maceutical supplies from both phar­ Like others in the hospital, the macies in High River. But in 1968, department is short of space. It uti­ the Board asked Don Bergin of High lizes one room of the ambulance River Pharmacy to establish services garage as a pre-pack area. in the hospital on a part time basis. Over the last four years, the de­ In the old hospital, pharmacy partment has become almost fully staff worked out of two broom closets automated, providing more efficient back to back, which was only a little and safer distribution of drugs for both smaller than the 280 square feet of long term and active care patients. The space presently available. computer makes it easier to integrate The department became full time the clinical side with the inventory in 1982 and has grown to include two management side, and to become in­ pharmacists, Director, Don Manson volved in a Management Information and Sylvia Johnsen, a summer stu­ System (MIS) which eventually will be dent and a volunteer. It's open 365 implemented in all hospitals across days a year, with one pharmacist on Canada. MIS provides statistical infor­ call 24 hours a day, and provides mation, and a breakdown of de­ complete pharmaceutical care to all partmental expenses and costing.

Don Manson - Director Sylvia Johnsen - Pharmacist

126 VOLUNTEER SERVICES Although many city hospitals had Mann, Shirley already formalized their volunteer Nadeau, Lorraine system by establishing full time Straathof, Judith departments, it was considered a pro­ gressive step for a rural hospital The Ladies Hospital Aid members of early days, very when the High River Hospital opened formal and socially correct theirs in 1982. at their fund-raising annual dances, would have put a Over the years, the impressive Moroccan beggar to shame work of the Ladies Auxiliary had con­ during the rest of the year. tributed much to the hospital in the In addition to donating labour, time and material, way of funding valuable equipment, they begged and borrowed operating the gift shop and notions relentlessly to meet financial obligations. Treasurer Mrs. cart, and whenever asked, supporting C.C. Short's bank book, still the hospital's work in any way they in the family's possession, could. They continue to operate as a tells an interesting story. An end of year balance of separate entity but work closely with $14.27 was a major achieve­ the Department of Volunteers. ment in 1907. The mandate of the new depart­ ment was to bring together volun­ Shirley Mann (R) - Director of Volunteer Services Volunteers with son Andrew at the staff Barbeque, 1990. Like the dedicated Candy teers who had been working in the Stripers of the 1970s, (so Twilight Nursing Home and the old recreational and physiotherapy, SPD, named for their bright red and the hospital's third floor unit. and white "candy-cane" hospital, and then to develop a larger striped uniforms) today's network of volunteers who could con­ The Director of Volunteer Ser­ Director of Volunteer Services tribute in a variety of ways and vices Shirley Mann co-ordinates the has high school students who Pastoral Care Program, manages the regularly come in to brighten places in the new facility. the lives of the permanent Since 1982 the Volunteer Services Personal Emergency Response residents on Unit 200. Department has grown from ten to Service, acts as liaison with the hos­ over 300 volunteers, from almost pital Auxiliary and edits the quarter­ every age group. Almost one quarter ly newsletter. have served in the hospital for five Every year the hospital holds Vol­ years or more and many others for unteer Appreciation Night to honour more than two. The level of commit­ the contribution of its volunteers. ment has been a large part of the Volunteerism continues to play an program's success. integral part in the community's The majority of volunteers work health care system. on the second floor with the nursing home residents and auxiliary care patients. They can also be found in the lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imag­ Doris N ewman - Volunteer ing, medical records, occupational, of the Year, 1990. 127 "Volunteer Appreciation Night" April 24, 1990. Social Committee, Mes­ dames Geo. Ash, G.D. Stan­ ley, T. W. Robertson, R.A. Wallace and E. Koch ar­ ranged teas, box socials, dti1io'"l}j a( d-figh d?iun d-f01p.itaf and the annual Hospital Ball. Held on the evening of December 28th 1909, with gentlemen paying $2.00, Extra Lady 50¢ the net prof­ c/f-uxilia'"l!} it was a much needed $175.00. The Ladies Aid Early in 1970, because of the need assist and benefit patients and staff. thanked the band for . "the generous manner in which felt for assistance in the area of volun­ In March, 1971, an invitation was they rendered the dance teer work in the local hospital, Mr. sent to various women's groups in music. Barry Johnson, Administrator, and High River and surrounding area to Mrs. Carscadden, Director of N urs­ attend an organizational meeting on The Ladies' Auxiliary played a large role in the hos­ ing, contacted Mr. Bud Anderson, March 18. Twenty-five ladies re­ pital's celebrations of Canada the Director of Volunteer Services at sponded and met in the basement of Health Day, traditionally the Nurses' Residence on the corner held on the Friday nearest to the Calgary General Hospital. He Florence Nightingale's birth­ agreed to come to High River to speak of Macleod Trail and Sixth Street. day of May 12th. In both about the work that was being done at Mrs. Coral MacDonald, President 1989 and 1990, they hosted a tea and bazaar as part of the their hospital by volunteers. The four of the Alberta Auxiliaries Associa­ information displays exhib­ High River ladies who attended this tion, was guest speaker stressing the ited by various health agen­ need to make a community familiar cies in the community. The meeting were invited to visit the highlight of the 1990 tea was Calgary General Hospital facilities to with and aware of hospital services. a fashion show of uniforms see at first hand what was being done It was emphasized that the Auxi­ worn by nurses over the years to mark the hospital district's and how volunteer help could really liary was responsible to the Hospi- 70th anniversary.

128 period of six months. In a week they were again in ac­ tion. In May they observed National Hospital Day (Florence Nightingale's birthday), a work bee was organized at which they cut out 46 baby gowns from materials and patterns supplied by the hospital; in June a Strawberry Tea was held which netted $118.25; - .. r' - "-.,-~ and they made plans to purchase a Heart Monitor machine. From then on projects snow­ H onora ry president in Crafts from the Auxiliary display and sale counter. balled. The ladies became involved in 1909 was Mrs. A.H. Eckford, President M rs. Pflughaupt, Meals on Wheels which supplies Vice-president Mrs. Norman meals to senior citizens in their own Yo ung, S ecretary, Mrs. C.A. Farquharson, Trea s u rer, homes. A second heart monitor ma­ Mrs. C.C. Short. Executive chine was ordered. committee: Mesdames Koll­ The ladies operated a gift shop ing, H orn, H owcroft, V.C. S tanley, A. Y. McCorquodale. which is kept stocked by volunteers who spend hundreds of hours knitting a variety of saleable items. Ted Nel­ At the 19 13 L adies son of Nanton has donated hundreds H ospital A id a n n ua l ball "the supper was tempt ing of plush covered cuddle toys. Beryl a nd delicious, served as it Rasmussen for many years has been was d own in the p ol ice at the business end of the enterprise. office, wh ere guests were made comfortable and ser­ A Hutterite lady, on learning that ved without confusion ". E vi­ the wheel chair she was using had dently the ballroom was in the same building. Prep aring to make rounds with com forts for the been provided by the Auxiliary, began patients. knitting socks and mittens for the tal Administrator and must not take gift shop which is open daily except E arly records of Ladies any action without first obtaining Sundays. A travelling notions cart is Hospital Aid include thanks approval from the Administrator. under the careful supervision of Mr. expressed to Hig h R i ver Drug Store for supplies and Thus a women's group, dedicated and Mrs. Tom Boschma. Two or utensils donated, to frater­ to hospital support, was once again three times a week this cart is taken nal groups fo r their support, active. The Hospital Ladies Aid, through the wards so patients can to Rev. Father Beausoliel for his donation of $25.00 plus founded in 1906, had been dormant purchase treats, toilet articles, read­ his "church collect io n of for fifteen years. A slate of officers was ing material, or other comforts. $15.00". elected to serve on a trial basis for a The ladies continue to hold mon­ ey-making events; teas, coffee par­ "To be of service is a solid ties, bake sales, bazaars and raffles. foundation for contentment Spitzee House hosts one coffee party in this world". (Charles W. Eliot). each year. Local churches provide "Do all the good you can space for some events. By all the means you can A collection of scrap books (at pre­ In all the ways you can In all the places you can sent under Evelyn Davies' care) pre­ At all the times you can serve the highlights of activities. One To all the people you can As long as ever you can ". Mem bers of the Auxiliary outstanding effort was the request for

129 all Auxiliaries to produce a quilt for 1990 Hospital Auxiliary Executive Velma Hanson received special recognition at the Provincial competition. All quilts then President: Mrs. Dorothy Jackson 1990 Annual General Meet­ were raffled, the proceeds going to Past President: Mrs. Bea Towers ing of the Auxiliary. Mrs. assist the Ronald McDonald House. Secretary: Mrs. Elsie Fossen Hanson has been looking after the memorial dona­ High River's quilt, portraying the Treasurer: Mrs. Evelyn Walmark tions for the Auxiliary since Medicine Tree logo, took third place. In Memoriam: Mrs. Velma Hanson 1975. Over $50,000 has been given to the Hospital Suitable gifts are presented to through this group provid­ New Year's babies. Birthday parties ing valuable assistance to for the second floor patients are held. many of its programs. Purchase of equipment is the major project. Thousands of dollars have been spent on items. A Memorial Fund receives dona­ tions for special needs in the Hospital. Thousands of dollars have been collect­ ed and invested for the welfare of the patients. Hundreds of people provide thou­ sands of hours of service. The entire community benefits and is coopera­ tive. Auxiliary membership fluctuates from a low of nine to a peak of over fifty. Ladies Auxiliary around the feeding table they donated to Unit 200.

Coordinated by Judy Straathof under the supervision of the Director of Volunteer Services Shirley Mann and monitored by community volun­ teers, this system has been in opera­ tion in the area since 1983. It serves the towns of High River, Okotoks, Nanton, Cayley and Blackie. High River was the second hospital in the country, and the first rural hospital to of power failure or the phone being off operate the system, originally known the hook. A button is worn around the as Lifeline. neck or wrist which can alert respon­ To date 87 clients have used the ders if help is needed. Trained person­ service, which consists of an emergen­ nel are available 24 hours a day to cy unit connected to their telephone, handle emergency calls. capable of operating even in the event 130 Meals on Wheels has been operat­ ing in High River since 1976. In 1989/90, 67 volunteers delivered meals to about 54 elderly or handi­ capped clients. The meals are prepared in the High River Hospital with the differ­ ence between the cost of the meal and the amount charged to the client fund­ ed by Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in High River. Loading Meals on Wheels

Can1u 'imount

The High River Cansurmount at the High River Hospital in Decem­ group held its first meeting on Sep­ ber of 1983. The session was filmed tember 29, 1983, under the direction and excerpts from it used by the Can­ of Mrs. Vivian Pippus. adian Cancer Society/University of Other co-ordinators include the Calgary film, "Friends in Deed". This late Barbara Spackman, and Marie is currently used by the Canadian Callahan. Members are volunteers Cancer Society for volunteer training who have had cancer or are family and public education. members and friends of cancer patients. Cansurmount receives complete The first group from High River support from the administration and Marie Callahan R.N. received its training at a session held physicians of the High River Hospital.

