August - October, 2008 Along the Coast to Labrador Corporate Headquarters: Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A0P 1C0 Nunatsiavut Government and Labrador-Grenfell Health Collaborate to Recruit and Retain Social Workers in Labrador Some of the students participating in the Social Work Program are (clockwise l-r): Gillian Michelin, Nicole Burton, Kristin Blake, Julia Whelan, Stephanie Barney, Mildred Montague, Jacqui Dibbon-Brockerville, Mary- Anne Spearing and Petrina Beals. Missing from photo are: Lynne Gregory, Lisa Shaw, Lindsay Mercer, April Andersen, Jenny Lyall, Cory Freake, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Connie Dyson, Rebecca Rennison, Subhadra Patra, Melvie Colbourne, Hilary Blake, Cathey Earles and Josie Mcneill. Photo by Jenny McCarthy, The Labradorian What s Inside? Satellite Dialysis Unit..................2 Physicians Receive Awards..........3 Professional Development..........4 Patient Safety.......................6 From the Homes....................8 Scholarships.......................11 Service Awards....................12 Foundation Update................13 World Breastfeeding Week.........14 Focus on Staff.....................16 Around the Region................17 Friends of ATCL....................18 FASD Awareness Day..............19 Retirements.......................20 Obituaries.........................22 Comings and Goings..............23 From the Past.....................24 The Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority have joined forces with St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB to bring a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Post Degree Program to Labrador. For several years, both the Nunatsiavut Government and Labrador- Grenfell Health have recognized the difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified social workers to work in aboriginal communities. With funding from the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Thomas University has been contracted to deliver the program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The program is designed with a focus on the practice of social work in aboriginal communities and is offered to employees of both agencies who have completed post-secondary education and have an interest in entering the social work field. Seats have also been made available to other Labrador residents who have social work experience. All students have agreed to provide a three-year return-in-service with an agency within the Labrador-Grenfell Health region that provides services to an aboriginal population. The program will be completed in modules, with twenty-three students attending classes for one week a month during the fall and winter semesters and for five weeks in each spring semester. Students will also complete a work placement at a social work agency. On September 15, 2008, the enthusiastic students began classes with University Professor and Program Director, Sandra DeVink. Remaining courses will be taught by other faculty members and/or qualified individuals from within the region. It is expected that students will graduate in the summer of 2010. On October 1, 2008, program participants and instructors were invited to a meet-andgreet breakfast held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with their instructors, representatives of Labrador-Grenfell Health, the Hon. Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services and Michelle Kinney, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government. Minister Wiseman acknowledged the commitment of the participants to this very unique program and praised their dedication to remaining in Labrador, to provide Social Work Services, upon completion of their studies.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR - AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 2 SATELLITE DIALYSIS UNIT OFFICIALLY OPENS IN HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY Dialysis patients in Labrador are now availing of treatment closer to home through the new satellite dialysis unit at the Labrador Health Centre. This unit is one of two newly established satellite dialysis units in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, with the other in St. Anthony (official opening to be planned for a later date). The Honorable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honorable John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs; the Honorable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; Boyd Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Labrador-Grenfell Health; and Mayor Leo Abbass, Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, for the official opening of the satellite dialysis unit at the Labrador Health Centre on October 1, 2008. In addition, clients and their families, along with dialysis staff, and other representatives of Labrador-Grenfell Health were pleased to welcome the following special guests: Chief Anastasia Qupee and Grand Chief Peter Penashue, Innu Nation; Minister Greg Flowers and Deputy Minister Michelle Kinney, Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government; and long time dialysis services advocate, Kirk Lethbridge of the Labrador Métis Nation. Cutting the official ribbon at the Labrador Health Centre Satellite Dialysis Unit were (l-r): Edward Sheppard (client); Hon. Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services; Hon. John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Hon. Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "We realize there are unique challenges facing dialysis patients in this region, including having to travel to the island portion of the province to receive treatment," said Minister Wiseman. "We are delighted to open this satellite dialysis unit in Labrador and are so pleased that we were able to address the concerns of the residents of this region, who have been looking forward to having this service in their community." "The primary concern of the Provincial Government is the health and well-being of every person living in this province," said Minister Hickey. "This is a service that will greatly improve the quality of life for dialysis patients. The Provincial Government recognized this need and again has committed to improved health care in Labrador." "Until recently, Aboriginal people in Labrador who required dialysis, had to travel to unfamiliar places to receive treatment," said Minister Pottle. "This dialysis unit not only provides a state-of-the-art facility, it enables families to be closer to loved ones." "In line with our mission to improve accessibility to services, we are very pleased to be able to offer dialysis in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region," said Mr. Rowe. "It has been especially gratifying, since implementing this service here at the Labrador Health Centre, to have seen four individuals who had to move from the region to access dialysis services elsewhere on the island, return to Labrador, to receive dialysis closer to their families." "This is a great day for health care in Labrador," said Mayor Abbass. "Thanks to the opening of a satellite dialysis unit here at the Labrador Health Centre, we now have the ability to care for our loved ones at home. Patients requiring dialysis and their families truly appreciate the ability to have their treatments here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay." What is a satellite unit? For many years people who needed hemodialysis were treated in hospital-based units or at home. Satellite units allow people who meet the medical criteria, and who would otherwise be required to travel or relocate to the nearest hospital-based hemodialysis unit, to receive their treatments closer to home. The satellite units are staffed by specially trained Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Biomedical Technologists who, if needed, can access clinical support from nephrologists (physicians specializing in kidney disease) in St. John s. Who might best avail of satellite dialysis services? People who meet certain medical criteria will be able to access hemodialysis services in satellite sites. An assessment must be completed by a nephrologist to determine if a person is an appropriate candidate (medically stable) to avail of this service. People who are assessed by a nephrologist and are considered medically unstable will have to travel to a site where appropriate dialysis services can be safely administered. What is Hemodialysis? Hemodialysis is a treatment for people who choose this form of dialysis. It cleans the blood by using an artificial kidney and a hemodialysis machine. The treatment requires the creation of a fistula (the surgical joining of an artery and a vein in the arm) or an intravenous line in the neck. The hemodialysis treatments are usually scheduled three times a week for three to five hours each time.