volume 6, number 8 - July 2008
Beyond 10,000 –
Patient Safety Symposium
focuses on partnering
with patients and families
More than 500 staff and other health care
professionals attended the annual Hamilton
Health Sciences Patient Safety Symposium
at the Hamilton Convention Centre on June
4. It was the fifth year for the conference and
the focus was on partnering with patients and
families to improve patient safety.
“Partnering with patients is not a project,
it’s a journey,” said Murray Martin, President
and CEO of Hamilton Health Sciences, in
his opening address. The keynote speaker,
Dr. Allan Frankel, an anesthetist and patient
safety advocate from the Institute for Healthcare
Improvement, also talked about the importance
of learning from patients. “A healthy health
care system is a continuous learning system,”
he said.
More than 100 staff members demonstrated
their commitment to safety by submitting a
record number of posters describing some of
HHS’ homegrown patient safety initiatives.
The People’s Choice Poster Award went to
Customer Support Services staff Mark Smith,
Katherine Adams, Frank Amantangelo, and
Jeff Revill for their creative poster entitled:
“Preparing Support Services Staff to Work
Safely and Effectively in Patient Care Areas:
An Innovative Approach to New Employee
Orientation and Refresher Training.”
Twenty-one other staff made oral presentations
at the symposium’s always-popular breakout
sessions.
Patient Safety Triad members were asked to
submit an entry outlining an accomplishment or
initiative in patient safety they had undertaken.
From these entries, one ballot was randomly
selected for the grand prize of an all-expensespaid trip for three triad members to the Institute
for Healthcare Improvement’s 20th Annual
National Forum on Quality Improvement
in Nashville, Tennessee. The winners were
members of the 7 South triad, which includes
Sue Donovan, Mary Ann Watts, Leigh Barr, and
Jana Lee Breton.
Teresa Smith, Assistant Vice President of
Quality, Patient Safety and Clinical Resource
Management, joined other speakers in paying
tribute to the participants and the role they have
all played in advancing safety at Hamilton Health
Sciences. “We still have a ways to go in realizing
our goal of zero preventable deaths, but we’re
on the right track and engaging patients and
families is the natural next step.”
Delightful massage – Marie Reynolds, a Biggest Loser Challenge participant, enjoys a free
15 minute massage courtesy of Human Resources. Back row (l to r) Louise Taylor Green, Vice
President Human Resources & Organizational Development; Hope Jervis, Registered Massage
Therapist; Michele Apsimon, Dietitian in the General’s ICU and leader of the ICU Biggest Loser
Challenge; and Carrie Johnston, Dietitian on ward 6 West and leader of 6 West’s Biggest Loser
Challenge.
Weight-loss challenges motivate
staff to shed pounds
They call it the Biggest Loser Challenge,
and boy were there some losers. Ryan Ibay
a staff member in the Acquired Brain Injury
Program lost 31 pounds, or 14.5 per cent of
his body weight in just four months. Marie
Reynolds, an ICU nurse at Hamilton General
Hospital lost 14.8 pounds, or 8.52 per cent of
her body weight in just two months.
Inspired by “The Biggest Loser” television
show on NBC, three separate units (the
Acquired Brain Injury Program, the ICU at
the General, and ward 6 West at the General)
all embarked on their own Biggest Loser
Challenge. To shed some extra pounds,
interested staff members exercised more,
made better food choices and motivated
each other through friendly competition.
Participants chipped entry money into a pot in
hopes that they would prevail as ‘The Biggest
Loser’ and win a few hundred dollars spending
money.
Dan Carrol, Rehabilitation Therapist,
started up the Biggest Loser Challenge for
the Acquired Brain Injury Program. “The
competition got the 25 people who signed up
excited and energized about losing weight,”
said Dan. “I got many e-mails from staff
thanking me for starting this initiative because
they wouldn’t have been motivated enough to
lose the weight on their own.”
Carrie Johnston the dietitian who started
the challenge on ward 6 West, led lifestyle
classes for participants and put them on a
points system that allowed them to eat 50
calories per point, making their own food
choices. Meanwhile, Michelle Apsimon, the
dietitian who led the ICU’s challenge, inspired
participants by keeping physically active.
“Michelle was a great role model because she
runs in the morning or at lunch, proving that it
is possible to make the time for daily physical
activity,” said Marie Reynolds, challenge
participant.
When Louise Taylor Green, Vice President
Human Resources & Organizational
Development found out about the Biggest
Loser Challenges, she wanted to do something
to reward the staff for taking such an
innovative approach to their health and wellbeing.