131 Until 1988, pastoral care in the to the hospital's organizational chart hospital was provided by volunteers and a Pastoral Care Advisory Com­ and area clergy who took turns visit­ mittee was struck to review and as­ ing and ministering to patients and sess the program. their families. There was a representative from In 1972 the High River Minis­ the medical staff, hospital board, hos­ terial invited the Assistant Adminis­ pital administration, nursing staff, trator of Medicine and the Chaplain local clergy and the community. of the Foothills Hospital in Calgary They established procedures to meet with them and the hospital required for pastoral care, and taking administrator and members of the advantage of some available funds board of the High River Hospital. hired their first chaplain at the It wasn't until May of 1977 that beginning of 1988. the Ministerial Association began to Shirley Collard, a deaconal develop a pastoral care program for minister of the United Church of the hospital that would include all Canada, serves the Blackie-Gladys churches in the area. Ridge Pastoral Charge and visits the The first church service was held hospital twice a week. by the Salvation Army in the Twilight She often takes part in team con­ Nursing Home on March 28, 1978. ference when the spiritual dimension Pastoral care was offered on a is seen as an asset to a patient's voluntary basis both in the nursing treatment. Shirley Collard - Chaplain home and the hospital, but it became Pastoral care involves listening more formalized in 1981 with regular and talking to patients and their fam­ services being held by a small group ilies, not only about what's happening of faithful clergy. This grew as others today, but what might happen tomor­ Denominational clergy also are on call at a patients joined. row. It offers comfort and strength to request. When the new hospital opened, help these people deal with the out­ the responsibility for co-ordinating come. PASTORAL SERVICES pastoral care was given to Shirley The hospital chaplain is also Collard, Shirley L. Mann, Director of Volunteer Ser­ available to hospital staff. Hosmer, Robert vices. After a few years it was added

132 Along with the move to the new For the first two years these two hospital and the accompanying in­ editors picked and pecked at the type­ crease in staff, came a need for better writers (an art which neither one of communication within the hospital. them ever did master). Then, much With this in mind, a newsletter to their relief, the office staff in the was created. A contest was held to admitting department came to the choose a name, Barbara Andersen rescue and typed up the submissions. (Director of Nursing) came up with The editorials, along with many the winning title "Buttons and other articles were often written with Bones", and was the first editor. tongue in cheek. The paper, usually When her other duties increased sub­ about 30 pages in length, was eagerly stantially Barb was forced to give up anticipated by the employees. Staff her work on the paper and Barbara were serenaded with a duet of "We Vooys (R.N. Operating Room) and wish you a Merry Christmas" by Peggy McCormick (Housekeeping Barbara and Peggy as they delivered Attendant - Operating Room) readily one of the Christmas issues, posing jumped in to take over the helm. no great threat to the Mormon Taber­ Every two months hospital de­ nacle Choir! partments would submit articles, When Peggy made plans to retire usually after much cajoling and in the fall of 1988 the role of editor veiled threats from the editors. Bar­ was again up for grabs. bara and Peggy were ecstatic over Shirley Mann (Director of Vol­ the first issue, because every depart­ unteers) became the new editor, with ment sent in an article, though that a staff of two volunteers - Pam Mc­ particular issue contained the short­ Ateer and Emma Robbins doing est submission ever sent in by the the research and writing of articles. Pharmacy Department, it simply The format of the paper now read "It's a girl!" It marked the occa­ changed. Gone was the social aspect, sion of the birth of the first daughter to be replaced by informative articles of Don (Pharmacist) and Cathy highlighting a different department (Laboratory technician) Manson. each issue. New staff members are The paper offered a means for listed and noteworthy events such as hospital employees to share events in Infection Control Week, Nutrition their lives with their peers, as well as Month etc are documented. This led keeping everyone informed of new the paper away from an exchange of programs, equipment, new members news amongst staff to a more infor­ on staff, departures, etc. mative paper published four times a Marnie Ball (R.N. Unit 100) was year, which could be displayed the Resident Artist and her handi­ throughout the community and doc­ work graced the cover of every issue. tors' offices, becoming a voice to the

133 public at large. role, rather than an informal publica­ The format is set up on a comput­ tion done after working hours and on er at The High River Times news­ days off. paper office and is sent from there to While the more informative pre­ Highwood Printing. It now also car­ sent publication is enjoyed, the chat­ ries photographs in each issue. The ty informality of the original paper is age of technology has made the life of missed by many readers, hospital the editor much easier. The personnel and community alike. Newsletter plays a more designated

HIGH RIVER HOSPITAL [ Rn ] B & NURSING HOME \Ul ..- ~ High River General & Auxiliary Hospital & Nursing Home District No. 11 P.O . Bag 30. High River. Alberta. TOL l BO 652-2321 Vol. l Issue 4 September. 1989 &

"Our priority is the second floor resi­ dents. This is their home and they eat "Food, Glorious Food!" here every day," says Newman. "Changing a menu cycle is complicated, By Pamela McAteer Montreal where she did her internship at but I have begun to make small changes The Dietary Department would the Royal Victoria Hospital. here and there and we try to be respon­ have had no trouble providing ihree "When I came to the hospital in sive to the comments we get." banquets a day" for Oliver and the 1985, one dietician was able to perform Both Newman and Cuthbertson orphans. Every day they make and all the administrative and clinical respon­ credit the help they receive from the serve approximately 600 meals to sibilities,· she says. "But things have nurses, especially in reporting eating patients, residents, staff, visitors, and really changed. Out-patients alone have patterns. "h would be impossible for us Meals on Wheels. They cater to hospital increased from 196 in 1986 to310 in to be there ourselves for three meals a functions and are on call in emergency 1988." day in order to see what was happen­ situations. Newman counts on a part time dieti­ ing." Not unlike the Department of cian to consult with other rural hospitals As well as providing tasty and Engineering Services, the Dietary and dietary Technologist, Kathy attractive food for the residents, they Department has become increasingly Cuthbertson to help with the clinical must also comply with individual dietary sophisticated over the past few years. counselling and occasionally to speak to restrictions. It's no longer a matter of being able to community groups about nutrition and Then there are the active care cook and serve reasonably nourishing healthy living. But they find it's still patients. For some, food is the farthest food to patients. Staff must be knowl­ impossible to respond to all the requests thing from their minds. For others, espe­ edgeable about infection control Food they receive. cially those who are recovering nicely and Drug regulations, WHMIS proce­ As Newman's assistant, Kathy and champing at the bit to get home, dures, special diets, and still be able to Cuthbertson's main responsibilities meals can become the focal point of smile at the person who comes in after involve overseeing the staff on a daily their day. hours for that last cup of coffee. basis, consulting patient lists for new Bad hospital food jokes aside, Director, Francine Newman is the diets, conducting patient visits, attending Francine says that patients who have only professional dietician on staff. cardex rounds and counselling Out been transferred back to High River from Before coming to High River four years Patients. She did part of her dietary Calgary hospitals often tell the nurses ago, she worked in Calgary, Toronto and training in the old building and has been how relieved they are to be able to eat with the High River Hospital, on and off, good food again. for 11 years. Kathy has also worked in And thirdly, there is the cafeteria Brooks, Banff and the Calgary General customer. The department offers meals Hospital. comparable to restaurants in town, tasty, Both are seeing dramatic changes economical but with nutrient value in community attitudes as more and <:>hm:ivs a major con~i~oratinr ''1::.rt:t. ,..l ... 134 In August of 1980 the hospital es­ physicians, nurses, chaplain and tablished a formal system for emo­ other professionals whenever their COUNSELLING SERVICES tional support through its Coun­ assessment or counselling is appro­ Fredell, Linda s elling Service Department. The priate to a patient's treatment. Macklin, Mike demand steadily increased. The pro­ They also take part in a variety of Schollen, William gram has expanded from a two day a in-service workshops for hospital staff: week Mental Health Nurse, to a full personal growth, stress management, time Counselling Co-ordinator, Social grief and grieving, parenting, commu­ Worker and Community Worker. The nication, and a variety of community department receives its funding outreach and support groups. entirely from the High River hospital. The High River Hospital recog­ The department provides coun­ nizes the tremendous need for coun­ selling for hospital patients and resi­ selling today, especially in the rural dents, as well as short term crisis areas where often resources are not counselling for out-patients upon as readily available as in the city. referral from a physician. Coun­ Staff work with other mental health selling is available directly from the professionals in the area helping to ,,, _ Community Worker without referral. provide the most appropriate coun­ Counsellors are a valuable part of selling service possible. Mike Macklin - Commun­ ity Worker the health team, conferring with

Linda Fredell - Counselling Co-ordinator Bill Schollen - Social Worker

135 Reaching out to the community has always been an important part of the hospital's work. Besides provid­ ing healing to active and long term care patients within its walls, the hospital has developed a variety of programs for people to access on an outpatient basis, receiving treatment as well as education about how to deal with their health problems. There is nutrition counselling from dietary professionals, stroke and arthritis support and pediatric The legislation that en­ screening from rehabilitation thera­ acted WHMIS, or Workplace pists, emotional and psychological Hazardous Materials Infor­ First Aid mation Systems was seven support from hospital counsellors. years in the making and le­ Specialists also provide such services and counsellor, along with communi­ gally implemented on March ty professionals who have expertise 15th, 1989. The High River as foot clinics, which are available on Hospital was in the forefront a referral basis. which they are willing to share. of informing and educating 'I\vo of the most recent programs are Renal dialysis is available to its staff in how to use it. area patients in conjunction with the After receiving government the diabetic clinic and renal dialysis. guidelines, a committee was The diabetic clinic opened in Foothills Hospital which is providing formed to establish stan­ the equipment and staff. dards and procedure, and January of 1990. Fia Bruinsma, set up central files with con­ R.N. is the first diabetic nurse. With This is just one more example of trolled product inventories advisory physician, Dr. Len Senger the commitment that the High River and safety data sheets. Basi­ Hospital has made to provide as cally staff were expected to she has developed a three day a week know where to go quickly for program to help diabetics and their much in the way of health services as information and be familiar is possible and reasonable within a with the kinds of controlled families learn about the disease and products used in their place how to manage their lifestyle around it. rural framework. of work. A similar program under Dr. Sen­ The Co-ordinator of Staff Development and the Senior ger' s direction was attempted shortly Director of Support Services after the new hospital opened but designed a course that would be work-site specific to the lacked the necessary support to keep hospital and taught and test­ it going. This time the program has ed over 350 employees and the strong support of other local hospital volunteers. WHMIS is part of the regular orienta­ physicians and is funded entirely by tion of new employees. the High River Hospital. This program is extreme­ ly important for patients and Other components of the program workers alike and has result­ include input from a hospital dieti­ ed in an increased level of cian, physiotherapist, pharmacist awareness among the staff as to potential hazards.