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 3 LOCAL PHYSICIANS RECEIVE AWARDS Labrador-Grenfell Health congratulates two of its Family Physicians who accepted awards of provincial and national distinction at a recent meeting of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, held in Corner Brook, NL in September. Dr. Judy Ophel received a Canadian Family Physician of the Year - Reg L. Perkin Award (awarded by the College of Family Physicians) and Dr. Yordan Karaivanov received the Dr. Yong Kee Jeon Award for 2007-2008 (awarded by Memorial University). Both physicians are currently practicing at the Labrador Health Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Dr. Judy Ophel has spent all of her career as a Family Physician in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. She attended Queen s University Medical School and first came to this province to complete an elective with Dr. Hugh Twomey in Botwood. She returned to practice Family Medicine in Botwood in 1981 at Botwood Cottage Hospital and practiced in that community until 1994. Dr. Ophel and her family moved to Happy Valley-Goose Bay that same year, where she continues to serve as a Family Physician. Her work has included full service Family Medicine including coverage in emergency, inpatient care, obstetrics, palliative care and regular medical clinics on the coast of Labrador. For many years, she was Makkovik s visiting Family Physician. Since the fall of 2006, she has been making regular clinic visits to the Innu community of Sheshatshiu. She has been a teacher and clinical lecturer to medical students and residents and has held positions of significant responsibility with the NorFam Program in Goose Bay - a teaching program of the Family Medicine Residency at Memorial University. Dr. Ophel is now honored as a Canadian Family Physician of the Year, which recognizes outstanding CFPC members who exemplify the best of what being a Family Physician is all about, including exceptional care of patients, combined with Dr. Yordan Karaivanov addresses his colleagues after accepting the Dr. Yong Kee Jeon Award (Memorial University) at a recent meeting of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter), held in Corner Brook, NL. a significant contribution to the health and well being of communities and/or society in general. Dr. Yordan Karaivanov is a member of the NorFam staff in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, who has been practicing in Labrador for seven years. During that time, he has become very involved with teaching medical students and residents and is a very well liked Family Physician in the area. He teaches and practices in a very culturally sensitive manner and in doing so, exposes residents to many important cultural issues affecting the aboriginal population in the region. His teaching style is very effective, as he has an incredible knowledge base and his practice exemplifies comprehensive care, while maintaining a well balanced lifestyle. Dr. Karaivanov is the most recent recipient of the Dr. Yong Kee Jeon Award from Memorial University of Newfoundland. The award is chosen by the full-time faculty of Family Medicine, Memorial University and reflects excellence in teaching Family Medicine residents; contribution to the Discipline of Family Medicine, and participation in teaching activities of the Discipline of Family Medicine. Dr. Judy Ophel (right) accepts her Canadian Family Physician of the Year award from Dr. Pauline Duke, a former colleague in Botwood for many years.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 4 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Operating Room Nurses Association Provincial Conference Hosted in St. Anthony From September 18-20, 2008, the 29th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Operating Room Nurses Association (N&LORNA) Provincial Conference was hosted in St. Anthony, NL, for the first time. The hosting committee was comprised of Operating Room (OR) Nurses at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, co-chaired by Kerry Decker and Gaye Colbourne. The conference was a huge success, with positive feedback from all delegates. A total of 53 Nurses attended, with representation from ten different ORs/hospitals around the province (St. John s (3), Carbonear, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City and St. Anthony). Educational sessions and sales exhibits were held at the Grenfell Interpretation Center. The keynote address was provided by Dr. William Fitzgerald, who spoke on the history of surgical services in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, reflecting on changes from sled to microsatellite surgery. Other key presenters included Dr. Massey Beveridge (Trauma and Violence); Sherry Rumbolt (Embracing Change), Dr. Robert Farrell (Surgical Site Infections), Beverly Pittman (Infection Control During OR Renovations), Margaret Linstead (RN First Assist in a Rural Setting) and Rev. Jean Brenton-Hickman (Rural Practice from a Clergy Perspective). Evening social events were hosted at the St. Anthony Haven Inn, and on the final night of the conference, participants attended a Viking Feast at the Liefsburdir, Fishing Point. Nine medical sales companies also registered for the conference. Their delegates provided valuable information and displays of their equipment, including: Tyco/Coviden (Rick Webber), Olympus (AnneMarie Woodworth and Greg Doody), Stryker (Todd Groves), TB Clift (Todd Taylor), Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson (Jill Vardy), SouthMedic (Sherry Rumbolt), Cardinal Health (Elizabeth Squires), Can-Med (Craig Smith) and Ansell (Scott Frail). Contributions were also received from Synthes (Kurt Misik), 3M (Larry Corscadden), COOK (Greg Sansford) and Trudell Medical (Ulf Teschendorff). I would like to thank everyone involved with helping to make this conference a huge success. It was a memorable conference that was enjoyed by all who attended. Great job, everyone! Kerry Decker, RN Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services Dr. William Fitzgerald delivers the keynote address at the N&LORNA Provincial Conference in St. Anthony. Members of the organizing team celebrate a job well done (back, l-r): Tammy Burden, Claudine Rose, Gaye Colbourne, Daphne Savoury, Gina Elliott and Kerry Decker. Front (l-r): Marie Hillier, Lisa Richards, Marlene Applin, Danette Rose and Margaret Linstead. Missing from photo are Betty Murrin and Carol Colbourne.