NEWS in General
| COVID-19 status – Oct. 31, 2022 | |
|---|---|
| In-patients who have tested positive | 13 |
| COVID+ staff | 19 |
| Staff waiting for test results | 8 |
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GGH NewsPatient Safety initiative begins rollout
GGH Onsite Psychotherapy Program adds more days
Healthy Workplace Month Final Week - sort of
Podcast is All About Fitness!Other News
Pumpkin Carving Contest - cast your vote!
Furkids of GGH: Meet Heat Wave!GGH News
Patient Safety initiative begins rollout
We continue to work together to implement the medication safety initiatives outlined in our strategic plan. Our ultimate goal is to achieve a closed loop medication system that will assist in providing safe and exceptional care for our patients. This strategy includes implementation of Computerized Prescriber Order Entry (CPOE), Electronic Medication Reconciliation (eMedRec), Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) and Bedside Medication Verification (BMV), which have all demonstrated to improve patient safety and increase efficiencies.
Last week, eMAR was rolled out in our Emergency Department. The rollout is being supported by the incredible team below.
GGH Onsite Psychotherapy Program – Exciting News!
We are pleased to announce that Vij Richards, RP RN (retired) will be onsite at GGH offering mental health support to staff and professional staff for two additional days this year! Due to high demand, she has opened up November 16, and December 8 in her schedule for us. So Vij will be here on the following dates:
October 27, November 10, 16, 24, December 1, 8, 22
As always, she will be located in the Level 1 Conference Room and you can reach out to Vij directly to schedule time with her: VijRich26@gmail.com.
Healthy Workplace Month (HWM) – “Last” Week (except for next Monday :)
We are going out with a bang for HWM 2022! This week has had many events, and there are still more to go! To learn how you can participate, please see the email sent to your GGH account titled “Healthy Workplace Month: What’s on this Week (Oct. 24-28).” Tomorrow (Oct. 27) is an especially busy day of great events – you don’t wan to miss out! Here are some links from last week if you would like to participate on your own time:
15-minute Guided Meditation: https://insighttimer.com/katejames/guided-meditations/body-scan-meditation
(this can also be found on the free Insight Timer app!)
Music for the Mind: A live Virtual Concert with the Royal Conservatory of Music: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec4GcP8NGuE&list=PLx2fp75SFYtOafI17aeQ25a-JWl1pGFZW&index=2
One of our patients decided to get the jump on Halloween. Not only did she come in costume but also brought in a bag of treats and was delivering them to staff and patients throughout the day. And if you still want to participate in one more item, note that there is a free DDP Yoga class being held in the Auditorium from 1200-1245 on Monday, October 31. If you would like to attend, it is recommended that you bring a yoga mat and some water to keep you hydrated! This class is geared to all levels, and modifications will be provided. Please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca to register or for more information.
Huberman Lab Podcast #94 – Is all about Fitness!
Many have shared lately an increased interest in fitness and getting more active – so maybe more of you feel this way too! We have discussed Andrew Huberman PhD quite a bit in the NEWS and in the Health & Wellness program at the hospital, because in addition to him being a neuroscientist and tenured Professor at the Stanford School of Medicine, he is a big believer in making science “available to all.” In his Huberman Lab Podcast he likes to break down the latest research in science, health and wellbeing into applicable, actionable items, and you don’t have to have a PhD to understand the content! In episode #94, Fitness Toolkit: Protocol & Tools to Optimize Physical Health, Andrew describes a fitness protocol that “maximizes all the major sought-after aspects of physical fitness, including strength, endurance and flexibility” – which hopefully can help those of us who feel confused about all the conflicting training information out there and don’t know where to start. The title above is hyperlinked to the YouTube video, but the Huberman Lab Podcast can be found on all streaming services. *As always, before starting any exercise program, please speak with your primary care provider to make sure it is a fit for you.*
Other News
Pumpkin Carving Contest - cast your vote!
There's no shortage of creativity in this year's entries to the resurrected Pumpkin Carving Content on display in the Bistro. If you can't get a chance see them in person, view the entries below (click image to enlarge) then cast your vote here before midnight Oct. 30. The winners will be announced the next day.
Furkids of GGH: Meet Heat Wave!
Hello everyone at GGH! My Mom Laura, who works in Ambulatory Care, really wanted me to get in here to introduce myself and break up all of these furry pets (although Gene and Paul, I see you!). I am a 1.5 year old Bearded Dragon, and as you can see, I take a pretty great photo! That is likely because I am a rather handsome gentleman and to be honest, I am quite the ladies’ man, as I have my Mom and Grandma wrapped around any of my wee toes! But when they don’t pay me the amount of attention I am due, I may or may not turn my back and ignore them for a bit (just to remind them of what they are missing!). I am a great pet though and have been given free roam of the house. My favourite place to be is on top of the Shoe Mountain at the front door and up in the beautiful sparkly tree that appears each and every December. That is my personal favourite as I have an excellent vantage point to watch all the comings and goings around the house. Oh, and please let your Health & Wellness Specialist know that she would approve of my healthy diet as I love fruit and vegetables, and superworms are my favourite (Hi, Lauren Brown here, I was with you until the worms…). Happy Halloween, GGH, and thank you for all the amazing work that you do!
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Last Friday's unsettled weather did result in creating something special. This photo was taken by one of our Environmental Services team members looking out from inside the hospital on Level 2. Click image to enlarge. 
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GGH NewsNew Strategic Plan reintroduced at Staff BBQ
Other News
President and CEO "cutting a rug" for a good cause
Healthy Workplace Month Week Three!
Hope & Healing After Stress-Induced Trauma: Reflections for Healthcare Workers
Pumpkin Carving entries on display next week
Furkids of GGH: Meet Angel & Bolt!GGH News
New Strategic Plan reintroduced at Staff BBQ
As a part of the event, staff took part in an interactive art activity featuring the new Vision, Mission and Values and were asked to reflect on what their why they worked in healthcare. Staff wrote their answers on leaves which were placed on a beautiful painting done by our very talented, and generous hospital volunteer, Dorothy. Many answers focused on the desire to help, to support others in their time of need, and to contribute in meaningful ways. Currently the tree is on display at the entry of the Bistro but will soon be moved down to the Level 1 Staff Entrance. (click image to enlarge) At last week's Staff Appreciation BBQ it was a celebration of everyone's ongoing commitment to providing the high quality of care for which the hospital is known. It was also a chance to reintroduce the hospital's new five-year Strategic Plan along with new Vision, Mission and Values statements. The plan was developed after extensive feedback from both the community and within the hospital.
The wide-ranging engagement activities revealed the time was right for a new plan. While the pandemic isn’t over, hospitals are better able to manage its impact. “Often, we heard the time has come to look beyond the needs of the pandemic,” says Marianne Walker, President and CEO. “This plan is our five-year map that will guide us.”
It has been seven years since GGH’s Mission, Vision and Values were updated along with its Strategic Directions. “So much has changed since then,” explains Marianne. “The City of Guelph has added over 20,000 new residents and remains one of the fastest growing areas in the province. This creates more demand for hospital services yet our commitment is to keep providing the high quality care for which we’re known. At the same time, we need to strongly support our staff on whose shoulders this heavy responsibility rests.”
The strategic plan benefited from having over 1,000 people provide feedback. “Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultations,” says Walker. “You were heard. Many voices and opinions are reflected in this plan with its focus on inclusivity and the right of all to receive the high quality of care for which GGH is known. We look forward working with our community partners to meet our new Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Plan.”
The above illustration can be found on our Strategic Plan's web page which is designed to be user friendly. Other News
President and CEO "cutting a rug" for a good cause
Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team leaders, Marianne Walker, GGH's President and CEO and Ross Kirkconnell, Executive Director of the Guelph Family Health Team, are putting on their dancing shoes and competing in Guelph “Dancing with the Easter Seals Stars” on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Grand Banquet Hall.
They are two of the participants paired with professional dancers from various dance studios across Guelph. Celebrity judges will determine who will be the winning duo of the evening, but the public can also have their say! With votes – both online and at the event – you can help crown your favourite dancers as the “People’s Choice” winner!
It’s a cause that is close to Marianne’s heart who has already raised $1,770. “As a paediatric nurse, children’s health and well being remains my passion and this is one way I and others can improve a child’s life.”
Click here to view the participant pages, including Marianne’s and Ross’ voting/donation pages.
The event is an excellent example of how Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team partners are working together to improve the health of our communities. Proceeds raised from this event will support families with much needed funds for essential mobility and accessibility equipment. Funds will also support children to attend fully accessible and inclusive summer camps.
A big thank you to our Staff COVID Vaccine Clinic team!! Last Friday's clinic saw 46 staff members come through for the Moderna Bivalent!
Pumpkin Carving entries on display next week!
The pumpkin display and contest will take place in the Bistro on October 26 from 1030-1430.Healthy Workplace Month Week Three!
For more information on what is going on and how you can join in on the fun, please see the email sent Monday morning (Oct. 18) for a list of what is happening this week. Just as an FYI and to give you proper planning time, there are still some spaces available for the DDP Yoga class next Monday Oct. 24 happening from 12-1245. The class will introduce participants to the DDP style of yoga and will be taught at a level where anyone can participate and modifications will be given to ensure the class is right for you. Preregistration is mandatory to make sure we are within space & room restrictions, so if you are interested, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca to register. If you are unable to attend and would still like to get some yoga in, please check out Yoga with Adriene on YouTube for a variety of types and styles of yoga classes.
Hope & Healing After Stress-Induced Trauma: Reflections for Healthcare Workers
A live, virtual session with Lt. General Roméo Dallaire
On October 27 from 1300-1430 join Lt. General Roméo Dallaire to hear his story and the knowledge he has acquired during his distinguished career. It is the goal that this talk, which is geared to healthcare workers, offers participants hope, connection and a path to recovery. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during this interactive session. Please see the posters around the hospital or click here. If you are unable to attend, the session recording will be posted on our eLearning page under Additional GGH Courses > Health and Wellness for 30 days.
Furkids of GGH: Meet Angel & Bolt!
Hello cat lovers of GGH (and dog lovers, but we know cat lovers are just better humans overall! :) ) Our Mom, Jenn, from Environmental Services, told us that she wanted to make us famous, so let us introduce ourselves: I am Angel (that’s me, on the left) and this is my brother, Bolt. I am going to speak on our behalf, as you can see I have my serious glasses on right now. These are courtesy of my human sibling who likes to dress me up and photograph me. Since I love my family so much, as they rescued me as a kitten 6 years ago, I am more than happy to let her show me this attention! (Note, they also call me “Angel Bear” because I am such a sweet girl!) My brother was also rescued about 6 years ago, but he is older than I am, although you wouldn’t know it – and his name explains why! He arrived here being called Bolt, and is lovingly called “Bolty Bolt” by our family, because he gets the zoomies like no one’s business! So although he is 10 (or 11, we aren’t sure), he doesn’t act like it at all!
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GGH News
Many "Smiles" created many smiles when 1,373 Tim Hortons Smile Cookies were purchased during the week of September 19 – 25! Thank you to everyone who purchased a cookie. Your participation will help support the highest priority patient care equipment needs A special "thank you!" goes to Tim Hortons staff and volunteers who helped make and decorate the cookies all week and for helping our Foundation raise some dough! COVID-19 Booster Clinic this Friday
Healthy Workplace Month Continues: this week
Crucial Conversations Clinics
Truth and Reconciliation Reading List – Staff Contributions and moreOther News
Mindwell for Healthcare Workers
Furkids of GGH: Meet DaisyGGH News
COVID-19 Booster Clinic this Friday
We are holding a COVID-19 Vaccine third and fourth Dose Booster Clinic in the Auditorium from 1000 – 1200 h. The Moderna Bivalent vaccine will be administered. This booster is available to all employees 18 years of age or older.
Please note revisions to the intervals between doses.
- For a more robust and durable immune response, the Ministry of Health now recommends a 6 month (168 days) interval since your previous dose of vaccine. However, a minimum interval of 3 months (84 days) is acceptable.
- You will be asked to verify the date of your previous dose for your appointment to ensure it has been at least 84 days.
- To meet the minimum eligibility for a dose this Friday, you must have received your previous dose prior to and including July 22.
- To meet the recommended interval of 6 months for a dose this Friday, you must have received your previous dose prior to and including April 29
Since we are running the clinic at the hospital, Employee Health Services will automatically get a copy of the vaccine record of your 3rd or 4th dose. If you get a booster dose elsewhere, kindly email a copy of your vaccine receipt to EmployeeHealth@gghorg.ca so your records can be updated.
Healthy Workplace Month continues: this week
If you haven’t had the chance to participate in the Healthy Workplace Month events, they continue this week! For more information on what is going on and how you can join in on the fun, please click here for a list of what is still happening this week!
Crucial Conversations Clinics
Congratulations to draw winners Marjorie Luquinario-Landicho and Michelle Stiebelman! Both won two meals at our fabulous Bistro. So, take a teammate to lunch and continue to build your dialogue skills!
Next up is the crucial conversation clinic focused on responding to unexpected feedback. We can use this short video to review some critical decisions and behaviours that help us respond with grace and accept the feedback as the gift that it truly is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R7c6pBBy5w. Once you have tried it out, enter into a draw for lunch for two at the Bistro before October 26. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crucialclinic
*seats are still available in both the November 24 and 29 Crucial Conversations courses – sign up today on the LMS
Truth and Reconciliation Reading List – Staff Contributions and more
Congratulations to Jacquie Bull for winning the Indigenous Box prize for sharing resources she finds insightful and helpful in her journey towards truth and reconciliation.
Recommended reading from our staff include:
Recipes and Reciprocity: Building Relationships in Research - This book "considers the ways that food and research intersect for researchers, participants, and communities, demonstrating how everyday acts around food preparation, consumption, and sharing can enable unexpected approaches to reciprocal research and fuel relationships across cultures, generations, spaces, and places." Many concepts discussed in this book can be applied in the context of health care and building strong therapeutic relationships with patients. It is an excellent read for clinicians wanting to develop their cultural competency.
- Blanket Toss Under Midnight Sun (Paul Seesequasis)
- Five Little Indians (Michelle Good)
- Reconciliation in Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective (Ranjan Datta)
- Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City (Tanya Talaga)
- A mind spread out on the world (Alicia Elliott)
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants (Robin Wall Kimmerer)
Additional authors of literature and poetry recommended - Kathererna Vermette, Cherie Dimaline,Richard Wagamese
*contact joliver@gghorg.ca in OD if you wish to borrow physical copies of these items.
All employees can discover more learning resources related to truth and reconciliation on the LMS at Additional GGH Courses |Organizational Development |EDI fundamentals
Other News
Mindwell for Healthcare Workers
This wonderful Canadian service has been designed specifically for those working in the healthcare industry to reduce stress, overwhelm, exhaustion, PTSD symptoms and burnout and is available at no charge. So far, the program has seen thousands of participants and has garnered the following results:
- 86% enhancement in mental health & well-being
- 82% improvement to stress management
- 92% satisfaction rate and the likelihood of recommending it to colleagues
The self-paced program runs for four weeks, requiring 10-15 minutes of learning each week with the additional option to connect with other healthcare professionals to enhance one’s results. If you are interested in joining the free program, the next session begins October 31, 2022. Please click here for more information or to register.
Furkids of GGH: Meet Daisy
Hi everyone at GGH! My Mom, Megan, who works in Employee Health Services, was very excited to introduce me to you all, as I am one of her most favourite things (I like to think of myself as the favourite thing, but maybe Dad is in there somewhere…). Anyway, I go by MANY names, such as Daisy Bean, Bean, Beanhead, Daisy Dog, Stinky, Stinkbutt (although those last two I find a bit questionable), and my official name is Cooperslane’s Daisy Darling. I am really as sweet as can be, but sometimes I get a tad moody when my parents are not giving me 100% of their attention and will go halfway up the stairs to demonstrate my displeasure. Please note that this strategy has a 100% success rate, because as soon as it’s put in action, people are taking my picture and talking to me. So, I’m not just a pretty face! I also do an excellent job of protecting the house from small, flying invaders (I think they’re called “bugs”), although my success rate at catching them may be a tad lower than my sulking skills (Mom may even say it is about 95% lower…but that’s irrelevant as it’s the thought that counts!).
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.GGH News
New ultrasound machines providing better quality images
IPAC’s Champion of the month
Healthy Workplace Month (HWM)!
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation at GGHOther News
GGH Pumpkin Carving Contest is back!
Furkids of GGH: Meet Blue!GGH News
New ultrasound machines providing better quality images
One of the new ultrasound machines moments after being unpacked. Ultrasounds are a crucial part of modern medicine. Each year, the Hospital does more than 25,000 scans. The recommended lifespan of an ultrasound machine is seven years and until recently, more than half of our machines were over a decade old. Now, three new donor-funded ultrasound machines have arrived to replace three of our older ones. The new machines were put into immediate use, helping to provide even better patient care.
“These new ultrasound units will tremendously help our community. The image quality is a vast improvement and the newest technologies will help Ultrasound Technologists image more patients,” explained Jeannine Haid, Ultrasound Team Lead. “Radiologists will have better images to make more accurate diagnoses. Thank you to our donors…they are truly appreciated by the ultrasound department staff!”
IPAC’s Champion of the month
IPAC is wanting to recognize staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care in these extraordinary times.
Each month a member of the IPAC team will select an IPAC Champion. With their consent their picture and first name will be displayed on our Hand Hygiene Thermometers and they also receive a gift card.
This month IPAC has selected Chris, an RPN from DSU. Chris is a fabulous role model for hand hygiene and always striving to maintain best practices. Please help us congratulate Chris as the IPAC Champion for September!
Healthy Workplace Month (HWM)!
We are excited to announce that Healthy Workplace Month has officially started and there are now calendars up throughout the hospital at staff elevators, on the GGH TV’s, in the stairwells and even linked here. The calendar displays the events for the month. Have a look and see how you can take part – there are many ways, both individually and with your units/departments! Please also keep an eye on your GGH Inbox on Mondays to learn what will be going on for that specific week (see this past Monday’s for an example). Email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca if you would like additional HWM calendars for your lounge, staff rooms, etc.
Supporting Truth and Reconciliation at GGH
The week leading up to National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30 brought many opportunities for staff to learn more and to support reconciliation. Across the hospital, there was listening, learning and sharing skills and working in ways that reflect the interest and needs of people who are indigenous and their families.
Thank you, Katrina Graham (pictured), GGH's Indigenous Patient Navigator, for offering a smudge ceremony and circle in support of GGH patients, family and staff as we reflected on the legacy of the residential school systems.
You can learn more about the Indigenous Patient Navigator program by talking to your leader or contacting kgraham@gghorg.ca.
Employees sharing learning resources
Sharing our learning is so important in work related to patient care and building great relationships within the hospital. This past month, staff were asked to contribute titles and resources they have found helpful in their personal learning associated with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
San’yas Learning – a course about Indigenous cultural safety in health care
Some of the topics covered are:
- Colonization in Canada
- Racism, discrimination, and stereotyping, and their impacts on Indigenous peoples in health care contexts
- Social and structural determinants of health concerning Indigenous people
- Gaps in health equity for Indigenous people
- Taking action: Uprooting anti-Indigenous racism and enhancing Indigenous Cultural Safety
Anyone working in health care who needs to enhance their knowledge, awareness, and skills when working with Indigenous people. This course is baseline transformative education and meant to complement Nation- and region-specific training provided by Indigenous organizations and/or communities. Enrollment for this leading program remains open. Please send an email to joliver@gghorg.ca to coordinate your enrollment.
Using the LMS to support Truth and Reconciliation - A new employee’s perspective
Submitted by Tiffany Malzer, CQI Specialist, Strategy & Improvement
As a new employee to GGH, and as part of my orientation, I was introduced to the learning hub in the first few days on the job. Working in Continuous Improvement, I take a similar approach in my own learning and development – always try to learn something new. An all staff email was sent regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and CCDI courses available as part of the learning management system (LMS). Following that link brought me to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Foundations courses. These courses include a number of topics about EDI, including Indigenous Inclusion. With so many layers to this topic, the courses available provide a language to help us lean into the work together.
In the early days of a newly developed role, I’ve been given time to get to meeting people, the organization and culture. So with a spare moment I again went looking for those CCDI courses. When I logged on to the portal through the intranet, a pop-up told me about new courses available in the OCI Marketplace; a portal offering courses from other organizations. I selected a course on Aboriginal History and Political Governance offered by Ontario Health. Despite paying close attention in History class, I was humbled by my ignorance on the topic.
I urge you to check out all the many courses available to us – they’re free and you never know what you might learn! If we all learn something different, collaborating together we can serve our community a little bit better each and every day.
Other News
GGH Pumpkin Carving Contest is back!
We are excited to announce that Marek hospitality is game to support the GGH Pumpkin Carving Contest again and have set up a table in The Bistro from now until October 14 where you can sign up your department & the number of people participating in the carving. Pumpkins will be available for pick up at The Bistro on October 21, and the pumpkin display & contest will take place there on October 26 from 1030-1430. There are Bistro prizes to be won for first, second and third places so find your crew and get creative!
Furkids of GGH: Meet Blue!
Hey everyone at GGH! My name is Blue and my Mom wants to me to tell you that I am a “wee Scottish Fold” as a lot of people wonder if there is something wrong with my ears. There isn’t. They’re supposed to be this amazing. My mom’s name is Ashley and she works on 4 West in the Medicine Unit. She currently isn’t there, as she decided to give me a human sibling (which I think I am cool with?) and is now home with us for a while, including my kitty step broth, Tango. I love it! I also love that the baby has provided me with a spot I can hide from everyone - he has this mat thing on the floor where he lays and plays, but when he isn’t around, I crawl under it and no one, I mean no one, can see me. Well, I have noticed that there is a bit of a breeze on my tail as the mat doesn’t seem to cover it, so maybe my stealth skills need a bit of work…but whatever. When I am not appearing as a lump under the mat, I love removing glasses full of water off surfaces around the house that I deem unnecessary, as well as doing parkour off the furniture when the zoomies hit. But when those dissipate, I get my fill of pets and snuggles from my family – my most favourite thing of all!
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Introducing this year's MAC. Click on image to enlarge. 
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.GGH News
Critical Care Outreach Team now at GGH
New hire survey and free coffee for everyone!
Introducing our new Coordinator of Volunteer Services
National Health Care Supply Chain Week coming
October is Pressure Injury Education Month
Healthy Workplace Month – starts soon!
Crucial Conversation Clinics
5 Choices workshop - still time to register
Education Assistance Fund
Chair Massages – they’re back!! (for your back :) )Other News
Hope and Healing after Stress-Induced Trauma – Reflections for Healthcare Workers
A message of "thanks" from a PFAC member
Thanksgiving Day Races 2022GGH News
Critical Care Outreach Team now at GGH
because Critical Care is a need, not a place
Available as of next Monday, the Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) is a dedicated team of critical care nurses that provide floor inpatients and staff with direct access to the skills and expertise of critical care clinicians.
Think of it as a rapid response team on steroids!
CCOT team members work collaboratively with hospital inpatient units to identify, assess, and respond to the needs of patients who are at risk for clinical deterioration. CCOT also ensures consistency and continuity of care through follow-up consults and monitoring.
The CCOT will intervene to facilitate improvement and ongoing management of our patients and will also facilitate timely admission to a critical care unit bed (i.e. Step Down Unit, Intensive Care Unit) if required. CCOT brings the ICU to you!
ACCESS to Critical Care expertise + increased SUPPORT for staff = IMPROVED patient safety & outcomes.
New hire survey and free coffee for everyone!
Since this past March, every new hire has been asked to complete a survey after their ninetieth day of working to gather feedback regarding our onboarding program.