136 c:Sociaf CommittEE

Employees of the High River Hos­ The membership was $2.00 and pital have always enjoyed working everyone was eligible to join. Today together and having fun together. funding comes directly from payroll Summer barbecues were often deductions of $1.00 per pay period for held in someone's back yard, and im­ each employee. The Hospital Board promptu ball games were frequent. also offers financial support for spe­ Tales abound of "Mrs. Mac" being cial activities. trundled around the bases in O_R. Three major events are planned garb, Dr. York's antics as coach of during the year, the children's the nurses' team, and fresh off the Christmas party, the staff Christmas cricket fields , Drs. Little and Dinner and Awards night and a sum­ Gibson playing with distinction, mer barbecue. This is usually catered The first Annual Nurses' Dance so all the staff can enjoy the fun. And was held in the Memorial Centre in there are TGIF's, and pancake break­ the late 1950's They continued to be fasts during Little Britches Days and a highlight of winter entertainment other activities for the staff to enjoy. until 1969. Two social activities that aren't for­ Originally it was an all out effort mally connected to the Committee are on the part of the staff to include a the hospital ball team and hockey team. stage show. These varied from min­ Since 1984, an annual slowpitch strels to hula girls and Can Can tournament has been organized to raise Dancers. Dr. York Blayney, always funds for equipment in various depart­ a part of them, is still remembered ments of the hospital. for his prowess in poetry recitation The first year the tournament and story telling. raised $5100 to buy a heart/lung re­ Dance attire was formal, and suscitator. Over the years the tourna­ hours were spent beforehand decorat­ ment has grown and now attracts over ing the room to fit a particular theme. 40 teams throughout the area. Funds Also in the 1950's, the nursing staff have also been used to buy ambulance established a gift fund for ill collea­ equipment gues, and friends leaving their employ­ The High River Hospital Hockey ment at the hospital. Humorous gifts Team plays for fun and fund raising but Until 1981 it was a tradi­ tion for nurses to give High were usually given to the doctors at their money goes directly to help the R iver souvenir spoons to de­ Christmas. Other hospital depart­ community. parting staff members. With administrat ion 's approval, ments did the same for their members. The team started playing in 1984 Gladys Longson arranged With the new hospital and so with members from the hospital staff, to have made a silver spoon many more staff it seemed time to the RCMP and relatives. They're a char­ which was emblematic of the h ospital a lon e. These are form a staff association for everyone. ity team who will help any organization now presented to retiring or As a result, in 1981, the Social Com­ raise money for a worthwhile event dep a rt ing employees, w it h fiv e years of service or less. mittee was born. Over the past five years, money has

137 gone to build a playground for handi­ capped children and equipment for minor hockey.,. Proceeds from a game against the Calgary Stampeders Foot­ ball Club supported the Salvation Army Toy Drive. The hospital has participated in the Little Britches Parade for many years. In those early years the floats entered by the hospital "evolved" rather than being planned out months in advance as they now are. All hospital staff - physicians includ­ ed - readily took part in the construc­ tion of and staffing of these figments of the imagination. In those days the Hospital Float was looked forward to by parade watchers with great antici­ pation and always brought a burst of laughter. Little Britches Rodeo - 1983

Better luck next time!

Hospital Choir 1978

Christmas Party

139 NURSES' REVUE Back row l. tor.: Lois Lyons, Marge Lyon, Violia Aninger, Phyllis Erickson, Marg Grier, Gladys Longson, Front:Peggy Eddolls, Agnes Wark, Marion Shurman, Joyce Dougherty.

141 1987 Staff Barbeque catered by High River Rotary Club. BOWLING TEAM L. to R.: Marjorie Ricketts (spare), Peggy McCormick (captain), Joanne Ukno, Edna Langenberger, Barbara Vooys, Clairinne Williams.

Dr. York Blayney - Goalie - Provincial Finalists

142 d-/-igh cf?iuE>i :bi11tiict df01pHaf 'Joundation

The Foundation is a registered mountaineer, Sharon Wood. charitable organization established to Its purpose was to raise the funds purchase equipment and support pro­ and increase public awareness, but grams or services that are outside the between the antics of MC Lorne hospital's normal operating budget. Ball and auctioneer (now His Wor­ The organizational meeting of the ship), Eldon Couey, over the past Foundation Board was held on March four years the dinner has become an 18, 1986. R. Roddie was elected entertainment highlight in the hospi­ Chairman, R. Delanoy, Vice Chair­ tal district. man and hospital board member, L. Celebrity items have included Dougherty Secretary-Treasurer. everything from famous hockey Members included Executive Director sweaters, works of art, Charles L. T. Myggland and two other hos­ Lynch's mouth organ, to a flannel pital board representatives, G. Mil­ shirt that was literally taken off the ler and W. Sutherland. back of Parry Sound's most famous Soon after, Drs. Jensen and Was­ farmer, "Charlie Farquarson." ylenko were added as Medical staff liaison. Director of Personnel Dal Langenberger was named Foun­ dation Co-ordinator and Geri Po­ lanchek, Senior Director of Finance and Administration, the accountant. The Foundation kicked off its first campaign on April 11, 1987. They held a Charter Celebrity Dinner and Auction at the High River Memorial Centre with guest speaker, Everest

Happy purchasers. Funds from these dinners were targeted to glass in the hospital's sec­ ond floor atrium. Another was the purchase of a second handibus. Minor projects include the purchase of art works, health promotion, a cash donation for the New Year's Foundation donations in action.

143 Location of proposed atrium.

Drawing of proposed atrium . baby and several pieces of medical $25 for each new card as well as a and educational equipment. percentage of the interest earned by In late 1988 the foundation the Credit Union when the affinity launched its "Share the Pane" card is used. Campaign. It solicitated donations of At the 1990 Celebrity Dinner, $19.90 for each pane of glass in the Chairman Bob Delanoy received the new atrium. Names of every donor first cheque from the Credit Union will be displayed in the atrium origi­ for $2,000.00. nally scheduled for completion in Foundation funds were also 1990. The project has been postponed increased significantly when the hos­ until plans for hospital expansion pital received a large bequest from and capital upgrading are announced Cliff Lougheed of Nanton. next year. As government funding becomes The latest fund raising effort has less and less certain, fundraising and involved the Pioneer Credit Union in effective planning of trust money will High River. Hospital employees may be even more important to the work apply for an affinity card (Master­ of the High River Hospital and Nurs­ card) and the Foundation receives ing Home.

Winona Rouleau began what is now a sizeable and impressive art collection in the Hospital and Nursing Home. Under her instigation, a memorial fund was estab· lished and a painting by Ro­ Enhancing the walls in the in earnest. With the donation of a land Gissing of a scene west patients' rooms, administration of­ painting by Roland Gissing in 1963 of Nanton presented in mem­ ory of Harold Nixon, Chair­ fices, and corridors of the hospital is in memory of Hospital Board Chair­ man of the Board. a variety of paintings, photographs man Howard Nixon, the collection The nursing staff pur­ has been added to over the years. chased a Schintz painting of and silk screens done by local artists. an Indian Chief in memory In 1982 the collection and pur­ Financial fundings have been donat­ of Cecelia Thrun, a devot­ chase of various pieces of art began ed by individuals or families and ed CNA who died of cancer while still a young mother.

144 some money has been allocated from Management) has accepted the task the Hospital Foundation Fund for the of selecting and purchasing the art purchase of new pieces of art. work displayed throughout the hospi­ The Toronto Dominion Bank has tal. She rotates many of the pictures donated two silk screen paintings to to provide a change for the viewer. the hospital. Recently she had several paintings In 1989 Southern Images, a local autographed by the artist who was at art gallery in High River donated Southern Images to meet the public. "The Chiricahua Raiders" by While different people see differ­ Frank McCartly to be auctioned ent things in each piece of art, hope­ yearly over a ten year period at the fully there is something to be found Pickles Dansie Annual Hospital Foundation Dinner. for everyone in the work displayed in "Pickles" Dansie (Materiel the hospital.

The High River Hospital and attitude and behaviour, as well as a Nursing Home makes available an keen effort and good grades are all annual scholarship of $500 for high considered in making the award. school graduates embarking on a Scholarships have been awarded health care career. to Michelle Labbie, 1983, Karen The award is presented to one Wild and Carolyn Cruise, 1984, student from the three senior high Melissa Wiesgerber and Sylvia schools in the Foothills School Adam, 1985, Theresa Fortier and Division and J . T. Foster School in Miles Miller, 1986, Tammy Rey­ On June 22, 1986 the hos­ the Willow Creek Division.This schol­ nolds, 1987, Jennifer (Skory) Rich­ pital was visited by members arship recognizes the importance of mond, and Lloyd Boonstra, 1988, of the International Hospital Federation. Over 200 repre­ well rounded accomplishments. A and Elizabeth Needham, 1989. sentatives from a number of contribution to school, participation Funding is made available by the different countries sp ent a in community activities, a positive Hospital District Foundation. day in High River touring the hospital and attending a western style reception. Canada was host nation to the London based International Hospital Federation Federation which represents national hospital associa­ tions and includes hospital adminis trators, t rustees, architects and physicians. The visitors, on a biennial study tour were from Holland, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Yu­ goslavia, Iran, Iraq, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Ja­ pan, Nicaragua, United States, Australia, and France. Although Canada adopted the Both allow students to spend an process of accreditation in 1958, it allotted time working at the hospital wasn't until the 1970's that the High and nursing home under supervision River Hospital applied for its first as part of their clinical program. evaluation. In 1972 the High River Hospital The Canadian Council on Hospital received a one year certificate, in Accreditation grants accreditation 1976 a two year certificate and in when an institution attains or surpass­ 1979 was awarded its first three year es the Council standards. A certificate accreditation is awarded for one, two or three year With the opening of the new hos­ periods depending on how well the pital in 1982, the administration re­ facility meets the standards set. quested a one year extension, believ­ The process involves both written ing that it would be very difficult to questionnaires and on site inspec­ prepare for an extensive evaluation tion. Every inch of the hospital is when they had been in the facility for examined with inspectors focusing such a short time. This was denied mainly on the impact the hospital but once again, staff pulled together has on patient care. and received a three year certifica­ Provisional accreditation means tion, not only for the hospital but for that most of the standards have been the nursing home and auxiliary hos­ met with room for improvement. pital as well. This was repeated in Patient security or quality of care 1986 and 1989. may be in question. Non accredita­ In its latest report, inspectors tion indicates serious weaknesses used words like "excellent, remark­ which may have a direct effect on able and impressive" to describe patient care and safety. staff, services and programs offered Although the program is volun­ throughout the facility. tary, hospitals are encouraged by the Although everyone heaved a col­ Alberta Hospital Association to seek lective sigh of relief when the inspec­ accreditation. It indicates to health tion was over, hospital and nursing care consumers that their hospital home staff are not about to rest on has attained or surpassed very rigid their laurels. standards and in part enables hospi­ An accreditation committee is tals like ours to maintain a residency already in place and planning is program with The University of being done for the next accreditation Calgary and the Alberta Vocational which will automatically take place College for the Registered Nursing in 1992. Assistants program.

146 At the present time, long term moved onto the second floor of the new care is an area of the health system hospital as a part of an integrated under immense scrutiny. Lifestyles health care continuum. have changed dramatically over the They were no longer a visible part past 70 years and this has affected of a community which included small how we care for our young as well as children and neighborhood pets. Nor our old. Present demographics tell us could they just walk out the front that more changes will have to be door to sit in the garden and touch made in the very near future. the flowers. In the beginning people were born at home and they died at home. Parents and grandparents often lived together. Private nursing homes, al­ though not always well run, filled the gap for those elderly whose families couldn't or wouldn't care for them. There were changes, good and not as good that came about when the re­ sidents of the Twilight Nursing Home . '· \ irt! ' ~ But conditions in the old nursing home had been less than acceptable for some time. The new hospital would guarantee residents quality health care and pleasant surround­ ings. The caring dedication of its staff has resulted in making the people who have come to call the nursing home and auxiliary hospital "home", to feel as much at home as possible in an institutional setting. At all times residents are encour­ aged to maintain the highest possible ~ level of health and independence. They are taken out into the commu­ .t .A nity for a variety of activities and the "Sharing a little tender loving care, Irving and Mrs. Ida Lewis".