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 5 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Fall Symposium held at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital The annual fall symposium was held at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital on October 2 and 3, 2008. This year s event, entitled Specialist Savvy for General Practice, featured a good mix of local and guest speakers. This annual CME event is open to all doctors, nurses and other allied health care professionals working with Labrador- Grenfell Health. The aim of the symposium is to widen the scope of understanding on a broad range of medical issues, with particular emphasis on rural practice. Local speakers from the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital and Labrador Health Centre provided presentations, in addition to guest faculty from Comer Brook, St John s, Halifax and Ottawa. The very resourceful and knowledgeable local speakers covered topics on Congestive Heart Failure, Psychosis, ATLS guidelines, Diabetes and Insulin, Health Protection and Pain Management in the Elderly. Guest speakers presented on Neuropathic Pain, Pediatric Allergies, Cardiac Arrhythmias, PSA and ADHD. A distinguished speaker from CMPA also spoke on Medico-legal Aspects of Medicine. There was also an interesting and informative workshop on Arthritis from a Patient s Point of View, which I personally thought was an eye opener for many of us. This conference was accredited for a maximum of 14 CME points. The symposium evaluations were very encouraging. I would like to thank all the local speakers, as well as our guest faculty, for taking the time and effort to participate in this conference. I would also like to extend our appreciation to all the attendees, especially our colleagues in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I extend deepest gratitude to the members of symposium committee, namely Dr. Dankwa and Dr. Sarada, and especially to Ms. Cora Snow for organizing the details. I would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions of my colleagues who were very actively involved in arranging speakers for the symposium, especially Dr. Aravind. Finally, our sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the symposium AstraZeneca; Consumer s PharmaChoice, Flower s Cove; Consumer s PharmaChoice, St. Anthony; Janssen-Ortho; Labrador-Grenfell Health, Merck Frosst; Nycomed Canada Inc.; Pfizer Canada Inc. and Shopper s Choice Pharmacy, St. Anthony. Dr. Harleen Singh, General Practitioner Members of the Fall Symposium organizing committee (l-r): Cora Snow, Dr. Sarada Padalugu and Dr. Harleen Singh. Missing from photo is Dr. Kweku Dankwa. Dr. Michael Jong captures the interest of participants with his presentation on Making Sense of Psychosis. Guest speakers and attendees take a few moments to chat (l-r): Dr. Catherine Penney (Family Physician), Dr. Paul Woolfrey (Guest Speaker), Dr. Michael Page (Guest Speaker) and Blenda Dredge (Regional Director, Therapeutic Intervention and Rehabilitation Services).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 6 PATIENT SAFETY SAFER HEALTHCARE NOW! UPDATE, CSCMH An innovative approach to monitoring 30-day post-op Surgical Site Infection Rates Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, performs a wide variety of surgeries including: orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology-obstetrics, ophthalmology, dental, ENT and urology. From May 2007 to March 2008, a total of 2756 surgical cases (1923 outpatient surgeries and 833 inpatient surgeries) were performed. In January 2008, a Safer Healthcare Now! team developed its Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Improvement Charter. Core team members represent nursing unit coordinators, a day surgery nurse, infection control/risk management coordinator and a community homecare nurse. Ad-hoc members include the nursing site manager, a pharmacist, a surgeon and an anaesthetist. Like many surgical teams across the country, one of the SSI Team s main challenges was to obtain good 30-day post-op infection rate data. The Team randomly selects 10 surgical patients and enters their data on a tally sheet which includes the patient s hospital number as a unique identifier. The infection control nurse and a community home care nurse partnered to develop a process and questionnaire for a 30-day follow-up. After 30 days have elapsed, the community home care nurse contacts the patient and completes the screening questionnaire. Patients are very welcoming and appreciate that we take the time to follow-up on their surgery. If there is an indication of infection, the infection control nurse pulls the chart and begins an in-depth review of the client s record and determines if there is a probable SSI. The SSI Team is progressing well at improving the care components of timely initiation and discontinuation of antibiotics and maintaining normothermia. In-servicing staff, talking it up in the clinical areas, and posting our data on SSI prevention has gained the attention and commitment of staff to improve SSI care. The Team is pleased with its work to date and is open to learning from and sharing with colleagues across the region and the country. Please check the SSI Community of Practice for copies of Curtis Hospital s forms at www.saferhealthcarenow.ca. Kerry Decker, RN Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services Members of the Surgical Site Infection Prevention Team at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital include (lr): Mary Jane Warren, RN, Day Surgery Unit; Kerry Decker, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services; Glenda Patey, RN, Intensive Care Unit; Marcella Simmonds, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Ambulatory Care/Emergency and Rita Reardon, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Maternal/Child Health. Missing from photo are the following team members: Beverly Pittman, Infection Control/Risk Management; Madonna Coates, Nursing Unit Coordinator, General Nursing Unit; Kelly Penney, Home Care Nurse; Sharon Penney, Nursing Site Manager; Amanda Ropson, Pharmacist; Dr. Mahesh Guntamukkala, Chief of Anesthesiology and Dr. Massey Beveridge, Surgeon. Safer Healthcare Now! (SHN) is a patient safety campaign aimed at reducing preventable complications and deaths in Canadian hospitals through learning, sharing and implementing interventions that are known to reduce avoidable adverse events. SSI - Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: one of six targeted interventions in the Safer Healthcare Now! Campaign. The goal is to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) and deaths from SSI by implementing a set of evidence-based interventions in all surgical patients. A review of the medical literature shows that the following care components reduce the incidence of surgical site infection: appropriate use of antibiotics appropriate hair removal maintenance of post operative glucose control for major cardiac surgery; and post-operative normothermia for colorectal and open abdominal surgery. These components, if implemented reliably, can drastically reduce the incidence of surgical site infection.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 7 PATIENT SAFETY PATIENT SAFETY WEEK 2008 The fourth annual Canadian Patient Safety week was celebrated from September 29 to October 4, 2008. This event is coordinated nationally through the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI). The theme this year was Medication Reconciliation (Med Rec): Knowledge is the Best Medicine. Ask. Talk. Listen. Medication Reconciliation, which is one of the initiatives of the national Safer Healthcare Now! campaign, has been established at the Labrador Health Center, the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital and the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital. It is making a difference in identifying discrepancies with medications before patient treatment, resulting in safer healthcare for patients. Labrador-Grenfell Health recognizes the commitment of all healthcare providers in working toward improving patient safety and developing a culture of patient safety within the organization. Poster boards with information about Med Rec, as well as Canadian Patient Safety Week promotional items, were on display during the week and the Patient Safety and Quality department hosted coffee breaks in each of the three hospital sites. Curtis Hospital Staff cut the cake at the Patient Safety Week tea in St. Anthony (l-r): Beverly Pittman, Risk Management/Infection Control Coordinator; Julie Nicholas, COO (South) and Philomena Ricks, CSR Technician. Boyd Rowe, CEO (right) presents Iric Fahim, Manager Outpatient Department, with a Patient Safety Week Prize pack, which he won in a prize draw, held during the awareness events at the Labrador Health Centre. PHOTO TRIVIA This issue: Q: Name the children shown in this photograph. A Patient Safety Week coffee break was held at Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital. Participants included (back, l-r): Karen Andrews, Wanda Young, Corina Parsons, Norma Boozan and Lori-Lynn Drover; (front, l-r): Amanda Guy, Karen Evely and Patti Gover. Last issue: Q: What is the make of this early Grenfell vehicle? A: This is a Model T Ford, and the two men on board are said to be the Graham Brothers, who came to St. Anthony as Wops, to train local Mission workers on the operation of this truck.