Roundup
An update for staff, physicians and volunteers
A multicultural approach to problem gambling
Did you know the NHS offers a gambling awareness program targeting a wide range of nationalities in Niagara? The Niagara Multilingual Problem Gambling Prevention Program provides culturally- and linguistically-focused services to Niagara’s diverse population.
The program offers information awareness sessions, problem gambling training for support workers and other professionals, an info centre with multilingual brochures, videos, tool kits and web-based resources. In addition, support is provided to clients of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds who have problems with gambling and related substance abuse and other disorders.
Visit www.gamb-ling.com to find information on gambling and ethno-cultural communities, including safe tips for family and friends. The website has resources in 12 languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Urdu.
Take the opportunity to learn more at displays in October. Check source•net for details. «
News Briefs
Loyalty Recognition Evenings
This month marks our annual Loyalty Recognition Evening, with 745 staff receiving invitations to celebrate their five-year milestone anniversaries, starting with five years of service.
The first dinner Oct. 13 was for employees of Ontario Street, St. Catharines General and Niagara-on-the-Lake sites. The second dinner is Oct. 27 for employees of Greater Niagara General, Port Colborne, Douglas Memorial and Welland Hospital sites. For more information, contact Sheila Sunstrum at ext. 32268 or Rachel Bayley at ext. 32266.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
All employees and physicians with children in Grade 9 are invited to participate in the annual Take Our Kids to Work Day event on Nov. 4. Every site is participating and will have a specific agenda. Numbers are limited – therefore students must register by the Oct. 30 deadline.
Employees who are not scheduled to work a shift on Nov. 4 need to make arrangements with their manager to designate a host who will be responsible for the student. Please also have the consent forms signed by the department manager.
To register, go to source•net and click on the homepage link or contact:
- GNG – NOTL – DMS – call ext. 54927
- SCG – OSS – call ext. 44623
- WHS – PCS – call ext. 32263
NHS Holiday Card Colouring Contest – Deadline Nov. 13
It’s time once again to get your little ones thinking about their entry for this year’s corporate NHS Greeting Card. The Selection Committee will be looking for artwork that illustrates a healthcare theme and has a direct connection to bringing out the best in each other. A selection of art kits, valued at $100, will be given to the winner! For more details and submission guidelines, go to the source•net homepage.
Surveyors coming Nov. 9-12
Notice the Q in our Accreditation logo. There is an ever-increasing focus on Quality in Accreditation, so the Q is a reminder that we strive for quality in all we do. Q also refers to Qmentum – the name Accreditation Canada has given to its new process.
Staff involvement key to November survey
In the past, surveyors interviewed teams and reviewed written material in order to understand our processes. This time, our surveyors will be looking for evidence of quality, ethical and safe patient care by visiting clinical units, asking questions and talking to patients and staff.
The surveyors will trace an entire process from start to finish to examine our compliance to standards. “Staff involvement will definitely be the primary focus for this Accreditation Survey,” says Tracey Davey, Accreditation Co-ordinator and Regional Director Quality, Education, Research and Ethics.
What’s a Tracer?
A Tracer refers to the examination by surveyors of our patient-care processes. A Tracer is interactive, meaning that the surveyor will review client files, talk and listen to patients, staff, families, conduct interviews, have discussions, directly observe process, conduct tours and document what is read, heard and seen along the way.
“We are excited that our care providers are the key people to guide surveyors along the accreditation path,” Tracey says.
Learn more … Be prepared
To prepare for a Tracer, all staff should review the Tracer video on source•net. The video gives a real-life account of what to expect from a surveyor during a Tracer. Go to source•net and click on the Accreditation link in the NHS Spotlight blue box.
The video is divided into sections so it can be reviewed in short timeframes. Also, take a few moments to review Accreditation Information Sheets online and delivered to units by Tracey Davey and Marilyn Kalmats from Quality. The Info Sheets outline the target areas (priority processes) and required practices that surveyors will look for. «
Story submissions can be forwarded to Marjory Adkin-Wilson, Communications Co-ordinator, Ontario Street Site (ext. 43879).
