NEWS in General – July 20
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GGH News
Donated breast milk now here to aide newborns
COVID-19 News
A time for extra vigilance – Wave 7 is here
Other News
Talk4Healing: Support for Indigenous women
Looking for Summer fun at a discount?
2022 Canadian National Exhibition – Save up to 46% with our Corporate Rates!
GGH News
Donated breast milk now here to aide newborns
On July 11, a baby was transferred from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre to our Special Care Nursery. Nothing unusual there except baby Amelia had been exclusively fed with donor breast milk since her birth. Now for the first time and shortly after she arrived, the Hospital had the ability to provide donor milk, rather than transitioning the baby to formula.
It’s a welcome addition says our Lactation Consultant, Margaret Sherratt. “It was so terrific to be able to say to mom we could continue with donor breast milk. I am so happy that we are able to do this.” Margaret explained formula can be essential for infants in situations where the mother’s milk supply can’t be established but there are so many benefits of human milk.
Amelia’s mom, Sarah, said she was relieved she could continue receiving donor breast milk for her preterm baby. “She needs all of the support possible, she hasn’t had an easy start. This will bridge us until my own milk is in. I am so grateful this is an option and thank the other mothers who donated their breast milk. Such a precious gift!”
The donated milk arrives once a week from the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank at Mount Sinai Hospital. Here, it is stored in the special fridge bought with donations. The inventory is managed by Jackie Sanvido, our Resource Nurse in the Special Care Nursery.
Breast milk is best for these preterm babies, says Jackie. Their medical outcomes are vastly improved with the antibodies in the milk and a better establishment of the gut biome. Gastrointestinal tract issues are a real concern with preemies. “Preemies are just better able to tolerate breast milk,” Jackie says. “They need to grow and we want them to keep the milk down. There could be milk from as many as seven mothers in each bottle, an advantage for the infant as it expands their immunity greatly.”
Luckily for Guelph General, a donation for $1,000 was given to the Foundation earmarked for breastfeeding. The donor, Penelope Van Esterik, has spent decades of her academic career in Anthropology at York University researching, writing and lecturing about infant feeding issues globally and wanted to support access to breastfeeding locally. “This is exactly what I wanted my donation to achieve. I believe passionately in the benefits of breastfeeding and wanted to help encourage it at my local hospital.”
COVID-19 News
A time for extra vigilance – Wave 7 is here
It’s news no-one wants to hear but all signs are pointing to the fact Wave 7 of the pandemic is upon us. Driven by the more transmissible variant, Omicron ba.5, our number of inpatients with COVID has increased, an outbreak has been declared on 7 East and the number of staff affected with or suspected to have COVID just took a significant jump (see chart ).
Yesterday, Karen Suk-Patrick, VP People and Support Services, emailed everyone about what can be done to help keep everyone safe. The contents of that email bears reviewing and can be found here.
Getting your booster is now more important than ever!
Local Public Health is offering boosters at clinics by both drop-in or by appointment. All clinic information can be found on its web site here. Details about an onsite GGH vaccination clinic for staff will be available soon. As a reminder, after getting a booster, please send in your vaccination information to EHS as well. Stay safe!
Other News
Talk4Healing: Support for Indigenous women
Talk4Healing is a helpline for Indigenous women in Ontario that provides 24/7 support via Talk, Text or online Chat. As per the website, all resources and offerings are “fully grounded in Indigenous culture, wisdom and tradition” and are offered by Indigenous woman in 14 different languages. Visit the website for more information or to start a live chat with a trained counsellor. Or you can call or text their helpline: 1-855-554-4325
Looking for Summer fun at a discount?
Did you realize that through your GGH Perkopolis account (see image right) you are eligible for discounted tickets to many local attractions? For example, you can save on Canada’s Wonderland tickets: approximately 28% when you purchase a single day admission pass, or 18% on an admission pass that allows you to go two days in a row (do the rides one day, and the waterpark the next!). Or, you could take advantage of the Royal Ontario Museum deal and take in their Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibit, or head to THEMUSEUM in Kitchener and get 20% off their general admission prices.
2022 Canadian National Exhibition – Save up to 46% with our Corporate Rates!
Purchase your CNE tickets online with your unique corporate code and save! CNE Corporate Rates are the lowest available. You save off gate prices and retail partner prices too — up to 46%! See below.