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 8 FROM THE HOMES John M. Gray Centre St. Anthony, NL Wood Working - Resident Llewellyn Taylor and friend Lucy Smith, along with other residents, enjoyed an afternoon of painting their newly constructed birdhouses and boats during the Fun & Fitness program. Antique Road Show - (L-R): Residents Bruce Martin, Flossie Cassell, Ethel Penney, Rosana Kinsella and Recreation Therapy Student Mona Hoyles reminisced about a variety of antiques and handmade tools used years ago to engage in activities of daily living. The residents were familiar with the various antiques, which brought back memories and allowed them to share stories of home remedies, boat building and hunting. Sing-Along with Musical Instruments - (L-R): Residents Clayton Simms, Lucy Smith, Llewellyn Taylor and Jesse Elliott enjoyed playing various musical instruments during an afternoon of traditional Newfoundland singing and dancing. A special thanks to local performers for volunteering their time and talents during this event. Annual Family BBQ - A large circle of family and friends gathered with residents to participate in the annual family barbecue on August 12, 2008. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal and delighted in spending a fun-filled afternoon with family and friends. Thanks to everyone for making this special occasion a great success. Up at the Cabin - Warm sunny summer days are best enjoyed at the cabin! John M. Gray residents took several day trips to the cabin at Pistolet Bay this summer, where they enjoyed relaxing by the ocean and were treated to a barbecued lunch. (Clockwise L-R): Boyd Pilgrim, Clayton Simms, Dinah Hedderson (Nursing Student), Eileen McCarthy (LPN), Chrisoula Budgell (Nursing Student), Flossie Cassell and Gordon Alyward; in center of photo Ethel Penney (back) and Ada Pynn (front). Arts and Crafts - Residents recently enjoyed an afternoon of arts and crafts, creating a variety of colorful sun catchers to decorate and display in their room windows. Front row (l-r): Rebecca Gaulton and Beatrice Simms; back row (l-r): Flossie Cassell, Teena Patey (PT/OT Assistant), Edna Pilgrim, Charlene Kinsella (summer student) and Cecil Burt.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 9 FROM THE HOMES Harry L. Paddon Memorial Home Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL Thank Goodness It s Friday (TGIF) - Each month, residents at the Paddon Home enjoy a different TGIF theme. During a Christmas in Summer TGIF, the festivities were complete with Christmas music, Christmas cookies and a full array of holiday décor. In Photo: Recreation Specialist Steven Janes serves a tray of cookies as residents eagerly await their Christmas treats. Summer Outings - The residents of the Paddon Home regularly enjoy outings to various locations around Goose Bay, including Tim Horton s. (L-R): Horace Blake, Eliza Edmunds, Rhoda Voisey, Myrtle White, Abel Lidd and Juliana Lidd. A Visit from LabQuest Students - LabQuest students dropped by the Paddon Home in August for a night of entertainment and story telling. LabQuest is a long-term recruitment initiative whereby students participate in presentations with health care professionals and have an opportunity to job shadow various disciplines. Shown here, the students listen attentively to tales by Mary Heard and Margaret Davis (seated with students on sofa). Baking Program a Success - Residents at the Paddon Home enjoy baking every other week. They play a part in all elements of the baking program, from what they re baking, to mixing, to enjoying the final product! The excitement generated by the program is wonderful to see and hear, as residents reminiscence about olden days. In Photo: Residents Mary Ann Noah (front) and Harriet Dicker (back) prepare ingredients for the baking program. Alzheimer s Coffee Hut - On September 19, 2008 residents and staff of the Paddon Memorial Home gathered in the solarium for the annual Alzheimer s Coffee Hut. Many people came in to support this worthwhile cause and enjoyed the treats prepared by staff. A total of $207 was raised for the Alzheimer s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is always an enjoyable fundraiser and staff look forward to it each year. Many thanks to all participants for making this a huge success. Among those participating in the Alzheimer s Coffee Hut were (l-r): Kim White, Lil Bromley, Wanda Saunders, Cindy Barrett and Tina Combden.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 10 FROM THE HOMES Labrador South Health Centre - Long Term Care Unit Forteau, NL Summer Outings - Labrador South Long Term Care residents especially enjoy their outings during the spring and summer months. Family Barbecue - The annual family barbecue was held on September 23, 2008 with every resident in attendance. A special thank-you to all staff and families who helped make this year s annual barbecue a success. Among those enjoying the bus rides were: (front, l-r): Elizabeth Letto and Genista Pike, Nursing Student and Wilhemina Buckle (back) and Violet Pye (right). PASTORAL CARE WEEK PASTORAL CARE WEEK 2008 Pastoral Care Week was celebrated from October 20-26, 2008. This year s theme was Pastoral Care: Listening Presence. Pastoral Care Week presents opportunities for organizations and institutions of all kinds and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which they provide. Attending the family barbecue (l-r): Deb Barney, LPN; Richard Barney, Rhonda Linstead and resident Laura Barney. This year s entertainment was provided by Roy Pye from Lodge Bay (son of Violet Pye, resident). Celebrating at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital (l-r): Captain Raymond Janes, Julie Nicholas, Heather Bromley, Rev. Jean Brenton-Hickman and Rev. Bruce Graham and Nadine Calloway. On hand for the Pastoral Care Week Tea at the Captain William Jackman Memoiral Hospital on October 21, 2008 were (l-r): Rev. B. Parrell, Rev. J. Hiscock, Rowena Payne (Chair), Captain C. Mitchell and Father N. Haight. Attending the Pastoral Care Week Tea at the Labrador Health Centre (l-r): Major Debbie Higdon, Rev. Jean Shears, Ragula Shule, Major Stan Higdon, Padre Tracey Andrews, Rev. Charlene Taylor and Boyd Rowe.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 11 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Labrador-Grenfell Health is pleased to announce its scholarship awards for 2008-09. Charley-Ann Moss of Port Hope Simpson is the recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Gordon W. Thomas Scholarship of $3,000 and Christopher Greene of Raleigh and Jennifer Goulding of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are the recipients of the Grimes-Weld Scholarships of $2,000 each. Charley-Ann graduated from D. C. Young School in Port Hope Simpson in June, 2004. She continued her studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John s and graduated in May, 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Nursing at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Jennifer graduated from Goose High School in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in June, 2003. She is enrolled in the Pharmacy Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland and will graduate in 2009 with her Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy). Christopher graduated from Harriot Curtis Collegiate in St. Anthony in June, 2003. Following two years of study at Memorial University of Newfoundland, he enrolled in the Medical Radiography Program at the College of the North Atlantic in St. John s. He plans to further his education in Diagnostic Ultrasonography and will complete his studies at the College in 2009. He is also working towards a Bachelor of Technology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. The Dr. and Mrs. Gordon W. Thomas Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is studying nursing, medicine or dentistry. Grimes-Weld Scholarships are awarded annually in memory of Nurse Joy Grimes and Dr. Elizabeth Weld, who died tragically in 1984 while serving the people of Northern Newfoundland and Labrador. THANK YOU Charley-Ann Moss Christopher Greene Jennifer Goulding Labrador-Grenfell Health thanks Ruby Johnson of St. Anthony for her recent donation of a leather chair for the Palliative Care Room, Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. The donation was made in memory of her late husband, Norman Johnson. Sincere thanks are extended to the Advent Quilting Ministry of Plum Point, for a recent donation of quilted and knitted turbans for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony. This is one of several activities that have been spearheaded by the Ministry in support of cancer clients in their neighboring communities. Madonna Coates BNRNNP, Nursing Unit Coordinator, General Unit, accepts the donation from Ruby Johnson (right). Ann Marie Cunard (left), presents Bonnie Decker, Oncology- Ambulatory Treatment Nurse, with an assortment of hand-made turbans, on behalf of the Advent Quilting Ministry.