The survey questions are focused on:
- The recruitment process;
- Hospital orientation (the first week of orientation);
- Training; and
- Working with their team(s) and Manager
A lot has been learned from the feedback. We’ve discovered what is working well and what needs improvement. Now, much work is underway to make improvements while at the same time continuing to support that which is working well.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, HR wants to thank all the great staff at GGH. It was reassuring to find out the majority of our new hires are feeling welcomed and supported by their coworkers and colleagues.
As HR’s way of saying “thank you!” there will be a free beverage (coffee, tea, and or hot chocolate) and cookie for all staff the week of October 3 - 7 as per the schedule below.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday All employees whose first name starts with the letter A - C All employees whose first name starts with the letter D - I All employees whose first name starts with the letter J - K All employees whose first name starts with the letter L - O All employees whose first name starts with the letter P - Z Thank you again to all those were surveyed who are helping make Guelph General Hospital a great place to work.
Friday is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
This day honours the children who were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools around Canada as part of the residential schools program. The federal government has recently established September 30 as a day for Canadians. Public servants, in particular, to reflect and express commitment to reconciliation and to ensure that the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools are never forgotten.
Employees on GGH’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee have worked with Katrina Graham, the Indigenous Patient Navigator program lead at our hospital to develop a week of learning, reflection and action. There are posters, and information for huddles, including:
- Wear an Orange shirt on September 30, and share in supporting Every Child Matters and the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action. Learn more about Orange shirt day, the legacy of residential schools, and the healing work for reconciliation https://youtu.be/EuW4WbekhxY
- Share titles of books, podcasts and learning activities you have participated in to support our teams. Each entry will be part of a prize draw for an Indigenous Box that supports indigenous small businesses. Enter here or share your ideas at the Bistro next week.
The survivor flag will be display in the Bistro
Learning Activities- Review the materials at the information area outside the Bistro
- Enroll in the Sanya’as Health Care-specific training for indigenous cultural safety. Send an email to joliver@gghorg.ca to get started.
- Review the materials on the LMS – in your Equity, Diversity and Inclusion foundations module.
Do you have ideas or suggestions about what you’d like to see recognized? You can share your ideas to this anonymous link, or send an email to the inclusion@gghorg.ca committee directly.
Introducing our new Coordinator of Volunteer Services
Britt Vandriel is our new Coordinator of Volunteer Services at GGH. She joins our team from Niagara Region Public Health she was its Volunteer Program Coordinator. Previous to that, she was a Recreationist in a long-term care setting.
“I am very excited to start this new journey where we will be working to rejuvenate the Volunteer Program and work toward not only recruiting new volunteers, but also by bringing previous volunteers back to the hospital. These past two years have been tumultuous for everyone and working to restore the volunteer program is a task that will take time, but one we are optimistic about.”
“Please do not hesitate to reach out for any comments, questions or concerns or stop by my office (Room 1075 of the IPAC hallway) to say hello :). I am looking forward to meeting many of you in the coming months.”National Health Care Supply Chain Week coming
Submitted by Jeff Carter, Director Materials Management (photo below far right)
Each year, the first week of October is dedicated to celebrating health care supply chain professionals for their outstanding contributions to health care and the overall success of the supply chain. National Health Care Supply Chain Week provides an opportunity to recognize the integral role supply chain professionals play in supporting and delivering high-quality patient care throughout the healthcare field.
Missing from photo - Natalie Cimerman, Justin McCombs, Paul McGilloway, Grant Philips, Shelly Hutcheson, Simon Wantenaar, Lucy Wojcik. Working together was and is crucial during the COVID-19 crisis. Every department within the Hospital is vital to keeping operations running smoothly. Two departments that work behind the scenes are Materials Management and Biomedical Engineering.
Although they may not be involved in physically caring for patients, the Materials Management and Biomedical team have been working day in and day out to ensure GGH has an adequate supply of healthcare supplies and equipment to safely care for patients and team members.
I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work alongside such a dedicated and committed group of colleagues.
Everyone on the Materials Management and Biomedical team has gone above and beyond to continuously source supplies, and keep our equipment up and running in the most challenging of times.
Please join me in saying – “Thank you, Materials Management Team, for everything you do to keep our patients, colleagues and community safe and for choosing to be a part of GGH Materials Management and Biomedical Services Team!”
October is Pressure Injury Education Month
PRESSURE INJURY EDUCATION OPPORTUNIES in October
- Pressure Injury Prevention & Treatment ELEARN on LMS (mandatory for all RN’s/RPN’s/PSW’s)
- Teaching Thursdays – Cathy’s Wound Care Kart
- PRIZES: Fun quiz to fill out on each unit for chance to win free Tim’s card
- Algorithms for choosing pressure surface at nursing station
- Dressing decision tree according to PI Staging
Healthy Workplace Month – starts soon!
October is Healthy Workplace Month across Canada and we have some great wellness events planned for you! Please keep an eye out around the hospital starting on Monday for the calendar of events to learn how you can take part. To peak your interest, chair massages will be back as well as healthy snacks, and educational webinars. Stay tuned!
Crucial Conversation Clinics
Our first clinic saw a focus on seeking understanding rather than agreement, and Michelle Stiebelman is the winner of this first draw of participants. Michelle and a co-worker can keep talking as they enjoy their Bistro lunch for two prize.
The next skill we are focusing on is Setting Clear Expectations, with a draw for a prize on October 5.
Participating is pretty easy:
- Watch the video
- Practice the skill
- Enter your name into a draw for a prize – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crucialclinic
5 Choices workshop - still time to register
Work with other GGH staff to learn more about the 5 choices we can make to help us achieve our goals. This is an informal and highly interactive workshop. It’s recommended for those managing multiple tasks and priorities. Sign up today!
October 6 – 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (location moved to Bariatric Floor 1 training room)
Education Assistance Fund
Employees from across the hospital use our EAF every year, helping to keep our knowledge up to date and to develop skills needed as we develop and grow our careers. Learn more about how you can use this program online at Home |Administrative | Org. Development | Main Page |Education Assistance Fund
Chair Massages – they’re back!! (for your back :) )
We are very excited to announce that Onsite Chair Massage will be back at GGH to offer staff and professional staff a bit of a treat as a way to thank you for all the awesome work you do. We have switched up the days and times in an attempt to reach as many people as possible, and have had to get a bit creative due to room availability. Please take note of the times and locations when you sign up for your massage.
- October 4 & 18
1100-1600 – Sleep Lab (beside the Gift Shop on Level 1) - October 13 & 27
1500-2000 – Room 5016 (in the hall that goes to the ICU)
As per other times we have offered massages, please only sign up once to allow as many people to access the service as possible, and if you need to cancel, please do as soon as possible to open up your spot for others. To sign up and manage your appointments, please click here. Enjoy and thank you!
Other News
Hope and Healing after Stress-Induced Trauma – Reflections for Healthcare Workers
Virtual Keynote with Lt. General Roméo Dalllaire – October 27 at 1300-1430
Health care professionals at every career stage are suffering with occupational stress that has physical, ethical and moral dimensions, in an environment of extenuating and difficult circumstances. On October 27, 2022 at 1300 please join us for a virtual 90-minute keynote address with Lt. General Roméo Dallaire, who will share his story and the knowledge he has acquired to offer attendees hope, connection, and a path to recovery. After his presentation, participants will also have the opportunity to ask General Dallaire questions. Please click here to register.
If you are unable to attend, the session will be recorded and posted on our Health & Wellness e-Learning page for 30 days following the event. If you are interested to learn more about General Dallaire, please click here to read his story. This event is brought to you by Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Grand River Hospital, Guelph General Hospital and North Wellington Healthcare.
A message of "thanks" from a PFAC member
My name is Colleen Harper and I'm on the GGH Patient and Family Advisory Council. I am coming to you today not in that role but as a client and a resident of Guelph. I cannot begin to thank you for all the incredible sacrifices that each and every one of you have had to make throughout the Pandemic. I thank you for your hard work. Working long intense hours and not having enough time to even turn around and breathe. Your Passion and your compassion for all the patients and families. The worst part is having to watch people pass away from the virus and you can do nothing to help. And you carry that with you every day. I personally feel the words thank you does not truly express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Not just the nurses and doctors. The office staff, the COVID screeners, the cleaners and every other area in the hospital. You have all sacrificed so much. And yes you all have put your lives in danger to help people. You have not gotten the gratitude you deserve. I want each and every one of you to know that I see what you have done. I've seen the sadness in your eyes and it breaks my heart. You all have done amazing work. I apologize for all clients that have been harsh and rude and even physical. None of you deserve that, not at all. You all deserve dignity and respect at the highest level. Thank you so much. My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
Thanksgiving Day Races 2022
A Guelph tradition since 1894
Monday, October 10 at Exhibition ParkThe Thanksgiving Day Race usually attracts more than 500 race participants as well as almost a hundred volunteers and cheerleaders. It’s an event for all ages with entire families participating across the many events. Running ability at the event is diverse, ranging from some of Guelph’s most elite runners all the way through to the novice.
Event details
- Registration options:
- Nicolas Lambden Memorial Mile,
- 3k walk/run,
- 5k (Adult, Senior, Youth),
- 1k for kids in grades 1 to 3 only,
- 3 in 1 (mile, 5k and 3k)
- *100m kids dash is free and registration occurs on race day.
- There is a family discount of 10% when you register three or more family members at the same time. The discount will be applied at checkout.
- For more information and to register for a race, please click here.
These races are inflation free. Same prices as ten years ago. Pledge dollars will support The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital to continue to bring lifesaving equipment to our community.
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These smiling chocolate chunk cookies are available for $1 each until Sunday, Sept. 25. Proceeds will support the highest priority patient care equipment needs. .
.GGH News
Onsite Psychotherapy pilot program extended to the end of the year
GGH to be a Centre of Nutrition Excellence
Tim Hortons and the Balcony Bistro are extending their hours!
What’s On Your Mind? answers postedOther News
Huberman Labs Podcast #90 – Quitting Nicotine & Vaping
It’s Special Grant time again!
Furkids of GGH: Meet Donnie!GGH News
Onsite Psychotherapy pilot program extended to the end of the year
The Health & Wellness Program has exciting news to share! Our Onsite Psychotherapy Pilot program with Vij Richards, RP, has been extended until the end of 2022 and we are so grateful to The Foundation and its amazing donors for their ongoing support of this initiative. It is due to The Foundation’s commitment to GGH staff and professional staff wellness that we were able to provide onsite mental health supports the last six months – the top programming option chosen by respondents in the 2021 Health & Wellness Needs Assessment Survey. Please stay tuned for more information on dates and Vij’s full availability in the near future! If you would like to book a session in October, she will be here on the 6and 27 in the Level 1 Conference Room. Please email VijRich26@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Tim Hortons and the Balcony Bistro are extending their hours!
Started this week, Tim Hortons hours are weekdays 0630-1830, weekends 0800-1400.
Starting September 26, the Balcony Bistro Hours will be weekdays 0730-1830.
What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
This time around there’s three questions and one comment – improving wayfinding signage, parking lot line painting and supplying masks at staff entrances. Please remember, “What’s on Your Mind?” is hosted on our Intranet and only viewable within the organization.
Other News
Huberman Labs Podcast #90 – Quitting Nicotine & Vaping
This week, the Huberman Lab Podcast released a new episode titled “Nicotine’s Effects on the Brain & Body and How to Quit Smoking or Vaping.” This episode contains valuable information on how the body processes and utilizes nicotine (including its impact on energy, blood pressure, attention and focus) and provides scientifically-supported strategies and tools to permanently stop smoking cigarettes or vaping. Nicotine is one of the most highly used, and addictive substances, so this episode may be of value for those looking for additional resources and information on how to quit. The episode can be found on all podcast streaming platforms and on YouTube (which is time-stamped so you can jump to areas of interest). For more information on Andrew Huberman, PhD, and to view his other podcasts, please see his website.
It’s Special Grant time again!
Do you have an idea for something that will make a positive impact on our patients, care partners and/or staff? Your idea could be the winner of a Special Grant!
Applications are now open until Sunday, October 9th at 23:59. The application form is available HERE and on the main page of the GGH Intranet.
To help make the Special Grant Program a success and to ensure it continues, it is very important that we streamline the approval process. Your time spent up front on research and providing the details requested is therefore greatly appreciated.
Some ways you can improve the chances your grant will be approved:
- Please thoroughly read through application form before filling it out.
- Answer the questions as thoroughly as possible.
- Please enter a cost for your item – otherwise your request cannot be funded.
- Review the list of frequently approved/not approved items found HERE.
- It will speed up the purchase of your item if it is available from a GGH preferred vendor. List found HERE.
- Please ensure that your requested item will meet IPAC guidelines or is a single use item. To review the Hospital PIDAC cleaning guidelines, click HERE.
Did you know?
- Any GGH staff member can put forward an application.
- This year the grant limit has increased to $2,999!
The Special Grant Program is funded through the staff payroll deduction lottery, PayDay Payout, and other donor designated funds
Furkids of GGH: Meet Donnie!
Hello everyone at GGH! I am happy to meet you all and to introduce myself! Many of you may know my Mom, Emily, who works in EHS, as I have learned she is kind of famous at the hospital. I also know she is VERY proud of me, as I am a rather special boy. As you can see by my photo of us, not only am I a handsome gent, but am a prize-winning one as well! I come from a long line of pretty stellar French Bulldogs and recently won Best of Breed in a breed confirmation show. And although my Mom and Dad named me Donnie, my show name is a wee bit fancier – so you can also call me Can Ch Cass’Imperium Liberace for Arisocrafts or Liberace will also suffice. Although I am basically doggy royalty, I am also the sweetest boy you will find and will happily jump onto the closest available lap for snuggles and TLC (that is if my cat brother Kevin has not already found his way there first!).
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For details, click here. .
.GGH News
IPAC's Champion of the month
Special Care Nursery reno update
Change to the job posting dates
Patient TV rental restarts todayOther News
Bra decorating contest returns after multi-year absence!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Communication skills Clinics with prizes!
GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot Program – participants needed!
Furkids of GGH: Meet (not so furry) Gene and Paul
Co-operators insurance rewarding you if you get a quoteGGH News
IPAC's Champion of the month
IPAC is wanting to recognize staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care in these extraordinary times.
Each month a member of the IPAC team will select an IPAC Champion. With their consent their picture and first name will be displayed on our Hand Hygiene Thermometers and they also receive a gift card.
This month IPAC has selected Jenn, Unit Attendant on 4 West. She was chosen for her strong advocacy for patient safety and IPAC practices, and strives to maintain consistent IPAC practices on her unit.
Please help us in congratulating Jenn as the IPAC Champion for August!
Special Care Nursery reno update
Mechanical and electrical rough-ins are well underway. The body of the OR hoard system has been installed. Sections of HVAC ducting and heating lines have had pressure tests completed with documentation to be distributed. The sprinkler contractor has their materials on site and is starting installation next week.
In the photo below left, patient rooms with windows line the right side of the hallway. Below right, just some of the large amount of infrastructure that will end up tucked above a suspended ceiling. Click photos to enlarge.
For this month's issue, click here. Change to the job posting dates
- Starting on September 20, jobs will be posted every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Be sure to apply for jobs within the posting period
- The Job Postings can be found outside of the Employee Health Services (EHS) office or on our external website at http://ggh.lab.barking.ca/jobs/
Patient TV rental restarts today
The transition to our new patient TV provider will be completed today. At 1 p.m. the new service goes live and TVs will have to be rented. All information about renting can be found on the TV themselves. The cost to rent is $13 per day, $65 per week and $195 per month. All information can also be found on our web site. Here’s how to sign up:
Directly on the Bedside TV (image left): Select the “Rent TV Service” icon on the TV’s home screen and follow the prompts to complete the rental.
Online or on Mobile Device: Visit www.locmedical.com and select the “TV Rental” icon at the top of the webpage, and follow the prompts to complete the rental.
Through its National Call Centre: Dial Ext. 3300, or call all 1.800.263.1113 and select option-1 during business hours to speak to a LOC Medical Customer Support Team Member.
The service provider is not involved with bedside phones or headsets. Patients are able to bring in their own headsets or purchase ones at Switchboard for $3. Bedside phones are now being supplied by the hospital at no charge to the patient but remain property of the hospital.
Other News
Bra decorating contest returns after multi-year absence!
To Help Raise Breast Cancer Awareness you’re invited to celebrate with our contest. Get creative and have some fun!
Anything Goes! Great prizes to be won! Everyone’s welcome! Staff, Patients, Visitors!Visit Mammography (level 3) for more info & registration forms
Submissions due by: Oct. 27. Brought to you by the GGH Mammography Team, and prizes generously donated by The Foundation of GGH
.October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Attention Staff, are you eligible for a mammogram through the Ontario Breast Screening Program?
One in Eight Women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. If you are:
- Between ages 50 and 74
- Have no new breast symptoms
- Have no personal history of breast cancer
- Have no current breast implants
- Have not had a screening mammogram within the last 11 months
Drop in/same day appointments available! Call x2450 or visit Diagnostic Imaging (level 3) to book your mammogram
Communication skills Clinics with prizes!
You can participate, even if you have not taken Crucial Conversations course.
- Do you ever get so caught up in an argument that you lose sight of what you wanted and simply try to win, or do you work with people who do that?
- Do you ever keep silent about a matter, hoping someone else shares your concern and will speak up?
It’s Special Grant time again! For details, click here. Over the next two months, we have a unique opportunity for our employees, volunteers and teams. We are running a quick self-led clinic and contest to help focus on one of the key skills that helps us to communicate well when it matters the most. It is based on our foundational communication skills learning program, Crucial Conversations, and focused on some quick and actionable ideas.
Participating is pretty easy, and you can do it alone or in a team.
- Go to the links you find below or on the posters
- Watch the short video (less than three minutes)
- Be intentional in trying it out over the next week
- Enter into a prize draw every time you try the skills. There is a draw every two weeks for prizes. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/crucialclinic
You can participate, even if you have not taken Crucial Conversations.
- Sept 14 - How to seek Understanding Rather than Agreement
- Sept 21 - How to set clear expectations
- Oct 5 - How to respond to unexpected feedback
- Oct 19 - Stop Stewing and Start Doing
GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot Program – participants needed!
We are excited to announce that the GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot is now live! This type of coaching, also known as "Lifestyle Health Coaching," is used to help people discover and define what well-being means to them. Rather than acting like an expert and telling clients what to do, coaches allow their clients to define the direction and mode of action they want to take. Research has shown that this is essential in producing long-lasting behaviour change, as it enhances one’s strengths and abilities, leading to greater self-esteem and self-efficacy. There was a high level of interest demonstrated in the 2021 Health & Wellness Needs Assessment Survey where 55% responded they would participate if this type of initiatives was brought to GGH.
Lauren Brown, GGH's Health & Wellness Specialist, is looking for 10 staff and/or professional staff to join the pilot who would like to receive coaching in one of the following areas: nutrition, physical fitness, general stress management, and weight management. These individuals will receive support for six sessions in a virtual format (using WebEx) to help them make positive changes in the area of health they choose. If you are interested and would like to learn more, please click here and you will be directed to a Survey Monkey containing more information and a spot where you can sign up if you think this would be a fit for you!
Furkids of GGH: Meet (not so furry) Gene and Paul
Hello everyone at GGH! I am Gene (on the left) an I am Paul (on the right) and we would both like to know who named this activity, as neither one of us are furry, but are still pets to our Dad, Shawn, who works in MDRD, and his family! Clearly someone needs an education on what can be a pet! Anyway, we are corn snakes and we make amazing family companions. And for those of you who are “scared of snakes” (*eye roll*), we don’t get too big, as I (Gene) am 4.5 feet long, and Paul is 4.0 feet and we are fully grown. We can live up to 20 years if we are cared for properly – which will definitely be our case as our family is amazing! We even show our love by gently curling around an arm or a leg to give our humans a hug. And just like those furry pets of yours, we also love baking in a good patch of sun, and when we are let outside, we enjoy exploring the backyard – you may even find us up in a tree taking in the view. And for those KISS fans in the house, we ARE named after Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, making our cool factor even greater than before!
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Details about getting tested can be found here. 
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.GGH News
COVID-19 News
Other News
September’s 50/50 Hospital Lottery minimum guaranteed grand prize is $35,000
GGH GoodLife Membership Special: Getting back at it
GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot program starting soon
Homewood offering support in light of the tragedy in Saskatchewan
Furkids of GGH: Meet Stevie!GGH News
Org Chart updated
Welcoming Dylan Koch as Director Finance and Shannon Maier as Senior Director Patient Services. Click on above image to enlarge. 
COVID-19 News
Staff Algorithm updated
While the province recently announced new protocols for the general public for those testing positive for COVID, rules for those in healthcare are different. Employee Health Services recently updated our staff algorithm which can be found here. To the right is the highlighted area which deals with the rule changes.
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Other News
September’s 50/50 Hospital Lottery minimum guaranteed grand prize is $35,000!
To celebrate its 35 years of gathering community support to help save lives and improve health, our Foundation is going even BIGGER this September with a minimum guaranteed grand prize of $35,000. Plus, three early bird prizes of $350 and one BONUS prize of $3,500.
Tickets are on sale now! Purchase Tickets Here...GGH GoodLife Membership Special: Getting back at it
For many of us, summertime represents an opportunity to get together with friends and family, attend community events, head out on day trips (or longer!) and try and get fun at the top of the agenda as often as possible. Fingers crossed, you experienced some of that over the past few months (and continue to do so!). But with school starting, September also represents the other “New Year” where people want to get back on track with a routine, including more regular physical activity. If that resonates with you, and you are looking to do something maybe a bit different this fall, please remember that GGH Staff and Professional Staff are able to get a GoodLife membership for 25% off their regular rates (including a $0 enrollment fee). All you need is a GGH email to sign up and follow the steps outlined here If you do not have a GGH email, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca to obtain a Unique ID which you can use to sign up instead.
GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot program starting soon
If the last post resonated with you and you want to make some lifestyle changes, listen up! Starting next week, there will be posters up throughout the hospital with more details about the GGH Health & Wellness Coaching Pilot program that is starting soon. There will be 10 people chosen (staff and/or professional staff are eligible) to obtain coaching support in one of the following areas: nutrition, physical activity, general stress management or weight management. If you don’t want that level of involvement, but are interesting in learning more about behaviour change, a webinar recording will be posted later this week in eLearning (found under Additional GGH Courses > Health and Wellness). Please reach out to HealthandWellness@gghorg.ca for more information.
Homewood offering support in light of the tragedy in Saskatchewan
Unexpected events regardless of their nature, a serious accident, an act of violence, a natural disaster or some other incident that has left people directly or indirectly involved feeling unsettled or seriously impacted. The purpose of this handout is to help you understand some possible reactions you may be experiencing as a result of this incident and provide suggestions regarding the best ways to manage your reactions and begin your recovery. For the complete handout, click here.
Furkids of GGH: Meet Stevie!
Hello GGH. I just learned that my mom, Betty, sent a photo of me in to HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca, so I thought I would introduce myself. I am Stevie (after Stevie Nicks, of course) and as you can see, I have it pretty good over here upon my pillow. I also may or may not have the title of Princess of Princess Street…but, my life wasn’t always this way! I used to be a street kitty, where I had to fight for shelter and food and things were much, much harder. I also did not possess this gorgeous fluffy coat (or shape – those are both thanks to my Mom). In addition to my pillow, I enjoy a good lap, but sometimes one of those computer things is in my way. When that’s the case, I either still move in and just make space, or will settle for the floor if there is a fire on in the fireplace – as you can see, after my hard beginnings I really enjoy being cozy! A big thanks to my Mom for rescuing me and giving me such a wonderful life!