“I thought it was a terrific idea,” said Louise.
“You know, making a major lifestyle change is
very difficult, and let’s face it, working in the
health care environment has some risk factors
– long hours, physical strain, traumatic events
– so we want to focus on holistic employee
well-being when we can.”
Not only were the participants rewarded
through their improved health, but Louise
decided to fund a reward of free 15-minute
massages for the top 45 biggest losers. It was
an unexpected and welcomed perk for those
who worked together to eat better and get
more exercise.
Providing the comforts of home to palliative patients and
their families
Simple pleasures like a cup of tea, soft music and a cozy afghan can make a long
hospital visit easier for palliative care patients and their families. These are just
a few of the items available on a new palliative care cart on ward 6 South at
Hamilton General Hospital. The cart was created to make the remaining time
family members have to spend with their loved one as comfortable as possible.
During this time, family members want to stay close to their loved one’s bedside
and hesitate to even leave the room to grab a quick cup of coffee or tea. The cart
is made available to families when they are staying at the hospital for 24 hours or
more.
Sue Mahler, a physiotherapist on 6 South, got the idea for the cart from the
long-term care facility where her father stayed. “The time we spent with
our father during the last hours of his life was precious and the items
on the cart enabled us to spend more time with him,” said Sue.
“I thought our palliative patients and their families could benefit
from something similar here.”
Sue collaborated with Traci Leighton, a palliative care social worker, and
together they obtained funding from the Volunteer Association for the carts.
Many of the items on the cart were donated by staff, such as a lamp for soft
lighting, a coffee maker, a CD player, and a selection of CDs, magazines
and books. The cart also includes two palliative care handbooks written by
Dr. Elizabeth Latimer, a palliative care physician at Hamilton Health Sciences.
Two more carts are planned for wards 7 South and 8 South.
Homemade afghans are also available on the cart. Sheila Faguy, an avid knitter,
was a patient on 6 South when she started knitting an afghan to pass the time.
As fate would have it, the cart idea was in the works when Sheila was in hospital,
so when she learned of it, she decided to keep knitting and donate her afghans.
So far, she has knit and donated more than a dozen. The afghans are given to
palliative patients during their stay and then given to their families to take
home in memory of their loved one after they’ve passed away.
“I wish something like this was available for my mother when she was ill,”
said Sheila. “This is my way of volunteering and helping
comfort others during a difficult time in their lives.”
Comfort and care – Left to right:
Traci Leighton, Palliative Care Social
Worker, Sue Mahler, Physiotherapist on
6 South, and Sheila Faguy, a former HHS
patient and an avid knitter, have been
instrumental in providing the comforts
of home to palliative patients and their
families through a palliative care cart at
the General.
Hamilton General Hospital heart patient sets Guinness World Record
Guinness World Records recently recognized former Hamilton General Hospital
patient, Alfred Foster Revell, as the world’s longest surviving quadruple heart bypass
patient. Alfred underwent surgery 30 years ago on June 17, 1978, and returned
to Hamilton General Hospital on the anniversary to celebrate. He also presented
Cardiac & Vascular Program staff with an official Guinness Book of Records
certificate.
“It’s wonderful to see Mr. Revell has lived a full life since his surgery,” said Dr. Kevin
Teoh, Chief of Cardiac Surgery, Hamilton Health Sciences. “We’re honoured to
share this historic achievement with him.”
Hamilton General Hospital is a regional provider of advanced cardiac services, and
cardiac surgery has evolved significantly since Alfred’s surgery. New procedures
and technological advancements over the past 30 years have dramatically reduced
the amount of time patients spend in the hospital from two to three weeks to
approximately five days. The number of cardiac surgeries performed daily has
grown from only one or two per day in 1978 to up to eight each day. Last year,
Hamilton General performed 1,469 cardiac surgeries. Dr. Alfonso Parisi, who
performed Alfred’s surgery, was one of the first pioneers in open heart and
bypass surgery at Hamilton General Hospital.
At 93, Alfred is currently living independently in his own apartment and
sleading an active life. Born September 9, 1914, in Yorkshire, England, he is a
shining example of a lively gentleman who genuinely enjoys life. He is truly an
inspiration to others who have had similar surgery or are facing the prospect due
to heart disease.
Since his surgery, Alfred has produced many large oil paintings; actively pursued
his passion for golf, joined the choir and was a soloist with the Hamilton Geritol
Follies. He continues to participate in senior activities.