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 12 SERVICE AWARDS Nain Congratulations to Sarah Nochasak on recently receiving a 35-year service award from Labrador-Grenfell Health, at a tea held in her honor at Nain Community Clinic. Sarah works as a Personal Care Attendant at the Clinic. Sarah Nochasak accepts a 35-year service award from Pat Crotty, Regional Nurse II. North West River and Sheshatshiu On September 12, 2008 staff gathered to recognize the services provided by the staff of Mani Ashini Community Clinic. Their hard work and dedication to the people of North West River and Sheshatshiu is outstanding. Recipients of the service awards this year were: Alban Bruce (5 years), Pat Kelsall (15 years), Paul Michelin (35 years) and Carole Michelin (10 years). (L-R): Alban Bruce, Paramedic II; Pat Kelsall, Regional Nurse II and Paul Michelin, Paramedic II. Missing from photo is Carole Michelin, Regional Nurse. Roddickton Earlier this fall, Rosarii Patey, Acting COO (South) visited the White Bay Central Health Centre in Roddickton to present the annual service awards. Recipients of this year s awards were Donald Decker (30 years), Victoria Reardon-Kearney (5 years), Melanie Humby (15 years) and Diane Porter (25 years). (L-R): Rosarii Patey Acting COO (South); Donald Decker, Maintenance/EMR (Retired); Victoria Reardon-Kearney, CYFS Clinical Information Coordinator; Melanie Humby, Public Health Nurse and Diane Porter, Community Clinical Coordinator, Community Health and Wellness.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 13 FOUNDATION UPDATE - LABRADOR EAST Gala Dinner - A Gastronomical Delight and Financial Success The Grenfell Foundation (Labrador East Chapter) raised more than $17,000 at a sold-out Gala Dinner that was attended by 100 guests. St. John s culinary wizard Brian Abbott served up a six course meal and award winning vocalists, Shelly Neville and Peter Halley, entertained the group with a variety of musical and popular ballads. The event was held at the Canuck Club (International Room) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We were extremely pleased to organize an event that was not only fun, but also did so well in raising funds, said Rex Goudie, Chair of the Foundation chapter. We were also pleased to receive a generous donation of $10,000 Red Seal Chef Brian Abbott prepared a delicious meal for gala attendees. Car Seat Safety L-R: Paul Snelgrove, Mary Snelgrove, Mrs. Sybil Snelgrove, Rex Goudie, Chair and Boyd Rowe, CEO of Labrador-Grenfell Health. from Mrs. Sybil Snelgrove, in memory of her late husband, Reginald, who was a successful businessman in the community for many years. The Labrador East Chapter hopes to raise $150,000 over the next three years, to assist with the cost of a new CT Scanner. The success realized at the Gala Dinner will go a long way in meeting this objective. The response to the event from the community was incredible, said event organizer and Foundation Coordinator for Labrador East, Mary Snelgrove. We want to thank all participants and the volunteers who helped make the first Annual Gala Dinner a tremendous success. Plans are already in the making for a second Annual Gala Dinner for 2009. The Injury Prevention Sub-committee, in partnership with St. John Ambulance, the Western Injury Prevention Coalition and the Community Action Committee for Southwestern Newfoundland organized a three-day Child Restraint Systems Technician course, held in Labrador City in October. The Child Restraint Systems (CRS) Technician training as offered by St. John Ambulance provided participants with the knowledge and skills to understand vehicle restraint systems and to properly install a child car seat and safely secure a child in a vehicle. Eight participants obtained national certification from St. John Ambulance to inspect children s restraint systems. This is an excellent training opportunity that will benefit children and families in Labrador West, says Claudine Kean Dobbin. With new booster seat legislation now in effect, this training is very timely, so that those who volunteer to receive the training will have the most recent knowledge and information to share with parents and caregivers in our area. Car crashes kill more children than any other injury. Every year almost 70 children die in car crashes - that is equal to approximately three classrooms of children. Every day, another two children are hospitalized because they were badly hurt in a crash. Statistics show that less than 5% of car seats are properly installed, notes Claudine Kean Dobbin, Parent and Child Health Coordinator and Chairperson of the Injury Prevention Sub-committee. Training individuals in our community to inspect car seats to ensure they are properly installed is one thing we can do to help protect our children and keep them safe. Josephine O Dell (Child Restraint Systems Trainer, Labrador Straits Family Resource Centre), Sam Coombs (Paramedic), Mercy Muyanga (Healthy Baby Club Resource Mother), Denise Alyward (Child Restraint Systems Trainer, Northern Peninsula Family Resource Centre ), Claudine Kean Dobbin (Parent and Child Health Coordinator); Heather Blackmore (Community Health Nurse), Constable Bill Fitzgerald, Pam Coombs (Social Worker, CYFS) and Joe Power (Labrador City Fire Department).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 14 WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK: OCTOBER 1-7, 2008 Mother Support: Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture was the theme for this year s World Breastfeeding Week. This theme promoted the idea that a mother needs circles of support in order for her to breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding mothers deserve accurate and timely information, encouragement, skilled and practical help and empathy from those around them. Support for mothers from their communities and health care systems is essential for initiating and continuing breastfeeding. QUINTESSENCE BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGE 2008 On October 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., mothers and babies at sites across Canada and the United States competed to set the record for the most babies breastfeeding at one time. For Challenge results and more information, visit the Quintessence Foundation website at www.babyfriendly.ca Two mothers and two babies attended the Challenge in Flower's Cove. At St. Anthony, 11 moms and 12 babies were breastfeeding at 11:00 a.m. In Labrador West, 12 moms and 13 babies participated in the Breastfeeding Challenge.