147 community is brought in to them by a variety of people. Volunteers, enter­ tainers, teachers, family and friends are always welcome on the second floor to participate in ways that are meaningful to everyone. Every resource in the hospital is available to nursing home residents and auxiliary patients to ensure that each aspect of their well being, physi­ cal, emotional, mental, social, and Enjoying the outdoors. spiritual is attended to in a compe­ tent and caring way. into long term care. Home care was the entry point SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY and its mandate was to provide ap­ Because the High River Hospital propriate care at the lowest level pos­ To support those who are is deeply committed to helping the sible, with institutionalization the caring for elderly relative in their homes, the hospital elderly and the disabled remain in final option. Supported by local phy­ provides a vacation or their homes as long as possible, it sicians, the committee co-operated in respite bed on the auxiliary sharing resources and expertise. floor. The cost is equal to was quick to support the Foothills that of a private room in Health Unit in its bid to become the Over the three years they developed long term care. Applications rural pilot for the single point of a process that provided a consistently are made through the hospi­ tal's Long Term Care Coor­ entry to long term care. fair and client based assessment and dinator. From 1986 to 1989 the hospital placement to long term care. was part of a committee with repre­ When the pilot ended, Single sentatives from other area hospitals, Point of Entry became permanent. So successful was the High River Hospital's Single lodges, nursing homes, auxiliary hos­ The committee will continue to over­ Point of Entry experimental pitals, Home Care and consumers, to see the process as well as actively program that many hospitals focusing on the well being and educa­ throughout the province are develop a one-stop approach to the now adopting similiar as­ assessment and placement of people tion of senior clients. sessments.

The Old Blayney Clinic

I II I__ From Minutes of the High River Municipal Hospital Board Meetings

April 1932 - Salary Schedule 1 Floor Maid ...... $30.00 Matron._ ...... -...... $100.00 per month Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Nurses .. ·-··-···········$50.00 to $70.00 pletion of three months. Lab Technician .. $10.00 over nurses Head Laundress ...... $40.00 Orderly ...... $60.00 Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Laundresses ...... $30.00 to $35.00 pletion of three months. Maids ...... $25.00 to $30.00 2nd Laundress - Required ..... $30.00 Cook ...... $50.00 Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ pletion of three months. Sept. 1942 - Salary Schedule Fireman - Janitor ...... $90.00 Sec.-Treasurer ...... $120.00 Auditor ...... $65.00 Matron ...... $105.00 Following this schedule salaries O.R. Nurse - Lab Tech...... $ 80.00 moved consistantly upward. New Years Babies of the Past Has been on staff 18 months. Subject to increase of $5.00 at completion of May 1952 - Salary Schedule Jan. 1, 1962 Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Chypa 30 months. Per Month - Steven 1 Nurse ...... $75.00 Sec.-Treasurer ...... $245. 00 11:42 a.m. On staff over 30 months Superintendant ...... $220.00 1968 5 Nurses ...... $65.00 Asst. Superintendant ...... $1 70.00 Mrs. & Mrs. Jim Fam Subject to increase of $5.00 at com­ Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ - Casey Neil Black Diamond pletion of 18 and 30 months. pletion of 6, 12 and 24 months. 4 Nurses ...... $60.00 Operating Room Nurse ...... $180.00 Jan. 3, 1969 3:18 a.m. Subject to increase of $5.00 at com­ Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Mr. & Mrs. Lorne Bishop -Deanna Lyn pletion of 6, 18, and 30 months. pletion of 6, 12 and 24 months. R .R.2 High River Graduate Nurses ...... $160.00 6 lb. 13 3/4 oz. 1st Cook ...... $50.00 Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Jan. 1, 1972 Has been on staff less than 6 months pletion of 6, 12 and 24 months. Mr. & Mrs. Tom Gross Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Certified Aides ...... $ 95.00 - Thomas James Okotoks pletion of 6 months. Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ 10:22a.m. 2nd Cook - Required ...... $40.00 pletion of 6, 12 and 24 months.

Jan. 1, 1975 Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Office Assistant ...... $110.00 Mrs. Linda Thompson - boy pletion of 6 months. Cook ...... $125.00 7:30a.m. Kitchen Helper ...... $30.00 Assistant Cook ...... $ 85.00 Linda & David Cameron - Robert David Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Laundress ...... $ 85.00 7:35 a.m. pletion of 3 months. Assistant Laundress ...... $ 75.00 4 lb. 13 oz. 2 Ward Aides ...... $35.00 Fireman Janitor ...... $180.00 Jan 1, 1977 Has been on staff over 12 months. Jan. 1963 - Salary Schedule Diane & John Forbes 1 Ward Aide ...... $30.00 Per Month High River 7:56 a.m. Subject to increase of $5.00 on com­ Gen. Duty Nurses ...... $350.00 7lb 3 oz. pletion of three months. Cert. Nursing Aides ...... $195.00

149 Evelyn Leitch and Parade Marshall Myggland officially open 1990 Little Britch es Rodeo. Driver, Omar Brough­ ton.

The Minister of Health The Hon. Nancy Betkowski and Lorence Myggland co­ parade marshalls ..

Preparing the Float. 1990 has been a very special year Each month a different depart­ for employees at the High River Hos­ ment was responsible for making a pital and Nursing Home. In 1989 an display board and organizing appro­ Anniversary Committee was struck priate events to mark occasions such to coordinate events in a way that as Heart and Stroke Month, Nutri­ would truly celebrate each month of tion Month, Canada Fitness and Non The first baby born in the year. Smoking Weeks. Staff entered whole­ 1990 was Jessalyn Sarah Kaytar, on January 1st at Activities for both staff and com­ heartedly into Participaction and 15:48. Proud parents, munity were planned to balance edu­ Little Britches Weekend. Marcie Anne and Paul were cation, health awareness and good, The Steering Committee of the first to receive a specially designed diaper pin to mark old fashioned fun. Elaine Mason, Mary Baines, the occasion. The hospital kicked off the New Chris Tannas, Addie Sorkilmo Year with a public skating party and and Ella Fung succeeded in every fireworks at Emerson Lake, complete venture except providing themselves The Little Britches Rodeo with a huge anniversary cake and with Olympic style hostess suits for marked the Hospital District's Anniversary by hot chocolate. the January skating party. "Gus" declaring the parade theme, Other activities for staff included Allen put in hours of extra time de­ "70 Years and Still Healthy". Minister of Health, The an Ethnic Pot Luck Supper, a family signing and ordering diaper pins, Hon. Nancy Belkowski barbeque, Oktoberfest celebrations seals, pins, beer steins, scarves and and Executive Director, and the traditional Christmas Din­ shirts, all complete with the Lorence Myggland, were co-parade marshalls. ner/Dance. Anniversary logo. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS January featured a fami­ ly skating party complete with fireworks, birthday cake, and family outing on the ice on Emerson Lake.

February was the Ethnic Pot Luck Dinner.

March Nutrition and Physiotherapy Month saw daily m enu changes and Heart Smart recipes and exercises.

April - Celebrity Dinner­ / Auction and Volunteer Ap­ preciation Night.

May - Little Britches Rodeo parade and pancake breakfast.

June - Staff family bar­ becue in George Lane Mem­ orial Park.

10th Anniversary Committee Gesina "Gus" Allan Mary Baines Ella Fung Dal Langenberger Shirley Mann Elaine Mason Pam McAteer George Porter Marjorie Ricketts Eunice Schmuland Addie Sorkilmo Chris Tannas Skating Party

Hospi.t a l Pancakedeo B re akfast - Little Britches Ro

Staff Family Barbecue

..¥~ ~ ' '•,/ Staff Family Barbecue St. Patricks Day - T.G.I.F.

Emma Kearny was born in County Kildare, Ireland. She came to the High River Hospi­ tal and Nursing Home in 1980. Emma celebrated her 105th birthday in April, 1990. (some say she is 109 years).

., '\

Changt:

The year 1990 marks 70 years of is hope that a decision will be made continuous health care in the district in the immediate future. and the beginning of a new decade. At its June meeting, the Board The High River Hospital contin­ approved changes in organization ues to be at the centre of many pro­ structure which allows the Executive grams and services. Already it has Director more time to concentrate on made changes that will enable it to strategic planning, future direction react to any new agenda that may be and alternate funding for the hospi­ set by government in response to its tal's programs and services. A com­ recently released Rainbow Report. mitment has been made to continue Over the next two or three years at the present level without staff or proposals will be put forward regard­ program cuts. ing new boundaries, new health author­ Former Assistant Executive Dir­ ities, a need to integrate existing ser­ ector, Marjorie Ricketts was ap­ vices or share others that may be pointed Senior Assistant Executive Dir­ introduced. ector, and Emily Brookwell, Director In January 1990 the hospital of Patient Care, named Assistant Exe­ joined forces with administrators and cutive Director. Both take on more boards from five area hospitals and responsibility for day to day operations. L orence Myggla nd con­ two health units to form the South­ The hospital continues to be ac­ tinues to represent the hospi­ tal on a variety of boards ern Rural Health Care Committee. tively involved in a number of and institutions with dis­ Its mandate was to conduct a feasi­ organizations: The Calgary Regional tinction. bility study on the future of rural Conference, The Alberta Hospital As­ In 1984 he became Chair­ man of the Calgary Regional health care within its boundaries and sociation, Southern Alberta Regional Conference, and a founding report back to Alberta Health with Conference, the Alberta and the Certified Member of the Can­ adian College of Health Ser­ recommendations for better and more Canadian Long Term Care Associa­ vices Executives, in 1989 he cost effective ways to provide and tions, the Chamber of Commerce, and was awarded Fellowship in deliver health services. The Report is a number of other local associations. the same organization, and in 1990 becam e President­ due in September of 1990. Whatever the future holds, the Elect of the Canadian Long The Hospital board is still active­ High River Hospital and Nursing Term Care Association, and a m ember of the A merican ly pursuing approval from the gov­ Home remains open to new ideas and College of Health Care Exe­ ernment for expansion and upgrad­ eager to explore any alternatives cutives. Few rural Canadian ing of its physical plant. Although it which will provide good health care for Administ rators h ave been adm itted to this college looked certain two years ago, a change all those living within its boundaries. He is a frequent lecturer of Ministers, a provincial election and and member of various task forces esta blish ed by th e an uncertain economic future com­ Government ofAlb erta. bined to put the project on hold. There

161 The High River Museum has furnished a room in honour of the 10th Anniversary ofDedicated Service provided in the High River Hospital District. .-:::::: ::::::::::::: Jr CHE8RRTIR6 •lD YERRS Of , II c:lf'iound

"What goes around comes around". major issue is still the struggle to As we chronicle these 70 years of provide the best, most effective Health Care, it is ironic that we have health care possible with the limited come full circle. From the days when resources that are available. people such as Mrs. Ada Twiss ac­ Financial resources have always companied Dr. York Blayney to assist been fickle. Government grants and with medical treatments and deliver­ requisitions are economically, as well ies in the home setting, to the pre­ as politically driven, and by necessi­ sent day, once again health care is ty, health care budgets have borne reaching out to the community. the side effects of Alberta's own fiscal From the very beginning, we've well being. been talking about integration, ex­ We've also been talking about pansion, and budgets. people, and over the years, our hu­ And though the boundaries and man resources have remained con­ bottom lines may have changed, the stant. It is those people, with their equipment and how it's ordered and ideas, dedication, innovation, hu­ purchased more sophisticated, the mour, co-operation, courage, hard titles and job descriptions more man­ work and determination, who have agement oriented, and the buildings shaped the course of our history and even more state of the art, we're still fashioned our success. talking about integration, expansion Their vision has kept this Hospi­ and budgets. tal District not only in step but at the But at the heart of the matter, (as head of the line. it was in 1920 and even before), the

164 9hE La1t wo1d1 of thi1 1fo1J bElong to cJVla7.J §urn9E7..ich, cJ?c!Vc;lf, who in hn 1990 7..di'l.Emrnt 1.fEEch foLLowin9 twrntJ­ ninE and a hat( JE.aH of JEJicatE.d 1.EwicE in cJh9h cJ?iuE'l.. df01.pitaf. 1tafrd:

fl clffthou9h WE aiE in an DJE'"l-chan9in9 woifd, 1omE thin91 iEmain con1tant, thin91 that matfri thE mo1t. lOuE'"l thE !JEai1, onE of thE thin91 that 1tand1 out thE mo1t i1 caiin9 about oui fELLow-man, whafruE'"l hi1 nEEd1. clfnd ju1t a1 thE1E nEEd1 WE'"lE md in thE bE1t wa!J po11ibLE, with thE knowf­

Ed9E and u1uipmEnt that wa1 auaLlabLE in thE pa1t, 10 thE!J a'"lE md toda!J in thE bE1t wa!J po11ibLE with nEw frchnolo9!J· [/ am confidEnt that thE!J will al10 bE md in thE futuiE.

