Roundup
An update for staff, physicians and volunteers
Staff with one of the new beds at Greater Niagara General Site are, from left: Karen Cramer, Occupational Therapist; Mary Dietrich, Palliative Care; Lisa Belford, Clinical Manager Unit C & D; and Val Lucey, Unit C Charge Nurse.
Special gifts to our patients
Every day the community’s generosity is seen with donations through our seven hospital foundations to fund much-needed equipment and renovations. This summer, two gifts from Rankin Cancer Run and Canadian Tire Financial Services were a pleasant surprise and will have a lasting impact on the comfort of our patients.
Gel Mattresses and Electric Beds
The Rankin Cancer Run held this past May raised an amazing $455,000. These funds are targeted to cancer care in Niagara and this year, the organizers donated $50,000 to be used by Palliative Care at Greater Niagara General Site. Four gel mattresses and electric beds have been purchased for patients receiving end-of-life cancer care on Medical Inpatient Units C and D. These special gel mattresses greatly increase patient comfort and reduce bed sores and skin breakdown. Electric beds provide greater independence and can be lowered near to the floor to reduce the risk of falls. As well, three special comfort mattresses were purchased for stretchers in the ER and 10 sets of Hollister boots, which are used for ankle positioning and to help relieve heel wounds for bedridden patients, were purchased. Next year’s Rankin Cancer Run is happening May 29. Go to www.rankincancerrun.com for updates.
Patio Lounge Furniture
Being outdoors is an important enjoyment in life and at Douglas Memorial Site new outdoor patio furnishings are making a big difference for patients and their families. The patio furniture was purchased by Recreation Therapy staff, thanks to a $2,000 donation by Canadian Tire Financial Services through staff dress-down days and corporate support. A celebration BBQ was held for patients, family members and staff Sept. 10 to officially break in the loungers, shade umbrellas and glass-topped tables and armchairs.
Special thanks go to Rankin Cancer Run and Canadian Tire Financial Services for adding comfort during patients’ hospital stay. «
Awards of Excellence –
nomination time
The Sept. 30 deadline to nominate NHS employees, physicians, students and volunteers for Awards of Excellence is fast approaching.
As part of the NHS Award and Recognition Program, Awards of Excellence are presented annually to individuals or groups demonstrating exceptional commitment and contribution through our Success Factors or Core Values. Awards are presented in seven categories:
- Compassion, Professionalism and Respect
- Focus on Those We Serve
- Bring Out the Best in Each Other
- Build Strong and Successful Relationships
- Create a Better Way • Use Our Resources Wisely
- The President’s Award (for overall excellence)
All employees, physicians, students and volunteers are eligible to nominate and be nominated. Enter nominations using the online Awards of Excellence Nomination Form on source•net (https://sps01.niagarahealth.on.ca/C15/ NonClinical) or request a hard copy from Organizational Development at ext. 32266 or 32268.
The awards committee reviews nominations and using selection criteria, determines who best demonstrates the behaviours and/or actions required in each category.
Nominees receive a letter of congratulations from President and CEO Debbie Sevenpifer and two tickets to the Christmas Dinner Dance for the awards ceremony. In the case of a nominated team or group, two tickets are given to ensure the group is represented. Award winners receive a glass trophy and selection from a list of lifestyle awards.
This year’s event takes place Friday, Dec. 4, at Club Italia in Niagara Falls. There are many remarkable employees, physicians, volunteers and students deserving of recognition for going above and beyond! «
Congratulations To …
Staff at Welland Site who provided exceptional care to our patients during the replacement of the CT Scanner this summer. Porters, orderlies, facility services and in particular the staff in Emergency and Diagnostic Imaging pulled together as one well-oiled machine to make sure patients received the diagnostics they required in the portable outside.
Hats off to Port Colborne Site retired staffer Claudia (Walker) Brema and community volunteer Jack O’Neill, who organized a fundraising BBQ on Aug. 28 as part of Port Colborne Site staff fundraising committee activities. In recent years, the committee has raised more than $16,000 to purchase patient equipment throughout the site, including wheelchairs and other patient chairs, special mattresses, IV poles.
Congrats to Co-Chairs Sue Nenadovic, Liz Meehan and Nancy Speck who put together another rockin’ good time at the NHS Staff Appreciation BBQ on Sept. 10 at Club Richelieu, Welland. The $5 ticket is definitely the best deal in Niagara for a great meal served by NHS leaders, door prizes, live music and more. See you next year! «
Story submissions can be forwarded to Marjory Adkin-Wilson, Communications Co-ordinator, Ontario Street Site (ext. 43879).