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 15 WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK Breastfeeding Week Proclaimed In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week (Canada), both the Town of Labrador City and the Town of Wabush joined Labrador-Grenfell Health staff in signing a Breastfeeding Week Proclamation on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at the Wabush Town Hall. On hand for the official signing were (front, l-r): Mayor Jim Farrell (Wabush) and Mayor Graham Letto (Labrador City); (back, l-r): Claudine Kean Dobbin, Parent and Child Health Coordinator; Karla Richards, Community Health Nurse; Mercy Muyanga, Healthy Baby Club Resource Mother; Annette Parsons, Community Clinical Coordinator and Sheila Oates, Community Health Nurse. Setting a golden example With this year s World Breastfeeding Week being celebrated in some countries in early August, just prior to the 2008 summer Olympics, these countries followed a theme Mother Support: Going for the Gold. Here in Canada and a few other countries, World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated in early October, with a theme of Mother Support: Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture. After learning that Labrador West s very own 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist (curling), Mike Adam, was breastfed as a baby for 10 months, the Community Health Nurses decided, along with the support of Mr. Adam and his mom, Bev Adam, to combine both themes and do a little breastfeeding promotion through articles in the local papers. The extended theme then became Mother Support: Going for the Gold and Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture. In these articles, Mike and his mom reinforced the importance of the mother being completely supported in order for her breastfeeding experience to be successful. In fact, it is the responsibility of the whole community to provide a supportive environment for breastfeeding moms and babes. Mrs. Adam shared some of her very positive experiences as a young new mother breastfeeding in the early 80 s, during a time when there were minimal supports available in the community. Thankfully, she did have the support of her husband, family and friends. Mike explained that in his past travels overseas, for the Olympics, breastfeeding was a cultural norm in most countries and that it was not an unusual sight to see a mother breastfeeding in public. Community Health Nurses called on the general public to offer their support in helping breastfeeding mothers achieve the gold standard in feeding their children and encouraged local businesses to become Breastfeeding Friendly Premises. Steps such as this will help achieve the goal of bringing back breastfeeding as a cultural norm in Labrador West. Supporting a breastfeeding culture in Labrador West (l-r): Heather Blackmore, Karla Richards, Bev Adam and Mike Adam. Karla Richards and Heather Blackmore Community Health Nurses
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 16 FOCUS ON STAFF Agatha Ryland Agatha previously worked at Earle s Groceries/Sears Canada in L anse au Loup where she was a Member Service Representative. She has accepted a temporary Clerk II position at the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau where she will be responsible for general office duties. Welcome Agatha, and best wishes in your position. Miriam Rumbolt Miriam Rumbolt was born in Mary s Harbour, NL and spent most of her adult life in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. She graduated from Medical Laboratory Technology in 1979 and worked in several roles at the Laboratory in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for 25 years. She then worked with the Government of Nova Scotia as a Laboratory Implementation Team member on the NSHIS project for one year. Most recently, she worked with DND in the Clinic Laboratory at CFB Trenton, Ontario. Miriam now re-joins Labrador-Grenfell Health as a Transfusion Safety Officer, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Her role is to improve the safety and quality of transfusion for the Labrador-Grenfell Health region. Welcome back, Miriam. We hope that you will enjoy working with us. Danyelle Lawless Danyelle has been appointed to the position of Primary Health Care Facilitator for the Labrador West area. She brings previous experience in community development, program administration, and health promotion along with an educational background in Psychology. In this position, Danyelle will work with community partners and Labrador-Grenfell Health staff to enhance health promotion. Her first priority is to become familiar with community groups, agencies, and health professionals in the area. Danyelle notes she is looking forward to working with Labrador-Grenfell Health staff. Good luck in your new position, Danyelle. Dr. Ernest Buitendag Dr. Buitendag comes to Labrador-Grenfell Health from South Africa. He completed his MBChB (undergraduate) at the University of Pretoria and his FCA (SA) (postgraduate) at the University of Natal/CMSA. He also holds diplomas in Family Medicine and Anesthesia. Dr. Buitendag has worked in Saudi Arabia, Antarctica, Lesotho, UK and the Netherlands. He has accepted a full-time Anesthetist position with Labrador-Grenfell Health and will be working at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony. Welcome, Dr. Buitendag. We hope you enjoy living and working in St. Anthony. Emergency Nurses Week Trauma Nursing Core Course The week of October 6-10, 2008 celebrated Emergency Nurses Week. The Emergency Nurse is a specialist with expertise in Maternal/Child, Medical/Surgical and Mental Health, Critical Care, Ambulatory, Gerontology and Community Health. This nurse can provide care and treatment that can range from life sustaining measures to the management of common and longterm problems. Today, the hospital Emergency Department, perhaps more than any other setting, reflects the health care problems of a community. Emergency visits are increasing dramatically as patients use emergency departments for primary care and access to services provided by hospitals. Emergency Nurses are there to provide you with the care you need. Cathy Fewer RNENCc, Provincial Director Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Nurses Association A Trauma Nursing Core Course was held in Port Hope Simpson from September 26-28, 2008. Participants attending from throughout the region included (front row, l-r): Madonna Coates, Victoria Paul, Lana Fillier, Donnie Sampson, Michael Noble, Nancy Carroll and Cindy Parrill, RN, PHC-NP (Instructor). Back row (l-r): Karen Oldford, RN, PHC-NP (Instructor), Brenda Ash, Margaret Spracklin, Pamela Cronhelm and Debbie Ropson.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 17 AROUND THE REGION Big Bike Ride Once again this year, Labrador-Grenfell Health staff partnered with local community members and business representatives in the Heart and Stroke Foundation s annual Big Bike Ride, in aid of research. With music blaring and arms waving, they peddled their collective best to travel from the St. Anthony Olympia parking lot to the parking lot of the John M. Gray Center, and back again. This year, the team raised $1576 for Heart and Stroke. A special thanks to everyone who took part in this year s event! Go Blue Day held in Support of the Arthritis Society On September 10, 2008, the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital joined to celebrate Go Blue Day. This event is spearheaded by the Arthritis Society each September to help increase arthritis awareness and raise funds for arthritis research. This year, all staff were encouraged to dress in blue and offer a donation. During the morning, an information table was set up outside the cafeteria, with cake and refreshments provided to all who participated. The Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments would like to thank all those who took part and helped raise $140 for arthritis research. Getting ready for the Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke (front, l-r): Alison White (Manager, Human Resources), Amanda Ropson (Pharmacist), Felix Simmonds (RT Operator), Agnes McCarthy (Clerk), Sue Pilgrim (LPN). Back row (l-r): Leaton Johnson (Regional Occupational Health and Safety Officer), Katrina Noel (community), Anne (the Clown) Quinlan, Noelle Johnson, Craig Ball(Shears), Tommy Mugford (CO-OP), Cliff Powell (community), Andrew Hussey (Materials Management) Trina Simms (CO-OP), Keith Woodford (CO-OP), Beverly Pittman (Risk Management and Infection Control Coordinator), Monica Sinyard (Registered Nurse), Winnie Richards (CO-OP) and Krista Hewitt (Registered Nurse). Missing from photo is Jason Hynes (Town of St. Anthony). Organizers of the Go Blue Day event at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital (l-r): Catherine Pilgrim, Physiotherapist; Brenda Hedderson, Rehab Clerical Support; Teena Patey, Rehab Assistant and Jessica Pike, Occupational Therapist. Infant Hearing Program Launched at Labrador Health Centre On Monday, October 20, 2008 Labrador-Grenfell Health launched its Infant Hearing Program at the Labrador Health Centre, with the official presentation of a Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE), donated by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. On hand for the presentation were members of a dedicated group of parents with hearing-impaired children, called Listening for Labrador, who came together in 2006 and lobbied the provincial government for Audiology services in the area. Dr. K. Aravind, a pediatrician at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, spearheaded the infant screening program in St. Anthony, launched in 2007. This is also an extension of his tireless work in early identification of hearing loss in children. Labrador-Grenfell Health is very thankful to the CHHA for donating this new piece of equipment which enables us to offer this exciting new program. The Infant Hearing Program was created to find the approximately four to six in 1000 infants that are born deaf or hard of hearing, as early as possible, and to give them the help they need so they can have the best possible start in life. Newborns are screened at birth by a staff person trained to use the DPOAE, a safe and reliable piece of equipment. The entire test takes just a few minutes and the results are immediate, with no harmful risk to the infant. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL) donates an Otoacoustic Screening Device to test the hearing of newborns at the Labrador Health Centre. Present for the donation were members of Listening for Labrador with representatives from Labrador-Grenfell Health and the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (l-r): Fred Loxton, David Massie, Alison Day, Coordinator of Rural Outreach Services (CHHA-NL); Elizabeth Oguntuase, Nursing Site Manager; Michelle Pitcher, Registered Nurse; Kathleen Cabot; Dr. Joan Harron, Regional Audiologist; Darren Buckle; Cyril Peach and Betty Parsons.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008 PAGE 18 FRIENDS OF ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR Keeping the Volunteer Spirit Alive In the April-July 2008 edition of Along the Coast to Labrador, long-time John M. Gray Centre volunteer Ambrose Curl was extended thanks and well wishes as he embarked on his move to Harbourview Manor, Mary s Harbour, Labrador. Recently, Jennifer Rumbolt, Detachment Assistant with the Mary's Harbour RCMP, dropped a line to let our readers know that Ambrose is keeping the volunteer spirit alive in his new home. She writes Ambrose has been a wonderful asset to our senior s home. Here he is taking Jeff Pardy, one of the residents from the home, for a walk around the community s gravel roads. He does this most every day, rain or shine. Hello, I received my newest copy of Along the Coast to Labrador and pounced on it with interest as I usually do to catch up with the latest and catch up with many names and acquaintances from the past. Having grown up in St. Anthony and worked at the old hospital and the new as well, I acquired a large circle of friends which I have contact with to this day from all over the world. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Dunk as I knew her fairly well and had worked with her during that time. On another note I was most intrigued by the reprinted article from Among the Deep Sea Fishers 1965. Mervin Patey Dear Madam/Sir: I am very pleased to have received the quarterly Along the Coast to Labrador. It made me remember, yet again, the splendid year my husband, Wim, and I spent in St Anthony in 1964/1965. I am sad to hear about the death of Pat Dunk - we knew her very well that year. Yours sincerely, Wilhelmina Reinking-Jonxis Dear Madam: Ever since I read Along the Coast to Labrador and what was written by the late Dr. Curtis I ve been wanting to write my family experience with the Forteau Nursing Station as he said, the only one on the Labrador.I am always interested in the mission. My father was a watchman for Dr. Grenfell s boat, The Albert..If God spares me, in one month I will be 96 years old. I enjoy Along the Coast to Labrador and thank you very much. Yours truly, Marjorie George Trivia This issue: Q: Name the house that the Rev. Henry Gordon once lived in. It was given to the IGA for the Industrial Department by the Hudson Bay Company in Cartwright in 1934. Last issue: Q: What was the name of the house and town where Dr. Grenfell retired? A: Dr. Grenfell retired to Charlotte, Vermont and built Kenloch House. Thank you to Mr. Alwyn Sansford of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia for submitting the correct response.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 19 FASD AWARENESS DAY Each year, September 9 is designated as International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy, promote prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies, and encourage support for individuals and families affected by FASD. The first FASD Awareness Day was first celebrated on 9/9/99. The ninth day of the ninth month of 1999 was selected to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy. Please remember, NO amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe. For further information, please contact your nearest health center. At White Bay Central Health Centre, Community Mental Health Nurse Tammy White distributed Smarties and Snickers bars, with attached messaging to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The slogan on the candy bars read "Don't snicker at FASD. This candy bar will only last a moment, but FASD lasts a lifetime." Among those staff who participated in the activity were (l-r): Paula Clements (Clerk), Joan Richards (Administrative Officer) and Tammy White (Community Mental Health Nurse). Promoting FASD awareness at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital (l-r): Community Health Nurses Sheila Oates and Heather Blackmore with Kim Blake, Addictions Counselor. RETIREMENTS Shirley Best Shirley Best, Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions Services at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, retired on July 31, 2008, after a long career that started with the International Grenfell Association in 1974. Shirley worked in a variety of departments over the years, including Accounting, Medical Records, Psychiatry, Pathology, Ophthamology and the Medical Director s office. She spent the last several years in the Social Work and Psychiatry Departments (which became Mental Health/Addictions and Social Work), and provided clerical support to a number of staff in St. Anthony, Flower s Cove, Roddickton, Forteau and Port Hope Simpson. Shirley s colleagues and friends at Curtis Hospital joined her for a retirement/farewell supper on September 12, 2008. She left St. Anthony on September 26, and is headed west to Alberta to join her family. I thank Shirley for her years of service and wish her well in her retirement. Deanne Costello Regional Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services Shirley Best (left) accepts a retirement gift from Rosarii Patey, Acting COO (South).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 20 RETIREMENTS Ursula Loder Ursula started work with the International Grenfell Association in September 1963, in the Diet Kitchen, providing meals for the in-patients, and also working in the cafeteria. She continued in that position for a couple of years, and then transferred to the laundry department where she remained until her retirement on July 31, 2008. Ursula as seen many changes during her 45 years of service but through it all she was always a loyal employee who came to work faithfully and did her work, always with a smile. Ursula will be missed greatly by her fellow workers in the laundry department, and the organization is always saddened to lose a truly faithful employee. We wish Ursula the very best, and a long, healthy and well deserved rest. Arthur Kinsella Manager EVS/Laundry, Curtis Hospital Ursula Loder (right) accepts a retirement gift from Rosarii Patey, Acting COO (South). Janet Patey A large group of co-workers and friends gathered at an Open House in the Rotunda at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, on September 30, 2008 to wish Janet Patey, Executive Secretary, best wishes as she began her retirement. Janet ( Jan to most of us) started work with the International Grenfell Association in 1972 upon her graduation from the Shorthand-Typing Program at the District Vocational School, Corner Brook. Other than a short period of time spent following her husband Paul to Wabush in the early 1970s and a couple of temporary placements in the organization, Jan has worked with the Executive Office in St. Anthony. Over the years she has been the constant and quiet force behind the Executive Directors and Board of Directors of Grenfell Regional Health Services and most recently as an invaluable support to the Senior Team at Labrador-Grenfell Health. Jan was the first Newfoundland-born secretary to the senior IGA administrative staff in St. Anthony. She has also been the continued link with the IGA over the years, coordinating the Health Authority s submissions to their Grant Program and also serving on their Scholarship Committee. It was no surprise that Jan received many written best wishes on her retirement day from former colleagues, friends and family who couldn t be present at the Open House. All of them remarked on the same exceptional qualities that I have had the fortune to benefit from since 2005. The late Dr. Peter Roberts, with whom Jan worked for an incredible and very rewarding 18 years, often said that staff working with Grenfell, including Jan, were simply good people doing good work. His wife, Betty, repeated these words in a note sent to Jan for her retirement. I know that Jan is now looking forward to spending more time with Paul, their children Chris and Carole Ann, who now have children of their own, and doing all the things that we never seem to have time to do during a regular work week. I congratulate Jan on a well deserved and happy retirement. Barbara Molgaard Blake VP, People and Information
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 21 RETIREMENTS Linda Coffin Linda began working at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in 1973 as a Nursing Assistant. During her career she worked in several areas including Pediatrics, Surgical Unit, Ambulatory Care/Emergency, Maternal/Child Health and the Medical/Surgical Unit. Her latest position was on the Surgical Day Surgery Unit, where she continued to be a valuable and dedicated member of the nursing team until her retirement on March 31, 2008. Linda has lived by the motto if it is worth doing - it is worth doing well and this was evident in her work ethic. We thank Linda for her years of service to Curtis Hospital and to the residents of the region. We wish her a long, healthy, happy retirement. Sharon Penney Nursing Site Manager Pricilla Mitchelmore Priscilla started working at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in October 1969 as Staff Nurse. During her career she worked as a Staff Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Head Nurse Pediatrics II and Head Nurse of the Outpatient Department. In 1996, she began working as a Staff Nurse with Surgical Services in the Operating/ Recovery Room, until she retired on May 31, 2008. On behalf of Labrador- Grenfell Health, I thank Priscilla for her commitment to quality and dedication to patient care over the years. She will now be able to relax and enjoy more time traveling with her husband, with her children and grandchildren and with her leisure activities. She will be missed by all those who had the privilege to work with her. We wish her all the best in her retirement. Sharon Penney Nursing Site Manager Diane Pilgrim Diane started work with Versa Services in 1971 as a Food Services Worker. In 1972, she moved to Grand Falls to complete Nursing Assistant training for one year. Upon completing this course, she returned to Curtis Hospital and commenced work with Nursing Services and worked in various areas - Surgical Unit, Intensive Care Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit and Day Surgery/Minor Procedures. She started work on the Obstetrical Unit in November 2003 and remained there until her retirement on July 31, 2008. Diane has proven to be very dedicated and caring to her patients and was a valuable member of the Nursing Department. During her career, Diane was also a very active member of the CUPE union in this region. She will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her retirement. Sharon Penney Nursing Site Manager Lillian Larkin Lillian started working with Curtis Hospital in the Housekeeping Department in 1971. She left home in October 1972 to pursue her career as a Nursing Assistant. She returned the following year to work with Curtis Hospital and remained a dedicated employee until her retirement in June of this year. She initially worked on the Maternal Child Health and Medical/Surgical Units and in 2000, moved to the Ambulatory Care/Emergency Department where she remained until her retirement on June 30, 2008. We wish her a healthy, happy retirement. Sharon Penney Nursing Site Manager
OBITUARIES ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 22 James Henry Biles ( Uncle Jim ) Rose Cottrell April 1, 1951 September 21, 2008 It is with sadness that Labrador-Grenfell Health notes the passing of former International Grenfell Association/Grenfell Regional Health Services employee James Henry Biles, on June 23, 2008, at the age of 88. Uncle Jim s career with the International Grenfell Association started in March, 1953 as a Power Engineer at the Power Plant in St. Anthony. He became Supervisor of the Power Plant in 1959 and assumed responsibility as Maintenance Supervisor in 1977. He retired in July 1982 after 29 years of service. Uncle Jim dedicated his life to the hospital and his work. He was good to his employees, very pleasant, never a complainer and always liked a job well done. Former co-workers have commented that they were like a close-knit family. Uncle Jim was very much an outdoorsman and enjoyed many days on the salmon rivers. He loved the fall of the year, so that he could take part in moose hunting and berry picking. He always kept up on world events and read many journals from cover to cover. He was very intelligent, kind hearted and generous. He gave from his heart to financially help educate many professionals in his family circle. He was very much an advocate of education. Uncle Jim was never married and had no children, but he was a father and a grandfather figure to many. He is very sadly missed by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and their extended families and several close friends. Sheila Biles-Holloway BNRN (Great Niece) Remembering a Friend and Co-Worker It is with great sadness that Labrador-Grenfell Health announces the passing of Rose Cottrell after a short battle with cancer. Rose started working at the Paddon Memorial Home as an LPN in February 2001 after returning from England where she married her husband, Brian Cottrell on June 14, 1997. Before going to England Rose worked at the hospital in Goose Bay for many years. Rose will be remembered for her caring personality and her great sense of humor. No matter how busy you were or if you were having a bad day she always brightened up the place with her positive attitude and her joking around. She sure could make you laugh despite the trials she had to face in her own life. The residents at the Paddon Home all loved her very much. One resident, a 92 year old lady always called her Aunt Rosie. After Rose would finish tucking the residents in at night she would always say, Bless your heart, before leaving their rooms. As each season comes and goes we will all think of Rose for her colorful uniforms; she always wore a uniform to fit the occasion (Christmas, Halloween, Valentine s Day, etc.). We all remember her favorite saying, Yes, hey. She certainly will be missed at this year s Halloween Party as she liked to dress up in costume and leave everyone guessing. Rose made a lasting impression on all those who were fortunate enough to meet and know her. She loved life and always knew how precious life was. She took on her recent illness with dignity and grace, with some humor mixed in, even to her last days. Rose will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers and all the residents at the Paddon Home. She is survived by her husband Brian, daughter Valerie Webb, grandchildren Angel Rose and Margaret Ann, and many family members and good friends. Staff, Paddon Memorial Home