If you'd like your Furkid to be featured, please email the following to HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca:
- Your full name (for keeping track of the pets - only your first name will be published/used)
- Your department (if applicable)
- One photo of your pet(s) – meaning, if you have three pets, please capture them together in one photo (which is easier said than done, but we all know how much of your phone’s “Photo” folder is filled with your pets!)
- Your pet(s) names (their full name if they have one – e.g. Lauren’s dog is Tillie from Texas!) and/or nickname
- The funniest thing your pet does, or your favourite thing about your pet
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GGH News
Emerging People Leaders Program
What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
Installation of new patient TVs and service begins
New Stress Management Fall Webinar Series: U of G’s Stress Management Clinic
Health & Wellness Coaching GGH Pilot Program – coming soon!Other News
GGH News
Emerging People Leaders Program
About the program
- Are you interested in continuing to develop your self-awareness and skills in leading people?
- Do you find yourself being asked to lead?
- Are you interested in how the efforts of a group can create positive and lasting change?
- Are you interested in supporting people in teams to thrive?
The Emerging People Leaders Program (Intranet link) is for individuals showing interest in leadership goals and who have strong performance in their current role. Here’s what a former participant said about her experience:
“Looking back, I’m very glad that I reached out to my senior director when I found out about the program. It allowed me to not only learn and practice applying valuable knowledge and tools, but also take the time to reflect upon my own leadership style and opportunities for growth. It was great that the program had representation from across the hospital so we can hear each other’s perspectives and build stronger relationships to move us forward together.”
Ying Zhu CPA, CMA, PMP
Informatics Analyst
Guelph General HospitalGetting involved is easy as 1, 2 and 3
- Look at the Readiness Assessment and program details to see if the Emerging People Leaders program fits your goals.
- Share your interest in the program by emailing your leader. Your leader might also approach you with an invitation to consider participating.
- Discuss your development plan with your leader and set a course for your future.
The 35-hour program includes three training days, live webinars, and self-study/discovery, lasting eight months. The learning programs will have flexible delivery methods to better support scheduling and workload demands. The program will have two intakes per year. Project work, committees, and daily working with your teams are places where you can continue to stretch and grow your skills as you move through the program.
It's exciting to focus on the future by investing in our staff and showing them there is room to grow their career here, stay at GGH and ensure we have the people we need to deliver the high-quality care our community deserves. We ran a pilot in 2019, and several participants of the pilot have moved into formal and informal leadership roles here at the hospital.
Please consider talking to your leader or send questions about the program to Jo Oliver in Organizational Development at joliver@gghorg.ca.
What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
This time around there’s four questions and two comments – parking lot security, Tim's gift cards, students paying for parking and casual attire. Please remember, “What’s on Your Mind?” is hosted on our Intranet and only viewable within the organization.
These are the channels available on the new TV service. Click image to enlarge. Installation of new patient TVs and service begins
The 170 new TVs are on site and most will be installed this week As mentioned in an email yesterday, GGH has contracted a new supplier to provide patient TV service. LOC Medical will begin installing its tablet-style TVs starting today. Switching over 170 patient TVs is expected to take two or three days. The switchover means the current TVs will have lost their signal. To minimize the interruption to patients, the plan is to first replace those TVs already in use through either Preferred Accommodations or being rented directly from the current provider, Health Hub. Once those TVs are switched, the installers will go unit by unit starting with 4W, 4E and 6W.
New Stress Management Fall Webinar Series: U of G’s Stress Management Clinic
Some of you may have attended classes lead by Kathy Somers in the past here at GGH, or taken some of her virtual classes. A new webinar series for the Fall has been launched with a variety of programs focusing on sleep hygiene, anxiety, relaxation skills, etc.. For more information please see the flyers posted on the Health and Wellness Board outside of Employee Health Services on the second floor, or visit www.SelfRegulationSkills.ca.
Health & Wellness Coaching GGH Pilot Program – coming soon!
In the 2021 Health & Wellness Needs Assessment Survey, 55% of you shared that you would be interested in individual, or group health coaching if offered at the hospital. We are excited to announce that we will be launching a pilot program starting in the Fall and will be looking for 10 individuals who are interested in getting support to make changes in one of the following areas: nutrition, physical activity, sleep strategies, general stress management. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
Other News
Furkids of GGH: Meet Lucy!
Hello everyone at GGH, my name is Lucy (but you can also call me Lucia, Lulu or Lucy-Lu!) and my mom’s name is Andrea! I have many favourite things I enjoy, such as watching TV (and conversing with all the animals that appear on the screen…although none of them bark back!?!), and making a bed out of anything I find – and I mean anything. That clean pile of clothes or bedding has no chance when I am done with it! I also love my human siblings immensely. They share all their favourite clothes and accessories with me including hats, headbands and once in a while I even get a bow - which does the best job highlighting my beautiful ears. And yes, I am aware that one isn’t standing up – it never does! :)
If you are interested in having your pet featured in the NEWS, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca for more information.
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GGH NewsIPAC Champion of the month
Fall Learning Series @ GGH
Mission Nutrition finishes next week!
Onsite Psychotherapy – September is the last month of the pilot program
Pets of GGH – introducing "Oakley"GGH News
IPAC Champion of the month
IPAC is wanting to recognize staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care in these extraordinary times.
Each month a member of the IPAC team will select an IPAC Champion. With their consent their picture and first name will be displayed on our Hand Hygiene Thermometers and they also receive a gift card.
This month IPAC has selected Monica, a Resource RN from 5W. Monica has been chosen because of her strong advocacy for IPAC practices, especially during recent COVID outbreaks!
Please help us congratulate Monica as the IPAC Champion for August!
Video intercom now installed at main entrance
It's important to note our main entrance is still the 24/7 entry point for visitors and non-emergency patients. Now, switchboard has a way of securely interacting with anyone arriving between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. before remotely unlocking the main door. Signs direct those arriving to use the intercom to gain admission.
As a reminder, an ID card reader has been added outside the door to allow staff to unlock it and enter. Those leaving the building after hours will simply have to press a red "Exit" button to release the doors.
Fall Learning Series @ GGH
Working together
More relevant than ever is our Crucial Conversations 1-day workshop. This program is open to all employees and focuses on strengthening your skills to speak up when it matters most. Join the workshop to learn and practice critical skills for working with patients and co-workers to help us be our best at work.
Full Day Workshops
•73 Delhi St, Guelph, 24 November 2022 @ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
•73 Delhi St, Guelph, 29 November 2022 @ 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Crucial Conversations Clinics
Read the News In General and check the bulletin boards for a bi-weekly crucial conversation clinic and challenge through September and October. Share how you are practicing your skills for a chance to win a prize.
Unconscious Bias
Building on our Diversity and Inclusion Fundamentals and our Diversity and Inclusion 101 webinars, all employees and leaders are welcome to participate in our next EDI Foundations series training, unconscious bias. This one-day workshop will support participants with self-awareness and strategies to help connect, recognize and engage with different perspectives and experiences. Because when we understand where our bias lie, we can unleash our full potential to help innovate, solve problems and get results.
Full Day
Two 1/2 days (attend both)
- 73 Delhi St, Guelph, 7 November 2022 @ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (multi-day)
- 22 November 2022, 1:00 PM – 22 November 2022, 4:30 PM
Prioritizing and Thriving
The 5 Choices workshop offers employees key skills to help manage the stress we feel in our daily work lives. We will work through the 5 Choices we can all make and support us in transforming our work and reducing our stress.
Mission Nutrition finishes next week!
Since mid-May, we have been able to enjoy delicious and nutritious subsidized meals from the Bistro for only $5 thanks to a very generous donor who wanted to give back to the hospital. It has been a lot of fun to work with the staff of The Foundation and Marek Hospitality on this initiative, and the feedback has been very positive from those who have taken part. Make sure to pop by on Monday and Wednesday next week to grab a tasty lunch before it’s too late!
Onsite Psychotherapy – September is the last month of the pilot program
Vij Richards, Reg. Psychotherapist, has been a wonderful addition to the GGH family the last four months while she has provided complimentary mental health support to our staff and professional staff. In September she will be here on the 15and 29in the Level 1 Conference room. If you would like to schedule a visit with Vij, please email her directly at VijRich26@gmail.com . September marks the end of our pilot program, which was put in place as individual onsite psychotherapy was the top option chosen in the 2021 Health & Wellness Needs Assessment by participants as a way to support their mental health. We are gathering feedback on this initiative which will guide future funding and planning of wellness initiatives. If you have visited with Vij, please check your account for an email from her which includes a link to a short Survey Monkey where you can provide your thoughts. All data shared by Survey Monkey protects your anonymity and only the summary report will be analyzed. We look forward to hearing from you!
Oakley appears to be waiting for someone to please throw the ball!! Furkids of GGH: Meet Oakley!
This sweet face, Oakley, is a three-year-old pup owned by Tanya, who shares that he loves backcountry camping and has already visited five provincial parks! Well done, Oakley! Hopefully you have something fun planned for the last long weekend of summer :)
Tanya was the first person to respond to the call posted in last week’s NEWS asking for people to share their pets. If you would also like to have your pet possibly featured in an upcoming issue of the NEWS and/or in displays around the hospital, please email the following to HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca:
- Your full name (for keeping track of the pets - only your first name will be published/used)
- Your department (if applicable)
- One photo of your pet(s) – meaning, if you have three pets, please capture them together in one photo (which is easier said than done, but we all know how much of your phone’s “Photo” folder is filled with your pets!)
- Your pet(s) names (their full name if they have one – e.g. Lauren’s dog is Tillie from Texas!) and/or nickname
- The funniest thing your pet does, or your favourite thing about your pet
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The departure of screeners now means visitors must self screen for symptoms before entering the hospital. The sign above is displayed just inside the main entrance and has been shared on Social Media. .
.GGH News
Main entrance now has controlled access overnight
Same day mental health support available
I Spy a Butterfly – GGH Summer Scavenger Hunt
Mark your Calendars: The Ice Cream Truck is coming!
Pets of GGH – tell us about your furkids!
.Other News
Local Church to hold service honouring first responders
Ride for Mental Health this weekend
Charity garage sale back after a two-year absence
.GGH News
Main entrance now has controlled access overnight
It's important to note our main entrance is still the 24/7 entry point for visitors and non-emergency patients. With the recent departure of our screeners, there was a need to enhance late-night security. Now, when someone arrives between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., signs direct them to push a newly installed doorbell which chimes in switchboard. Staff there can remotely unlock the door. The plan is to eventually install a video intercom but supply chain issues means it'll be a few more weeks before it arrives.
An ID card reader has been added outside the door to allow staff to unlock it and enter (photo left). Those leaving the building after hours will simply have to press a red "Exit" button to release the doors (photo right).
Same day mental health support available
You may have noticed the posters around the hospital outlining the steps to access the new Homewood Pathfinder platform. Please keep an eye out on your GGH email for more information on this amazing service! Also, a big “thank you!” to the team at St. Mary’s General Hospital for providing the poster's template and giving us the permission to use it at GGH...
Meet with someone today or book an appointment for another time using the confidential Homewood Health Pathfinder tool. The clinician biographies and online booking features will help you connect with the right person at the right time. For instructions on how to use the Pathfinder tool, click here.
I Spy a Butterfly – GGH Summer Scavenger Hunt
Many of you already have helped capture the 20 butterflies that have escaped have been spotted around GGH! But if you are lucky enough to still find and catch one, flip it over and take a photo of the information on the back. Send your butterfly’s photo to HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca, including your full name and department and watch your email for a $10 Starbucks e-gift card (don’t forget to check your junk folder as well so you don’t miss it)! Once a butterfly has been found and its photo has been submitted, that butterfly is considered “caught” and is no longer part of the scavenger hunt. To make it fair to as many people as possible, only one butterfly per person.
Not surprisingly, free ice cream was a big hit last year!
Mark your Calendars: The Ice Cream Truck is coming!On August 25, from 1430-1930, the MegaCone ice cream truck will be back at GGH! Bring your friends down to the Level 1 Staff Entrance during those times and get yourself a free treat! There will be different options for you to try, as well as lactose-free delights if needed. This staff appreciation party is brought to you by GGH Foundation donors who think you are amazing! Thank you for everything you do!
The editors' oldest dog, Sadie, was not thrilled in the least when early in the pandemic it was tried using her as a model for posters about "how not to wear a mask." :) Pets of GGH – tell us about your furkids!
In upcoming issues of the NEWS, and possibly in displays throughout the hospital we are looking to feature the pets of GGH, as we all know what joy our fur children bring us (and others :) ). If you would like to have your pet(s) featured, please email the following information to HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca
- Your full name (for keeping track of the pets - only your first name will be published/used)
- Your department (if applicable)
- One photo of your pet(s) – meaning, if you have three pets, please capture them together in one photo (which is easier said than done, but we all know how much of your phone’s “Photo” folder is filled with your pets!)
- Your pet(s) names (their full name if they have one – e.g. Lauren’s dog is Tillie from Texas!) and/or nickname
- The funniest thing your pet does, or your favourite thing about your pet
Other News
Local Church to hold service honouring first responders
St. George's Anglican Church in Guelph is holding a morning prayer service Sunday, September 11, at 10:30 a.m. to honour those individuals who serve the community on the front lines as First Responders in times of crisis. All are invited. It is also reaching out here to see if there’s an emergency department caregiver who would participate in the Emergency Services Recognition. If interested, please email: office@saintgeorge.ca.
Ride for Mental Health this weekend
Homewood has recently partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada in supporting the needs of our veterans, first responders and their families. With this partnership, we are also promoting the Wounded Warriors National Ride for Mental Health. Homewood will be matching all funds raised by its employees up to $10,000. All donations are tax deductible and all proceeds go to WWC.
Please consider supporting this cause by either joining a team, riding on your own, donating, or just spreading the word within your organizations and in the community. There will be a small group leaving HHC this Saturday with a few options for routes (15, 50 or 100 km…or you can choose your own route). Given this partnership was only formed in recent weeks, this year’s ride rolling out of HHC on Delhi St. will be smaller and much less formal/organized. We hope to have a much larger ride out of Guelph for next year’s event when we have more time to prepare.
For more information, please visit rideformentalhealth.ca
Charity garage sale back after a two-year absence
The Bangladesh and Bangla Speaking Community of Guelph have decided to bring their garage sale and breakfast back after a two year break due to COVID-19. This Saturday, August 20 from 7 a.m.to noon, come out to 20 Carey Crescent and find your own treasure, enjoy a cooked breakfast, pick up some fresh produce or purchase a bouquet of flowers. All proceeds will be generously donated to GGH.
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Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket to win the quilt in the Boutique! The winner was Mercedes Waterous. GGH News
New overnight security measures added to our Main entrance starting Monday, Aug. 15
Other News
Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing
Homewood Life Lines - Stigma and Addiction
2022 Canadian National Exhibition - Deadline approaching to still save 46%!GGH News
New overnight security measures added to our Main entrance starting Monday, Aug. 15
On Sunday, we say "goodbye" to our fantastic screeners who were in place 24/7. We owe this team an outstanding debt of gratitude!. As we're about to move to passive screening already begun by other local hospitals, for security reasons our main entrance will be locked from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. starting Monday, Aug. 15.
The main entrance will still be the point of entry for overnight visitors and non-emergency patients. Outside the entrance, a new video intercom is being installed that connects with our switchboard. Staff there will be able to see and speak with the person wanting to enter then remotely unlock the door while remaining in a secure area.
Other News
Tools for Optimizing Sleep & Sleep-Wake Timing
Some of you may be familiar with Andrew Huberman, PhD, and his amazing podcast which discusses the latest in scientific research and how to optimize one’s wellbeing. The most recent episode focuses on improving your sleep through a variety of tools and supports and can be found on podcast streaming services. You can also find the episode on the Huberman Lab podcast’s YouTube page (which is timestamped so you can fast forward to topics which are of greatest interest). This podcast, and the work of Dr. Huberman, has been heavily promoted in GGH wellness initiatives, and a webinar summarizing his earlier information on sleep can be found on our GGH eLearning page, called “Healthy Workplace Month Sleep Strategies Seminar.” To find this webinar, please log into eLearning and click on the following:
Course Catalogue > By Category > Additional GGH Courses > Health and Wellness
Homewood Life Lines - Stigma and Addiction
The relationship between addiction and stigma is undoubtedly complicated. On the one hand, we see portrayals of addiction popularized through media, entertainment, celebrities, and influencers. It could be argued that these play a role in glamorizing or encouraging it. Societal influence is hard to ignore. Today it's relatively common to hear how an activity like shopping, working long hours or having a particular fondness for a certain food is being casually described as "addicting." We also hear people describe themselves as shopaholics, workaholics or even chocoholics.1 Interestingly, the suffixes "-aholic, -oholic, or holic" are directly derived from the word "alcoholic" and used to indicate "items to which people had become dependent or had an abnormal desire for.”
For the entire article, click here.
2022 Canadian National Exhibition - Deadline approaching to still save 46%!
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.
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Ninety years ago, this class of nurses graduated from the Guelph General Hospital School of Nursing. Established in 1888, it trained young woman to enter the medical field. Nurses from the school served in several notable events in the 20th century such as the First and Second World War, and the 1918 flu epidemic. By the time of the school’s closure in 1974, 1,278 nurses had graduated from its programs.
Photo from Guelph Museums Collection and the old Guelph General Hospital building can be seen in the background.GGH News
Other News
Mission: Nutrition switching days
Community back together again for Tour de Guelph and raises $134,000 in net proceeds
Guelph Family Health Team looking for teams to participate in its Activity Challenge
This 2-metre high banner greets all patients and visitors coming into the hospital and 73 and 125 Delhi St. GGH News
Visitor policy revised
Our Incident Management/Pandemic Steering Committee will review the ongoing community spread through the guidance from Public Health and the Ministry of Health. As community spread increases/decreases, our visiting policy will change as needed to protect patients, staff and hospital environment.
The most recent change includes the removal of a daily limit on number of visitors a patient can have. There still is a limit of two at a time at the bedside, space permitting for two-metre distancing.
The Director of the Department must review visitors to patients who are COVID positive or COVID suspect. The decision to designate an essential visitor is the patients’ or the Substitute Decision Makers’ choice.
Exceptions can be made for patients who are high risk exposures to COVID from a staff member exposure. They may have an essential visitor if the following criteria have been clearly explained and documented:
- The risk that the essential visitor may contract COVID
- The essential visitor remains in the patient’s room for the length of their visit and then promptly leaves the hospital
- The essential visitor wears a procedure mask, gown and eye protection for the entire visit
For the complete, updated policy, click here.
Other News
Mission: Nutrition – back to Mondays and Wednesdays!
Hopefully you have had a chance to pop by the Bistro to enjoy a healthy $5 meal created by the awesome Bistro staff and subsidized by our Foundation donor, Ruby! In an effort to reach as many people and shifts as possible, starting this week, the days are Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. (First come, first served!)
.Community back together again for Tour de Guelph and raises $134,000 in net proceeds
Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd, returned to an in-person group ride at the University of Guelph. After two years of virtual events, the community-cycling event, jointly organized by local Rotary Clubs and The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, welcomed hundreds of riders for a safe and fun ride raising $134,000 in net proceeds.
“It was fantastic to see community members of all ages and skill levels come together once again to support Guelph General Hospital and other local charitable programs through Rotary” exclaimed Julie Byczynski, CEO of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. “Seeing so many smiling faces at the starting line – and finishing line — really showed us that this community missed the feeling that comes with a group ride like this,” added Byczynski.
2019 was the last time the event was able to be held in person. That year, 750 riders raised $125,000 in net proceeds.
This year, 501 riders participated in Tour de Guelph. The event offered the option to Ride Anytime from June 10 to 26 and the option to attend the in-person group ride on June 26.
“Thank you to the 418 in person and 83 Ride Anytime riders, plus the 1,494 people who sponsored them,” commented Frank Oudesluys, Tour de Guelph Co-Chair, Rotary Club of Guelph South. “Their commitment will help Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium address critical community needs such as food security, family and youth services, transitional supports, and environmental stewardship through local charitable programs”.
Tour de Guelph has now raised over $850,000 in net proceeds for the community over its nine years. For the Hospital, it has funded or helped fund IV pumps, a centralized cardiac monitoring system, two non-invasive respiratory ventilators, a CT scanner, and a MRI scanner. This year, the Hospital’s share of the proceeds will go towards purchasing three new ultrasound machines.
Marianne Walker, Guelph General Hospital’s President & CEO stated that on-going community support of the hospital is so welcomed “Donations and fundraising events like Tour de Guelph provide the funds we need to purchase critical patient care equipment used by our healthcare team. The new ultrasound machines will be faster, more reliable and produce better images.”
Tour de Guelph Co-Chair and Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium member, Clarence Haverson expressed, “We want to thank the amazing riders, sponsors, volunteers, in-kind contributors, donors and everyone who made Tour de Guelph 2022 possible. Tour de Guelph makes our community a better place to live, work, and play.”
See who rode this year’s ride by viewing the Finisher’s Podium Online Rider Photo Album presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and GuelphToday.com.
Guelph Family Health Team looking for teams to participate in its Activity Challenge
Guelph Family Health Team’s FHT to Move JUMP into FALL Activity Challenge is back again this year! This is a FREE 3-week friendly competition with the intent of encouraging community members/surrounding area residents, local businesses, organizations, and groups to be more active, lead a healthier lifestyle and help improve mental/physical health. Maybe GGH would like to have a team or two or more!
Our Foundation has participated! The JUMP into FALL Activity Challenges kicks off with:
IN-PERSON Kick-off Event - Friday, September 16 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Riverside Park in Guelph
If you’d like to attend this event to kick-off the Activity Challenge and have a chance to WIN PRIZES, register HERE
3-week Activity Challenge - starts Friday, September 16 after kick-off event and runs until Friday, October 7. And yes, there will be more PRIZES!!!
To learn more, register/join a team, visit: https://guelphactivitychallenge.com/
If you’d like to see how much FUN participants had last year, check out the FHT to Move 2021 Recap video HERE
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See you August 3! .
GGH NewsDonated 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!
New office hours! M-F 0830-1630 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
On display at the Courtyard Boutique, this beautiful quilt is being raffled to raise money for the hospital. For more details, click here. 
For details, click image to enlarge 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.
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Our Foundation needs your help. Two very old posters need to come off the walls all over the hospital. Three posters really, as ‘enhance care’ has two different images. It’s such a big place and we don’t want to miss any, so we are starting a contest. For every sighting phoned in to X6422 or emailed to foundation@gghorg.ca you will be entered into a draw for a fabulous prize! Thanks, everyone. .
.GGH News
IPAC Champion of the Month
PRIDE – a celebration and commitment to actionOther News
Online Wellness resource, Catalyst Magazine – from The Mental Health Commission of Canada
Homewood Service Spotlight
Life Lines - Sexual Abuse and Sexual HarassmentGGH News
IPAC Champion of the Month
IPAC is wanting to recognize staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care in these extraordinary times.
Each month a member of the IPAC team will select an IPAC Champion. With their consent their picture and first name will be displayed on our Hand Hygiene Thermometers and they also receive a gift card.
This month IPAC has selected Jenn from Environmental Services. Jenn has been chosen because of her strong advocacy for IPAC practices. Jenn ensures the proper precaution signage are up, thus ensuring patient safety.
Please help us in congratulating Jenn as the IPAC Champion for July!
PRIDE – a celebration and commitment to action
submitted by Travis Frampton, RN- Emergency Department, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee member.