“The bypass surgery gave me a new lease on life,” said Alfred. “I would like to
thank Dr. Parisi, the surgeons and staff at Hamilton General Hospital for making
my beautiful life possible.”
The beat goes on – Alfred Foster Revell, the world’s
longest surviving quadruple heart bypass patient,
presents a Guinness World Records certificate
to Dr. Kevin Teoh, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at
Hamilton Health Sciences.
McMaster University
Terry Fox Run for
Cancer Research
Reaching the top: Hamilton General
Hospital celebrates construction
milestone
Date: Sunday, September 14, 2008
Location: McMaster University Student Centre
Time: Registration 11:30 -12:30 p.m. Come
early to enjoy the music and festivities. Run
start is approximately 1 p.m.
Events: Run, walk, ride, or roller blade - 5
or 10 km on campus. There will be a jazz
band, and presentations by cancer survivors
and researchers. Food and refreshments are
provided after the run.
Registration for the run is required in person
on Sunday, September 14. You can download
a Terry Fox Run Pledge Sheet from www.
terryfoxrun.org, sign on to a team, and make
contributions online prior to the run.
Join a team! The HHS teams and team leaders
registered for the run are:
• Juravinski Cancer Centre - Dr. Hal Hirte
[email protected] ext. 64603
• Henderson and the General - Dorelle Scott
[email protected] ext. 43413
• MUMC - Dr. Rob Adam
[email protected] 905-978-3613
• Chedoke - Allan Feldman
[email protected] ext. 74486
To register as a participant on one of these
teams, go to www.terryfoxrun.org. Under the
Terry Fox Run heading, click on Online Pledging,
then click on Search for an Existing Family or
Group to Join. Select Find a Corporate/Group
Team. Search for your team listed above.
For more information, contact your team
leader, or Dr. Jeffrey Sher at [email protected] or
905-318-5338.
If you would like to create and register your
own unique team, contact Lisa Scott at 905628-4987 or [email protected]
Interim Chief of Surgery
On July 1, 2008, Dr. Michael Marcaccio stepped
down as Chief of Surgery for Hamilton Health
Sciences. The initial search committee was
unable to find a successful candidate for
his replacement and has now recruited an
external consultant to help with the process.
It is anticipated that this search will take
approximately 12 to 18 months. In the interim,
Dr. Wes Stephen has been appointed Acting
Chief of Surgery.
“Dr. Stephen has held
a number of leadership
roles with the Department
of Surgery and is wellequipped to guide the
department through this
period of transition,” said
Dr. Dick McLean, Chair of the
Hamilton Health Sciences
Medical Advisory Committee
Dr. Wes Stephen (MAC). “Please welcome
Wes into his new role.”
“A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Michael Marcaccio
for his incredible dedication in the role of
Chief of Surgery,” said Dr. Jennifer Everson,
Vice President Medical. “He has made many
contributions in his role as Chief over the past
decade and his leadership will be missed, not
only within the Department of Surgery, but
also around the MAC and Executive tables.”
Great progress – Hamilton Health Sciences staff and board members joined Building and
Planning Committee members, construction partners and hundreds of front line construction
workers for a “topping off” ceremony on June 12 to celebrate the completion of construction of
the top level of the David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute.
Looking at the Hamilton General Hospital site today, it’s hard to believe that just a year ago the
entire north side of the hospital grounds was roughly 4.5 acres of flattened soil. The site has since
become an epicentre of construction where the massive David Braley Cardiac Vascular and Stroke
Research Institute (DBCVSRI) now stands and where the new Regional Rehabilitation Centre is
taking shape.
On June 12, HHS staff and board members along with ABE – A Joint Venture, which includes
construction partners AMEC, Black & McDonald and EllisDon, joined hundreds of front line
construction workers for a “topping off”’ ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction of the
top level of the building. This common tradition within the construction industry marks the moment
when the highest structural concrete floor in a building’s construction is completed.
The event, which featured a barbeque lunch, raffle prizes and t-shirt giveaways was hosted by ABE
as a way to recognize and thank the on-site workers for their contribution to the project and mark a
significant milestone in construction of the new building.
“This is a special day for the construction crew,” said Kieran Hawe, Project Director for ABE. “So
much of their hard work and dedication went into building this amazing structure, even throughout
the exceptionally harsh weather conditions this past winter. Now that we’ve reached the top
level of construction, they can step back and take a moment to be truly proud of what they have
accomplished.”