CfhE'"lE wLll continuE to bE frau of jo!J, 1onow; fiu1hation, and caiin9. !But thiou9h it all, pEopLE of thE communit!J will continuE to f EEL thEi'"l hand1 1hEn9thEnEd in caiin9 f oi Each othE'"l.

23Ecau1E ·~}tL9h cf?iuE'"l df01pital & c:IVuuin9 dfomE i1 thE'"lE. fl !Book CommittEE

Lucille Dougherty Gladys Longson

Allan Murray

Steve Sears Barbara Vooys

Eldon Seney 166 The Book Committee gratefully acknowledges assistance and materi­ al received from The Provincial Ar­ chives, Glenbow Archives, Museum of the Highwood, High River Centennial Library; Ted Dawson Photo/Graphics, Janet Nash, Cathy Bennington, Stan Clayton; source material from Life and Legends, Fun In The Foothills (Dr. Stanley), The High River Times, The Nanton News, The Western Wheel, The Eagleview Post, The Calgary Herald; Buttons and Bones, the many people who provided infor­ mation, pictures and interviews; Hospital administration, staff and board members for their unfailing patience; Pam McAteer, and all those too numerous to mention, who helped make this book possible.

167 Adam, Sylvia 145 Bachus, Dr. Percy 2 Ackerman, Bernard 112 Bahan, Mr. & Mrs. Bob 58, 163 Ackermann, Seisa 118 Bagwell, Jock 106 Airhart, Marie 113 Bailey, Bill 106 Aitken, Neva 95 Baines, Mary 90, 151 Allain, Kathleen 117 Ball, Ben 73 Allan, Gesina "Gus" 115, 116, 151, 152 Ball, Lorne 143 Allan, Dr. J as. A. 14 Ball, Margaret H. 93, 133 Allen, Rosie 13 Ballachey, A.A. xi, 9, 72, 73 Allison, Mavis 95 Ballachey, Lola xi Andersen, Barbara 85, 91, 96, 133 Barber, Dr. Kirk A. 93, 100 Anderson, A. 7 4 Barclay, Virdell 104, 106 Anderson, Bud 128 Barstad, Joan 95 Anderson, Laura 58 Barton, Elsie (see Robertson) Anderson, Linda. 7 5 Bates, Marti 106 Anderson, Lora 58 Bateman, Joanne 125 Anderson, J.O. 73, 106 Bates, Pauline 97 Andressen, Kim Elizabeth 93 Battle, Miss 53 Annett, Sheldon 105 Beagle, Helen (see Mrs. Lyle Snodgrass) Aninger, Viola 141 Beamer, Tillie (nee Holowaychuk) 28, Antliff, Dr. 76, 77 49,51 Archibald, Janet 96 Beaton, A. 74 Arbour-Huff, Geri 95 Beaton, Alta (see Mrs. C.W. MacCrae) Arbuthnot, Donna 11 7 Beattie, Barbara 25 Arca, Ofelia 122 Beaton, Bessie (see Marshall) Arca, Vito 122 Beaton, L. 73 Ardiel, Dr. A.E. 17, 18 Beattie, Bessie (see Skuse) Ash, Geo. 128 Beaubier, Miss 8 Aspden, Laura 88 Beaulieu, Donita 93 Attwood, Louise 11 7 Beausoliel, Father 129 Auld, Dr. 12 Bechtel, Dr. 14

168 Becker, Pamela 95 28,30,31,38,48,53,55,67,76,87,99, Bedingfield, Mrs. H. E. 41 137,142,164 Bedingfield, Norma (see Lower) Blum, Jane 106 Beddome, Lois 58 Blum, Richard 106 Beers, Marilyn 97 Bond, Miss 10 Befus, Richard 106 Bonnieman, Mrs. 18 Bell, Wm. (Bill) 5, 31 Boonstra, Lloyd 145 Bellamy, Dr. Dick 15 Boschma, Mr. & Mrs. Tom 129 Belley, Eileen 58, 91, 114, 115 Bosgra, Sheri-lynn 116 Bennett & White Western Ltd. 79 Bossart, Brad 106 Benns, Sherrill L. 93 Boucher, Jean Maurice 11 7 Benson, John 106 Bouck, Dr. 15 Bentz, Mr. Donovan 100 Bourne, Jenny 15 Bergen, Roxanna 106 Bowerman, Janice 95 Bergin, Cynthia 49, 53, 54 Bowlen, Rev. Fr. 24 Bergin, Don 126 Bowman, Carol Anne 97 Betkowski, The Hon. Nancy 150, 151, Braaten, Debbie 116 152 Brackley, Shirley 110, 111 Bews, Wm. H. 73 Bradford, Dr. Sr. 11 Bice, Philip R. 73 Bradford, Dr. A.C. 12, 13 Bickford, Agnes & Lillian 45, 50 Bradley, Bella 53, 67 Bishop, Mr. & Mrs. Lorne & Donna Lyn Bragg, Bernice 58, 91, 109 149 Braithwaite, Dr. E.A. 13 Bird, Dixie 125 Branch, Becky Jo 97 Bird, R.P. 73 Brand, Olga 64 Bird, Kathy 45 Breeding, W.P. 16 Bird, Michael 73, 7 4 Brisbin, John 85 Blades, Mike 105 Brocklebank, Myrtle 46 Blair, Mrs. Doreen 53 Broderick, Elizabeth 62 Blakeman, Cathy Ann 96 Brookes, Mrs. Jean (nee Laidlaw) 23, Blanc, Mrs. Albert 34 24,25,26,43,44,86 Blasius, Marie 74 Brookwell, Mrs. Emily 63, 64, 108, 161 Blayney, Dr. Bruce 4, 6, 53, 76, 77, 100 Brown, Ann 122 Blayney, Joan 114 Broughton, Omar 150 Blayney, Dr. Margery 4, 6, 76, 77, 94, Brown, Dr. A. 0. 16 99 Brown, Elizabeth 93 Blayney, Hertha Schiebner 55 Brown, Dr. Gordon 11 Blayney, Dr. York 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 20, 26, 169 Brown, Rob 102, 106 Carpenter, Ellen 4 7 Brown, Wendy L. 97 Carr, Mrs. Charlotte 18 Bryden, Robert 106 Carr, Miss 54 Brownridge, David 117, 119 Carnihan, Elizabeth 46 Bruinsma, Sophia 93, 136 Cascadden, Helen (see Mrs. Edwin Bryson, Pauline 95 Service) Buchanan, Jim 110 Carscadden, Mrs. Mary 40, 58, 59, 61, 65, 128 Buck, Charlotte (see Whiteside) Carson, Dr. Geo. 6, 11, 13 Buchanan, W. 7 4 Carswell, Nanette 125 Buckwitz, Lillian 97 Cartwright, Mrs. A. E. (see Eleanor Buick, Pat 106 Hughes) Burgess, Sandra J . 97 Caspell, Wm. 72, 73 Burke, Mrs. Ida 12 Cass, Glen 125 Burke, Cora (Mrs. M.C. Burke, nee Cora Castel, Jeanne 95 Stauffer) 6, 7, 10, 11,18,23,24,25 Chandler, Marva 96 Burke, Dr. Michael Charles 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 16,26,38, 76 Chatfield, Mr. 78 Buehler, Margaret 125 Chikowski, Lorraine I. 95 Buswell, Dr. R. E. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 22, 24, Chipchase, Joanne 121 26,31 , 43 Chipchase, Maria 97 Burnett, Kathleen (Mrs. Frank Burnett, Chisholm, Bonny 93 nee Christie 10 Cho, Young In 116 Byam, Dr. Flayne 77, 99 Christensen, Chris 63

Cairns, Florence 25 Christensen, Ken 106 Callahan, Mrs. Ann 41 Christensen, Myrna 97 Callahan, Marie 41, 131 Christie, Judith 54, 97 Cameron, Mr. & Mrs. David & Robt. Christie, Kathleen (see Burnett) David 149 Christie, Mary 124 Cameron, Florence 25, 27, 44, 45, 46 Christoffel, Shirley 58 Cameron, Lori 106 Christopherson, Yvonne Head 46, 4 7 Cameron, Dr. Paul 93, 100 Chypla, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred & Steven Campbell, Dorothy (see Gardiner) 149 Campbell, G.W. 73 Clark, Betty 90, 113 Campbell, Trudy 113 Clark, C. xi, 9 Card, Annette 97 Clark, Chas. A. xi, 7 4, 78, 87 Cardinal, Linda 95 Clark, Mrs. Dorothy 56, 109 Carey, Margaret 31, 51, 55, 57, 61, 69 Clark, Mrs. Grace x1 Carleton, Mary L. 97 Clark, Joe xi, 87 170 Clark, Peter x1 Dale, A. and Associates 28 Clark, Marnie (see Soby) Dalling, Patty 79 Clark, Mary 125 Dansie, Riske 116, 145 Clark, Nellie (Stewart) 25 Davies, Evelyn 129 Clarke, Terry C. 106 Davis, Kirk 106 Clayden, Dwayne 106 Davis, Marie Meyer & Walter 7, 31 Colbow, Heather 125 Davidson, Colleen 116 Cole, Brendan 115, 116 Davidson, Miss 11, 34 Collier 48 Davidson, Marilyn 55, 65 Colwell, Dianne 125 Davidson, Vanita 125 Comstock, Jean 58, 74 Dawson, Keith 74 Congdon,Dr.Val 100 Dawson, Margaret 95 Conway, Dr. 77 Day, Bruce 106 Collard, Shirley 132 Dearman, Gayle 11 7 Cooper, Dave 106 Deck, Mary E. 95 Cope, John H. 70, Deitz, Mrs. Margaret 7 4 Copple,Mrs.J. 64,81,86,91,117 deJong, Florence 7 4 Cornils, Andrea 106 Delanoy, R. 143 Cosgrove, Barbara 122 DeLong, Dr. E.W. 16, 17 Cote, Pamela 97 DeLong, Winnifred 17, 18 Couey, Eldon 143 Denison, Iona 118 Cowling, F. J. 66, 73 Derbecker, Rosemary 125 Cowling, Lois 116 de Ryke, Maria 75, 96 Cowling, Shannon 95 Derrick, J. P. 54, 73 Cox, Norma (see Goodwin) Dickson, Bob 106 Cramer, Dr. Joseph 58, 76, 163 Dickman, Brian 106 Cramer, Mrs. Mary (Shanke) 58 Diebert, Mabel 25, 44, 4 7 Creighton, Dr. J.A. 14, 76 Dingwell, E. 48 Cross, Dr. W.W. 39 Doll, Dale 106 Crowe, Margaret (see Sears) Dorrett, Irene (Mrs. Ned Theroux) 32 Cruise, Carolyn 145 Dorrington, Karen 125 Culver, Lorna 116, 125 Dougall, Geraldine 106 Cummings, Miss 10 Ducommun, Mrs. Albert 16 Curry, Rene (Mrs. Al) 25 Ducommun, Laverne 55, 61, 65, 71, 72, Cuthbertson, Mrs. Kathy 63, 91, 125 81,82 Czechak, Gloria 93 Dudley, Vivian 64, 71 Dale, Hazel 118 Dunn, Mrs. Ann 52

171 Dunham 48 Evans, Dr. Barry 77, 99 Duthie, Deborah 11 7 Evans, Carol 105 Duthie, Linda 125 Evans, Evelyn 118 Dougherty, Joyce (Mrs. Mike Dougherty, Evans, W.J. 12, 72 nee Miller) 45, 46, 47, 52, 55, 58, Ewanishin, Sandra 121 113, 141 Dougherty, Lucille (Mrs. Jack Dougherty Farn, Mr. & Mrs. Jim & Casey Neil 149 nee Russell) 46, 47, 74, 85, 143 Farquharson, Mrs. C.A. 129 Dozeman, Carol 105 Farquharson, Charlie 143 Dozeman, John 105 Farrelly, Jennifer 117 Dubois, Mrs. 48 Faubert, Kelly 95 Eadie, Elaine 106 Ferguson, Carol 95 Eaglesham, G. 74 Ferguson, Dr. H.J. 2 Eagleson, Mrs. Evaline 74 Ferrie, Nona Lee 97 Earle, Dorothy 46, 4 7 Fiddler, Ruth 50 Eckford, A.H. 9 Findlay, Mrs. Mary 15 Eckford, Mrs. A.H. 8, 9, 129 Findlay, Naomi (nee Eix) 13, 43, 45, 113 Eddolls, Peggy Murphy (Mrs. Eddolls, nee Heath 46, 51, 52, 53, 60, 113, Fisher, Dr. Chas. T. 38 141 Fisher, Miss Helen 45, 46, 48 Edwards, Bob 4 Fitzherbert, Walter 52 Edwards, Beverly 109 Forbes, Diane & John 149 Edwards, Jim 106 Flanagan, Dr. Michael 76 Edwards, Larry 106 Flaterud, Edith 50, 63, 113 Egeland, Jean 95 Fletcher, Dr. Christine 99 Eix, Naomi (see Findlay) Fleury, Audrey 124 Elke, Rita 11 7 Flood, A.J. 72 Elliott, Kaye 95 Flynn, Manley viii, 73, 74 Elliott, Ruth 95 Foroozan, Phyllis 97 Elliott, Shirley 97 Forrest, Annie 15, 16 Ellis, Dr. Ross 76 Forsyth, Dr. Cliff 4, 47, 76, 77 Elliott, Mrs. Rose (see Lusk) Forsyth, Chris 97 Elves, J.S. 73 Fortier, Theresa 145 Elves, S.E. 73 Foster, Dr. Norman 4, 31, 76 England, Janice 109 Fowler, Karen 93 Erdman, Mary Ellen 97 Fox, Cheryl 95 Erickson, Linda 93 Fox, Irene 64 Erickson, Phyllis 97, 141 Fox, Joan 59 172 Fraser, Mrs. Alpha 41 Goffinet, Alhena 93 Fraser, Janet 116 Golightly, Mrs. 54 Fraser, Surgeon General 1 Golightly, Rene (see Mrs. Al Curry) 25 Freeman, Dora 11 7 Goller, Marion 11 7 Fredell, Linda 91, 135 Goodwin, Earl J. 66, 71, 73 Friesen, Diana 95 Goodwin, Norma Cox 44, 45, 51 Friesen, Sharon 93 Gordon, Beverley 109 Fuch, Miss J. 54 Gordon, Mabel (see Green) Fung, Ella 95, 121, 151, 152 Gorsche, Dr. Ron 77, 86, 94, 99, 121 Fyfe, Sherry 95 Gostola, Bonnie 95 Gaede, Don 123, 124 Grant, Mandy (see Noble) Gaffney, Patricia 113 Gravert, Amy 25 Galbraith, Dr. Chas. 12 Green, Clarence W. 7 4 Gahan, Trent 106 Green, Mable (Mrs. John Green, nee Galeski, Veronica 106 Gordon) 33, 45,46 Gallant, Georgina V. 93,117 Greenbank, Don 58 Gamble, Mrs. Lena 75 Greenfield, Premier 22, 23 Gardiner, Dorothy (nee Campbell) 14, Greenwood, Deborah 112 15,16,25,44 Gregor, Dale 106 Garies, Rita 110 Gregor, Valerie 125 Garstin, Robin 7 4 Grey, David 58 Gartner, Gwen 121 Grier, Marg 141 Gates, Edith Elliott 15 Gribble, Kay (see Overand) Gauley & Vandenhoogen 21 Gross, Mr. & Mrs. Tom & Thomas James Gauvreau, George 106 149 Gavelin, Ida 51, 52 Groves, Ms. Barbara 100 Geerlinks, Rita 95 Guengerich, Mary 40, 52, 53, 59, 61, 62, 113, 119, 165 Getty, The Hon. Don 53 Gurevitch, Dr. Ralph 93, 94, 100, Gibson, Dr. Janet 18, 19, 20, 76 Haggart, Miss 9 Gibson, Dr. Wm. Morris 18, 19, 20, 26, 53, 76,99,137 Hague, Jean 48 Gifford, Erica 46 Haiste, Audrey 50 Gilbert, Isabel (see Pearce) Hall, Pat 64 Giles, Janice 109 Hall, Sue 95 Gillis, Terry 35 Hall, Mrs. Ursula 52, 54 Gilchrist, Noreen 96 Hall, Willow 75 Gissing, Roland 51, 144 Hallett, Miss Laura 1 Hallett, Roy 7 4 173 Halverson, Chuck 102 Hitchcow, Blanch 95 Hamilton, Kay 94 Hodges, Dr. F. H. 76 Hamilton, Dr. W.T. 2 Hoelscher, Joseph 8 Hanson, Anne (So by) 5 Hoffman, Carolyn 125 Hansen, Jean Stanton 49, 51 Hoffman, Dean 116 Hari, Marilyn 97 Hoffner, Cheryl 114 Harris, J.F. 74 Hogg, Florence (see Mrs. Neal Trout) Harrison, Florence 25, 43, 44 Hogg, Janet 25 Hart, Mrs. Isobel 45, 4 7 Hollingsworth, Miss 10 Hatcher, Mrs. Tom 11 Holmes, Dorothy 41, 93 Hayes, Mrs. Ed (nee Marjorie Mossop) Holowaychuk, Tillie (see Beamer) 18 Holowaychuk, Viviane 124 Hayman, Mrs. M.K. 18 Holte, Irene 93, 106 Head, Yvonne (see Christopherson) Holtzman, Bill 59, 106 Heales, Miss Georgia 8 Hoogwerf, Linda 58, 121 Heaton, Joe 106 Hoover, Dr. Edgar 99, 100 Heather, James 125 Hopp, Olive 93 Hector, Sir James (Palliser Expedition) 1 Hoppenheit, Ursula 74 Hedley, Dawn 116 Horn, Mrs. 129 Hefferman, Miss L.M. 13 Horning, Dr. Benjamin 38 Heggs, Vail 125 Hosmer, Robt. 132 Hemus, Brad 109 Houlden, Geo 73, 74 Henckel, Berend 120, 121 Houlton, Ken 7 4 Henderson, Betty 95, 121 Hoveling, Mark 105, 106 Henderson, James 57 Howard, Mary (Mrs. Ted Howard nee Heninger, Donna 125 Wilson) 10 Herbert, Kay 54 Howard, Melba 46 Herring, Dr. S. F. 76 Howcroft, Mrs. 129 Heseltine, Hilda Kitt 41, 46 Howe, Brenda 97 Heslip, Flora 118 Howes, Miss Violet 56 Heywood, Mrs. L. 41 Howie, Jean 96 Hicklan, Everett 54 Howie, Jeff 106 Hiebert, Miss Katie 54 Huckle, Mr. & Mrs. H. 74 Hill, Dr. Grant 76, 77, 94, 99 Hughes, Eleanor (nee Cartwright) 10 Hill, Pam 95 Hughes, Mrs. Jean (nee Jean Webb) Hindes, Kendra 95 10 Hing, Quon 9, 10, 22, 25 Hunt, J.S. 70, 72, 73

174 Hunter, Annette 95 Jones, Peter 106 Hunter, Netta (see Miller) 7 Jones, Rick 17, 82, 83, 116, 117 Hunter, Roy 106 Jones, Shirley 106 Hunter, Ruth 43 Jones, Tara 125 Hussey, Lucille 118 Jonkman, Trudy 97 Hyypia, Mona 97 Joseph, Dr. Gerard 100 lngs, Dr. 22 Kabyama, Mary 48 Irving, Kay & Clarence 41 Kaiser, Paul 104, 106 Irwin, Inez A. 11 7 Karran, Bill 106 IsBell, Eric 105 Kaye, Janice 125 IsBell, Lark 59, 102, 106 Kaytar, Paul & Marcie Anne & Jocelyn Sarah 151 Jarvis, Barbara 54 Kearney, Miss D.G. 46 James, Heather 125 Kearny, Emma 159 Jeeva, Dr. Adam 76, 77, 94, 99 Keen, Dr. V.H. 14, 15, 17 Jeffers, Marcia 95 Kellam, E.C. 39 Jeffers, Mr. 21 Kells, Miss 53 Jenkins, Harold S. 73 Kelly, Jane E. 64, 97 Jensen, Arlone 55, 74 Kelly, J. 73 Jensen, Dr. Brian 77, 99, 143 Kenned~Agnes 15 Jensen, Keith 74 Kennedy, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth 15 Jensen, N.P. 73 Kent, Dorothy 105 Jensen, Pat 58 Kent, Vance 105 Jessup, Clyde 73 Kervin, C.B. 72, 73 Johnsen, Sylvia 126 Kiemele, Brenda 125 Johnson, Barry 28, 48, 55, 71, 72, 81, Kewley, Grace 54 128 King, Ken 106 Johnson, Carrie 54 King, Lee-Ann 113 Johnson, Dino 105 King, Linda (Kaye) 74, 75 Johnson, Eileen Anderson 54 Kinghorn, Alberta (see Wambeke) Johnson, Fred 106 Kinghorn, Bessie 61 Johnson,H.D. 27,73 Kirton, Gladys 96 Johnson, Jean .Sl Kirton, Les 101 Johnson & Martens 67 Kitchen, E.R. 73 Jones, Miss Eluned 53 Kibblewhite, Russell 7 4 Jones, Jim 106 Knight, Edward H. 85 Jones, Juanita s·cott 117 Knight, Mrs. 18 175 Knupp, Lillian x Leeferink, Hank 7 4 Kolling, Mrs. 129 Ledoux, Grace 121 Koch, E. 128 Leigh, Gordon 106 Kochalyk, Denise 11 7 Leigh, Sharon J. 97 Kolnar, Gerda 50, 7 4 Leitch, Mrs. Evelyn (nee Robertson) Koster, Ann 58, 63 23,24,43,55,86,150 Kratz, Miss 66 Leong, Dr. James 93, 94, 100 Krause, Pauline 104, 106 Lepp, Miss Sharon 56 Kreksch, Kay 54 Leung, Susan 63 Kroeker, Helen 96 Lewis, Cheryl 125 Kucher, Leslie 96 Lewis, Doreen 74 Kuck, Emil 72 Lewis, Earl 7 4 Kumlin, Ruth 45 Lewis, Ida 147 Kuntz, Danelle C. 41, 51, 52, 53, 55 Li, Sunny 121 Kunz, Victoria 93 Lincoln, Dr. W.A. 25 Labbie, Michelle 145 Linstead, J. "Scotty" or "Lindy" 43, 45 Laidlaw, Dr. M.H.O. 24 Little, Dr. Andrew 15, 53, 55, 65, 76, 77,137 Laidlaw, Jean (see Brookes) 23, 24, 25, 26 Little, Eluned (Lyn) Jones - Arnold 52 Laing, Genevieve 45 Little, Jessie 46 Laird, Frances 124 Lobe, E.M. (Betty) R.N. 75, 95, 96 Lamont, Miss Isabel 46, 48, 66, 67 Lobe, Ingrid 95 Lander, Dr. Dave 18 Lock, Gary 106 Lander, Dr. Harry 18 Lockhart, David 91 Lane, Donald 106 Loeffler, Elizabeth 11 7 Langenberger,Dal 91,112, 143,152 Long, Lynn 106 Langenberger, Edna 77, 81, 91, 108, 142 Longson, Gladys 28, 41, 53, 55, 113, 137, 141 Lamont, Miss Isabel 66, 67, 71 Longson, John 85 LaRock, Joan 106 Loree, Con Ings 40, 54 Lavender, Dr. Joanne 100 Loree, Deborah 124 Lavender, Patricia 121 Lorenowicz, John 106 Laverock, Peter 106 Lorenzen, Tammy Lee 97 Lawrence, Ivy (see Wallator) Laughead, Cliff 144 Laycraft, Camille 40, 54, 96 Laughead, Margaretha 93 Leach, Tammy 106 Lougheed, The Rt. Hon. Peter 86 Learmonth, Dr. G. Everett 2, 3, 22 Leavitt, Bonnie 122 Lower, Norma (Mrs. Earl Lower, nee 176 Bedingfield 44, 45 Marles, Les 110 Lucas, Vicki 97 Marshall, Bessie (Mrs. Charlie Marshall, Lusk, Rose (Mrs. Harry Lusk formerly nee Beaton) 44, 45 Elliott 18 Marshall, Olive (Mrs. Grant Marshall Lyon, Marge 61, 62, 95, 141 Thorne) 44 Lyons, Mrs. 54 Marshall, Rosanne 95 Lyons, Doris M. 114 Martel, Mrs. 8 Lyons, Irene 109 Martin, Jerry 112 Lyons, Lois 141 Martin, Joan 125 Lynch-Staunton, The Hon. Frank 84, Martin, Joy 95 85,86 Martin, Timothy 106 Marx, Dr. Lennart 99 MacCrae, Alta Beaton 25, 45 Mason, Elaine 112, 113, 151, 152 MacDonald, Bea 9, 33, 49, 50 Massie, Mrs. 52 MacDonald, Kate (see Mrs. O.V Snodgrass) Matheson, Jean (see Mrs. MacNabb) Macdonald, Leslie C. 125 Maxwell-Joyner, Dr. 18, 76 MacDonald, M. 74 Medway, Dr. J.C. 76, 77 Macdonald, Valerie Jean 93 Meech and Meech, Architects 27 MacDonald, Winnifred Louise 14 Melbourne, Dr. Terry 94, 100 MacDonald, Dr. Wm. J. 77, 94, 100 Mercer, Dr. Dennis 49, 53, 60, 76, 77, Mackenzie, Mary Jane 125 85,94,99 MacLean, Alice Roseman "Rozzie" 50, 51 Merkel, Gaylene 124 MacLeod, Eleanor (see Stanley) Metke, Marion R.N. 75 MacQuire, Bob 114 Meyer, Geo. 74 Mack, Geo. E. 70, 71, 72 Michael, Marg 45 Macklin, Mike 135 Middleton, Noreen 114 Mace, S.M. 72, 73 Middleton, Betty Griffith 50 Mack, George E. 70 Miffian, Shirley 50 Maguire, Irene 53 Millard, Nurse 15 Mahmud, Dr. 76, 77 Miller, Gwen Hartwick 54, 73, 74, 143 Mallinger, Frank 73 Miller, Jacqueline 93 Maltby, Dr. 76 Miller, Joyce (see Dougherty) 47, 113 Mandel, Kim 116 Miller Netta (Mrs. Albert Miller nee ' Mann, Shirley · 95, 127, 130, 132, 133, 152 Hunter) Manson, Catherine 122, 133 Miller, Miles 145 Manson, Don 126, 133 Miller, Orial 75, 96 MacDonald, C

177 Mitchell, Beverley 92, 93 McCombe, Dr. Barry 76 Mitchell, Nadine 113 McCorquodale, Miss 12, 43 Mitton, Cecil N. 19, 20, 54, 73 McCorquodale, Mrs. A.Y. 129 Mitton, Noreen 11 7 McCormack, Peggy 93, 133, 142 Moe, Rick 106 McCracken, Dr. James 99 Moncrieff, Larry 116 McCredie, Judith 95 Monro, Ron 105 McCuaig, Allan 7 4, 85 Montgomery, Stella (see Williams) McCullough, Annie 11, 12 Moore, Mrs. Carol 52 McCullough, Sarah (see Wheeler) 11 Moorehouse, Florence 25, 26 McCully, Miss 9 Moran, Miss 53 McDaniel, Dorothy 118 Morasch, Brian 104, 106 McDonald, Mrs. Bea 9, 33, 137 Morgan, Cheryl 95 McDonald, Miss Mae 10 Morgan, Sharon 64, 90, 91 McDonald, Mrs. Dan & Brendan 88 Morrison, Gerri 109 McDougall, Chuck 78 Morrison, Sue 93 McDougall, W.C. 9 Mortimer, Mavis 74 McGivern, Lila 25 Marvis, Joyce 116 McGuigan, Dr. Peter 100 Mospnay, Paul 106 Mcinnes, Lynne 95 Mossop, Marjorie (see Hayes) Mcintosh, Wm. 54, 72, 73 Mounkes, Lorraine 106 Mcintyre, Scott 106 Mouser, Elizabeth J. 93 Mcintyre, Thomas 73 Munday, Dr. 76 Melver, Michael 106 Municipal District 1920 Map 16 Mclrvine, Geo. 21, 34, 72, 73 Murphy, Peggy Heath (see Eddolls) McKay, Douglas 110 Murray, Allan 17, 74 McKay, Geo. B. 73 Murray, Dr. J .S. 17, 38 McKay, James 8 Murray, Dr. Ken and Essie 7, 13, 14, 38 McKay, J. Munro 7 4 Murray, Margaret 16 McKay, Kitty (Mrs. Frank) 18 Myers, Mary (Mrs. Verne Myers, nee McKeage, Barbara I. 93 Plestid) 45 McKenna, Florence 95 Myggland, Lorence T. ix, 72, 80, 81, 85, 89, McKenzie, Dr. Hector 14, 18 91,108,116,143,150,151,152,161, McKenzie, Dr. Rod 76 McAllister, Mary & Les 7 5 McKenzie, Dr. W.M. 76 McAteer, Pam 133, 134, 152 McKie, Dr. 15 McCaig, Miss 12 McKinnon, Brian 102, 106 McCartly, Frank 145 McLean, Carolyn 95

178 McLellan, Rev. Fr. Greg 85 Noble, Mandy (Mrs. Harry Noble) 48 McLeod, Miss Annie Mabel 10, 12, 18, Noble, Thomas 73 21,22,23,24,25,26,34 McLeod, H.B. 44, 73 O'Callaghan, Dr. John J. 76, 77, 99 McLeod, Jean 53, 54 O'Dell, Judy 64 McMillan, Florence (see Mrs. J.M. O'Gorman, Dr. 77 Cairns) Ogle, Mrs. Olive 52, 64, 118 McNabb, Jean Matheson 25, 44 Ohlheiser 105 McNeil, Anne, nee Thomas 45, 46 Oland Construction 28 McN eill, Kay 45 Oldis, Corrine A. 96 McNeilly, Dr. 76 Olson, Margaret 114, 115, 116 McNichol, Mrs. Nora 28, 71 Orchard, Gord 102, 106 McWatt, Dr. 18 Orum, Sharon 109 Orr, Ken 106 Nadeau, Lorraine 127 Orr, Sherry 97 N adorozney, Fern 25 Ostrander 48 Nash, Jennie 12 Overand, Kay Gribble 25, 44, 45, 46 Needham, Elizabeth 145 Neish, Diane 63, 94, 115, 116 Petro, Mrs. 18 Neish, Kelly 125 Pace, Jane E. 97, 112 Nelles, Dr. 18, 48, 76 Parker, Barbara 116 Nelson, Penny 11 7 Parker, Kully 73 Nelson, Betty & Mr. & Mrs. Keith 25 Patterson, Alberta 71, 72 Nelson, Karen 96 Patterson, Arthur 7 4 Nelson, Ted 129 Patterson, Les 102, 106 Newland, Anna 118 Patton, A.O. 74 Newman, Doris 127 Paul, Alma 118 Newman, Francine 124, 125 Pawlitzki, Dave 106 Newman, Richard 54, 74, 78, 79, 86 Pearce, Isabel Gilbert 44 Newton, Dr. John B. 18, 76 Pearl, Mark 106 Nickel, Doreen 93 Pedersen, Irene F. 113 Nichols, Dr. Pamela 100 Pennifold, Shelley 95 Nieman, Dr. Peter 100 Peppin, Mary 97 Nickerson, Doug 106 Percival, Benita 124 Niven, John 79, 81, 82, 91 , 110 Perehudoff, Wayne 106 Nixon,H.T. 28,51,66, 73,144 Perry, Mildred Cox 49, 113 Noble, Geo. House 42 Peters, Miss 30 Noble, Gloria 116 Peterson, Aline 116

179 Peterson, Clarence 73 Rasmussen, Christine (see Mrs. Milligan) Peterson, Florence 46 Rast, Erich 101, 102, 106 Peterson, Karen 52 Ratzlaff, Martha 97 Petersen, Lois 11 7 Rawlings, Kathy 106 Pflughaupt, Mrs. 129 Read, Eric 74, 86 Pickens, Debra 95 Reding, Barbara 116 Pickering, Barbara 125 Rehak, Dr. Robt. 94, 100 Pickering, David 106 Reid, Miss Ethel 8 Pickersgill, Louise 106 Repson, Mary Nell 48 Pierce, Mrs. Tommy (Muriel Watt) 25 Remington, Dr. 76 Pippus, Vivian 131 Remmer, Henri 73, 74 Podesky, Norman 7 4 Rensby, Ellen 95 Polanchek, Geraldine 91, 109, 143 Reuser, Terri 96 Palinkas, Isabel 64 Reynolds, Tammy 145 Pollard, Ida Thompson (Mrs. Roy) 44 Rhinehart, Cora 12 Pon, Jeannette 117 Richardson, Janet (Hogg) 25 Porter, George 103, 106, 152 Riches, Joan 121 Porter, Kay 35 Richmond, Agnes 125 Postgate, Mrs. Vinnie 75 Richmond, Jennifer (Skory) 145 Powell, Jeannine 95 Riehl, Lorna 113 Powell, Thelma 43 Riehs, Carl 112 Prairie, Milli 97 Richardson, Janet (see Mrs. Archie Prather, Kathy 106 Hogg) Prentice, Helen 46 Ricketts, Marjorie 75, 91, 108, 142, 152,161 Presley, Anne 54 Riess, Jette 75, 96 Primerand, Salvatore 106 Riley, Senator Dan 1 Prince of Wales, Edward 24 Riley, Miss 12 Prosser, Miss 10 Riley, Nellie (Mrs. Neil Riley nee Purask, Jeanette 59, 60, 80,90 Stewart) 10, 12 Quinn, Anne 95 Risdahl, Randy 106 Quinn, Terry 106 Robbins, Emma 133 Quon, Dora 48 Roberson, Sharon 11 7 Quon, Phyllis 52 Roberts, Ernie 106 Robertson, Alistair H. 74 Raffin, Aldo 105 Robertson, Elsie (Mrs. Joe Robertson Ramsey, Miss 11 nee Barton) 10, 24, 25 Rasmussen, Beryl 129 Robertson, Evelyn (see Leitch)

180 Robertson, Dr. G.M. 14, 15 Schmidt, Helen 13 Robertson, T.W. 128 Schmidt, Jack A. 12, 54, 72, 73 Robertson, Val 52 Schmidtke, 0. 74 Robillard, M. 74 Schmuland, Eunice 113, 152 Robinson, Morley V. 112 Scollen, William 135 Robison, Ed 7 4 Scott, K. R.N. 75 Robison, Howard 7 4 Sears, Eulana Smith 58, 93 Roddie, R. 143 Sears, Margaret (Mrs. Steve Sears, nee Rogan, Susanne 96 Crowe) 48 Rogers, Lorraine 122 Sears, Steve 48 Rogers, Margaret (see Webster) Sedgeley, Judith 31, 51 Rose, Margaret 48 Seeby, Madeline White 58 Ross, The Hon, J. Donovan 28 Sequin, Marie 96 Rother, Susan 96 Seifert, Dr. Fred W. 2 Rouleau, Winona 51, 144 Senger, Dr. Len 15, 77, 99, 124, 136 Rowland, Svea 49 Service, Mrs. Helen Cascadden 25, 26 Ruddock, Linda 125 Seufert, Wendy 106 Ruddy, Ms. Sandy G. 100 Sewell, Joann 113 Russell, Lucille 4 7 SexSmith, Miss Abigail 8, 12 Rustebakke, Dr. Dale 77, 94, 100 Shardlow, Judy 93 Ruth, Fred 110 Sharp, Steve 106 Ryan, Ann 97 Sharpe, Don 106 Shaw, Geo. 73, 7 4 Sanders, Dr. Stuart 100 Shaw, Jacqueline 97 Sands, Dr. Ed. 7 4 Sheppard, Henry N. 9, 54, 72, 73 Sapinsky, Earle 93 Shurman, Marion 141 Saunders, Dr. W.E. 12 Short, C.C. 9 Savrtka, Joe 56, 91, 102, 103, 106 Short, Mrs. C.C. 127, 129 Sease, Sandy 58 Short, Faye 116 Schamberger, Dr. Geo. 11, 16 Short, Janice 125 Schanke, Mary (see Cramer) Short, Lucie 49 Scheidma, Ann 15 Siemens, Heather 96 Scheuerman, Johanna Lee 9 Sim, Fern (see Mrs. Joe Nadorozney) Schroeder, Judie 97 Sillanpaa, Dr. R.V. 100 Schlender, Otto 102, 106 Sims, Dr. Harry V. 99 Schmaltz, Miss 54 Siray, Dr. Brian 99, 100 Schmidt, Harold · 81, 91 Skelton, Dr. David 93, 99

181 Skory, Jennifer 122 Spiller, Arlene 7 4 Skuse, Mrs. Bessie (nee Beattie) 10, 25 Squire, Jean (see Smith) Smail, Tim 106 Stafford, Susan 35 Smiley, Robert 106 Standing, Jocelyn 122 Smith, Dr. Arnold 35, 50, 76, 77, 94, 100 Stanley, Eleanor MacLeod 44, 46 Smith, Bob 106 Stanley, Dr. G.D. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 17, 31 Smith, Carolyn 97 Stanley, Mrs. G.D. 128 Smith, Colleen 53 Stanley, Mrs. V.C. 129 Smith, Diane 103 Stanton, Miss (see Hansen, Jean) Smith, Edith 96 Stapley, Susan Pennifold 58 Smith, Jean (Mrs. Arnold Smith, nee Starke, Miss 8 Squire 35, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 54 Stauffer, Cora (see Burke) Smith, Mary Weber 48 Steed, Dr. Wade 99 Smith, Steve 106 Steele, Alice Kathleen 96 Smithson, Lori 96 Steel, Paula 93 Snider, Janet 108 Stegmeier, Fred 106 Snodgrass, Helen (nee Beagle) 25, 43, Stevenson, Cawston & Dewar 66 44,101 Stevenson, Virginia 7 5 Snodgrass, Kate 25 Stewart, Ida (Mrs. M.C. Burke) 6 Snodgrass, Larry 101 Stewart, Nellie (see Mrs. N er Clark) Snodgrass, Robert 101 Stewart, Nellie (see Riley) Soby, Dr. Harold xi, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 31, 38, 76 Stewart, Mildred 7 5 Soby, Marnie (Mrs. Harold Soby, nee Clark) xi, 5, 8, 25 Stockton, Dr. F. W. 1 7 Soderberg, Leland 79 Stoness, Amy (see Mrs. Royce Gravert) Somes, Mike 106 Stroud, Estelle 58, 61 Sondum, E.J. 71 Straathof, Judith 127, 130 Sorkilmo, Adeline 95, 96, 151, 152 Stuart, Anne 97 Sosnoski, Fran 106 Stubbs, Alma 25 Spackman, Mrs. Alice 18 Sturrock, Joan 50 Spackman, Barbara 131 Suitor, Helen 118 Spackman, Donna Mary 93, 97 Suitor, Lou Ann 96 Spackman, Dr. Keith 77, 94, 99, 103 Sutherland, Mabel (see Mrs. Gilbert Diebert) Spackman, Dr. Ron 100 Sutherland, Wilson J. 73, 74, 78, 85, Spalding, Mrs. Elizabeth 8 86,143 Speer, Elwin 97 Swan, Mrs. 58 Spencer, Viola 7 4 Swain, Frank 27, 35, 44, 45, 47, 48, Spiegel, Sally 124 66, 71 182 Talbot, Cecil 7 4 Tiffen, Dr. 15 Talbot, Pearl 10 Tighe, Katherine (see Turnbull) Taggart, Bev 97 Tinney, Agnes 54 Tangen, Suzanne 116 Todd, Alice-Ann 105, 113 Tannas, Christine Scott 53, 60, 92, 93, Todd, Lana 96 151,152 Todd, Ryan 105 Tannas, Lori Anne 93 Toll, Dr. 14 Tannas, Mildred 118 Tomkins, Beulah 41, 55 Tarasoff, Mrs. Ruth 52, 53, 55, 65 Tomkins, Dean 54, 61 Taskey,Mabel 15 Toth, Julia 61, 62 Taylor, Gladys 11 7 Tovee, Lynda A. 58, 93, 116 Taylor, The Hon. Gordon 86 Traptow, Rod 102, 106 Taylor, Percy and Son 27 Trolley, Linda 54 Tennant, Miss 46 Trout, Mrs. Neal (Florence) 25 Tenove, Dr. John 15, 77, 99 Turnbull, Katie Tighe 15 Tesky, D. 74 Turner, Betty 120, 121 Theroux, Ned 32, 46, 54 Turner, Sharon 97 Thiessen, Kari 113 Tuttle, Amy 4 7 Thiessen, Reg 102, 106 Tycholis, Norene 121 Thiessen, Robin C. 96 Twiss, Mrs. Ada 164 Thiessen, Terri 125 Thilson, Margaret 45 Ukno, Joanne 142 Thinhardt, Dr. 16 Upton, Dr. W.W. 11 Thomas, Anne (see McNeil) Ully, Brenda 96 Thompson, Ida (see Pollard) Vaitkunas Jamieson Ltd. 78, 85 Thompson, R. Keith 110 VanTighem, Mrs. L. 41 Thompson, Lila (see Mrs. Dan McGivern) Van Zuiden, Dr. L. 93, 99 Thompson, Mrs. Linda 149 Varndell, John 106 Thompson, S.S. 73 Virtue, Gord 106 Thompson, Miss T. 44 Vis, Bill 59 Thorne, Olive (see Marshall) Vooys, Barbara 93, 94, 117, 133, 142 Thomson, Joan 114 Thrun, Mrs. Cecelia 55, 65, 144 Wait, Miss Mabel 10 Thurber, Bruce 102, 106 Wall, Dr. 14 Thurber, Frank 74 Wallace, Mary 52 Thurber, Jack 73 Wallace, R.A. 128 Thurlow, Mrs. Viola 75 Wallator, Ivy 25, 44, 45

183 Wallis, Annie 12 Whitehead, Monica 125 Walsh, Vince 96 Whiteside, Charlotte (see Buck) 25, 43, Wambeke, Alberta (Mrs. J. Wambeke 45,98 nee Kinghorn 44 Whittick Bros. 28 Wannop, Dr. Geo. 14, 15, 17 Wickens, J.A. 34, 73 Wannop, Larry 105 Wiebe, Al 106 Ward, Brian 105 Wiereter, Debbie 61, 91, 106 Ward, Frank 73 Wiesengerber, Melissa 145 Ward, Shirley 124 Wight, D.C. 37 Ward, Mrs. Wm. 8 Wild, Karen 145 Wardley, Scott 106 Williams, Dr. David 94, 100 Wark, Caroline 96, 141 Williams, Clairinne Audrey 93, 142 Waterstreet, Denise 96 Williams, Stella (nee Montgomery) 44 Watkins, Sgt. Major 43 Williamson, Alta 25 Watkins, David P.W. 106 Williamson, Wilma 11 7 Watson, Lisa 97 Willis, Dr. Ernest 2 Watson, Jean 74 Williamson, Lindsay 110 Watt, Dorothy 45 Wilson, H.H. 12, 72, 73 Watt, Frank 43 Wilson, Jane 91 Watt, Muriel (see Mrs. Tommy Wilson, Miss Mary (see Howard) Pierce) Wilson, Mrs. M. 44 Wasylenko, Dr. Eric 99, 143 Wilson, Dr. W. 76 Wayne, Louis 76 Wing, 9, 10 Weaver, Bruce 106 Wojtowicz, Tony 55, 59, 63, 65, 102, Webster, Mrs. Margaret 25 103,106 Webb, Jean (see Hughes) Wolf, Dr. Nel 76 Weber, Marie (see Smith) Wolstenholme, Geo. 85 Wegener, June 125 Wood, Erica 96 Weibe, Donald 74 Wood, Sharon 143 Weidenhammer, Tom 74 Wood-Johnson, Faith 119, 121 Welch, Dr. Henry W. 1 Wright, George 105 Wellman, Ed 73 Wright, Susan 106 Wheeler, Blanche 11 Warner, Mrs. 12 Wheeler, Sarah (Mrs. Egbert J. Wheeler, nee McCullough) 11 Yelland, Flora 48 White, Deanna 105 Young, Mrs. Lillian 52 White, Kay (Mrs. Bill Potter) 44 Young, Mrs. Norman 129 Young, Marjory 25

184 Young, Mr. & Mrs. George 24 Zebedee, Len 106 Younggren, Debra 93 Zilka, Linda 125 Zaun, Kim 106 Zubach, Lisa 96

185

main In the spirit of good RA medicine 983 .HS High River Hospital and .H53 Nursing Home. 012076 DATE DUE DATE DUE - ~ ,..._,-..-.--.. . ~ ' .-=-i u ,-71,~ .. ft.\JL-...., ...._ iri'=, - T

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Al~ra HEALTH 10025 Jasper Avenue 24th Floor P.O. Box 2222 EDMONTON, Alberta IBRARY AND T5J 2P4 QUIRY SERVICES BRANCH