Pride is always a lot; it is many things to many people in many places and times. Pride has been important to me for a lifetime. For over a decade now, since "coming out," I have attended at least one Pride event a year, sometimes several. It is one of my favourite times of the year, surrounded by many LGBT2SQQIA+ community members, friends, lovers, and allies. Some prideful summers have included Toronto Pride, Kingston Pride, Montreal Pride, Ottawa Pride, North Bay Pride, London Pride and Guelph Pride. I am fortunate to have fallen in love with a fellow Pride attendee and developed an open relationship that supports us both. Over the years, we have become a close-knit group of gay friends we now consider family.
Congratulations to our “Snap your PRIDE” photo draw winner, our Food Services Team!!
Front row (l-r) Barbara Annett, Tammy McEwen, Julia Bunko, Veronica Lugosi
Back row (l-r), Natalie Vance, Vanessa Drexler, Sydney Scott, Stephanie Gallina, Josie M’Msfiri, Rachelle Peacock, Laura Hasler, Kelley Johnstone, D’Arcy BordeleauAs enjoyable as Pride is as a celebration, it's also important to mention why it continues to be necessary; the violence of heteropatriarchy. A recent example we experienced was while away with my partner this past winter; we explored some internationally well-known queer outdoor spaces with decades of history. While visiting, we noticed increasingly being surveilled and policed by a militarized local police force. A great deal must change. Recognizing and celebrating Pride at GGH can hopefully be the beginning of many more important conversations grounded in anti-racism, anti-oppression, truth and reconciliation.
A few ideas to support our teams and patient care:
- Continue to learn and support our teams, patients and their families through the learning resources available on the e-learning portal Courses|Additional GGH Courses | Organizational Development | Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Foundations
- PRIDE pins and stickers and new pronouns pins are also available through OD and by email to inclusion@gghorg.ca.
- Send an email to inclusion@gghorg.ca to get involved in awareness-building, learning and action.
Other News
Online Wellness resource, Catalyst Magazine – from The Mental Health Commission of Canada
Although the majority of us find ourselves sometimes too busy to stop and think, Catalyst Magazine from the Mental Health Commission of Canada might be a good way to spend a bit of our social media-scrolling time. It has incredibly informative articles on many facets of wellbeing (e.g. healthy aging, social connections and healthy communication strategies) written by mental health industry professionals. An article of particular interest, It’s Broke- And Don’t fix it, discusses strategies one can implement when helping to support others through challenging times. Not only could this be of help to those in leadership roles, but also for any of us who find ourselves in discussions with others experiencing hardships.
Homewood Service Spotlight
Did you know that through Homewood Health, GGH’s EFAP, you can receive one-on-one support through their Life Smart Coaching services? For example, new parents can be connected with one of Homewood’s childcare specialists to learn about the specific resources dedicated to this exciting (and challenging!) stage of life! Or, if you find yourself in the position of taking care of an ill and/or elderly relative, there are resources for that as well. If you find yourself falling into both those categories, i.e. the Sandwich Generation, Homewood would be happy to support you too. You can connect with them by calling 1-800-663-1142, or by creating a Homewood Pathfinder Profile by visiting Homeweb.ca and following the prompts (using the following Invitation Code: CMH747). For any further questions regarding Homewood, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca
Life Lines - Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment
Anyone can experience sexual abuse or sexual harassment. These situations often emerge in circumstances where there is an imbalance of power. It can happen between people who know each other and between strangers. It’s never okay. Living with the aftermath can be traumatic, and it’s important to give people the right kinds of support to begin to heal. For the entire article, click here.
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GGH News
Old Special Care Nursery now a blank canvas
With the demolition complete and the area cleaned out, our Special Care Nursery could be safely toured. Facilities Director, Dwayne Shelswell (below right) provided the hard hats and acted as guide to Kim Towes, Senior Director Patient Services and Karen Suk-Patrick, VP People and Support Services.
The empty space brought home the extent of the transformation. This isn't a remodel but a complete reimaging of the space. In fact, if it weren't for the wall of windows in one of the photos below which used to be one side of the hallway, it would be difficult to tell this space was once home to our Special Care Nursery.
The new layout (floor plan below) has been marked on the floor so work can begin on installing plumbing to connect to sanitary lines, says Dan Brzak, Director Redevelopment and Planning. "We are engaged in meetings with the contractor, our clinical teams and support teams like IT, Environmental and IPAC. Through this work we will establish a phasing plan and timelines to safely allow work to continue."
The project’s floor plan below shows the new SCN layout. To give a sense of the scale of the change, highlighted in blue is where the old hallway was located. Click image to enlarge.
Funding for the project has come completely from donations to our Foundation's successful "Together We Care" campaign.
The wall of windows indicates the location of the old hallway. Kim Towes (left) and Karen Suk-Patrick were guided by Dwayne Shelswell. Amazing ‘Kaleidoscope’ quilt being raffled in the Courtyard Boutique
Can you imagine giving away something that you spent 120 hours working on? Well, that is just what Cheryl MacDonald did. She has donated her queen-sized quilt titled ‘Kaleidoscope’ to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.
The Foundation immediately consulted with the Volunteer Association to see whether they would raffle it off in The Courtyard Boutique. Thankfully they agreed and obtained a raffle license. Tickets are available now for $5 but only until noon on August 2!
Cheryl hopes that at least $1,000 can be raised for the area of greatest need at the hospital. Currently, that is the replacement of three aging ultrasounds.
This is not the first time Cheryl has gifted us with one of her amazing works. For Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1, 2017, she donated a quilt to the first baby born at Guelph General that day. Cole Sanders was born just after 1:00 a.m. and his parents, Christina and Corey, were presented with the two-sided quilt with a map of Canada showing animals native to different areas of the country. The border included the names of past Prime Ministers and their dates in office, with seven living former Prime Minister’s autographs on a special patch. It took Cheryl ten months of planning and stitching to complete. Later, she embroidered Cole’s name and date of birth for the Sanders family. What a keepsake!
Don’t miss out on the chance to make Kaleidoscope YOUR newest family heirloom.
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.GGH News
Visitor parking rates going up Monday
A busy month of opportunities for recognition, learning and action
Individual Onsite Psychotherapy Support Program: New Dates
GoodLife Corporate Wellness – Reminders & RecipesGGH News
Visitor parking rates going up Monday
On Monday, July 4, we are introducing new public parking rates for our gated and Pay and Display parking lots. Parking rates for the public have not increased since 2019. The ability to raise rates are dictated by the Ministry of Health, which generally allows rates to increase based on the Consumer Price Index. When parking rates were not increased, the increases can be carried over year to year. As a result, rates for visitors will be increasing as shown in the chart. There will be no increases to staff parking rates at this time.
Please note, the hospital receives no Ministry funding for parking. Revenue from parking is used to refurbish and maintain parking lots, purchase parking equipment, snowplough, salt and clean our parking lots. Any additional revenues are directed to support patient care.
A busy month of opportunities for recognition, learning and action
In June, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee focused on supporting awareness building, learning and recognition of areas that we heard are important to be inclusive for our teams, patients and their families. So it's been a busy month of opportunities for recognition, learning and action within a busy time.
Accessibility Awareness Month
We started the month with a focus on helping all of our employees access and use AODA training and the equity, diversity and inclusion fundamentals webinar on our LMS.
PRIDE
We also recognized the important contributions of our teams and professionals in health care and the community that are LGBTQIA. We will continue to ensure that our teams have visible indicators that this is a Safe Space for people who are LGBTQIA to receive care, support their friends and family in receiving care, join our teams and develop their careers. And we will be funding 101 levels of education through the Rainbow Health Alliance and our LMS to support you in these efforts.
National Indigenous History Month
And finally, we made some history by launching a partnership with Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre and Katrina Graham, in particular, with an indigenous patient navigator program. We started this new partnership with a hand drum circle and are supporting all our employees to learn more about the program and how this supports reconciliation through attending future hand drum circles and our LMS learning activities.
A "Hand Drum Circle" was recently held to mark the beginning of our new Indigenous Patient Navigator program. The ceremony was led by Katrina Graham who will be supporting patients who are First Nation, Inuit and Metis in navigating their healthcare journey here. Canada Day
The month closes out with Canada Day. It's a time to reflect on the contributions our families, co-workers, friends, and community make to Canada and its future. And it also includes recognizing the truths of colonization and our individual and collective responses to the calls to action.
What's Next?
We hope to have created opportunities for reflection, learning and empowerment towards a better understanding of what our patients, their families and teams need in terms of feeling welcome at GGH.
The equity, diversity and inclusion committee is very interested in understanding how you experienced the activities this month. What did you value, and what do we need to do more of, or differently? Share at inclusion@gghorg.ca, and this will be brought to our meeting in July.
*The resources related to all these awareness-building activities continue to be available to you on the LMS.
New banner signs supporting our continuing mask requirement have been placed at our ED and main entrances. A slightly modified version is at the entrances to 73 and 125 Delhi. 
A big GGH welcome to our latest group of new hires - 39 of them!! .
.Individual Onsite Psychotherapy Support Program: New Dates
There continues to be a very positive response to the individual psychological supportsGGH Health & Wellness is offering staff and professional staff and Vij Richards, Reg. Psychotherapist, RN (retired) will be back for three more months! Please see below for her availability, and sign-up procedures. This confidential program will run until
Sept. 2022 and it is our hope that this pilot will inform how we can continue to best support you.. GoodLife Corporate Wellness – Reminders & Recipes
Tomorrow (June 30) is the last day for you to get a GoodLife Corporate Membership and be entered to win a Napoleon 365 BBQ. If you join, you will get our 25% discount off their membership fees, a free GoodLife gym bag, and your enrollment fee is waved! If you’re thinking about taking this next step in your wellness journey, now is the time J Questions? Email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca
If you happen to win the BBQ, you could try a few of these healthy and quick summer recipes brought to you by GoodLife Fitness. Their blog is full of great resources, including workouts, meal planning tips, and articles on mental wellbeing (just to name a few!).
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.GGH News
He/She/They/Ze – Why It Matters!
June is also Men’s Health Month
Leaving Spring behind one bite at a time
The story behind "Mission: Nutrition"
Murals installed on 5 West too
.GGH News
He/She/They/Ze – Why It Matters!
Alycia Unwin & Joanne Oliver
Social Worker Organizational Development and Learning
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members
Food Services recently sent in its submission to the "PRIDE snaps" photo contest. The Blue, White, and Pink chevron stripes of the Progress Pride flag reflect the significant contributions that transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or gender diverse individuals have made and continue to make to our communities. The chevron stripes also reflect the need for more equity, safety and accessibility. Transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or gender diverse people often experience poorer health outcomes than their cisgender peers. A part of this can be attributed to fear of discrimination, which leads to delays in seeking care. Still, people's behaviours and workplace processes also play a role in the quality of care.
The hospital is prioritizing awareness building in 2022, supporting patients, their families and staff to feel welcomed and increasing our skills in recognizing and addressing barriers to service. And, because we are committed to welcoming and creating safety for our patients, their families and teams, there are some individual and immediate actions we can take and habits we can build:
- Invite people to share how they want to be addressed, including their names and pronouns.
- Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to let people know you will also respect their pronouns.
- Ensure new employees know where gender-neutral washrooms are.
- Update your email signature and video conferencing identities to include your pronouns.
- Invest in the development of your professional skills:
- Participate in the EDI Foundations webinars on the LMS at Courses | Additional GGH Courses |Organizational Development |EDI fundamentals
- Take the LGBTSQ Foundations Training through Rainbow Health Alliance (GGH will cover the cost for the course)
Increased skills will help us understand our processes' limitations and help us to better engage with transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or gender-diverse individuals in developing effective solutions for equitable care.Share additional ways you and your teams are working to make our processes more inclusive to inclusion@gghorg.ca
Resources For Further Information:
ARCH Guelph: https://archguelph.ca/about/
Rainbow Health Ontario: https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/TransHealthGuide/
Pride In Practice: https://www.prideinpractice.org/articles/transgender-pronouns-guide/
June is also Men’s Health Month
If you haven’t yet had the chance, pop by The Bistro to see the Men’s Health Month display for lots of resources, information and a word search! Those who complete the word search will be entered into a draw to win a gift basket (draw to be held June 29). Sometimes there are also treats to help get you through your day, but often they go more quickly than they can be handed out!
Leaving Spring behind one bite at a time
Cupcakes were a great way to kick off the official first day of summer! This inspired idea of a Summer Solstice Cupcake Party was courtesy of Lauren Brown (far right), our Health & Wellness Specialist. The story behind "Mission: Nutrition"
The $5 meals have been a big hit with staff. Not only are they nutritious, but they're also delicious!! it's all thanks to a generous donor who wanted to give something back directly to staff. This is her story:
The staff. Ruby couldn’t get them out of her mind. She marveled at how well the caregivers took care of her during her week admitted at Guelph General. Shifts would change, faces came and went, but every caregiver provided the support she needed to recover from a reaction to a chemotherapy treatment.
“Those nurses, personal support workers and doctors, they handled everything I needed plus did the same for all of the other patients. I wasn’t easy, I was so emotional during my first time staying in a hospital. I knew I had to do something for the staff,” declared Ruby.
The $5 meals have been a big hit! No wonder, they’re delicious! Ruby contacted the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and worked with Project Coordinator Jennifer Duggan to determine the best way to donate directly to staff. “Naturally, I explored whether this could fit with initiatives from our new Wellness Program,” Jennifer explained. “Lauren Brown, the Health & Wellness Specialist, had organized subsidized meals for staff for Nutrition Month that were very popular. This seemed like the perfect fit to fulfill Ruby’s wishes.”
Lauren came up with the name ‘Mission: Nutrition’ and, with the cooperation of Marek Hospitality, began the program in mid-May. As Lauren shared, “We are so lucky to have The Bistro providing fresh and hot food from scratch. By offering these meals for $5, they are now more financially-accessible and help to make the ‘healthy choice the easy choice’ for staff.”
Healthcare staff have faced some of the most challenging days of their careers throughout the pandemic. It can be hard to find the energy, after a long shift, to shop for and prepare healthy lunches. How great to have a reasonably-priced alternative! The Bistro has reduced weekend hours but Mission: Nutrition meals are still made available in the meals-to-go section.
Ruby made a significant gift of $10,000 and the program will continue until the last dime of this designated donation is spent. “I am not a rich person but I can manage this. I wish I could give more. The care I received touched my heart.”
As she had no family history of breast cancer, Ruby was only mildly concerned when at age 35 she felt a lump in her breast. She sought care when it seemed to be getting bigger and, sadly, at 37 she received the diagnosis of cancer. Last November she started chemotherapy and had surgery in December. “I am so grateful for the quick care with COVID happening and the hospital so stretched.”
In a few weeks, Ruby will return to her job doing quality assurance in the automotive manufacturing sector in Cambridge. “I just want to get back to my normal life. Though I won’t forget how, when I was so sick, the hospital was there for me. I want the staff to know that I see them. I see how hard they work and how much they care. I hope they feel appreciated through these meals.”
Feedback from the staff has indeed been overwhelmingly positive. The subsidized meals have garnered the greatest amount of positive feedback of all the activities Lauren has undertaken in her first year in Wellness.
Murals installed on 5 West too
Earlier this year, 4 West had incredibly realistic murals installed. Now, 5 West has similar ones. These help patients with a diagnosis of a neurocognitive impairment who may have Responsive Behaviors such as wandering, agitation, exit seeking, verbal behaviors and physical responses. Sometimes, when people living with Dementia are stopped from doing something i.e.- leaving the unit/entering an elevator, they may get quite upset, resulting in yelling, pushing, grabbing or kicking staff as a means to ‘get out’ and go where they feel they need to or where they feel safe.
People with Dementia have been known to not recognize disguised doors and will often times walk by them or stop to admire something in the mural such as a bookshelf. In fact, research from other health care facilities using murals have shown a decrease in Code Whites, a reduction in exit seeking and as a result staff harm has also decreased.
The murals were installed by a company from Cambridge and the work was paid for by a Foundation Equipment Grant.
The murals are similar to the ones on 4 West and of course, 5 West also has it's own cat by the door to the unit. Don't let it out! -
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.Another sign of life returning somewhat to normal, vendors are returning to the Boutique!
The following can be found within the Boutique:
June 16 - Flame Candy Jewelry
June 30 - Seniors for Seniors ProgramGGH News
New Values and Strategic Directions
Supporting patients who are First Nation, Inuit and Métis
Accessing Webmail remotelyOther News
PRIDE Snaps!
Reading Ideas - PRIDE 2022
Tour de Guelph is just over a week away!
Summer Solstice Cupcake Party!GGH News
New Values and Strategic Directions
In the previous newsletter, our new Mission and Vision recently approved by our Board of Directors were shared, Complimenting those are new Values and Strategic Directions. Below you'll find an outline of what they represent. More chances to dive further into what this all means and the impact they'll have will come in the weeks and months ahead.
Values are a set of basic beliefs about what really matters and guide our decisions, actions, and behaviours every day. Our values were developed based on feedback from our team about our current organizational values.
COMPASSIONATE
- We demonstrate kindness and seek to understand before making assumptions
- We treat everyone with compassion and take action to help others
- We encourage each other in our words and actions
- We approach conversations and interactions with empathy
INCLUSIVE
- We reflect and celebrate the diversity of the community we serve
- We create a welcoming space that is free from barriers for all
- We proactively invite different perspectives into our conversations and decisions
- We create an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up
RESPECTFUL
- We care for our patients and each other with dignity
- We uphold the trust and confidentiality others place in us
- We are open to different perspectives and take the time to listen without judgement
- We are truthful and kind to one another—holding ourselves and each other accountable
COLLABORATIVE
- We work as a team within our hospital and with our health system partners
- We come together to solve problems and celebrate successes
- We seek and value the expertise and diverse perspectives of others
- We share information and resources between teams and with our care partners
INSPIRED
- We embrace creativity, resourcefulness, and the courage to try new things
- We are curious and excited to find new ways to solve challenges
- We pursue ongoing learning and continuous quality improvement
Our strategic directions will enable us to focus on what is most important to our organization for the next five years. These help everyone understand how their work contributes to delivering on our mission and vision.
INVEST IN OUR TEAM
- We understand that a strong healthcare system starts with the well-being of our people
- We commit to investing in our team to ensure they are supported and safe at work
- We support our team to engage in ongoing learning
- We promote a culture of diversity, gratitude and appreciation where everyone feels valued
USE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE SAFETY, QUALITY, AND EFFICIENCY
- We support technological advancement that meets the needs of the people closest to the work
- We use our technology to its fullest potential to improve safety and quality of care
DESIGN AND PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
- We collaborate with our community to design a state-of-the art hospital that meets our growing and changing population
- We commit to environmental sustainability and conservation, and building a green hospital
COLLABORATE TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED PATIENT CARE
- We focus on improving how we work together within our hospital between both programs and departments
- We commit to collaboration with our partners to deliver a seamless care model
WELCOME PATIENTS AND CARE PARTNERS AS TEAM MEMBERS
- We include each patient—and their care partners—as a member of our team
- We commit to increasing our knowledge & cultural competency to ensure our practices and process are inclusive, accessible, and equitable for all
Supporting patients who are First Nation, Inuit and Métis
In recognition of Indigenous History Month, Guelph General Hospital is pleased to promote the following opportunity to all our employees and volunteers. We welcome Katrina Graham, through the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre, as a new and valued resource to our patients, their families and our team. Katrina will be supporting patients who are First Nation, Inuit and Métis in navigating their health care journey at Guelph General Hospital. This is a new program developed in partnership with the community and exciting addition to the quality of patient care we provide.
Katrina will be leading a Hand Drum Circle to support the launch of this new program on June 27 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:30 am in the Assembly Hall (73 Delhi Street). All are welcome to participate. No experience is necessary. Hand drums are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own.
Please share your interest in participating by registering on the LMS or emailing Organizational Development (joliver@gghorg.ca). A waitlist is set to register for future hand drum workshops and opportunities to learn more about this new program.
Did you know there is a growing inventory of training and practices related to culturally appropriate care on the LMS? Learn more: Courses| Additional GGH Courses |Organizational Development |EDI fundamentals
How do you make a referral to the new program?
The referral process can be done by contacting the Indigenous patient navigator Katrina Graham by phone at 226-476-3672 or cell phone at 519-372-6034. Consent from the client or SDM is always needed.
You're likely to get the above message if you try remotely accessing GGH Webmail without modifying your browser. Accessing Webmail remotely
Today, Microsoft officially retires Internet Explorer after a 25-year run. Now, some older web pages will no longer open without the viewer making changes to their current web browser. At GGH, this most affects those trying to access Webmail remotely. This will not impact accessing your emails while on site.
Our ITSM department has created a document to guide the remote user to make the necessary changes - here. In a nutshell, Microsoft’s current web browser, Edge, has a built-in capability to mimic Internet Explorer if needed. The instructions show how to turn on that function. It doesn’t mean Edge has to become your default web browser. It only means to access Webmail remotely you will have to use the modified Edge web browser. Should you have any questions, please contact HelpDesk.
Other News
PRIDE Snaps!
Share your photos, showing how you celebrate PRIDE at GGH to inclusion@gghorg.ca. All entries will be entered into a draw for a prize. For below images, click to enlarge.
Thanks for sharing your PRIDE snap, Alycia Unwin and Pauline Aqualina of the Social Work team!
.HR and OD did a living version of the PRIDE flag. Representing each of the flag colours were (l-r) Sabrina Seo, Karen Suk-Patrick, Geoff Wood, Joanne Oliver, Christine Piccone, Shanzy Kareem, Alison Adamson, Jane Cabral, Julianne Roberts, Lauren Brown and Wendy Broeckel. Reading Ideas - PRIDE 2022
Whether it’s audio or text, reading offers a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the scope of human experience and emotion. It’s in that spirit, that members of the equity and inclusion committee have connected with Guelph PRIDE and Out on the Shelf (Guelph's Queer Library and Resource Centre) to offer the following selections in recognition and celebration of PRIDE and the richness of storytelling talent.
- We Are Not Like Them – Christine Pride
- Love That Story – Jonathan Van Ness
- Felix Ever After – Kacen Callender
- Scarborough – Catherine Hernandez
- Jonny Appleseed – Joshua Whitehead
- Memorial: A Novel – Bryan Washington
- Young Mungo – Douglas Stewart
- The Spectacular – Zoe Whittall
- On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – Ocean Vuong
- A Psalm for the Wild Built – Becky Chambers
Want to discuss your reading?
GGH staff - email inclusion@gghorg.ca if you would be interested in a book group for our staff.
Additional community links:
Out on the Shelf Book group – book groups and book of the month focus Guelph Public Library - PRIDE 2022 book list
Tour de Guelph is just over a week away!
Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd. welcomes riders back to an in-person group-ride cycling event on Sunday, June 26 at the University of Guelph. Riders who prefer to ride anytime on their own can do so between now until Sunday, June 26.
You can still register! This community ride welcomes all ages and skill availability. It’s fun for the whole family!
So far this year, 307 registrants have raised $66,635 to help purchase three new much-needed ultrasound scanners for Guelph General Hospital and will support local charities through Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
Register and learn more at www.tourdeguelph.ca.
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This Thursday! For a minimum $5 cash donation, you get a Harvey’s burger, chips and a drink. Please use the staff entrance for going in and out to avoid congesting the main entrance. .
.GGH News
Our new Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Directions
Special Care Nursery demolition update
Pride month recognition continues
Virtual Job Fair for RNs and RPNs
What’s On Your Mind? answers postedCOVID-19 News
Masking requirement to continue
Other News
Mindwell for Healthcare Workers
Onsite Psychotherapy
The Tour de Guelph is almost here!!
Together, our community cared for Ross McKinnellGGH News
Our new Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Directions
In her recent CEO Report, Marianne Walker outlined our new Mission, Vision, Values along with new Strategic Directions which were approved by our Board of Directors. Developed after an extensive consultation process, these high level statements are designed to shape what we do and how we go about doing it. But what does it all mean?
Mission: Exemplary and equitable care for and with our community
Our new Mission statement describes what we do, who we do it for, and how we go about doing it. “Exemplary” reflects our desire to consistently achieve the safest and highest quality care that is exemplary across accreditation standards. “Equitable,” to deliver individualized care based on need where no one is disadvantaged from achieving optimum health. “For and with” acknowledges our community not only receives our provided care but is an active partner.
Our Vision: Together, a healthier community for everyone
Our new Vision statement focuses on the future our organization wants to build. We imagine a future where the hospital working together with our community partners, improves the overall health of everyone in our community. It also reflects the hospital does not work in isolation from our community partners and aims to create a healthier community for everyone, including our team and the community we serve.
In next week’s newsletter we’ll explore the meanings of our five new Values. These are a set of basic beliefs about what really matters and guides our decisions, actions, and behaviours every day. As a reminder, the Values are; Compassionate, Inclusive, Respectful, Collaborative and Inspired. In addition, our five new Strategic Directions which will guide decision making for the next five years will be discussed in more detail.
Strategic Directions 2022-2027
- Welcome patients and care partners as team members
- Invest in our Team
- Use technology to enhance safety, quality and efficiency
- Design and plan for the future
- Collaborate to provide integrated patient care
Stay tuned!
Special Care Nursery demolition update
SCN Dust control measures Operating Room Looking at the photos above you'd be hard pressed to figure out the Special Care Nursery was in this space for over 20 years. Eventually, the area will be completely opened up and made ready for a new and improved version. The site supervisor keeps us updated with the progress. His latest message, “This week we were able to complete our Fire Alarm shutdown to remove non essential fire alarm devices in the construction area. Our Demolition Contractor has also been continuing with the Demolition Phase including the removal of drywall from partition walls and the terrazzo topping in the OR area. All acoustic tile ceilings have been removed. The Mechanical and Electrical Contractors have been able to cut, cap and make safe mechanical and electrical items for removal. Over the next two weeks we will be continuing with the Demolition Phase including the removals of drywall, mech./elec. piping/wiring/ducts, steel stud framing and flooring materials.”
Pride month recognition continues
You can share your PRIDE by sending a photo of you or your team showing your PRIDE, or a testimonial about what PRIDE means to you to inculsion@gghorg.ca
Testimonial submitted by Alycia Unwin, Social Worker and member of our equity, diversity and inclusion committee
I was excited to join the EDI committee and be involved with the Pride inclusion sub-committee, as I’ve done this type of work in my previous job. I believe that the staff at GGH genuinely want to ensure a safe, inclusive environment for our community and ourselves, so we need to provide the knowledge, awareness and skills to allow them to do this. Hopefully, these events, information and groups like developing a Book Club will help foster a safer environment for our patients and our staff.
There’s a wide availability of health data demonstrating that LGBTQ2S+ individuals have overall poorer mental and physical health outcomes than hetero/cisgender individuals. One of these reasons is overt or covert discrimination in healthcare, leading them not to access unless in emergent situations. Being a Queer person entering the healthcare system can feel scary. When we enter a hospital, we know that general health screening questions or even demographics gathering is going to “Out” us. It can feel dangerous if we are not sure whether the person taking the information is a safe person to be receiving this information.
"Wearing the PRIDE pin also signals to patients, their families and team members that we are safe people to disclose to and for them to be themselves."
The type of work we do here is necessary, it matters, but the way we do it also matters. It matters to staff, patients and our larger community. There are simple things we can do, like changing our language to be more inclusive are starting points. For example, “Do you have a partner” rather than “Do you have a husband/wife”, and normalizing asking pronouns/names, etc.) Wearing the PRIDE pin also signals to patients, their families and team members that we are safe people to disclose to and for them to be themselves. Employees also have access to foundational training in the LMS. There is also more systemic changes that we can do to help enhance our patient care and employee experience.
I also want to contribute to more extensive conversations taking place as we don’t work in a bubble and are not separate from societal changes and discussions underway. I understand that making a change can be scary. I have privilege in not only my cis/whiteness but also in my hetero-presenting life. This means I have the privilege of selecting when and to whom I can be my authentic self. I am incredibly fortunate to work with a team who takes active steps in allyship that I get to work alongside. I also recognize that I do not speak for the entirety of the LGBTQ2S+ community. I am just one person in an incredibly diverse group of people. I’m also learning which is also why I’m excited to engage in this work with this committee.
Learn more about PRIDE at GGH and inclusion on the LMS at Courses |Additional GGH Courses|Organizational Development |EDI fundamentals and the Equity, Diversity and Inculsion site of the intranet.
Virtual Job Fair for RNs and RPNs
We are hosting a virtual job fair on June 14 from 09:30 to 16:30. The goal is to rapidly recruit for current RN and RPN vacancies.
You will see promotion about this event in our local papers and social media platforms. Please like and share with your friends and families.
If you know any great RNs and RPNs and think they would be a great addition to our staff here at GGH, you can direct them to our web site to self schedule themselves to join the virtual job fair.
What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
This time around there’s two questions and four comments – RPNs not getting Nurses Week gifts and discounted tickets for events. Please remember, “What’s on Your Mind?” is hosted on our Intranet and only viewable within the organization.
COVID-19 News
Masking requirement to continue
The provincial mandate requiring masks be worn in high risk settings ends this Saturday. Locally, hospitals will continue to require masks be worn by everyone coming into the building.
“The science tells us how COVID is spread and that has not changed,” says Marianne Walker, President and CEO of Guelph General Hospital and Waterloo Wellington hospital regional lead, COVID-19 response. “We care for the most vulnerable patients and masking is one way we can keep them safe.”
“Maintaining safety measures at our hospitals helps protect patients and staff. They also reduce the opportunity for outbreaks to occur in hospital settings which can affect our ability to provide and ramp up our services.”
Other News
Mindwell for Healthcare Workers
This course, brought to you by Wellness Together Canada, is free of charge for all healthcare worker and provides helpful tools and techniques to decrease stress, improve relationships and enhance overall well-being. The content has been created by healthcare workers for healthcare workers and is delivered in four short weekly modules which you can do on your own time. Once registered, there is the option to also join a Live Lab on Wednesdays at 7pm EST to build a sense of community with other attendees. Registration is open now and the content and labs will be available until September 15. Click here to enroll and here to learn more information about the program.
Onsite Psychotherapy with Vij Richards, Reg. Psychotherapist
Just a reminder that Vij Richards will be at GGH tomorrow, June 9, located in the Level 1 Conference Room, in behind Switchboard. Email Vij to set up an appointment or to learn if these services could be helpful for you: VijRich26@gmail.com. If tomorrow doesn’t work, Vij’s schedule is as follows for the remainder of the pilot program is June 23, July 14 & 23, August 4 & 25, September 15 & 29.
Her schedule will be posted on the Level 1 Conference Room door each time she is here, displaying any available timeslots for that day. If you are interested, you can reserve a spot with an “X”.
The Tour de Guelph is almost here!!
Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd. welcomes riders back to a group ride cycling event on Sunday, June 26. Riders who prefer to ride anytime on their own can do so between Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 26.
Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and other local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
In its eight years, the event has raised over $722,000 for our community and has grown into one of Guelph-Wellington’s largest community sporting events.
Would you like to register to ride? Go to www.tourdeguelph.ca.
Together, our community cared for Ross McKinnell
Ross McKinnell is a champion cyclist whose fundraising for GGH has earned him a spot in the Tour de Guelph’s Hall of Fame.
In November of 2020, Ross felt twinges in his chest, very reminiscent of a heart issue he had back in 2006. Ross was rushed to GGH for an ECG and medication, then transferred to St. Mary’s for an angiogram and surgery to replace a stent.
Ross was transferred back to GGH for an additional 48 hours of care due to unusually high blood pressure. He recalls one nurse who took a lot of time in the middle of the night to ask questions about his family, his love of cycling, and his adventures competing across North America and Europe, including his pride in representing Canada at the 1958 Commonwealth Games. Ross says that the conversation helped to take his mind off the possibility of a stroke and is grateful for her compassion. “She sat down with me and asked questions about my life, took time with me. The conversation was calming and helped to lower my BP.”
Ross has been a patient at GGH four times and says he always received excellent care. Ross jokes that the funds he has raised through Tour probably just covers his four stays.
“For me, the hospital is a godsend. It is close, and they really look after me. It offers exceptional care. The nurses are very caring…, especially this last time. In the ED, they must deal with so many different circumstances and need to have a lot of patience.”
Ross is very much aware that most of the equipment that helped save his life is only available at GGH because of donations and local fundraising efforts by his fellow citizens. The IV pump, ECG machine, CT scanner, and vital signs monitor are all fully funded by the community. And that is why in June of 2021, just about six months after his surgery, Ross rode again in Tour de Guelph! He cycled with his daughter, Joan, covered an incredible 25 kilometres and raised $10,780!
Ross’s seven-year fundraising total is $29,738 and, combined with all members of the McKinnell Team, his family has raised over $36,000!
Now in his mid-80s, Ross has decided to retire from riding in Tour, but his daughter has decided to take the lead of the McKinnell team. Ross and Joan hope to bring their fundraising total to over $40,000 after the 2022 Tour.
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This comment was recently posted on our Facebook page. Reprinted by permission. .
.GGH News
2022 Recipient of the Dr. A. Finnie Award for Nursing Excellence
eMAR education and Go Live rollouts now scheduled
Celebrating diversity this month
Virtual Job Fair for RNs and RPNsOther News
Upcoming Virtual Event – Care4You Conference
Is GGH going to the dogs? Yes, in a good way!
GoodLife Corporate Membership
Reminder: Group insurance plan offers guaranteed coverage for a limited timeGGH News
2022 Recipient of the Dr. A. Finnie Award for Nursing Excellence
Carla Schwartz has been working in the GGH ICU since 1998. She is a cornerstone of our ICU – her knowledge and skillset are second to none. She has a sixth sense and a deep intuition that makes her an invaluable resource to new and experienced team members. Aside from her clinical skills and judgments, Carla shines brightest with her abilities to connect with patients and families. She consistently goes above and beyond, providing special care to patients during their most difficult times.
Some of those present during the announcement were (l-r) Melissa Skinner, Carla, Dr. Lala and Leigh Anne Lacourciere. You will regularly find her cutting nails or trimming hair – it is these moments of attention to detail that make patients and families feel cared for and loved. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic you would also find Carla doing – what we now lovingly refer to as “Carla’s Cuts” – many physicians, GGH staff, friends and families received a hair cut during lock down periods when these services weren’t available.
Carla is courageous! She says what’s on her mind and has a sense of humour like no other. She is a strong advocate and a champion for excellence and quality of care.
Carla is impactful & passionate! You will often find her sitting at the bedside talking with families. Her ability to deeply connect with people during their darkest times is one of her greatest assets. She not only talks-the-talk but walks-the-walk, making families feel supported throughout their ICU journey. She has the distinct ability to put you at ease, despite the emotional challenges of an ICU admission.
Nursing is a work of heart & Carla wears hers on her sleeve. In recognition of her continued courage, passion and dedication to the profession of Nursing, it is with great pleasure that we award Carla with the Dr. A. Finnie Award, honouring Excellence in Nursing at Guelph General Hospital.
Congratulations Carla – this is a well deserved honour!
eMAR education and Go Live rollouts now scheduled
An Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) is coming to Guelph General Hospital in 2022. The Meditech eMAR platform provides electronic documentation of the patient's medication record in a closed loop system. eMAR will be implemented along with Bedside Medication Verification (BMV), a barcoding system that aims to reduce medication errors by supporting safe administration of the right medication to the right patient. eMAR-BMV will be integrated with the Humanscale Medication Carts to facilitate documentation and medication administration. To view the schedule located on our Intranet, click here.
Local artist, Dorothy Amey, put her talents to work helping to celebrate Pride Month at GGH. Celebrating diversity this month
June brings a month of celebration, recognition and action. At GGH, we encourage our teams to recognize PRIDE and Indigenous History Month, culminating in a Canada Day activity on July 01.
The new equity, diversity and inclusion committee chose this focus based on employee feedback in the strategic planning process and a response to your interest in learning, growth and recognition of our commitment to exceptional patient care and the well-being of our teams.
Here are a few ways we can support these activities in June.
- Interact with the activities on the Bistro Boards at the staff entrance and Bistro.
- Share your GGH PRIDE pics with inclusion@gghorg.ca to be highlighted through June.
- Select a webinar to watch or listen to in our "foundations" program on the LMS
- Review the learning guides to find a webinar, book, podcast or account to follow to expand your skills and network.
- Continue to share your experience, ideas, and commitment with inclusion@gghorg.ca - It will help inform the committee's work in 2022.
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Virtual Job Fair for RNs and RPNs
We are hosting a virtual job fair on June 14 from 09:30 to 16:30. The goal is to rapidly recruit for current RN and RPN vacancies.
You will see promotion about this event in our local papers and social media platforms. Please like and share with your friends and families.
If you know any great RNs and RPNs and think they would be a great addition to our staff here at GGH, you can direct them to our web siteto self schedule themselves to join the virtual job fair.
Other News
Upcoming Virtual Event – Care4You Conference
The TEND Academy is a Canadian organization which focuses on supporting and educating individuals, organizations and leaders in high-stress fields, such as policing, paramedics and healthcare. On June 10 they are hosting a free virtual event, the Care4You Conference, which brings together experts in the fields of burnout, empathic strain and secondary trauma. Anyone can attend, and the event will be recorded if you register and are unable to join for the entire day.
The ever-lovable Hudson Is GGH going to the dogs? Yes, in a good way!
Thanks to our amazing volunteer, Denyse, we are very excited to have Hudson, our favourite St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog back at GGH! Keep an eye out as he will be out making rounds to visit staff on Wednesdays :) If you are looking for a dog fix + some exercise, Tuesdays with Tillie will start June 7. If you would like to join, Lauren and Tillie will be in the grassed area in front of the 73 Delhi parking lot at 12:05. Please email HealthandWellness@gghorg.ca to let us know you’re coming!
Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month – Prize winners
Thank you to everyone who completed a word search and filled out a quiz at the Bistro display in May. We are very grateful to our community partners Afya Skin and Body and NOW Health Group Canada / Puresource Natural Products for their support and the amazing prize donations won by Draga D. and Jean P.! We also had a number of sunscreen runner-up prizes donated by Afya which were handed out to many lucky individuals. Thank you to everyone who participated!
GoodLife Corporate Membership – win a BBQ!
Are you considering taking advantage of GGH’s 25% off membership deal we have with GoodLife? If you do during the month of June, you will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 5 Napoleon Rouge 365 barbeques! If you’re a winner, you may also experience an influx of people unexpectedly “just dropping by” around dinner time!
Reminder: Group insurance plan offers guaranteed coverage for a limited time
Guelph General Hospital endorses the Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan which provides Group Benefits for regular Part-Time and Casual employees and eligible dependents. This year they are celebrating their 25-year anniversary and are offering an Appreciation Open Window from May 1 to June 29, 2022. This offer makes guaranteed coverage available to all eligible employees for enrollments made within the limited 60-day open window. The Complete and Complete Plus plans are guaranteed, with no medical questions asked. For more details, click here.
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.GGH News
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – What’s happening?
Another Virtual Job Fair planned
Pathfinder: Homewood’s new online platform coming soon
Tuesdays with Tillie
Mission: Nutrition – days change in June!
Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month draw comingOther News
Our Foundation is fundraising for three new ultrasound machines
GGH News
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – What’s happening?
Submitted by Karen Suk-Patrick, VP People & Support Services
On May 24, our new Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Senior Leadership Team participated in a workshop facilitated by the Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion – helping lay the groundwork for the work the committee’s work over the next 1 – 5 years to support the development of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan at GGH. There was a lot of excitement in the room and a real commitment to listening, learning and getting better as an organization. It is also exciting how this work aligns with our new strategic plan and rooted in our new organizational Values: compassionate, inclusive, collaborative, respectful and inspired.
When we think about why talking and learning about equity is so important we can fall back on our Board’s commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming healthcare spaces and services, free from barriers for EVERYONE at GGH. In order to meet this goal, we need to reflect, learn and listen to understand how we might not be doing that now – by being open to learning about our own biases and blind spots so we can do better.
The committee has already chosen a few areas to focus on in June, reflecting our feedback. Including National Access and Awareness Week (May 29-3), we are planning for PRIDE and Indigenous History Month events in June, including celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day on June 21 and, finally, how to celebrate Canada Day mindfully.
We will continue to engage with you in the coming weeks, supporting awareness building and action.
Things you can do now!
- Be sure that you are up to date on learning about human rights and the Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- Stop by the bistro and the employee main entrance area to participate in the Access Awareness Week, PRIDE and National Indigenous People’s Day activities underway in the next month.
- Check out the elearning series, "EDI foundations". It includes a series of webinars and learning activities to help our employees and volunteers grow, learn and share in building a more welcoming and inclusive workplace. (New resources will be posted through June)
- Share your experiences with the activities with your co-workers, or share about how you are recognizing, learning and acting with the EDI Committee at inclusion@gghorg.ca
- Be courageous and find ways to make it safe to ask your colleagues, patients and their caregivers what we can do to make them welcomed and included at GGH
- Keep in touch by reading News In General
Remember, you can always find information about the committee and the activities underway for the equity, diversity and inclusion plan on our Healthy Hospital site on our intranet.
Another Virtual Job Fair planned
In November, GGH hosted our first ever virtual job fair. With the success of the event, we will be hosting our second Virtual Job fair for RNs and RPNs on Tuesday, June 14.
You will be seeing communication about the event via our social media and other outlets in the near future. We ask you share the information about the event with your friends and family and have them come join our incredible team.
Questions related to the event can be sent to recruiting@gghorg.ca.
And speaking of recruitment, it's time to welcome the newest members of the GGH team! (right, click chart to enlarge)
Pathfinder: Homewood’s new online platform coming soon
Starting tomorrow, May 26, Homewood Health will be replacing its Homeweb platform with the new Pathfinder Suite, which will offer users unique and personalized tools, resources, and support. Through your own dashboard, you can schedule/rebook appointments, access self-directed programs or try PulseCheck, a series of questions used to create a set of health recommendations tailored to your needs.
For instructions on how to register for an account and to learn more about these services click here (PDF) or for a video demonstrating how it all works, click here (sound required). Note, when setting up an account, you will be asked for your cell phone number, which will be used only by Homewood to send you resources, appointment reminders, etc. and will not be shared with anyone (including GGH). You will also need GGH’s Invitation Code: CMH747
Tuesdays with Tillie
Do you currently go for a walk on your lunch break, or are you hoping to start? Beginning Tuesdays in June, Tillie and her owner Lauren (GGH’s Health & Wellness Specialist) will be going on a 20-minute walk in the lovely neighbourhoods surrounding GGH and are looking for people to join them! Those who are interested can meet on the grassed area in front of the 73 Delhi parking lot at 12:05. Please wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and bring along water and anything else you think you might need! If you are interested, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca to join the mailing list for information and updates, etc. Note: walks will be weather-dependent as Tillie (read: Lauren) isn’t a fan of long walks in the rain, extreme heat, etc.
The $5 meals have been a big hit! No wonder, they're delicious! Mission: Nutrition – days change in June!
Hopefully you have had a chance to pop by the Bistro over the last few weeks to enjoy a healthy $5 meal created by the awesome Bistro staff and subsidized by our Foundation donor, Ruby! In an effort to reach as many people and shifts as possible, starting the week of June 6, the days will change to Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. (First come, first served!)
Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month draw coming
This is a friendly reminder if you have visited the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month display in the Bistro and have taken a quiz or word search to fill out, please return them by end-of-day May 30 for the prize draws the next day. Afya Skin & Body Clinic also donated containers of Vivier SPF 30 sunscreen, which will be given out as runner-up prizes for the quiz contest – how generous!
Here's a big shout out to Canada's Wonderland! It donated 25 pairs of tickets for park admission to be given to staff. Our Foundation held a random draw and the lucky winners were notified directly. Other News
Our Foundation is fundraising for three new ultrasound machines
The recommended lifespan of an ultrasound machine is seven years. More than half of our machines are over a decade old and urgently need to be replaced. Three new ultrasound machines are needed and they will cost $504,000. The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is asking the community for support.
“At Guelph General Hospital, every piece of equipment used to care for patients is funded by our generous community,” remarked Elizabeth Stewart, Manager of Annual Giving at The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. “When you make a donation to the Hospital, you’re helping patients receive the highest quality care, close to home.”
Each year, the Hospital does more than 25,000 ultrasound scans. Scans are scheduled on weekdays from six in the morning until 10 o’clock at night and also on weekends and holidays to keep up with the surging demand.
$5 gets you a burger, chips and pop! Mark Lovallo, Ultrasound Team Lead at Guelph General Hospital explained. “Ultrasounds are a crucial part of modern medicine. Our team helps doctors catch tumours early so they can be effectively treated. We’re helping surgeons conduct biopsies and other delicate procedures. We’re showing pregnant women an image of their baby for the first time.”
Older ultrasound machines produce images that are pixelated. Today, the technology has improved dramatically. New ultrasound equipment produces incredibly sharp images. That means doctors can diagnose problems more accurately.
Another big advantage is flexibility. Currently, some of the Hospital’s machines are better suited for breast or pregnancy exams, while others are designed for vascular and general imaging. The three new machines will put state-of-the-art scanners in every exam room that can do any type of ultrasound procedure. That’s going to dramatically improve workflow, allowing more patients to be seen in a day.
A letter has been mailed to The Foundation of GGH supporters who have donated in the past. People are also invited to play the 50/50 Hospital Lottery by visiting ggh5050.ca. Monthly lottery proceeds between April and June will be used towards the new ultrasound machines.
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Our HELP volunteers are back!!
The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is a Delirium prevention program designed to keep our older adult patients active while in hospital. Working with specially trained volunteers who are overseen by the Elder Life Specialist, patients who are enrolled in the program have the opportunity to participate in therapeutic programming (trivia, painting, reminiscing) , have assistance with meals, participate in an exercise program and enjoy the socialization and companionship of our volunteers all while preventing Delirium and functional decline. It has been a long 2+ years and we are so happy to have the volunteers back!.
.GGH News
Congratulations to our winners of the Professional Practice Awards for Nursing Excellence
New technology advancing breast cancer surgery
IPAC Champion of the monthOther News
Mission: Nutrition has begun!
Webinar: The COVID Generation - The Effects of the Pandemic on Youth Relationships
Our GGH Onsite Psychotherapist is back next week
The 9th Annual Tour de Guelph – Back Together Again!GGH News
Winners of the Professional Practice Awards for Nursing Excellence
Congratulations to Michelle Reid and Stacey Clark who are the two winners of the Professional Practice Awards for Nursing Excellence, awarded as part of our Nurses Week celebrations! Each received a framed certificate and a cash prize of $250, along with the applause of their peers.
Michelle is a nurse support in our Paediatric Diabetes Clinic, as well as serving as our Diabetic Nurse Educator for inpatients with diabetes. She supports families who are often feeling overwhelmed with how to manage their child's new diagnosis of diabetes. Her nominator declared, "As part of the Clinic, Michele is the reason our appointments run so smoothly each week. She helps support families, without judgement, to manage their child’s diabetes. There are honestly so many examples of how Michelle positively impacts both the patients and staff in the Clinic." The nominator went on to say that patients and their families "are lucky to have someone like Michelle who is so dedicated, accessible, approachable and compassionate."
Stacey is on our 6 West Surgical Unit. Her nominator wrote she, "... always has time to help a fellow nurse and assist the new PSWs in adjusting to this new environment. She always offers education when needed and is quick to jump in to help no matter who is asking or how busy everyone is. She really goes above and beyond in demonstrating patient-centred care by talking to them, offering emotional support, assisting in any care needs they have but also pushing them toward their baseline independence. Stacey is a wonderful colleague, great teammate, and exceptional nurse. If I ever have to go to the hospital, I hope to get a nurse like her."
New technology advancing breast cancer surgery
Recently in Diagnostic Imaging, the “Magseed” technology was used on two patients for the very first time. A Magseed is a magnetic marker the size of a grain of rice, made of surgical-grade steel and becomes visible using a dedicated probe. The procedure involves a radiologist placing the seed into a breast lesion before surgery, to guide the surgeon in its removal in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to remove a breast lesion more precisely. Less tissue needs to be removed which improves the experience for our breast cancer patients and speeds their recovery.
Mammography Technologists Karen and Sarah say they were thankful their patients can access this improved treatment. Prior to the development of this technology, breast lesions were removed using guidewire that had to be inserted on the day of the surgery. Now, this small ‘seed’ of steel can be inserted weeks ahead of surgery allowing for more flexibility with scheduling surgery dates. This improvement in scheduling will allow our surgeons to perform more procedures more efficiently in a day.
It’s a welcome advancement says Dr. Leigh Bishop, the surgeon who performed the first two Magseed insertions. “This is a real game changer for us. I was quite struck by was the improvement in patient comfort and anxiety. The patients were no longer sitting around pre operatively with a needle wire protruding from their breast with a styrofoam cup over top of it, afraid of moving and dislodging or affecting the placement,” Dr. Bishop explains. “It will be great when we can do Magseed well in advance so that patients won’t need to arrive extra early and starve for longer periods. Overall, this new technology should be greatly beneficial.”
Around 80 to 100 pre-surgical wire localizations are done here each year and the arrival of the technology couldn’t come at a better time, says Dr. Samir Patel, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging. “We are constantly looking to find ways to improve patient flow and experience, particularly in light of those who had procedures delayed during the pandemic,” he said. “Our team of radiologists are incredibly excited about the improvement in accuracy and patient experience this new technology provides."
IPAC Champion of the month
IPAC is wanting to recognize staff who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care in these extraordinary times. Each month a member of the IPAC team will select an IPAC Champion. With their consent their picture and first name will be displayed on our Hand Hygiene Thermometers and they also receive a gift card.
This month IPAC has selected Francis, RN, SD/ICU. He was chosen because he is exceptional in observed IPAC practices and works hard at keeping himself and his patients safe. Francis also raises great infection control questions to further learning for himself and his team.Please help us in congratulating Francis as the IPAC Champion for May!
Other News
Mission: Nutrition has begun!
If you didn’t get a chance to get down to the Bistro on Tuesday to get a healthy meal for only $5, you have another opportunity this Thursday when Make-Your-Own Power Bowls will be the feature! And if you are working this weekend, Saturday & Sunday will have nutritious meal deals for staff as well. These opportunities will be available for the rest of May, so keep that in mind when planning your meals each week!
Webinar: The COVID Generation - The Effects of the Pandemic on Youth Relationships
Join us for a lunchtime webinar where you will have the opportunity to listen to, and ask questions of, three community partners who have direct experience working with youth. The focus of the webinar will be the relationship challenges faced by tweens and teens brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and re-emerging from lockdown. Please email SSekulic2@gghorg.ca to receive the WebEx meeting invitation and for more information. This webinar is brought to you SADV Team and GGH Health & Wellness.
Our GGH onsite Psychotherapist is back next week!
Vij Richards, Reg. Psychotherapist is back next Thursday May 26 in the Level 1 Conference room. Please email her directly to set up a time to speak with her: VijRich26@gmail.com. Appointments are 30 or 60 minutes in length and you do not have to be working that day to see her. There will be a poster on the door the day-of outlining her schedule and any additional appointment availability she has.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month – Display in the Bistro
Make sure to head to the Bistro this week to see the display and to grab a word search. Completed entries will be put in a draw to win this incredible skin care basket donated by NOW Health Group Canada / Puresource Natural Products (click photo to enlarge). OR, you could quiz your skin cancer knowledge for a chance to win a prize from our amazing neighbours Afya spa! Thank you so much to our community partners for their generous support.
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The 9th Annual Tour de Guelph – Back Together Again!
Dr. Ian Digby, Emergency physician, is one of this year’s inductees to the Tour de Guelph Hall of Fame. Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd. welcomes riders back to a group ride cycling event on Sunday, June 26th, 2022. Riders who prefer to ride anytime on their own can do so between Friday, June 10, to Sunday, June 26.
Tour de Guelph supports Guelph General Hospital and other local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
In its eight years, the event has raised over $722,000 for our community and has grown into one of Guelph-Wellington’s largest community sporting events.
About 100 volunteers help with the event each year. Are you interested in volunteering? Learn more here .
Many from GGH have participated in this fun event in past years. Including Dr. Ian Digby who is one of this year’s inductees to the Tour de Guelph Hall of Fame. Read his story HERE.
Would you like to register to ride? Go to www.tourdeguelph.ca.
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Reprinted by permission. Click image to enlarge. .
.GGH News
Mission: Nutrition set to launch next week!
May is Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May 2022 Life Lines - Children’s Mental Health: Technology and Cyberbullying
Every cent really countsMission: Nutrition set to launch next week!
This is a quick reminder that starting next week, for the rest of May, you will be able to purchase healthy, nutritious meals in the Bistro Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday for only $5! The schedule will change in June to Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday and the meals will be first come, first served. This is brought to you by GGH Health & Wellness and a very generous donor who wanted to support GGH staff for the amazing work they do!
May is Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Be sure to visit the display just inside the Bistro next week created for Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to access to great information, there are prizes to be won donated by fantastic Guelph businesses who want to support healthcare workers! If you complete and submit the word search, you will be entered in a draw to win a “skin health” basket donated by NOW Health Group Canada / Puresource Natural Products.
You can also test your knowledge by completing a small quiz (based on the display) to be entered into a draw for a skin treatment from our wonderful neighbours, Afya spa! They are donating a 360 skin analysis, which measures sun damage on your face, plus a single IPL skin treatment (also for your face) worth approximately $350! Click here to learn more information about this procedure to determine if it is right for you. Please note that the draws for both of these prizes will be done on May 31 so don’t delay!
May 2022 Life Lines - Children’s Mental Health: Technology and Cyberbullying
Today, digital technologies are everywhere. Technology has created some beautiful things, like communications assistive technology for children who don't use speech as their primary communication method. At the same time, there are also some problematic aspects to navigate, like cyberbullying. This article will explore where children are currently sitting with the effects of digital technology predominantly within four groups: babies and toddlers, school-age children, teens, and young adults. The entire article can be found here.
“Every cent really counts and it all adds up to us exceeding our goals”
Next time you're out front, take a close look at the the billboard. You'll find nearly 10,000 names - all donors to the campaign. It is a sign of gratitude … literally.
Recently, members from the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, hospital officials and some donors gathered outside GGH to unveil a new billboard on display along Delhi Street.
The billboard is a response to the Together, We Care Campaign which saw nearly 10,000 individuals contribute to raising a total of $37,496,057.
As a way to thank the community, the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital created the billboard with the names of all donors who have contributed. Looking like a solid heart, but the heart is made out of thousands of names of donors.
“I thought it was really clever because together, tens of thousands of people have stepped up to generously support our We Care campaign,” said Julie Byczynski, CEO of the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital (photo left).
“This is really our outward sign of showing how together, this community has really stepped up in supporting its hospital and we are inviting people today to come out and see this.”
Melissa Skinner (photo right) VP Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive said the proceeds from the campaign will be used to replace aging equipment, expand and modernize a special care nursery and expand the emergency department to include dedicated spaces for mental health and addictions care.
“Everybody, every penny, every cent really counts and it all adds up to use exceeding our goals,” said Skinner.
Jean Morris and Frank Maguire (photo) are two campaign donors who also attended the event. Morris said she and her husband, Peter Morris, have been donating for over 30 years. “Everybody uses it and everybody counts on it,” said Morris about their reason for donating. “All hospitals need money, why not donate?”
Maguire is also a long term donor of six years. He hopes the donation made by him and his wife, Jane Maguire, may inspire others to do the same. “The number of aging population that’s gonna be requiring this type of facility has grown in leaps and bounds,” said Maguire.
An electronic version is also available on www.togetherwecare.ca/campaign-donors.
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And so it begins....
A temporary wall is being built on Level 6 to prepare for the Special Care Nursery renovation. Construction is expected to last about a year..
.GGH News
More information about the expansion of our ED
Nurses Week starts Monday
Surveying new hires
FBU's "Early Discharge Program" marks one year
May is Sexual Assault Awareness MonthOther News
‘Mission: Nutrition’ with discounted lunches starts next week!
Goodlife now offering a discount and a chance to win a BBQ
Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team selected for the Home Care Modernization Leading Project programGGH News
More information about the expansion of our ED
On Monday, the Ministry announced funding for our proposed renovation and expansion of our Emergency Department. The media release can be found here and our corresponding email to staff, here. As mentioned in the email, the first phase will be the construction of an expanded Emergency Mental Health Short Stay Assessment Unit (SSAU). It will be located on Level One where there is currently the auditorium, Foundation and some offices. Once built, the expanded SSAU will have grown from its previous four to eight rooms to help address the increasing number of patients requiring emergency care for mental health and addictions. The SSAU area will be joined with Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Follow-up services.
The floor plan to the right shows a proposed early draft of the layout of the expanded SSAU. This is bound to be modified as internal consultation ramps up. Shaded in green is the current location of the auditorium. Click on the image to enlarge and to remove the shading so the plan is more legible.
Plans are underway to relocate those currently in the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
In the meantime, local MPPs were on site last Friday for a tour highlighting some of the space challenges in the building. In the photo, Dr. Alex Ferguson, Chief of Emergency Medicine (right) directs attention to the crowded nurses' station in the ED. Learning firsthand the need for more ED space were (l-r); Ted Arnott, MPP Wellngton-Halton Hills and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario along with Mike Schreiner, MPP Guelph and leader of the Green Party of Ontario since 2009.
Nurses Week starts Monday
There's a fun-filled week of activity planned including:
- Tools of the Trade Nurses Week Shirt sales
- Gift Raffle every day
- Dr. Finnie Award and Professional Practice Award
- Nurses Week Lunch – Thursday, May 12
As another part of the celebration, the quilt to the right will be on display. Donated for Nurses Week by the Evergreen Quilters of the Guelph Wellington, it was made from a kit donated by a 1952 graduate of the Guelph School of Nursing, Marianne Matthews (nee McGillivray). Marianne was a nurse at St. Joe’s, Guelph General and the Victorian Order of Nurses during her career. Some former nurses were part of the quilting group who put together the wall hanging and are pleased it will be part of the Nurse’s Week display before finding a permanent home within the hospital. Thanks to all the members of the GWSA Evergreen Quilters Group for this heartwarming donation!
Surveying New Hires
From January 2021 to January 2022, we hired 406 new employees to join our organization. This is the highest number of new hires in any given year to be onboarded and we want to thank all of the support departments, mentors, preceptors and employees who have played an important part in supporting their new colleagues feel welcomed.
We’ve partnered with McLean & Co, an independent HR research firm, to administer a New Hire Survey to gather feedback regarding our onboarding program. Our onboarding program is essential in welcoming new employees to GGH and preparing them for their new role, and these experiences go a long way in shaping the rest of their time with our organization.
The first survey will be sent out from McLean & Co. on May 11 to the person email addresses of anyone who started working at GGH between September 2021 to February 2022.
Pictured above was first group of newly hired PSWs back in November. As a part of their orientation, they were getting ready for their Smart Moves training. Questions will be about your first 90 days and focus on your experience with:
- The recruitment process;
- Hospital orientation (the first week of orientation);
- Training; and
- Working with your team and Manager/Director
As a way of saying thank you for completing the 10-minute survey, participants can enter his or her name to win one of ten $50 vouchers for the Bistro. Winners will get an email will be sent with the voucher attached.
As a third-party provider, McLean & Co. will ensure the confidentiality and anonymity of the responses is maintained. McLean & Co. only shares the aggregate results of the survey and does not share individual responses. No one at GGH has access to the raw data gathered by the survey or to any individual responses. Going forward, all new hires will be asked to complete the new hire survey after their ninetieth day as an employee.
The leadership team is committed to understanding and acting on feedback from our employees to help make GGH an even better place to work. The voices of all employees play a significant role in determining how we invest in people, and ultimately contributes to the overall success of GGH. The same goes with our new hires, and we are excited for the improvements that will come as a result of this program.
McLean & Co will provide an email contact if you have questions about how to complete the survey. You can also reach out to Sabrina Seo, HR/OD Consultant at sseo@gghorg.ca.
FBU's "Early Discharge Program" marks one year
The end of April marked a milestone for the team in our Rotary of Guelph Family Birthing Unit. It has been one year since the start of its Early Discharge Program (EDP) and over 100 new parents and their babies have benefitted.
Parents receive a home visit by one of our Registered Midwives to perform the 'well baby' checks and tests, typically done around 24 hours post-birth, and to provide feeding support. The home visit is available to parents who had been under the care of their family doctor or obstetrician for their prenatal care.
Our Chief of Midwifery, Sarah Cressman, says, “I am so pleased that the EDP is celebrating its first birthday! Our team of midwives has provided excellent care during home visits to over 100 new parents and their babies. Having a shorter hospital stay is a great option for healthy newborns, and I know parents appreciate the support and teaching they receive.”
Comments from participating families have been incredibly positive. Parents appreciate being able to stay comfortably at home particularly when there are other children at home needing care.
May is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of this crime, to better understand its deep cultural and historical roots, to support victims and survivors and to work together to stop the violence.
It’s also an opportunity to highlight the strength and resilience of survivors, and to recognize individuals and organizations working to raise awareness of sexual violence, support victims and prosecute those who cause harm.
Sexual violence is a serious and widespread problem. Anyone can experience sexual violence in their lifetime, however most incidents occur against women and girls.
In Canada, 87% of survivors are women and girls. 94% of those that cause harm are men. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
Sexual violence is the most underreported crime in Canada. 95% of survivors do not report their assaults to the police.
Statistics also show that some groups are more likely to experience sexual violence including: Indigenous women and girls, children and adolescents, people with disabilities, those of the LGBTQ2IA+ community and new Canadians.
And tragically, the prevalence of all gender-based violence has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prevention is the key and it is our responsibility. When we speak about prevention, we mean stopping sexual violence before it even has a chance to happen. This means changing the social norms that allow it to exist in the first place, from individual attitudes, values, and behaviors to laws, institutions, and widespread social norms. We can create and promote safe respectful environments through all facets of our lives. We can intervene to stop concerning behavior; promote and model healthy attitudes and relationships.
Other News
‘Mission: Nutrition’ with discounted lunches starts next week!
"Wellness Wednesdays" were a big hit with staff. Did you enjoy “Wellness Wednesdays” in March? We did! Thanks to a very generous donor it is happening again, but four times a week instead! The donor, Ruby Song, was so touched by the excellent care she received at GGH that she wanted to donate back to the staff. What does that mean exactly? Starting the week of May 16, the amazing Bistro staff will be creating delicious and nutritious lunches for only $5 on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Then in June, the days will switch to Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday. We will continue this rotation for as long as we can, hopefully for the rest of the year! As done previously, the meals will be offered on a first come, first served basis.
GGH Health & Wellness would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Bistro for their hard work, and to the Foundation for making the connection between this staff support program and Ruby, the grateful patient and donor. By supporting this initiative, they are making healthy food more accessible to our staff, which was a need identified on our recent Health & Wellness Survey. We hope you enjoy this treat!
Goodlife now offering a discount and a chance to win a BBQ
If you were interested in our deal with GoodLife you are now eligible to receive 25% off their membership options. GoodLife has sweetened this deal by offering the chance to win 1 of 5 Napoleon Rogue 365 BBQs (worth approximately $949) if you enroll between May 1 – June 30. For more information and how to sign up, please refer to the email received on April 1, 2022 or email HealthandWellness@gghorg.ca to be sent the information package.
Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team selected for the Home Care Modernization Leading Project program
There are 42 Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) in the province and the Guelph Wellington OHT is one of seven selected to proceed to the next stage of planning for the Home Care Modernization Leading Project program. Its objective is to:
• Improve responsiveness to client needs, quality, access, equity of care for clients/patients and caregivers, and improved provider experience.
• Build on the development of new models of home care delivery, apply local and international best practices, and leverage lessons learned from prior tests of change.
• Demonstrate potential for new models of care that can/will be enabled by the Ministry’s new legislation and are connected to primary care and other OHT services.
• Expand understanding of home care delivery among OHT partners.
• Share learnings that will help the provincial plan for home care modernization in future phases.
In partnership with Home and Community Care Support Services Waterloo Wellington, GW OHT staff will be working to complete a detailed proposal. For more news about the GW OHT, its monthly newsletter can be found here. -
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While it doesn't mean the pandemic is over, the fact our Resource Nurses held their monthly meeting in person for the first time in two years is a good sign. Of course, masks and proper distancing (except for the photo of course!) helped keep the meeting safe. GGH News
Goodbye old Special Care Nursery
Nominate a great nurse!
GGH President and CEO named new regional hospital lead for local COVID-19 response
Celebrating our volunteers
Group insurance plan offers guaranteed coverage for a limited timeCOVID-19 News
COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic for third and fourth doses next Wednesday
Other News
GoodLife membership bonus discount deal ends Saturday
Our Psychotherapist is back tomorrow!
The Stress Management and High Performance Clinic – upcoming programs
Our Foundation extends its thanks to staff for help with a recent videoGGH News
Goodbye old Special Care Nursery
Monday was moving day as our smallest patient was transported to our temporary Special Care Nursery. With the old area now completely vacant, work can begin on its complete renovation. Expected to take about a year, the first step will be putting up construction hoarding. Below left, "baby Brian" begins his journey being pushed by Karissa, RN. Then, SCN staff say "so long" to the area that will be completely transformed. Finally, unaffected by the excitement filling the air, Brian seems to have slept through it all.
Renovations are being funded by our generous community through our Foundation's very successful "Together We Care" campaign.
Nominate a great nurse!
Nominated by their peers, two nurses will be celebrated for their dedication to the profession. There are two $250 awards to be won!
Nominate a nurse who:
- reflects the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospital
- is hard working
- is a great communicator
- brings the interdisciplinary team together
- is a quick problem solver
- is evidence informed and stays current
- demonstrates outstanding acts of kindness, compassion caring and courage
- makes improvements to care and influences positive outcomes for the patients
To nominate, send the name of your nominee, a description of their qualities that are listed above and a brief story that exemplifies their qualities! Send to nursesweek@gghorg.ca by May 6. Write "Nomination" in the subject line.
GGH President and CEO named new regional hospital lead for local COVID-19 response
Marianne (right) recently took the opportunity to formally welcome our Foundation's new CEO, Julie Byczynski.
“On behalf of the entire Guelph General family, I would like to welcome Julie to her new role as CEO of our Foundation. This community has a history of generously supporting this hospital and I know Julie will continue to steward and grow this philanthropy. Our donor support really makes such a positive difference to our patients and our team. We wouldn’t have the patient care equipment that we do without community support.”Our President and CEO, Marianne Walker, has taken over the role as hospital lead for Waterloo Wellington’s COVID-19 response. Her appointment follows the recent departure of St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Lee Fairclough.
“I’d like to express my appreciation for the great work Lee did in helping keep the community well informed about the pandemic’s impact on local hospitals,” says Walker.
Her sentiment was echoed by Susan deRyk, Chief Regional Officer, Ontario Health West.
“As we continue to work together as a system to respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of good communication cannot be overstated. I am confident that Marianne will ensure that information flows seamlessly across partners, and continue to build on the timely and easy to understand communications that Lee could be counted on to share previously.”
A first order of business for Walker in her role was sharing the news the province has extended its required mask mandate for high-risk settings. “This is most welcome,” says Walker. “Hospitals are still being challenged by both the number of COVID patients and high number of staff off either with COVID or suspected COVID. We know that masks help protect against COVID along with other preventable measures such as vaccination. We are committed to follow the science and continue masking and vaccination mandates.”
Walker says the community still has a large role in supporting hospitals. “Vaccinations and masking continue to be important in reducing the risk of getting COVID and possibly having to come to hospital.”
Celebrating our volunteers
National Volunteer Week, April 24-30, is a time to reflect and honour the volunteers who have served at GGH. While they have not been on site for the past two years, work is being done behind the scenes to have them return. They know they are missed!
Did you know?
- Foundation volunteers have returned to on site work
- The Courtyard Boutique is now open weekdays from 1100-1500
- The Patient & Family Advisory Council volunteers have been meeting remotely and supporting various hospital committees and projects. April 2022 marked their first on-site meeting in 2 years!
- Our on-call Spiritual Care Volunteers have continued to provide virtual and on-site support to patients and their families as requested
- Knitted blankets are still being made in the community to provide comfort to any GGH patient who needs one
Group insurance plan offers guaranteed coverage for a limited time
Guelph General Hospital endorses the Health Care Providers Group Insurance Plan which provides Group Benefits for regular Part-Time and Casual employees and eligible dependents. This year they are celebrating their 25-year anniversary and are offering an Appreciation Open Window from May 1 to June 29, 2022. This offer makes guaranteed coverage available to all eligible employees for enrollments made within the limited 60-day open window. The Complete and Complete Plus plans are guaranteed, with no medical questions asked. For more details, click here.
COVID-19 News
COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic for third and fourth doses next Wednesday
Pfizer vaccine will be administered. A sign-up sheet is posted outside of Employee Health however walk-ins are welcome. Please arrive five minutes prior to your appointment to register and bring your health card and vaccine record (paper or electronic).
If you are coming for your third dose, you will be asked to verify the date of your second dose to ensure it was at least 84 days ago – prior to February 10, 2022 – to be eligible.
If you are coming for your fourth dose, you must be 60 years of age or over or immunocompromised. You will be asked to verify the date of your third dose to ensure it was at least 140 days ago – prior to December 16, 2021 – to be eligible.
Since the clinic is at the hospital, Employee Health Services will automatically get a copy of the vaccine record. If you get a booster dose elsewhere, please email a copy of your vaccine receipt to EmployeeHealth@gghorg.ca. so your records can be updated.
Other News
GoodLife membership bonus discount deal ends Saturday
If you were interested in our deal with GoodLife, you still have a couple more days to get 30% off their membership options. Starting May 1, it moves to 25% (which is still a great discount). Other perks include:
- The $99 enrollment fee has been waved for new members
- You can extend this offer to one family member (you must also join to take advantage of this deal)
- Current GoodLife members may switch their membership over
We have already had over 20 individuals sign up so there could be some familiar faces! For instructions on how to join and take advantage of this great discount, click here!
Our Psychotherapist is back tomorrow!
Vij Richards, Reg. Psychotherapist, will be back on site this Thursday, and she will be working out of the Level 1 Conference Room (right beside the Auditorium). If you are interested in seeing Vij please email her directly to set up a time (VijRich26@gmail.com). You do not have to be working the days she is in, and if the 28th does not work, she is back May 12 & 26. If you would like to see her, but did not get a chance to email her, there will be a schedule posted on the Level 1 Conference Room door showing available timeslots for that day. All you need to do is sign up with an “X” for the time you would like.
The Stress Management and High Performance Clinic – upcoming programs
In the past, GGH has partnered with Kathy Somers who runs the Stress Management and High Performance Clinic out of the University of Guelph, to provide onsite wellness sessions for our staff. Due to COVID-19, all programs are now being run virtually and are listed on the website. If you are interested in a particular upcoming program, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca as we may try to get a group together.
Our Foundation extends its thanks to staff for help with a recent video
Recently, our Foundation’s marketing and communications staff filmed a video on site to share with donors to the Together, We Care fundraising campaign. The video features a large number of GGH staffers who explain how the $37,496,057 raised will benefit the community through an expanded ED, improved mental health services, new patient care equipment and an expansion of our SCN. If you missed it, watch it here.
Elizabeth Stewart led the video project. “We simply couldn’t create these videos, which are so meaningful for our donors, without the cooperation of staff. We know their days are already busy and are so grateful when they answer our calls for help. I want everyone to know how important their time is and how it will help us inspire ongoing support from the community for GGH.”
Who knows? It could be YOU the Foundation needs help from next! A range of videos are shot each year, from ‘Yes, That Too is Funded by You’ episodes through to Tour de Guelph recaps. Catch them all by subscribing to its YouTube Channel.
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Marianne Walker, President and CEO (left) dropped by last week's Retirement Tea for outgoing Foundation CEO, Suzanne Bone whose final day is tomorrow. Marianne has announced she too will be retiring sometime this year. .
.GGH News
Visitor policy changed to allow more patients to have visitors
Many mental health supports available for staff
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative looking for your inputOther News
Our Foundation has an extra special 50 50 lottery this month!
GGH News
Visitor policy changed to allow more patients to have visitors
As the pandemic changes, so does our visitor policy. A copy of the most recent version can be found here. Below in bold are the most recent changes.
Essential visitors are permitted based on the restrictions below. Essential visitors to patients who are COVID positive or COVID suspect must be reviewed by the Director of the Department. Appendix A for the visiting restrictions. The decision to designate an essential visitor is the patients’ or the Substitute Decision Makers’ choice.
Exceptions can be made for patients who are high risk exposures to COVID from a staff member exposure. They may have an essential visitor if the following criteria have been clearly explained and documented:
- The risk that the essential visitor may contract COVID
- The essential visitor remains in the patient’s room for the length of their visit and then promptly leaves the hospital
- The essential visitor wears a procedure mask, gown and eye protection for the entire visit
Many mental health supports available for staff
Click on table to open it as a PDF with clickable links Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Your experience and ideas help patient care and build our culture.
Through the strategic planning process, volunteers and staff showed a clear interest in learning about and taking action to support more inclusive experiences with patient care and employee experience.
Recognizing we are all different, with unique interests and needs, your experience and ideas are welcome to support our teams in any of the following areas:
- Help review, and provide feedback on a foundational diversity, equity and inclusion learning program.
- Share your ideas to support activities, education and action for:
- Access Awareness Week - May 26 - June 4
- Pride Month - June
- National Indigenous People's Day - June 21
- Canada Day - July 1
Please email your ideas to help with the planning, sharing of wisdom and otherwise championing of these Spring focus activities. (this is a confidential email and will go to organizational development and the committee).
More opportunities to contribute ideas will be available at a display in the Bistro in the coming weeks.
Other News
Our Foundation has an extra special 50/50 lottery this month!
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is celebrating Together, We Care with a special 50/50 Grand Prize!
To show thanks to our generous community who helped us exceed the $34 million Together, We Care campaign goal, April’s guaranteed minimum grand prize is $34,000.
There are three more chances to win some cash this month. Someone will win $1,000 tomorrow, Thursday, April 21 and $2,000 on Thursday, April 28 and, of course, the grand prize. Make sure to purchase your tickets by tomorrow at 10:59 a.m. to be included in the early bird and grand prize draws.
Ticket sales for the grand prize will close on Thursday, April 28 at 11:59 p.m.
Purchase tickets today at www.ggh5050.ca.
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Just a reminder our Courtyard Boutique is now open, hooray! Its hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Welcome back! .
.GGH News
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Meet your new committee
Special Care Nursery Reno Update
On-site Staff & Professional Staff psychological support starts this week
First Wellness Committee meeting was a success!
Hospital to reduce medical waste with $180,000 donationCOVID-19 News
Return to work process after COVID contact revised
Other News
Tour de Guelph 2022 planning to return to a group ride event
GGH News
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Meet your new committee
Submitted by Karen Suk-Patrick, Vice President, People and Support Services
On March 23, GGH had its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee Meeting, representing a significant step forward in our journey to better understand how we can do better as an organization in creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible space for everyone at GGH. We hope this Committee will- help build organizational awareness about the experience of the workforce,
- identify actions that should help to support an inclusive culture, and
- play an essential role in supporting the equity, diversity, and inclusion change management processes.
Click on the image above to meet members of the committee. It was exciting to have our first meeting and embark on this journey. I want to thank the Committee members personally for volunteering their time for this important work. It was clear that everyone was passionate about making a difference at GGH and had some ideas about how we could meet our goals. What excites me about this group is the knowledge and experience they brought, which will help us make meaningful change. I'd invite you to learn more about some of the members here EDI Meet the Committee.
What emerged early on in our first meeting was the importance of education and the need to increase the knowledge and awareness of everyone in the organization about equity, diversity, and inclusion and the barriers faced by under-represented or equity deserving groups.
Once we can recognize there are systematic barriers resulting from our biases, we can make changes – whether it be to our policies, our process for hiring people, our strategies for developing leadership, and how we support our staff. It will take commitment and time and the willingness to listen and understand.
In the months ahead, you begin to see more and more opportunities for education. As previously communicated, GGH recently joined the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Planning for leadership training is underway and includes the EDI foundations, which are also open to everyone at GGH to participate.
Your ideas and feedback are always welcome at inclusion@gghorg.ca, and you can learn more on the Healthy Hospital | Equity Diversity and Inclusion site of the intranet.
Special Care Nursery Reno Update
- SCN on track to move to temporary location on April 25
- Construction of on-call rooms has been completed and final deficiencies and clean up is underway. Staff lounges on level 4 and 5 will be back in circulation by end of this week.
- Construction in Paeds Day Surgery area is 90% completed with a delivery of a countertop delaying completion. Anticipated install is April 18 followed by inspections, removal of hoarding and clean up.
- The FBU Conference room (rm 6084) will be transformed into a parent nap room on April 15. No meetings can booked or held there after that date.
On-site Staff & Professional Staff psychological support starts this week
Welcome Vij Richards! On Thursday April 7, you received an email notifying you about the individual psychological supports GGH will be offering its staff and professional staff starting this month. We are very excited to have psychotherapist, Vij Richards working with us as part of this initiative, who will be working onsite in the Level 1 Conference room two times a month (confirmed dates so far: April 14, 28, May 12,26 and June 9 , 23. Vij recently retired from Trillium Health Partners where she was part of their staff wellness team and was a Registered Occupational Health & Safety Nurse before becoming a mental health professional.
The Individual Onsite Psychological Support pilot program will run from April – September 2022 and will follow a short-term therapy model, where individuals can receive support as needed. Please refer to the email sent last week from Lauren Brown for more information and/or look for posters throughout the hospital to learn more about how you can participate in this exciting initiative.
First Wellness Committee meeting was a success!
This past Monday, the GGH Health & Wellness Program held its first Wellness Committee meeting and it was made very clear that this will be a fantastic working group! There was great representation from multiple areas of the hospital and everyone shared how passionate they were about supporting the well-being of those working and volunteering at GGH. The Committee also made its first major decision in determining the slogan of our program from the anonymous suggestions provided in the 2021 Health & Wellness Needs Assessment Survey. The official “title” is: GGH Health & Wellness: Work Well, Live Well. Our survey provider, Metrics@Work, has confirmed the submission was made by Geoff Wood, who will receive a prize for his winning entry. The next step is the creation of a logo for our program – stay tuned!
Hospital to reduce medical waste with $180,000 donation
World Health Day, founded by the World Health Organization is celebrated annually to spread awareness on a specific health topic of concern. Alectra Inc. celebrated this year's theme, "our planet, our health," by contributing $180,000 to the hospital to help reduce the amount of medical waste sent to landfills and to reduce costs.
The new sterilization container system will help save money by eliminating single-use disposable wraps traditionally used to protect the sanitization of surgical instruments, thereby significantly reducing medical waste. Additionally, these containers are ergonomically designed which makes handling the equipment easier for hospital staff.
"We are so thankful for this wonderful donation from Alectra as part of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital's $34 million Together, We Care campaign," said Suzanne Bone, the Foundation's CEO. "It's so important, as every piece of patient care equipment we purchase is funded by donations from the community. Alectra's gift will help us keep staff and patients safe while supporting our focus on environmental sustainability. We're most grateful."
COVID-19 News
Return to work process after COVID contact revised
This process is current as of April 12 and subject to change according to Ministry of Health and Public Health Guidance and Recommendations. What's changed is what to do if you've come in contact with COVID Positive/Symptomatic case but you are asymptomatic. Now, you must test negative on a rapid test before returning to work. In addition, you are to book a PCR test five days after your exposure.
Other News
Tour de Guelph 2022 planning to return to a group ride event
Tour de Guelph, presented by Label Design Ltd., returns to a group ride event for its ninth annual ride, with an option to ride anytime.
Riders are welcome to register for the group ride event on Sunday, June 26 or to Ride Anytime on their own between Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 26. Riders can also register as an individual or as a team.
Tour de Guelph is a family-friendly fundraising event with a cycling route for all skills and abilities. There is a family-friendly 5km/10km route through the Village By The Arboretum, as well as a variety of routes from 25 to 100km.
“We are thrilled to return to a group ride event on the fourth Sunday of June,” remarked Clarence Haverson, Tour de Guelph Co-chair. “Despite being virtual the past two years, Tour de Guelph has continued to inspire community members to ride and fundraise, with last year alone resulting in $165,000 in peer-to-peer raised funds by 366 participants. We are so excited to see what we can achieve this year with a return to our normal event format, plus an option for those who prefer to participate on their own.”
While primarily a fundraising event, Tour de Guelph also welcomes those who prefer not to fundraise.
Sarah Ferguson, Fundraising Events Specialist at The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital explains “For those who don’t want to fundraise, but still want to come out and enjoy a fun community cycling event, they can choose the Free-wheeler option for a registration fee and no fundraising commitment. We really just want to welcome everyone in our community who enjoys riding a bike and would appreciate coming out to this community building event.”
Proceeds from Tour de Guelph support Guelph General Hospital and other local charities through the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium. Over the past 8 years, Tour de Guelph has raised over $722,000 in net proceeds for the community.
Registration is now open and full event details can be found on the Tour de Guelph website www.tourdeguelph.ca.
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GGH News
Special Care Nursery renovation progress report
Using Social Media to support internal communications
‘Clinical Extern’ Program providing much-needed supportOther News
Wellness news including discount membership at GoodLife
Extra 50/50 Hospital Lottery Prizes in Celebration of Together, We Care
Win two tickets to local Country Music concert
These posters will start appearing once work on the existing SCN area begins. GGH News
Special Care Nursery renovation progress report
On-Call room construction: The construction has been completed on levels 4, 5 and 6 regarding the on-call rooms. The Contractor is completing deficiencies and cleaning the space prior to IPAC approving that the construction hoarding be taken down and the new spaces being ready for use. At that point, the staff lounge areas on level 4 and 5 will be put back into use.
Moving SCN to its temporary location: The majority of electrical, IT and security items have been completed in the Paeds Day Surgery area that will be the temporary home of SCN during construction. The move is planned for April 26.
SCN Redevelopment: The main construction of the existing SCN area is on track for an early May start. Meetings are being held weekly with GGH staff to ensure minimizing impacts to the remaining areas of the hospital during construction. New signage will be installed informing patients and visitors of the relocation of our SCN in order to minimize any confusion.
Using Social Media to support internal communications
For the past few years, some departments and programs have trialed using members-only groups on Instagram to support internal communications. All in all, it's been an successful experiment and one that could be repeated in other areas. Supporting this activity is an updated Social Media policy which includes tips about what should and shouldn't be posted. The policy is available on the Intranet or by clicking here.
Establishing a group requires Director approval. Next, a moderator needs to be officially designated. That person will be responsible for group membership as well as monitoring all postings to ensure they comply with the policy. Membership will be only available to those active in the department or program. The membership list will be kept up to date by the group moderator.
Our Emergency Department is one of the more active groups and is moderated by its Clinical Educator, Lisa. Other GGH groups include ICU, inpatient surgery and the HELP program. ‘Clinical Extern’ Program providing much-needed support
There is a significant shortage of healthcare workers in Ontario. A year ago, the Ministry of Health introduced a new program to pay senior students in nursing and allied health professional studies to work in hospitals even before graduating. There, these “externs” would gain valuable hands-on experience, provide some relief to overworked staff and perhaps choose to stay on once they’d graduated.
In total, we received funding for 20 externs and the program is already a success. Former externs Cody Endeman, a newly registered RN, and Courtney Sammons, a newly registered RPN are now full-time employees. Both of them experienced the shutdown of nursing programs with onsite placements due to COVID-19 restrictions. Normally, placements would have allowed them to gain valuable hands-on hospital experience but then their programs became online instruction only. How do you become expert at patient care without patients? Both of them jumped at the chance to don personal protective equipment (PPE) and work on site at Guelph General.
Welcome Courtney and Cody!! Both began with a group orientation to learn about GGH and this new role of Clinical Extern as it related to the work of RPNs and RNs in patient-care delivery. They also learned about their role in relation to the functions of Resource Nurses, Ward Clerks, Unit Attendants, Porters and other hospital staff. In the fall of 2021, PSW’s also joined the patient-care team.
Externs essentially support all activities of daily living required by our patients. This includes all aspects of personal care and support with toileting, hygiene, feeding, repositioning to prevent pressure injuries and getting patients up and out of bed for sitting up and walking, if their health permits.
Externs ‘shadow’ our nurses and receive the kind of in-the-moment training they could never experience in an online nursing program, says Cody. “It is incredibly beneficial to my knowledge base. I learn so much each day. We also have gotten a chance to float around all of the units, which gives us such a wide range of experience. For example, patients on the stroke unit have very different needs than patients recovering from surgery.”
The benefit of experiencing a variety of areas was echoed by Courtney. “Starting through 4 East, where they have an on-the-job orientation process developed, was amazing but I also value being able to experience all of the units. I have formed great new working relationships with existing staff. We all know your day can be made or broken by the people you work with. I have found staff here to be very welcoming and always willing to mentor. I couldn’t imagine leaving now. These colleagues are who I want to begin my career with.”
“Our 20 externs provided critical relief."
Julie Wilson, Director Quality and Professional PracticeThe externs learn how the hospital manages to provide high quality, patient-centred care. “I value the team approach to nursing I have experienced here,” says Cody. “Every patient is your patient despite being initially assigned to specific ones. Yes, those patients assigned to you are your main focus but you help everywhere you are needed and you can rely on colleagues to help you back. That is very special.”
Julie Wilson, our Director of Professional Practice, credited the Extern program as being of great benefit to the hospital over the spring and summer months when post-secondary education programs were on break. “Staff who had been working overtime finally got a chance to take their much-deserved days off and vacation days,” says Julie. “Our 20 externs provided critical relief. The other benefit is, of course, future recruitment. We want these students to feel at home at Guelph General and come back for part or all of their careers.” The benefit of retention is proven with Cody now working on 4 West and Courtney on 7 East. Welcome to the team, Cody and Courtney!
Other News
GoodLife Corporate Fitness: GGH Membership deal reminder
If you did not get a chance to read your email last week, on Friday, April 1 you received information about the year-long partnership GGH Health & Wellness has formed with GoodLife Corporate Fitness (and no, it wasn’t an April Fool’s prank :) ). Based on feedback obtained in the 2021 Needs Assessment Survey for physical activity support, we have secured a preferred membership discount of 25% off GoodLife’s different membership options, and if you join between April 1 – 30, 2022 you get an additional 5% off, totaling 30% off for the year. Other perks include:
- The $99 enrollment fee has been waved for new members
- You can extend this offer to one family member (you must also join to take advantage of this deal)
- Current GoodLife members may switch their membership over
GoodLife was chosen because we know our staff live throughout the area and GoodLife has multiple club locations in Guelph and the neighbouring communities to support you. For instructions on how to join and take advantage of this great discount, click here!
Virtual Gardening Fundamentals – Workshops with The Arboretum
The Arboretum is offering a series of different nature-focused virtual workshops during the month of April, and currently there are sessions on Tuesdays for those who are ornamental gardening enthusiasts. Although the webinar series has begun, when you register you will receive a recording of the sessions which have already transpired. This seminar series is facilitated by Robert Pavlis, a Master Gardener and garden writer, and is appropriate for beginner and intermediate gardeners. Click here for more information and to register.
Guelph Hiking Trail Club
For those who are looking to get outdoors to enjoy some social interactions and the spring-like weather, the Guelph Hiking Trail Club might be for you. It is a non-profit charitable organization that organizes hikes of different lengths and difficulty throughout the year. April 30 is their Speed River Trail End-to-End 50th Anniversary Event which is open to both members, and non-members if you are interested in learning more about the Club! Click here for more information on how to join and membership fees if you are ready to go!
Extra 50/50 Hospital Lottery Prizes in Celebration of Together, We Care
On March 24, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital announced that the hospital’s most urgent community fundraising project ever, has exceeded its $34-million goal.
Leeanne Wilson won $49,290 in a 50/50 draw “I am filled with gratitude for our generous community who came together and raised $37,496,057 in received and pledged funds,” said the Foundation’s CEO, Suzanne Bone.
Funds raised from the Together, We Care campaign will expand the hospital’s Emergency Department and Mental Health services, invest in essential patient care equipment and technology, and expand the Special Care Nursery. Close to ten thousand individuals and businesses donated to the campaign, and thousands more supported through fundraising events and the 50/50 Hospital Lottery.
Suzanne added, “And to celebrate, April’s 50/50 Hospital Lottery includes a special guaranteed minimum grand prize of $34,000, plus four early bird prizes!”
Early bird draw dates include $1,000 on Thursday, April 7, 14, 21, and $2,000 on Thursday, April 28. The grand prize draw will take place on Friday, April 29 at 11 a.m.
The first-ever 50/50 Hospital Lottery for Guelph General Hospital launched online ticket sales for its first monthly draw in June 2020. Since then, the 50/50 Hospital Lottery has raised over $600,000 for essential patient care equipment, including nearly $400,000 towards the new MRI scanner that will arrive this fall 50/50 lottery tickets are available at www.ggh5050.ca.
Win two tickets to local Country Music concert
Generous hospital supporters have donated three sets of two tickets to see ‘Home Free’ at the River Run Centre on April 21 at 7:30 p.m.. As the donors could not attend, they wanted to share these with the hard working staff at Guelph General. To be entered in a draw to win the tickets, please email foundation@gghorg.ca with the subject line ‘Home Free Tickets’ by Monday, April 11. Winners will be drawn Tuesday, April 12.
More info about the concert can be found here: https://riverrun.ca/whats-on/live-nation-presents-home-free/
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There is a staff appreciation meal tomorrow!!
On the menu is either chicken souvlaki or a vegetarian option. Pick up your warm meal in the Bistro from 1100-1300. Extras will be available from 1300-1430. A cold version is available in a reheatable container from Tim's from 1430-1730 and in FBU 6084 at 2300. Enjoy!!.
.GGH News
Ambulatory Care back up to full capacity
Other News
Spring development activities
Supporting the role faith has with many staff
Nutrition Month wrapping up
The Ontario Hospital Association's 2022 Virtual Benefit Forums
Welcome to our newest GGH staff members!
Farm Boy Coupon Book sales to benefit GGH and St. Joe's
City of Guelph wants your opinion about transitGGH News
Ambulatory Care back up to full capacity
In a typical year, our Hasenfratz Ambulatory Care Centre sees over 32,000 patients. Patients come to receive chemotherapy and blood transfusions, have broken bones casted and wounds treated. Patients also come to our daily Medical Surgical Clinic for a wide range of minor procedures, vascular follow-up, urology issues, carpal tunnel surgery and ophthalmology procedures. As well, patients come for assessments in our ENT (ear, nose and throat) Clinic.
We never closed our cancer care services or urgent fractures throughout the pandemic. We did halt our other services to keep our vulnerable cancer patients safe and to redeploy staff to other areas. Now, Ambulatory Care has ramped back up to 100% capacity. It feels great to be back serving all of our patients again!
With recent changes in ear loop masks, Employee Health Services would like to remind staff which side of the mask faces outward when worn. Other News
Spring development activities
Keep Growing is the theme for our Spring development activities. Employees will see a board near the Bistro highlighting several of the different programs available to staff.
Please be sure to contact joliver@gghorg.ca or ext. 2363 with questions, ideas or specific accommodations to best support your participation and success with learning and development activities.
Education Assistance Program – Supporting your Career Development
Full-time and part-time employees use the Education Assistance program, accessing up to $500 for part-time and $900 for full-time employees per fiscal year for education, skills training and networking building that is critical for keeping current within your profession and pursuing your goals.
Here’s an example of what staff have to say about EAF and how it supports patient care and career development.
“I found out about the program years ago and try to use it yearly/ whenever an educational opportunity comes up. This year I did a three-day virtual conference to learn about the newest echocardiography guidelines and to maintain competency in my job. I found the educational assistance form on the intranet and my director signed it. It was a very easy and quick process and I would highly recommend it to others who are wanting to upgrade their skills through a conference, course, or online program. I am very grateful that GGH provides this for employees.” Monica Houle - Echocardiographer
We are happy to say that the education assistance program is going more digital to make the processes easier. Employees can complete their forms electronically and email forward them to their leaders. All application forms can be sent to a new email address EAF@gghorg.ca for timely review and administration of your requests. For more information, please contact Julianne Roberts at extension 2593 or EAF@gghorg.ca.
Congratulations to Lori Walton – the “Trust” Meet Up prize winner. Meet-Up – Trust
Meet-Ups are virtual skills-building activities, focused on supporting all employees in developing strong relationships in the workplace. Participants can enter a draw to win a prize that celebrates their commitment to growth.
Check out the Meet-Ups on the LMS | Courses | Additional GGH Courses | Organizational Development |Meet-Ups to strengthen your skills in building relationships in our teams.
The next prize draw for all participants of the Trust and Feedback recorded webinars is April 15.Core Learning is back!
Grow your skills through these two standards in excellence regarding communication skills and effectiveness. Crucial Conversations and 5 Choices are scheduled for 2022 on the LMS,.
Courses | Additional GGH Courses | Organizational Development. Please contact Organizational Development directly if you would like a customized option for your team. (joliver@gghorg.ca or ext. 2363.)
Supporting the role faith has with many staff
We are entering a month of many sacred days and events for our staff and community. The multicultural calendar is one tool we can use to help us plan, communicate our needs and even learn more about the important role that faith plays for many staff, patients and their families. Share your ideas, questions or comments at inclusion@gghorg.ca and visit our growing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page on our Intranet (only viewable while on site).
Nutrition Month wrapping up
Thank you to all of you who participated in our Nutrition Month events – we are grateful for your support! You still have until the end of the day March 31 to participate in the remaining two ways:
- Watch the four nutrition webinar recordings posted on e-Learning (under “Additional GGH Courses” > “Health and Wellness”) to be entered into the draw to win one of five $50 GoodFood gift cards.
- Submit your Word Search #3 to the table in The Bistro to be entered into the draw to win a $15 Tim Card – Aleya from DI was the winner for Word Search #2!
The Ontario Hospital Association's 2022 Virtual Benefit Forums
The Ontario Hospital Association has made their 2022 Virtual Benefit Forums Series open to anyone in healthcare who may benefit from learning about mindfulness, healthy communication techniques and living a more mindful life. Please see the infographic below for more information and to register for each of the seminars (three in total) running from 11-12pm on April 8, May 13 & 27. Complete details about the sessions below can be found here.
Session 1 – Mindfulness, wellbeing & burnout: Evidence-base and practical tools - Friday, April 8
Session 2 – Interpersonal communication: Enhancing relationships between individuals and across organizations - Friday, May 13
Session 3 – Practical application & integration: How to maintain and sustain mindful living techniques - Friday, May 27Farm Boy Coupon Book sales to benefit GGH and St. Joe's
Farm Boy stores in Ontario are selling coupon books in support of local healthcare. Sold at the cash registers, coupon books are $10 and contain $75 in coupons. Proceeds from the books sold at the Guelph Farm Boy will be divided evenly between The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. Coupon books are available while supplies last.
City of Guelph wants your opinion about transit
The City is working to update Guelph Transit’s Fare Strategy, a detailed plan for fare programs, policies, pricing, payment options and structure that will set the course for Guelph Transit over the next 10 years. The final strategy will include a review of our current fare system, guidelines to inform future decision-making, updated and detailed policies and recommended changes to the fare structure, programs and pricing.
The City has asked us to engage with our staff, as we are a major employer in the region and they want to better understand how they can support and encourage the use of public transit for those who work at GGH.
The link to the survey can be found here.
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A couple of leprechauns brought some good luck with their pot o' gold to our patients and staff on St Patrick’s Day. A.k.a. Rebekah and Christine, they were spotted in the units dancing jigs to Irish tunes. GGH News
Together, We Care exceeds $34-million fundraising goal!
Parking lot behind 73 Delhi closed tomorrow morning
New ear loop mask coming
Health Care Appreciation Night videoOther News
Nutrition Month – Coming into the last week!
Some great health resourcesGGH News
Together, We Care exceeds $34-million fundraising goal!
from Suzanne Bone, CEO The Foundation of GGH
Today I'm filled with gratitude for our incredible community as I share with you that we exceeded our $34-million Together, We Care fundraising goal! Close to 10,000 individuals and businesses donated to the Together, We Care campaign, plus thousands more supported the Hospital through our fundraising events, and 50/50 Hospital Lottery.We’re grateful for those within the GGH family who contributed to Together, We Care: 610 staff and 95 physicians contributed an amazing $1,044,600!
Together, with the support of our caring community, we raised a total of $37,496,057 in received and pledged dollars! Every dollar is to support Guelph General Hospital’s top priority of providing the highest quality and safest care possible to patients and their families.
Here at Guelph General Hospital, every piece of equipment used to care for patients is funded through the support of our caring community. Construction costs also require some contribution from the community before the government will approve significant build projects.
Already over $15 million of the funds given have been invested in new patient care equipment and technology throughout our Hospital. We have shared the full equipment list funded by Together, We Care on our website.
In addition, we’re so excited the redesign of the Special Care Nursery will begin in May, and plans for the expansion of the Emergency Department and Mental Health services are well underway.
We hope you’ll watch the video we prepared for our community that explains how all the funds are being put to use here at GGH. We can do a lot with $37 million which is why our video is a touch longer than we planned it to be. We hope you’ll watch it to the end and that your heart fills with pride and appreciation for what's been made possible, together with the support of our caring community.
To help celebrate, we’ll be providing coffee and cookies in the Bistro during the week of April 4! Stay tuned for more details!
Parking lot behind 73 Delhi closed tomorrow morning
In order to make room for a crane delivering and installing a large, back-up fuel tank, the parking lot behind 73 Delhi (shown in orange, right) will be closed from 0600 to 1200 on Thursday, March 24.
New ear loop mask coming
Soon, GGH will be transitioning to a new ear loop mask with the same protection levels, fit and feel as our current white version model.
At the recent "Health Care Appreciation Night" at the Guelph Storm hockey game, a video created by the Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team was shown. To see the 55-second "thank you" video, click here or on the image above. The depletion of the current white ear loop mask will be occurring over the next few weeks and replaced with the one seen to the left. This version ear loop mask will be the GGH standard for the foreseeable future.
Other News
Nutrition Month – Coming into the last week!
The Wednesday Wellness meals have been a huge hit! This week it was lemon Parmesan chicken with vegetable pinwheels and a mushroom & spinach barley pilaf. Yum! Have you had a chance to take part in Nutrition Month yet? We have one more Wellness Wednesday coming up on March 30, where you can get a tasty and healthy meal in The Bistro for only $4.99. Email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca if you would like a copy of all the recipes sent to you at the end of the month (printouts of the current recipe are also available on the display table in The Bistro).
Tuesday evening we were lucky enough to have a wonderful webinar with Homewood Health called Eating Well for Shift Work which was recorded and posted on e-Learning under “Additional Courses” and “Health and Wellness.” Trista Chan, RD, who is familiar with working in healthcare, will also facilitate our remaining Nutrition Month webinars on March 25 and 29 from 12-1 p.m. (these will not be recorded so email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca to sign up).
Remember to pop by The Bistro table next week to grab a tasty Ontario Salish apple on Snack Day, Monday! and our last Word Search for Nutrition Month.
Some great health resources
Many of us might feel like we are suffering from information overload, but if you are still game to try something new, Lumino Health has a number of great resources on its webpage under “Health Topics” and “Health Guides.” This Healthy Eating Guide includes topics focusing on meal planning, small behaviour changes which make a big impact, and healthy recipes. If you are interested in learning how the foods you eat affect your mood, check out this article and this one if you want to know what to eat after a workout!
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.GGH News
Upcoming Mask Fit Testing Dates
A couple of new faces on our Leadership teamOther News
CMHA Frontline Health Care Program
Nutrition Month Continues
Guelph Storm hockey game honouring healthcare workers is tonight!GGH News
Upcoming Mask Fit Testing Dates
Please sign-up outside of EHS (level 2), during non-fit testing times.
DATE Timeframe (First Appt. – Last Appt.) Wednesday, March 23 08:00 (am) – 11:00 (am) / 12:30(pm) - 03:00 (pm) Monday, April 4 07:00 (am) – 10:30 (am) / 12:00(pm) - 2:00 (pm) Friday, April 29 07:00 (am) – 10:30 (am) / 12:00(pm) - 2:00 (pm) Monday, May 9 08:00 (am) – 11:00 (am) / 12:30(pm) - 03:00 (pm) Monday, May 16 07:00 (am) – 10:30 (am) / 12:00(pm) - 2:00 (pm) Location: Boardroom, Level 2
N95 Models being Fit Tested: 3M 1860(s), 3M1860, 3M1870+
Sign-up: Please sign-up outside of Employee Health Services to block a time for your fit testingA couple of new faces on our Leadership team
Two new Directors are joining us next Monday - Jennifer Murphy-Novak, Director Medicine, Stroke and Bed Allocation along with Leanne Proveau, Director ICU and Stepdown. Welcome!!
Click above image to enlarge. The most up-to-date version of our Org. Chart can always be found on our Intranet under Administration/main page.Other News
CMHA Frontline Health Care Program
The Frontline Health Care Program aims to assist organizations, health care workers and their teams in strengthening multiple facets of mental health and wellbeing. Sessions are delivered through self-directed eLearning modules and virtual live workshops, and cover topics including post-traumatic stress injuries, psychological health and safety, and recovering from burnout. Currently, they are offering “Wellness Check Wednesday” during the month of March – a free series of educational sessions from 2-3 p.m. Please click on any of the following links to register:
- Burnout and Recovery - Wednesday, March 16, 2022
- Mindfulness at Work - Wednesday, March 23, 2022
- Dealing with Grief and Loss - Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Don’t forget to drop by The Bistro on Wellness Wednesdays to grab a nutritious and tasty meal for only $4.99. Last week’s Baha Fish tacos were a hit and sold out by 1 p.m.! Nutrition Month Continues
Have you completed a nutrition word search yet? If not, you should! They can be found at the display table in The Bistro and word search #2 is now available for this week and next. Once you have finished, submit it to the basket for a chance to win a $15 Tim Hortons e-gift card! Sandy H was our winner for Word Search #1!
There are a still a number of available spots to sign up for our dietitian-led nutrition month webinar series focusing on nutrition for shift work, eating and stress management, and making healthy choices at work. See the posters around the hospital or email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca for more information or to sign up. There are also three nutrition webinar recordings posted on e-Learning under “Additional Courses” and “Health and Wellness” for you to watch when your schedule permits. The recording titles are:
- Nutrition 101: Just the Basics
- Superfoods vs Supermarketing
- Protein: What’s the big deal?
Remember, for each session you attend or recording you watch, you will be entered into a draw to win one of five, $50 gift cards to GoodFood Meal kit Delivery Service.
Guelph Storm hockey game honouring healthcare workers is tonight!
Guelph Storm hockey is recognizing Guelph Wellington frontline health care workers with an appreciation game on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. vs. the London Knights. Tickets are being offered at a reduced price for health care workers ($20) and you will receive an exclusive gift from the Guelph Storm by showing your ticket at the gift table in front of the Guelph Storm administration office before the game.
Purchase tickets at www.guelphstorm.com – enter promo code: HERO before selecting your seat. If you have questions please call, (519) 837-9690 Ext. 0 or you can visit the Guelph Storm box office during regular business hours.
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.GGH News
Special Care Nursery reno prep continues
Celebrating Social Work Week
What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
Workplace Learning and Development - Updates
Nutrition Month Continues!COVID-19 News
Eye protection guidelines relaxed a bit in non-patient-facing areas
Other News
Black Tie Bingo exceeds $4 million for Guelph General Hospital in its 26 years
Guelph Storm Health Care Appreciation Game next WednesdayGGH News
Special Care Nursery reno prep continues
- Construction work is ongoing on the four, on-call rooms on levels 4, 5 and 6.
- Electrical, security and data cabling has started in all areas requiring new services.
- The above work is still on schedule to be completed first week of April. Then, the SCN team will start to test processes in the temporary space in Paeds Day Surgery prior to the SCN moving there temporarily during the construction.
- Other departments like Material Management, IT, Facilities, Housekeeping and scheduling have been engaged to ensure a smooth transition into the new temporary SCN space.
- Construction of the new SCN is still slated for early May.
Celebrating Social Work Week
Each year during the first week of March, we celebrate Social Work Week in Ontario. It is a chance for us to acknowledge the essential contributions of Social Workers within our communities and here at GGH.
The past two years of the pandemic has resulted in many individuals navigating mental health challenges such as anxiety, stress and burnout like never before. The resulting impact has highlighted the importance and visibility of Social Work.
The theme for 2022, #MoreThanEver, speaks to the unprecedented need for mental health care and support across the province, as well as the vital role of Social Workers in ensuring mental health access for all Ontarians.
At GGH our Social Workers are valued members of the interdisciplinary team, supporting patients and families through challenging life transitions, mental health crisis, trauma and loss. They play a pivotal role in support of patient flow and discharge planning and support all inpatient and outpatient departments at GGH. As you make your way through the week please take a moment to think about the contributions your unit/ department Social Worker adds to your team. Consider sharing your insights with them. Also, in fitting with the theme for the week, take a moment to consider the mental health needs of you and those around you.
During the first year of the pandemic, some of our Social Work Team gathered for the photo above as a part of our "Behind the Scenes" series of Facebook posts. Nineteen months later, their work is needed #MoreThanEver. What’s On Your Mind? answers posted
This time around there’s four questions and one comment – explanation of IPAC rules during outbreaks, cost of living increase, etc. Please remember, “What’s on Your Mind?” is hosted on our Intranet and only viewable within the organization.
Workplace Learning and Development - Updates
Meet-Ups
The First Workplace Skills Meet-Up focused on the essential skills of trust-building in our workplace. The workshop focused on straightforward techniques to help us with our trust-building and sharing activities. A condensed version of the training is now live on the LMS.
The next meet-up is offered twice on March 29 and focuses on the crucial skills of giving and receiving feedback with respect and grace. In addition, you will have a chance to connect with other co-workers, share your experience and build your skills. Sign up today on the LMS. (Courses | Additional GGH Courses | Organizational Development)
Participants in the live and recorded sessions can enter a monthly draw to win items to help you on your development journey at GGH.
Core Learning Programs are back!
Please take an opportunity to sign up for Crucial Conversations and the 5 Principles for Extraordinary Productivity on our LMS. Both are excellent for employees and leaders at all stages of their development and career journey. Learn more on the LMS at Courses | Additional GGH Courses | Organizational Development, or contact Jo Oliver at ext. 2363 Joliver@gghorg.ca
Nutrition Month Continues!
Have you had a chance to purchase a healthy meal on Wellness Wednesday from The Bistro? If you not, pop it in your calendar for the remaining Wednesdays this month and grab a tasty lunch for only $4.99! The feature meal is posted weekly on Mondays on the Nutrition Month display just inside The Bistro, and on the Health & Wellness Board outside of Employee Health.
On March 9 you received an email about the Nutrition Month Webinar Series with information about the seminars, how to sign up, and what prizes you could win if you participate! Look for the subject line: “Join us this month for the Nutrition Month Webinar Series” or email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca for more information. Looking for some healthy recipes? Dietitians of Canada has created a wonderful e-recipe book filled with tasty options like Creamy Enchilada Soup, One Pot Indian-Inspired Paneer and Chickpeas and Peppermint Vanilla Tea Latte. Download it here for free! UnlockFood.ca is also a wonderful resource with a whole section on Cooking and Food which includes recipes, a personalized menu planner, information on food safety and how to make over your favourite recipes with healthier food substitutions. Many of you indicated an interest in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating in our 2021 Health & Wellness survey – these resources are a great place to start!
COVID-19 News
Eye protection guidelines relaxed a bit in non-patient-facing areas
Throughout the pandemic, GGH has carefully monitored the provincial situation to ensure our actions are supported by the latest information available. Based on the data available, we assess and revise the criteria we have established for patient care and hospital operations as needed. The requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) are one example of the information we monitor and review.
Effective today, we will only require staff who are providing direct patient care, patient facing, or working in patient screening roles to wear eye protection unless required for other safety reasons. Staff at nursing stations for example, will not be required to wear eye protection unless they are patient facing. There remains a provincial directive to wear eye protection when dealing with suspect, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 patients. At times, it can be challenging to determine the COVID-19 status of patients so as a result our requirement will be for eye protection for all patient contacts.
As a reminder, there are some alternate types of approved eye protection available (right), although in limited quantities due to supply chain challenges. Please see your Manager or Director if you have a need to consider a different type of eye protection.
Other News
Black Tie Bingo exceeds $4 million for Guelph General Hospital in its 26 years
Funds raised at this year’s Black Tie Bingo – Around the World will help fund a new MRI scanner. Going into the event, $1.887 million had already been raised for the scanner through mail and online gifts, Tour de Guelph and 50/50 Hospital Lottery proceeds. Adding this year’s Black Tie Bingo proceeds brings the tally to $2.099 million, closing in on the $2.25 million needed to purchase and install the new scanner.
Chief of Radiology, Dr. Patel (left) and Christine Schlott, MR Technologist and MRI Team lead, had a video message ready to thank attendees and to explain why a new MRI scanner is so important. To view the video, click the image above. Guelph General Hospital’s Chief of Radiology, Dr. Samir Patel, and Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Erin Lane, attended the live stream to answer questions about the new MRI scanner. When asked if it’s possible for a Hospital to function without an MRI scanner, Dr. Patel answered, “No. Not to the standard of care our community expects and deserves. It’s used to diagnose and monitor such a wide range of illnesses and injuries. We do have many other diagnostic imaging tools, such as our CT scanner and Nuclear Medicine, also generously funded by donors, but the MRI is the safest because it does not expose patients to radiation.”
Lane shared the new MRI scanner is expected to arrive this fall. She also remarked that “moving the old scanner out and the new one in is a complex process, and we are working on a plan to minimize delays to patients who need an MRI scan.” She explained that the plan includes setting up an external building as a temporary MRI suite at the back of the Hospital while the old MRI is removed, the suite is renovated and the new MRI is installed.
Every year, Black Tie Bingo is reinvented through a new theme with the help of The Letter M Marketing who provides in-kind creative service for the event. This year’s “Around the World” theme delivered a worldly experience through the cuisine, wine, and themed prizes in the live and silent auction.
Guests received a box and bag filled with everything they needed to enjoy the event from home. “Logistically it was a tremendous effort to put together the guest packages – over 20 items needed to be carefully assembled for each guest based on their selections for food and wine. We had to manage the deliveries to over 100 households plus we provided an option for guests to pick up their items. We’re thankful that we have a dedicated team of volunteers who offer their help year over year,” said Sarah Ferguson, the Foundation’s Fundraising Event Specialist. “We are equally thankful to all our generous sponsors and in-kind providers of product, service and prizes for whom without, this event would not be possible.”
At Guelph General Hospital, every piece of equipment used to help care for patients is funded by our community. Funds raised over the years through Black Tie Bingo have funded everything from surgical and diagnostic equipment to IV pumps and vital signs monitors to specialized ICU patient beds and defibrillators.
Guelph Storm hockey is recognizing Guelph Wellington frontline health care workers with an appreciation game on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. vs. the London Knights. Tickets are being offered at a reduced price for health care workers ($20) and you will receive an exclusive gift from the Guelph Storm by showing your ticket at the gift table in front of the Guelph Storm administration office before the game.
Purchase tickets at www.guelphstorm.com – enter promo code: HERO before selecting your seat. If you have questions please call, (519) 837-9690 Ext. 0 or you can visit the Guelph Storm box office during regular business hours.
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The above note was found taped to a window at our staff entrance. Click image to enlarge. The message says,
"Thank you for your extraordinary care, compassion + bravery during these past two years. Please know that you are not alone. Many of us are staying home to protect our vulnerable family. We isolate. We mask. We are 3x vaccinated. We recognize and salute your efforts.
Thanks for keeping Guelph safe in these difficult times.
Sincerely, One of the many citizens of Guelph".
.GGH News
Visitor restrictions eased even further
Welcome new hires!
New SCN floor plan shows sheer scale of the upcoming renovationOther News
Welcoming our Foundation's new CEO
Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team Feb. newsletter (link here)
March is Nutrition Month!
Guelph Storm Health Care Appreciation GameGGH News
This two-metre banner reminding visitors that our mandatory proof of vaccination requirement is still in place along with a mask reminder will be prominently displayed in our main entrance vestibule. Visitor restrictions eased even further
In response to the easing amount of COVID in the community, starting yesterday March 1, the hospital is allowing two visitors per patient per day without having to establish whether or not a visitor is "essential." Only one visitor can be with the patient at any given time (ie: the two designated visitors may not visit at the same time). Palliative Patients may have two (2) visitors at the bedside at one time.
Visitors to admitted patients are still required to show proof of vaccination along with government-issued ID in order to enter. Each visitor is given a handout about what is needed to keep everyone safe while they visit. The handout is available here.
Welcome new hires!
February was a busy month for orienting new staff. Welcome to GGH!
New SCN floor plan shows sheer scale of the upcoming renovation
Saying our Special Care Nursery is being renovated doesn't do justice to the scale of the changes. Funded by our Foundation's Together We Care campaign, the $6.1 million project will completely transform the area on Level 6 and support the philosophy of family-centred care. It is an opportunity to enhance patient safety, improve the patient and family experience and help us to support best practice.
The project's floor plan below shows the new SCN layout. To give a sense of the scale of the change, highlighted in blue is where the current hallway is located. Click image to enlarge.
Other News
Welcoming our Foundation's new CEO
The Foundation’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Byczynski as the Foundation’s next CEO. Julie will succeed Suzanne Bone, who retires April 22 after leading the Foundation for more than 30 years.
Julie was appointed after a comprehensive selection process which was anchored in principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all candidates.
“Julie brings tremendous energy, expertise and experience to her new role as our CEO,” says Alicia Robertson, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Her experience spearheading large campaigns for veterinary health sciences, teamed with a passion for making a difference to cause and community, makes her the right fit for FGGH’s progressive, donor-focused, team-driven culture.”
Since graduating from the University of Guelph with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees, Julie has had a 22 year career as a fundraising professional in various sectors and countries. She joins FGGH following a five year tenure as the Director of Advancement with the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph. OVC operates an emergency and tertiary care hospital, inspires donations through its compassionate service to patients, benefits from dedicated volunteers, and works collaboratively with extraordinary clinicians and staff in fundraising. During her time at OVC, Julie expanded and developed a high-performing team that has substantially grown fundraising results, surpassing their goal of raising $10M annually on a sustained basis.
Julie joins the Foundation at an exciting time with the completion of the Together, We Care campaign in sight and the focus clearly on how donor support can continue to save lives and improve health.
In anticipation of this new role, Julie says, “It’s an honour to be chosen as the next CEO for The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. Guelph is home to me, and it will be a privilege to work alongside the dedicated staff, hospital leaders, generous donors and volunteers to advance one of the most critical institutions in our growing city. The pandemic has shown us the importance of having a strong and vibrant hospital to support the healthcare needs of our community today, and in the decades to come.” She adds, “I echo the FGGH Board’s gratitude for Suzanne Bone's tremendous leadership over the past 31 years, and I’m committed to building on that success as we relentlessly pursue our mission to save lives and improve health.”
Julie’s first day will be April 25, 2022. We look forward to welcoming her to the GGH family.
March is Nutrition Month!
This month there are a number of exciting ways you can participate in Nutrition Month – please click here for a calendar of events and see below for more information:
Wellness Wednesdays
GGH Health & Wellness and The Bistro have partnered to offer Wellness Wednesdays where you can purchase a healthy & nutritious meal for $4.99 (!!) each Wednesday in March. Like what you eat? Drop by the display at the entry of the Bistro each week to see the Nutrition Month Display and grab a copy of the feature recipe. At the end of the month there will be a draw for a “Take & Make” meal kit with all the fixings and recipe to make a healthy meal yourself – all provided by Marek Hospitality!
Nutrition Month Seminar Series:
Nutrition information can be confusing at the best of times; it feels like the research and what you hear in the media are always changing! If you agree, please join us for any, or all, of the following webinars. Each time you attend, you will be entered into a draw to win one of five, $50 gift cards to Goodfood Meal Kit Delivery Service at the end of the month – this includes the recordings of the 30min sessions which will be made available on e-Learning 48 hours after the live sessions (to access, log into your e-Learning account and click on the following: Course Catalogue > My Courses > Additional GGH Courses > Health and Wellness).
Nutrition 101: Just the Basics! Friday March 4, 2:30-3:00pm
Protein: What’s the Big Deal? Friday March 11, 2:30-3:00pm
Eating Well for Shift Work: Thursday March 17 and Tuesday March 22, 7-8 pm
Eating Plan for Stress Management: Thursday March 24, 12-1 pm
Healthy Workplace Habits: Tuesday March 29, 12-1 pm
For descriptions of the sessions, or if you would like to receive the meeting link(s) and register, please email HealthAndWellness@gghorg.ca.
Snack Day, Monday!
Feeling a bit hungry and looking for a healthy treat? Come by the display at the entrance of The Bistro on Mondays at 11:30am or 4:00pm and pick up a snack of either fruit or granola bars to get you through your day.
Guelph Storm hockey is recognizing Guelph Wellington frontline health care workers with an appreciation game on Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. vs. the London Knights. Tickets are being offered at a reduced price for health care workers ($20) and you will receive an exclusive gift from the Guelph Storm by showing your ticket at the gift table in front of the Guelph Storm administration office before the game.
Purchase tickets at www.guelphstorm.com – enter promo code: HERO before selecting your seat. If you have questions please call, (519) 837-9690 Ext. 0 or you can visit the Guelph Storm box office during regular business hours.