“We cannot thank you enough for your hard work on this project,” said Murray Martin, President
and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences. “Be proud in knowing that each of you are an integral part
of building a facility that will greatly benefit health care in this community and support life-saving
research.”
The David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute will house world-class scientists
from two existing research groups; the Population Health Research Institute, currently led by
Dr. Salim Yusuf and the Experimental Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Program of the Henderson
Research Centre, led by Dr. Jeffrey Weitz.
The new infrastructure will provide 197,700 square feet of research space and bring more than 300
new jobs to Hamilton’s core, many of which will specialize in cardiac, vascular and stroke research.
As a result, the Institute will increase Hamilton Health Sciences’ ability to continue to attract and
retain highly qualified medical experts to the Hamilton region.
Construction on the DBCVSRI began in July of 2007 and it is anticipated that phased occupancy of
the building will begin in February 2009.
Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER
th e m o n th l y n e ws l e tt e r o f ha m i l t o n h e a l th sci e n c e s
Awards
Pat Mandy Award
On June 26, the Pat Mandy Award was presented to social worker Fraser Hall (centre)
by Murray Martin, President & CEO (left) and special guest Pat Mandy (right),
CEO of the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network.
As the former Vice President of Patient Services at Hamilton Health Sciences,
Pat’s passion and commitment to cultural diversity and inclusiveness made an
indelible impression on our workplace.
This award honours one staff member who lives Hamilton Health Sciences’
values of respect, caring, innovation and accountability, and who embraces and
role models diversity throughout the organization, influencing others.
Fraser Hall is a Social Worker in the Emergency Department at the General.
He was instrumental in establishing HHS’ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Transsexual, Queer and Questioning Task force (LGBTQ) and is now a member
of the steering committee.
He was also involved in establishing Clothes City at the General, which provides
clothing to individuals who are in need, and is a member of the Hospital Shelters
Working Group.
Submission forms for the 2009 Pat Mandy Awards will be available through
Human Resources in fall 2008. To learn more about this award process or to
nominate a colleague for this award, please visit the Human Resources section
of the HHS Intranet.
Emergency Preparedness Week Code Captain Award of Excellence
The Office of Emergency & Disaster Management (EDM) launched its first
Code Captain Award of Excellence during Emergency Preparedness Week
at Hamilton Health Sciences. Murray Martin, President & CEO (left), Lili
Brylowski Nestor, EDM Specialist (second from left) and Anthea Banks, Director
of Clinical Practice & Education (far right) presented the awards to the recipients
(front row from left): Frances March, Seema Chacko, Dana Gaudette-Zimmer,
Anne Larose, (back row from left): Fran Dawson, Rosemary Horsewood, Colleen
Flowers, Dianna Belitski.
These individuals were nominated for their dedication and leadership to
emergency preparedness. They go above and beyond by participating in code
captain meetings, ensuring their areas practice code reviews and exercises and
submit the required e-forms, and ensuring their areas are prepared with current
Emergency Preparedness Binders and other resources needed for an effective
code response.
In addition to receiving the award plaque, each received a personal emergency
preparedness gift and attended a “Breakfast with the Best” on June 3, hosted by
Murray Martin.
H.O. Stolberg Memorial Award
This year’s recipient of the annual Dr. H.O. Stolberg Memorial Award, Lianne
Broughton (right) shares her special day with her family. Lianne has been a member
of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Hamilton General Hospital for 22 years.
The award was established to honour the former Chief of Diagnostic Imaging,
Dr. Harald Stolberg, and is presented annually to the staff member who shares
Dr. Stolberg’s dedication
to excellence and serves
as a role model and
The Insider is published monthly
ambassador for the
by Hamilton Health Sciences
department. Lianne was
Public Relations &
nominated by her peers
Communications Department.
in Diagnostic Imaging at
Manager
the General for her strong
Heather Pullen
leadership skills and
Editor
dedication to excellence.
Carly Baxter
Graphic Design
Nadia DiTraglia
Contributors
Lili Brylowski Nestor
Jennifer Kramer
Cyprian Estrada
Melissa Macdonald
Peter Foulds
Kim Sopko
Bridget Greer
Hamilton Health Sciences
McMaster University Medical Centre
Room 2E38, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4J9
Each year the recipient’s
name is added to a plaque
that hangs outside the
Dr. Stolberg Library.
WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM YOU
The Insider welcomes comments and suggestions.
Contact us at:
[email protected] or (905) 521-2100 ext. 75387.
Visit us online at www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca