Current News > December 11th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Administrative Residency Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship
Kemptville District Hospital Administrative Residency Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship
Julia Koulik was awarded the Michel Lalonde Master of Health Administration Scholarship from the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management in recognition of her energy and passion for health care and leadership
Kemptville, Ontario, December 11, 2012 – Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Administration Residency Student Julia Koulik was awarded the prestigious Michel Lalonde Master of Health Administration (MHA) Scholarship from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa.
Koulik is a student in the Telfer MHA program, currently completing the Residency component of the curriculum at KDH.
The Scholarship, which honours former Telfer School Executive-in-Residence and alumnus Michel Lalonde, is awarded annually to a student in the MHA program who exhibits exceptional leadership qualities, manifested through academic excellence and engagement in extracurricular activities.
According to Brian Malcolmson, Director of the Telfer MHA program, the deciding factor in choosing Koulik was “what Lalonde admired and demonstrated himself: a true energy and passion about health care and leadership”.
The Award was presented to Koulik by Lalonde’s widow, Denise, who congratulated Koulik on her “potential for a wonderful career in health care management.”
“I am so honoured and humbled to be chosen for the Michel Lalonde Scholarship,” said Koulik. In accepting the award she challenged everybody in the room to “get crazy – in the Steve Jobs way of thinking that you can change the world!”
The Scholarship was awarded at a reception at the Telfer School at the end of a day of presentations by this year’s graduates in the MHA program.
KDH CEO Colin Goodfellow was on hand to watch the presentations, and was delighted to see his hospital’s Residency student singled out to win an award for health care leadership. “It’s very affirming for our small hospital,” he said, “when the best of the best choose to work here.”
Catherine Van Vliet, KDH’s Director of Patient Services & Integration, spoke about Koulik’s contribution to KDH during her Residency. “Julia has demonstrated excellent leadership qualities during her time at KDH, taking a leading role in the development of a program to bridge the gaps in diabetes care and improve population health.”
Photo 1: Pictured, left to right: Colin Goodfellow, Catherine Van Vliet, Julia Koulik, Denise Lalonde, Paul Lalonde
Photo 2: Pictured, left to right: Denise Lalonde, Julia Koulik, Paul Lalonde, Francois Julien, Dean of the Telfer School of Management
Current News > November 8th, 2012: KDH wins Green Award from its supplier of OR linens
KDH wins Green Award from its supplier of OR linens
Kemptville District Hospital has been selected as one of five recipients of the Booth Centennial Green Award for its commitment to going green and using reusable textiles in the Operating Room
Kemptville, Ontario, November 8, 2012 – Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) was chosen to receive the esteemed Booth Centennial Healthcare Linen Services Green Award for its overall use of reusable Operating Room (OR) products and willingness to participate in innovative Green OR Solutions.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Booth Centennial Green Award is presented to hospitals that have demonstrated a serious commitment to going green and using reusable textiles in the Operating Room – as opposed to costly and environmentally-unfriendly disposables.
According to Mario Muffo, Booth Centennial’s Manager of Strategic Partnerships, “Kemptville Hospital has this year’s best overall surgical linen usage for a new customer, as it touches upon all different lines of products that we have available. KDH is a great role model for going Green!”
The other Ontario hospitals presented with the award this year were Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, The Scarborough Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, and Toronto Western Hospital.
The award was presented to the Surgical Care Unit staff at KDH by senior representatives of Booth Centennial on Tuesday October 30, and winners’ names were displayed at the Ontario Hospital Association HealthAchieve Conference held in Toronto November 5 to 7.
One of North American’s largest and most innovative healthcare solutions companies, Booth Centennial of Mississauga, Ontario has been providing sterilized, re-usable, OR linens to KDH since March, 2012 in collaboration with Smiths Falls’ Hart Laundry Service. Operating in the former Rideau Regional Centre, Hart Laundry partnered with Booth Centennial to provide a complete linen service – both general and sterile operating room linen services.
Before signing with Hart/Booth, KDH received general linen in bulk from another provider, and KDH Laundry Staff had to count out various items of linen and compile them onto carts for delivery to different areas of the hospital. Surgical drapes designated for OR use required packaging and sterilization by the hospital’s Medical Device Reprocessing Department. Now, Hart Laundry prepares the carts with the desired quotas for the various areas of the hospital, and they are delivered ready for use, with the OR drapes and packs sterilized and in locked carts so that the integrity of the sterile items cannot be compromised.
Cathy Watson, Manager of Clinical Programs at KDH, is delighted that the hospital has been recognized with this award. “Not only are we pleased with the successful partnership and excellent quality of linen,” she said, “but we are also proud that our efforts to ‘green’ our operating rooms reduce the environmental impact without compromising patient care.”
Hart Laundry is operated in Smiths Falls’ Gallipeau Centre – formerly the Rideau Regional Centre – by Larry Hart, who was the manager of laundry services at the Rideau Regional Centre for more than 20 years. The property was purchased in 2011 by J.A. Gallipeau Construction and Development, who reopened the laundry operation and hired Larry Hart to run it. Hart has 40 years of experience in the laundry business.
Larry Hart was also very pleased with Booth Centennial’s selection of KDH to receive the coveted Green Award. “Congratulations to the team at KDH for leading the way with the green movement,” he said. “This is what our partnership with Booth Centennial is all about, and we are thrilled to be working with both KDH and Booth.”
Photo Caption: KDH Surgical Care Unit staff holding the Booth Centennial Green Award. Left to right: Cathy Watson, Debbie Thurler, Julie Summers, Lindsay Essar, Joanne Rheaume
Current News > November 5th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital’s Total Joint Replacement Program Named a “Leading Practice in Improving Patient Access to Care” by the Ontario Hospital Association
Kemptville District Hospital’s Total Joint Replacement Program Named a “Leading Practice in Improving Patient Access to Care” by the Ontario Hospital Association
The Hospital’s orthopedic surgery program recognized for providing timely access to the highest quality hip and knee replacements
Kemptville, Ontario, November 5, 2012 – The Total Joint Replacement (TJR) program at Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has achieved Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) designation as a “Leading Practice for Improving Access to Care”. KDH is one of a handful of hospitals recognized for its leadership in improving health care.
KDH has emerged as an Ontario Leading Practice site as a result of designing its orthopaedic program to be both patient-centred and cost effective. In addition, with this program KDH demonstrates its organization wide commitment to being part of the wait time solution as well as its collaborative approach: the program was developed in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre, The Ottawa Hospital and the Champlain LHIN.
The KDH TJR program demonstrates the role that a small hospital can play within a regional program and within the health system itself.
KDH has been invited to participate in the 2012 Leading Practices Poster Display at HealthAchieve, the OHA’s annual conference taking place this year in Toronto November 5th to 7th. One of the largest healthcare gatherings in North America, HealthAchieve attracts approximately 7,000 healthcare and business leaders from around the world. The KDH TJR program was selected from over 150 abstracts submitted by healthcare institutions across North America.
KDH’s CEO, Colin Goodfellow, and Director of Patient Services & Integration, Catherine Van Vliet, will be on hand at HealthAchieve along with Cathy Watson, Manager of Clinical Programs, and Janet York Lowry, TJR Coordinator. The team will share details with other healthcare leaders about the success of their hospital’s orthopaedic surgery program.
The TJR program at KDH commenced October 17, 2011 with the first four total primary knee replacement surgeries successfully completed. In the first four months, 95 total and hemi knee replacement surgeries were completed and in April 2012 total hip replacements were added to the program.
The TJR program has achieved a significant reduction in wait times, demonstrating the lowest wait times in the Champlain LHIN from November 2011 to January 2012. Patient testimonials indicate that patients appreciate the small hospital experience. KDH was also able to achieve a reduction in the average length of stay from the industry norm of three to five days to an average of two days.
This program aligns with the OHA Position Statement on health system restructuring proposing that small hospitals can be value added process institutions where repeatable procedures can be done efficiently, reliably and at a low cost.
Photo Caption: The KDH Team at HealthAchieve, left to right: Catherine Van Vliet, Colin Goodfellow, Cathy Watson, Janet York-Lowry
Current News > October 31th, 2012: Introducing Dr. Tania Zakhem
Introducing Dr. Tania Zakhem
The newest family doctor at the Kemptville Health Centre has made a fulltime commitment to Kemptville
Kemptville, Ontario, October 31, 2012 – Dr. Tania Zakhem is the newest physician at the busy Kemptville Health Centre on the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) campus. She opened her family medicine clinic at the KDH Health Centre on October 1 and is working at building up her patient roster.
Dr. Zakhem also spends a week every three months on the medical/surgical floor at KDH providing inpatient care.
In addition, she works shifts in the KDH ER.
On top of all of that, Dr. Zakhem is collaborating with Kemptville’s Beth Donovan Hospice (located in the former KDH emergency department) to provide palliative care to clients of the Hospice who don’t have a family doctor. This allows these patients who are nearing the end of their lives to die in the comfort of their own homes.
Dr. Zakhem thrives on her busy schedule and the variety it offers – “Part of the reason I came here was the opportunity to be involved in numerous aspects of patient care,” she said. “You can’t get that in a big city.”
As a child, Dr. Zakhem knew she wanted to be a doctor, and a family doctor at that. As she worked toward her M.D. degree, she loved every component of her training, and she knew her decision was right for her: “Family physicians get to do it all,” she explained.
Dr. Zakhem is a recent graduate of the Family Medicine program at the University of Ottawa. She did the majority of her training at KDH, finishing her residency with Dr. Tara McCallan at the KDH Health Centre at the end of June.
During her training Dr. Zakhem developed a great working relationship with the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals at KDH; she found the staff at KDH “unlike any other.” She also found KDH to be “a hospital that stands behind its mission and vision.”
In addition she discovered a “wonderful, supportive community” in Kemptville and has enjoyed exploring the town and the surrounding area.
Dr. Zakhem had been looking for a community she could make a long-term commitment to, and she found it in Kemptville. “I’m excited and happy to be here and looking forward to the years ahead,” she said. “Support from the community and the hospital has been wonderful and I’m very grateful for the warm reception I’ve received.”
The KDH Board of Directors initiated the KDH Health Centre in 2003 in recognition of the fact that the community was at that time under-serviced for family physicians. KDH’s CEO, Colin Goodfellow, sees Dr. Zakhem’s decision to commit to Kemptville as a reflection on the community. “The KDH Health Centre has a remarkable team of doctors,” he said; “Attracting such a promising young physician as Dr. Zakhem reinforces North Grenville’s reputation as a place with a commitment to building healthy communities.”
Photo 1: Dr. Tania Zakhem
Current News > October 15th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Diabetes Education and Support Team Relocates to the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus
Kemptville District Hospital Diabetes Education and Support Team Relocates to the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus
In an example of hospital and community integration, Kemptville District Hospital and the University of Guelph Kemptville Campus have partnered to move hospital diabetes services into the community
Kemptville, Ontario, October 15, 2012 – Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has collaborated with the University of Guelph (UoG) to expand its diabetes education and support services out into the community. The diabetes team has relocated from the hospital to the W.B. George Centre at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus.
Catherine Van Vliet, KDH’s Director of Patient Services & Integration, is pleased that diabetes education and support can now be offered in a familiar setting. “We’re excited to be able to provide these services in a place where the community goes for education, for weddings, for sporting events and galas,” she said. “Our goal is to help people manage their diabetes or pre-diabetes, and our belief is that a less clinical setting makes these services more accessible for people who might be hesitant about going to a hospital.”
Dr. Claude Naud is the Director of the UofG, Kemptville Campus. "The University of Guelph is proud to be partnering with Kemptville District Hospital in expanding this important community service,” he stated. “We see this collaboration initiative as a tangible example of how two institutions can work together in reaching out and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of North Grenville citizens."
Heather Kamenz, a diabetes nurse educator, and Julia Hicks, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, make up KDH’s Diabetes Education and Support Team. For those newly diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, or people with diabetes looking for a refresher course in managing their blood sugar, the team offers one-day or four-evening diabetes education programs, as well as half-day insulin instruction and diabetes prevention programs. One-on-one assessments with the nurse and dietitian are available for individualized support. Also offered are learning excursions like the popular grocery store tour, where clients learn how to interpret food labels and comparison shop.
KDH recently expanded its diabetes education and support services as part of its focus on population health issues. Kamenz explains that as many as 1 million Canadians are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Although it can often be prevented or delayed through increased physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss, if left untreated Type 2 diabetes can result in a variety of complications including heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, impotence, and nerve damage.
The symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Kamenz and Hicks urge people who have these symptoms and/or a family history of diabetes to visit their family physician for a simple blood-sugar test. People without a family doctor can contact the KDH Health Centre; Dr. Tania Zakhem is accepting patients.
All of KDH’s diabetes education and support services are free. The next grocery store tour will take place November 15, 2012 at Johnson’s Independent Grocer from 6 to 8 pm. To join a program or for more information call (613) 258-6133, extension 155. The W.B. George Centre is located at 48 Shearer Street, Kemptville.
Photo 1: Dr. Claude Naud, Director of UofG Kemptville Campus, welcoming the hospital, represented by Catherine Van Vliet Director of Patient Services & Integration, to the campus.
Photo 2: Julia Hicks, Registered Dietitian (left) and Heather Kamenz, Registered Nurse, outside their new office
Current News > October 1st, 2012: Jane Petricic wins the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation’s Masters Raffle prize of a trip for two to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia
Jane Petricic wins the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation’s Masters Raffle prize of a trip for two to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia
KEMPTVILLE, Ontario, October 1, 2012 – Congratulations to Jane Petricic, who will be heading to Augusta, Georgia in April for the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament!
Petricic is the lucky winner of the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Foundation’s first annual Masters Raffle, a unique prize package that includes two entrance badges for both the Wednesday practice round and the Thursday competitive round, accommodations, airfare, car rental and more.
Petricic, who does not consider herself lucky, nevertheless emailed her father after buying her raffle ticket with the message – “We’re going to Augusta!” When she received the phone call announcing that she had actually won, it was a “big, lovely surprise,” and she is thrilled to be taking her Dad, an avid golfer who will turn 80 that month, on the all expenses paid trip for two.
An Ottawa resident, Petrecic is, coincidentally, a healthcare communications and public relations specialist. Although she has no connection with KDH, she “know(s) about rural hospitals and how important it is to support them.”
The winning ticket was selected at the KDH Foundation’s fourth annual Corporate Golf Classic held September 19th at eQuinelle Golf Club in Kemptville. John Bouza, the Foundation’s Executive Director, consoles those who did not win with the information that there will be another raffle for a trip to the Master’s at next year’s tournament, and tickets will go on sale in November of this year.
Over 100 avid golfers enjoyed a sunny, if chilly, day at this year’s Corporate Golf Classic. A number of local celebrities took part, including Lowell Green, Ian Mendes and Ron Tugnutt.
While guests enjoyed a buffet meal served up at a variety of different food stations – including burgers with beer, wine and cheese, quesadillas and margaritas – John Bouza thanked the events sponsors, including Gold Sponsor O’Farrell Financial, Silver Sponsors Crain & Schooley, ZW Group, Ottawa Senators Hockey Club, Jim Perry Motor Sales, and KinLar Insulation, and Bronze Sponsors Urbandale, Nelly Van Berlo and Cruickshank.
Tournament winners with the lowest overall score were Jim Neubauer, Steve Christie and Doug Brown. Chuck Bond and Andrea Morganti took home the longest drive awards.
Golfers also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and enjoyed a live auction called by Harry Pratt, The event raised $40,000 in total, all of which will be used to purchase essential medical equipment for KDH.
Photo 1: The longest shot - female - winner Andrea Morganti with the rest of her foursome: Anthony Baruto (back left), Jim Perry (front left) and Jim's uncle, Keith.
Photo 2: The longest shot winner - male - Chuck Bond with his wife Heather.
Photo 3: Foundation Executive Director John Bouza congratulates Masters Raffle winner Jane Petricic.
Current News > September 30th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Nurse Sally MacInnis Travels to Cameroon to Observe Infection Control Practices
Kemptville District Hospital Nurse Sally MacInnis Travels to Cameroon to Observe Infection Control Practices
KEMPTVILLE, Ontario, September 30, 2012 – The surgeon was in the middle of a tonsillectomy when the power went off; after a few long moments, a generator kicked in and there was light again, allowing the surgery to continue. This is a commonplace occurrence in hospitals in Cameroon, along with water interruptions and uncontrolled humidity. These were a few of the eye-opening realities Sally MacInnis, the infection control nurse at Kemptville District Hospital, experienced while touring hospitals in the West African country.
MacInnis was on a fact-finding mission to Cameroon with fellow infection control nurse Dana Anderson from Belleville, Ontario. They travelled as volunteers, representing the Eastern Ontario Chapter of the Community and Hospital Infection Control Association (CHICA), to observe infection control practices at Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB) facilities.
MacInnis is the current president of the Eastern Ontario Chapter of CHICA, a national association that promotes best practice in infection prevention and control. MacInnis’ chapter embarked on a twinning relationship with the CBCHB in 2010 with the aim of assisting with resources and mentoring for the Cameroonian medical facilities.
Infection prevention and control is about attempting to prevent the spread of infections between patients, staff and visitors as a result of overcrowding, dirty equipment and/or dirty hands.
MacInnis and Anderson timed their two-week trip to coincide with the tenth anniversary of infection control practices for the CBCHB in May, 2012.
Cameroon is known as “Africa in Miniature” because of its geographical and cultural diversity. Its terrain incudes beaches, deserts, mountains and rainforests, and the country is home to over 200 different linguistic groups; French and English are the official languages. Compared to other African countries, Cameroon enjoys relatively high political and social stability. This has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, railways, and petroleum and timber industries. Nevertheless, large numbers of Cameroonians live in poverty as subsistence farmers.
MacInnis explains that the three primary health concerns in Cameroon are HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Cameroon has among the highest mortality rates for children in the world, as well as a very high maternal mortality rate. According to UNICEF, 30% of the population lack access to safe drinking water, and 67% lack adequate sanitation, resulting in regular outbreaks of cholera.
MacInnis and Anderson flew to Douala, one of three large cities in Cameroon. They were met by a CBCHB staff member and a driver, and spent the next two weeks touring by car, with stops in Bamenda, Banso, Mbingo and Mutengene. They visited a variety of hospitals and health centres operated by the CBCHB in the towns, as well as primary healthcare centres located in remote villages.
MacInnis reports that the power goes off many nights in most Cameroon hospitals, and it gets dark at about 6:30 pm since the country is relatively close to the equator. Most rural medical clinics in Cameroon have no electricity or running water, and limited funds for supplies. Travel and supply distribution are difficult due to bad roads, which get even worse during the rainy season.
Hospitals in Cameroon are built with big porches, explains MacInnis, where family members sleep on bedrolls they’ve brought along. Since there are no meals provided for patients, they also bring food. MacInnis notes that there is often cultural resistance to going to the hospital – it’s seen as the place where people die. There are also financial barriers, as patients in Cameroon pay for every item used in their care, from their hospital bed to a lab test. Many patients have very low income, and many have already sought assistance from a local healer before coming to the hospital for medical care.
Accommodations for MacInnis and Anderson were mostly gated ‘rest houses’ operated by the Cameroon Baptist Convention, and meals consisted primarily of rice, chicken and beans. They were careful to drink only bottled water. As they toured Cameroon, the pair were always accompanied by a CBCHB staff member.
During their tours of the Cameroon healthcare facilities, MacInnis and Anderson were particularly interested in observing hand-washing practices. Current hand-washing practice at most Cameroon healthcare facilities involves a bar of soap and bleached water from a large plastic container with a tap at the bottom.
There was a great need to try producing alcohol-based hand-rub (ABHR) in Cameroon. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a recipe for ABHR, and with that in mind the Eastern Ontario Chapter of CHICA had made arrangements with a North American company to donate a supply of containers to CBCHB to bottle and distribute this product. A central pharmacy manufactures the ABHR manually and has introduced it to the four main hospitals in the CBCHB.
MacInnis and Anderson wanted to observe the process of making the hand-rub. They were able to watch the technicians mix the product by hand, and noted that the staff wore gloves, hats and masks to ensure sanitary conditions were maintained. During their visits in Cameroon, MacInnis and Anderson made several presentations to medical staff on using alcohol-based hand-rub according to WHO standards.
Having observed the local infection control practices, the two Canadian nurses concluded that Cameroonian health care providers are doing remarkably well, considering the limitations of providing healthcare in a resource-poor country.
In keeping with their Chapter’s goal for the twinning relationship of mentoring the CBCHB, the Canadian nurses were able to offer several suggestions for improving infection control practices in Cameroon. The production of ABHR is very labour intensive; mechanical assistance, such as a mixer, would be very helpful in order to increase production and provide ABHR to the other facilities within the CBCHB. Another suggestion is to have ABHR available in the operating rooms, where hand-washing can be an issue. A third suggestion relates to preventing the spread of TB: better separation of TB patients from other patients in the hospital – in the open wards, suspected TB patients may pass the disease on to several other patients before they are officially diagnosed and isolated.
In addition to mental pictures of the hospitals and health centres she visited and the people she met, MacInnis’ trip to Cameroon has left her with images of cows wandering down the roads and people selling bananas, mangos, peanuts and colourful handmade clothing at roadside markets. The trip was “an amazing experience,” says MacInnis. “It has given me an appreciation for all that we have here. We are so used to having all the services and supplies at our fingertips that we have forgotten how blessed we really are.”
For more information on CHICA-Canada: http://www.chica.org/index.php.
Photo 1: (left to right) Nkwan Jacob and Professor Pius Tih of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board, with Infection Control Nurses Sally MacInnis and Dana Anderson.
Photo 2: Sally MacInnis holds a baby she met at one of the healthcare facilities run by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board.
Current News > September 6th, 2012: Urgent Care Centre at Rideau Valley Health Services Complex in Barrhaven Now Open
Urgent Care Centre at Rideau Valley Health Services Complex in Barrhaven Now Open
State of the art facility will treat 80 percent of the ailments normally treated in a hospital ER with shorter wait times
NEPEAN, Ontario, September 6, 2012 -- The new Urgent Care Centre located within the Rideau Valley Health Services (RVHS) complex at 1221 Greenbank Road (at Berrigan Drive) opens Monday, September 10 to address the urgent healthcare needs of residents of Barrhaven, Old Ottawa South, Manotick, Kanata and Stittsville.
Hours of Operation
The hours of operation of the Urgent Care Centre are Monday to Friday: 8:00am to 9:00pm, and Saturday from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Sunday opening hours will be announced at a later date. RVHS is committed to providing urgent care coverage to the community. Initially, one emergency physician and a registered nurse will be available during operating hours. Additional physicians will join the team over the coming months.
What is an Urgent Care Centre?
An Urgent Care Centre is a facility that treats approximately 80% of the ailments normally treated in a hospital emergency room (ER), i.e., fractures, dislocations, sprains, cuts, infections and minor traumas. Like a hospital ER, an Urgent Care Centre is staffed by registered nurses, emergency physicians and general practitioners. Unlike hospitals, urgent care facilities do not accept ambulances or admit patients.
Shorter Wait Times
Urgent Care Centres offer shorter wait times. “At RVHS, we’re all about the patients. Our goal is to assess and treat our patients in a reasonable time-frame,” says the Centre’s Administrator, Fred Casarramona. Nimble and cost effective to operate, urgent care centres offer quick and efficient one-stop service, taking the pressure off crowded ER’s. For patients, this translates to a normal wait time of under one hour, rather than several hours. When operating at full capacity, RVHS’ nine urgent care exam rooms will make it possible for as many as 200 patients to be seen daily.
About Rideau Valley Health Services
Rideau Valley Health Services is a satellite of Kemptville District Hospital (KDH), which used its financial leverage to build the facility in response to the obvious need in the outlying communities of its service area. Envisioned by Colin Goodfellow, the CEO of both KDH and RVHS, the Barrhaven complex comprises over 18,000 square feet of patient care and community space. Mr. Goodfellow describes RVHS as a “new model of health service delivery,” and is pleased to see the Urgent Care Centre opening on September 10.
On-Site Diagnostic Imaging
A new state-of-the-art x-ray and ultrasound facility is located onsite, not only to support the Urgent Care Centre but also to provide a bonus to the local community as it allows area physicians to refer their patients for an x-ray (no appointment required) or an ultrasound (by appointment only), shortening wait times and offering care closer to home.
Other Family Health Services Available
RVHS has been designed as a leading edge consolidated healthcare delivery model. To this end, a new primary care facility opened in November, 2011, to a very welcoming local community, traditionally underserviced and in need of primary care physicians. The facility is capable of supporting 15 physicians who will provide health care services to 25,200 patients. RVHS features an onsite fully equipped pharmacy that matches the operating hours of the Urgent Care Centre.
Specialist Services at RVHS
- Dr. Shahram Zolfaghari, MD, FRCSC, joined the RVHS team in March, 2012 as a General and Colorectal Surgeon.
- Dr. Paul Shim, MD, FRCSC, joined the RVHS team in April, 2012 as an Orthopaedic Surgeon, specializing in Adult Hip and Knee Replacement.
- Dr. Ejibunmi Adetola, MD, FRCSC, joined the RVHS team in April 2012 in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Dr. Patricia Peticca, MD, FRCSC, has just joined the RVHS team and is establishing her practice in General Internal Medicine with a specialty in Endocrinology and Metabolism.
- The Ottawa South Diabetes Education and Support Team provides individual and group education and support to patients living with Types I and II Diabetes. A Registered Nurse and a Registered Dietician and Certified Diabetes Educator accept referrals from all physicians; patients may also self-refer.
- Dr. Muntorayo Adetola, MD, will establish a full service travel medicine clinic by appointment each Wednesday evening from 5-8pm effective September 19, 2012.
Photo 1: The Urgent Care Centre's trauma room.
Current News > August 20th, 2012: Peter W. Currie Joins Kemptville District Hospital’s Board of Directors
Peter W. Currie Joins Kemptville District Hospital’s Board of Directors
Former CFO of Nortel and RBC Has a Wealth of Senior Executive and Governance Experience
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - August 20, 2012 - The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Board of Directors has named Peter W. Currie to its Board effective June 28, 2012. The addition of Currie brings the total number of Directors to 18.
Currie has had a distinguished career including significant achievements as Chief Financial Officer of two of Canada’s largest and most complex global organizations, Nortel Networks Corporation and the Royal Bank of Canada. As CFO, Currie was widely acknowledged for transforming businesses, developing strategies, re-capitalizing companies, and directing cost reduction initiatives and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Currie’s financial expertise was recognized with the prestigious “CFO of the Year” Award for Canada in 2003; the award is presented annually to a senior financial leader who has made a contribution to business in Canada with quality, insight and direction.
Currie has an impressive array of governance experience. He is currently Chair of the Board of Atomic Energy of Canada and a member of the Boards of ViXS Systems Inc, (also chair of the Audit Committee) and Intelius Inc (also Chair of the Audit Committee). He is a former member of the Boards of Canadian Tire Corporation Limited, CD Howe Institute, Toronto East General Hospital, Quinte Healthcare Limited, York University, York University Development Corporation, and SYMCOR Inc. (where he was Chair of the Board), as well as Arise Technologies Corporation.
Currie chose to put his name forward for the KDH Board for several reasons. Having recently moved to the area with his wife, he wanted to get involved in the community. With his past governance experience in a variety of fields, including healthcare, he felt he had a contribution to make to KDH, and having achieved a certain measure of personal success, he also felt an obligation to give back. KDH was a good fit because of its proximity to Currie’s new home and the size of the hospital – “It’s not so large that the board cannot effect change,” Currie said.
The KDH Board was pleased to welcome a new Director of Currie’s caliber. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is the Chair of the KDH Board of Directors. "Peter is a terrific addition to our talented Board," he said. "He brings keen insights given his considerable financial experience and expertise in Board governance. We look forward to Peter’s leadership and the contributions he will make to our continued growth and success."
Currie has a B.A. (Economics) and M.B.A. (Marketing & General Management) from York University in Toronto, Ontario.
Photo 1: Peter Currie
Current News > July 35th, 2012: Caring Kemptville District Hospital Volunteer Creates Colourful Gowns for Kids
Caring Kemptville District Hospital Volunteer Creates Colourful Gowns for Kids
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - July 25, 2012
Having an x-ray or ultrasound at the hospital can be a stressful experience. You are in an unfamiliar place; you have to put on a hospital gown and then you are told to sit or lie still. Now imagine that you are four years old and you are having this experience. A caring volunteer at Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) found a way to make the situation better for kids by creating a set of child-size hospital gowns in a variety of colourful and fun patterns.
Teddy bears, whimsical cats, mice with wedges of cheese and a variety of balls for different sports are just some of the patterns that longtime KDH volunteer Sylvia Johnston chose for her designer hospital gowns for kids. They bring a smile to the face of everyone who sees them.
Having done “some” sewing before, when asked if she were interested in making some hospital gowns for children, Johnston said “sure”. With a minimum order of 60, children’s gowns weren’t in the budget for KDH.
After downloading a pattern online, Johnston chose her fabrics then began to sew. She overstitched every seam so there will be no need of repairs to these gowns, ever. When Sylvia Johnston does something, she makes sure it’s done right!
80 hours of sewing later, there were children’s hospital gowns in two sizes: five for three-to-five year olds and two for tots two and under.
A member of the KDH Auxiliary, Johnston has been volunteering at the hospital for 10 years, currently dividing her time between assisting with events and visiting patients in the interim long term care unit and helping out at the hospital’s popular coffee bar and gift shop.
Johnston began volunteering after retiring from a career in finance estimating for high tech defence. Having converted the family’s former cottage in the Kemptville area into a fulltime home, she and her husband relocated. Johnston thought volunteering would be a good way to meet people. It proved to be a very rewarding experience. “Whatever time I have to spare, I’m glad to help,” she says. “Volunteering is good for your mental health.” Johnston has passed on her passion for volunteering to her four grandchildren, who give of their time in their community as well.
In addition to volunteering at KDH, Johnston is a volunteer quilter with both Victoria’s Quilts Canada and the Kemptville Quilters’ Guild. The former group makes quilts for people with cancer, and the latter benefits the community by creating quilts for children in need.
Although intended for use in the hospital’s diagnostic imaging unit, the colourful gowns will soon likely find their way to the ER whenever kids are there. KDH is privileged to have volunteers like Sylvia Johnston.
Photo 1: Pictured, left to right: Karen Finner (Medical Radiation Technologist, MRT), Shelley Bottan (MRT and Team Leader), Anne Salmon (Diagnostic Imaging Aide) and Sylvia Johnston.
Current News > June 14th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Board of Directors Receives Award from the United Counties of Leeds-Grenville
Kemptville District Hospital Board of Directors Receives Award from the United Counties of Leeds-Grenville
Board Chair Jean-Jacques Rousseau accepts the Bill Thake Economic Development Leadership Award on behalf of the hospital’s entire Board of Directors
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - June 14, 2012
Late last week the United Counties of Leeds Grenville presented the Bill Thake Economic Development Leadership Award to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Chair of the Kemptville Hospital Board of Directors.
The award is presented annually to a volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership toward the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy.
This year’s award was handed out at a United Counties Leadership Forum held June 14 in Roebuck. Rousseau accepted the award on behalf of the entire Kemptville Hospital Board of Directors. The Board was cited with overseeing the multimillion-dollar expansion of the hospital and the launch of the new Total Joint Replacement orthopaedic surgery program. The Board was also recognized for providing leadership during a period when the hospital saw an increase in its operating budget and the hiring of new staff for orthopaedic surgery, leading to a $7.8 million increase in the local payroll. The Board was further commended for playing a role in the hospital’s offer of office space within its campus to its service partner, Beth Donovan Hospice.
Now in his seventh year of volunteer service to the community on the Board, Rousseau has been Chair for one year. He commented that he was pleased to see Kemptville Hospital being recognized for its leadership at the County level. “Serving on the Board of Directors is so rewarding,” he added, “as we have such an interesting and dedicated group of people on the Board.” He further commented that the hospital is “blessed with the leadership of its CEO, Colin Goodfellow, and his committed staff”.
Rousseau also spoke about the hospital’s recently approved new strategic plan, which will see Kemptville Hospital moving forward in three key directions: integrating and supporting community-based primary care, looking for new open market service opportunities, and further developing the hospital’s primary role as a health hub.
This is the second year for the award, named after Westport’s Mayor Bill Thake, who has spent a record-breaking 50 consecutive years in municipal government, including four terms as county Warden.
Leeds Grenville MPP Steve Clark commented that this year’s nominees came from a variety of backgrounds, but they all shared one thing: they give their time and talent to improving economic activity in Leeds Grenville. The other nominees were Karen Cook (Athens), John Jodoin (Augusta Township), Frank Kinsella (Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands), Dana, Mike and John Purcell (Front of Young Township).
Photo 1: KDH Board of Directors Chair Jean-Jacques Rousseau (second from right) accepts the Bill Thake Economic Development Award on behalf of the Board. Also pictured, Dermid O'Farrell (far left), Chair of the KDH Foundation Board, Lis Angus (second from left), Vice Chair of the KDH Board of Directors, and Steve Clark (far right), Leeds and Grenville MPP.
Current News > June 1st, 2012: Kemptville Hospital grows its Rehab Department to keep pace with the influx of patients to its expanded Orthopaedic Surgery Program
Kemptville Hospital grows its Rehab Department to keep pace with the influx of patients to its expanded Orthopaedic Surgery Program
Additional Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy professionals have been hired to fully staff Kemptville Hospital’s expanded Total Joint Replacement program, which reduces wait times for hip and knee replacement patients throughout the region
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - June 1, 2012
The launch of the total joint replacement program at Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) in October 2011 created growth in the hospital’s Rehab Department. Additional Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants were hired in the fall of 2011 to provide necessary physiotherapy to knee replacement patients during their hospital stay. Then with the addition of hip replacements to the surgical program in April 2012, the Rehab Team grew again.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that assists people to restore, maintain and maximize their strength, function, movement, and overall wellbeing. Benefits of physiotherapy include decreased pain, improved joint mobility, increased strength and coordination and improved cardiorespiratory function. Physiotherapy is helpful not only to patients recovering from surgery or an injury but also to those living with a chronic illness.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a profession concerned with promoting health and wellbeing through engagement in occupation. Occupational therapy helps people to participate in a desired activity they are having difficulty with. By seeing an occupational therapist, people develop the skills to participate more fully in the life they choose, or to prevent a disruption in their day-to-day living, following surgery, for example. Occupational therapy can help people overcome and/or develop strategies to cope with mobility and seating problems, severe or chronic pain, fatigue caused by a chronic illness, memory loss, etc.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at KDH
The Rehab Team at KDH sees joint replacement patients a few weeks prior to their surgery, during their short hospital stay, and on a weekly basis for the first few weeks after they’ve been discharged from the hospital.
The “pre-hab” class held for both hip and knee replacement patients before their surgery ensures that patients will be prepared and at ease in dealing with their physical limitations in the days and weeks following their operation. The patients hear from a physiotherapist, a pharmacist and a representative of the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC). They learn what to expect, how they will manage, and the exercises they will need to do.
The pre-hab class for hip replacement patients has an occupational therapy component. The occupational therapist provides education on self-care after surgery, such as putting on socks or shoes, getting in and out of the bath tub, etc. The occupational therapist will suggest that patients get certain devices and practice using them, such as reachers, sock aids, long-handled shoehorns, a raised toilet seat, and a shower chair or bench.
The pre-hab class for hip replacement patients has an occupational therapy component. The occupational therapist provides education on self-care after surgery, such as putting on socks or shoes, getting in and out of the bath tub, etc. The occupational therapist will suggest that patients get certain devices and practice using them, such as reachers, sock aids, long-handled shoehorns, a raised toilet seat, and a shower chair or bench.
Joint replacement patients also return to KDH for outpatient physiotherapy after discharge from the hospital, unless there is a physiotherapy clinic more convenient to their situation. Joint replacement patients will need physiotherapy generally twice a week for four to six weeks.
As they did before the launch of the total joint replacement program, physiotherapists at KDH also assist other inpatients in the Medical/Surgical and Interim Long-Term Care units as required. A regular physiotherapy event at KDH is a weekly exercise class for Parkinson’s patients.
The KDH Rehab Team consists of four Physiotherapists, two Occupational Therapists, and three Physiotherapy Assistants. Meg O’Brien, full-time Physiotherapist, appreciates the opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and was very happy to be able to help develop the pre-hab and post-hab programs at KDH. She also valued the opportunity to help build the Rehab Team as it has grown through the total joint replacement program; “It’s a team I’m really proud of,” she says.
The KDH Rehab Team consists of four Physiotherapists, two Occupational Therapists, and three Physiotherapy Assistants. Meg O’Brien, full-time Physiotherapist, appreciates the opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, and was very happy to be able to help develop the pre-hab and post-hab programs at KDH. She also valued the opportunity to help build the Rehab Team as it has grown through the total joint replacement program; “It’s a team I’m really proud of,” she says.
Photo 1: Left to Right, Members of the Kemptville Hospital Rehab Team (left to right): Meg O'Brien, Tanya Collins, Lindsay Smith, Laurie Laporte-Piticco.
Photo 2: Jason Lemieux and Patricia Creighton.
Photo 3: Cara Berends teaches the KDH Physiotherapy Department Parkinson's Exercise Class.
Current News > May 28th, 2012: Kemptville Hospital becomes first hospital client of Smiths Falls' Hart Laundry Service
Kemptville Hospital becomes first hospital client of Smiths Falls' Hart Laundry Service
Kemptville District Hospital recently signed a contract with Hart Laundry Service/Booth Centennial Healthcare Linen Services for both general and sterile operating room linen services, increasing process efficiency in the hospital.
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - May 28, 2012
KDH is the first hospital to join with Hart/Booth, who have partnered to provide a complete linen service. Hart Laundry Service is located in Smiths Falls’ Gallipeau Centre, formerly the Rideau Regional Centre. The burgeoning business is being run by Larry Hart, who ran the laundry services at the Rideau Regional Centre for many years.
For KDH, this decision results in increased efficiency. Prior to the signing of this contract, the hospital received general linen in bulk quantities from another provider, and laundry/housekeeping staff had to count out various items of linen and compile them in carts for delivery to different areas of the hospital. Now, Hart Laundry prepares the carts with the desired quotas for the various areas and they are delivered ready for use.
The linens designated for the operating room (OR) are shipped to KDH in sterile locked carts so the integrity of sterile items cannot be compromised. Previously, after arrival at the hospital, OR linens had to be wrapped in bundles for the OR and then sterilized prior to use. This job was done by the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) at KDH, who can now focus on sterilizing the operating room instruments as KDH increases its OR surgical volumes. Three or four OR’s are now in use at KDH on a daily basis.
Cathy Watson, Manager of Clinical Programs, expressed KDH’s satisfaction with this new initiative: “The biggest impact is the exceptional quality of the OR linen that we are receiving and that our MDRD staff no longer have to assemble bundles for the OR and sterilize it onsite.” She added, “We have already noticed the benefits of having Hart Laundry Services so close to home, and it is evident they are fully committed to ensuring their customers are happy. We believe we have made a great choice in being their first customer.”
The Rideau Regional Centre, which had a longstanding laundry operation, was closed by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services in September 2009. In June 2011, J.A. Gallipeau Construction and Development purchased the former Rideau Regional Centre buildings and property. The first plan for the complex was to reopen the laundry operation; accordingly they hired Larry Hart, who brings 39 years of experience in the laundry business, including more than two decades as Manager of the laundry services on the site.
Larry Hart started his laundry career at the Rideau Regional Centre in 1973, leaving in 1980 to gain experience elsewhere. This included laundry management positions at the Riverside Hospital in Ottawa, Kingston Regional Hospital Laundry Services in Kingston, Ontario, teaching at the University of Guelph, and 17 years running his own consulting business. Hart returned to the Rideau Regional Centre in 1987 and remained until the last clients were moved out in March of 2009, at which point he retired. Retirement didn’t last long, however, as he was asked to help out when a former prison farm in Kingston, Ontario was putting in a laundry. Hart returned home to the Smiths Falls area in June 2011, just in time for Gallipeau Construction’s offer.
Hart Laundry Service officially opened in September 2011 and entered into the key strategic partnership agreement with Booth Centennial Healthcare Linen Services of Mississauga, Ontario in March of 2012. This agreement allows Hart Laundry to expand its services to area hospitals and medical clinics to include surgical linens for sterile operating room environments. Through Booth Centennial, Hart Laundry can now offer clients a large selection of sterile packs, OR gowns and OR linen.
Larry Hart is delighted to be providing laundry services to KDH under the new full service agreement. He expects his current staff of 18 to grow as more hospitals and medical clinics are added to Hart Laundry’s client list. “I love the business,” Hart says. He is excited about the potential to grow the operation, increase the staff, and support the local economy.
Hart Laundry Service has the capacity to process 5 million pounds of laundry per year. Currently they are at 800,000 pounds. One gets the feeling Hart will work tirelessly until he reaches capacity. Hart’s pride in the laundry operation and commitment to customer service are evident. He will not let a client down because that client has placed his or her trust in him. “Call if you have a problem,” he tells his clients.
Photo 1: The MDRD team hold OR Packs that are being received sterile, ready for use. From L to R. Lindsay Essar, Debbie Thurler, Joanne Rheaume.
Photo 2: Kemptville Hospital Laundry-Housekeeping Technician Shelley Molson with a Hart Laundry general linen cart.
Photo 3: Larry Hart.
Current News > April 30th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary presents cheque for $50,000 to the Hospital
Kemptville District Hospital Auxiliary presents cheque for $50,000 to the Hospital
The Auxiliary makes an invaluable contribution to Kemtpville Hospital, both fundraising for the direct benefit of patients, and providing volunteers for every area of the hospital
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - April 30, 2012
A short time ago, the Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary presented Kemptville Hospital with a cheque for $50,000. The money will be used to buy a heart monitor, a defibrillator and a blanket warmer for an operating room in the hospital.
The Auxiliary plays a crucial dual role in support of KDH: both fundraising for essential medical equipment, and providing volunteers for every area of the hospital.
The KDH Auxiliary was founded in 1959 – before the hospital even opened. It is a separate corporation and a registered charity. The Auxiliary reports to the KDH Board of Directors, and has a voting member on that Board as well as on the Board of Directors of the KDH Foundation, the other organization that raises funds in the name of Kemptville Hospital.
Last year the 200-plus members of the KDH Auxiliary – men and women – gave a total of 11,500 volunteer hours to their community hospital. And as of March 2012, the Auxiliary had contributed more than $879,000 to the hospital since their founding. The Auxiliary’s support for the KDH Foundation’s Mammography Fund is in addition to this total – the Auxiliary has pledged $100,000 over four years to that fund and has so far contributed $63,000.
The Auxiliary provides volunteers for the hospital
The Auxiliary attracts and trains volunteers for the hospital and coordinates their efforts. Auxiliary volunteers can be found throughout KDH: at the welcome desks, in the ER, in the operating room wing, the interim long-term care unit, and at the coffee bar/gift shop.
Volunteers have different duties, depending on the area of the hospital they choose.
- At the welcome desks, located inside the new main entrance and in the ER waiting room, they help patients and visitors find their way in the hospital.
- In the operating room wing there are three new state-of-the art operating rooms with areas for pre- and post-operative care; volunteers here greet patients, offer them refreshment in recovery, and help out with tasks like making up stretchers or replenishing linen carts.
- On the interim long-term care unit, Auxiliary volunteers assist with outings, games, crafts, music, pet therapy, birthday parties and more. Volunteers here may also assist with pastoral care; after receiving training, they work with local clergy to attend to the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and their families.
- The coffee bar/gift shop opened in October, 2010 and has become very popular with both visitors and hospital staff. The coffee bar offers coffees, teas, and a variety of healthy lunch and snack items. The gift shop features a variety of gifts including hand-knitting and teddy bears.
The Auxiliary raises funds for the hospital
The Auxiliary raises funds for the hospital through the coffee bar/gift shop, the Tribute Fund (donations to honour the memory of loved ones or to celebrate a special occasion) and several fundraising events held each year. The profits of all Auxiliary activities are used for the direct benefit of KDH patients, primarily through the purchase of essential medical equipment for patient care.
The Auxiliary’s major fundraiser is “Hey Day”, a giant garage sale held the second weekend in June. This event, says current Auxiliary president, Bev Carson, has always received tremendous support from the community: “The entire town brings items to donate to the sale, then comes back and purchases different items to take home.” This year’s event, June 8 and 9, will be the 52rd Hey Day for the benefit of Kemptville Hospital.
Another annual fundraiser is a quilt raffle held by the Acton’s Corners section of the KDH Auxiliary. The Auxiliary will also be participating in the KDH Foundation’s “Kemptville Walks for Mammography” fundraising walk on October 13. This will be the third year that an Auxiliary walking team will raise money for the KDH Mammography Fund.
In addition to their planned activities, the KDH Auxiliary steps in where they perceive a need; for example they recently purchased an e-reader for an elderly patient who loves to read and was having difficulty holding up a book. The Auxiliary also had raised garden beds installed in the hospital courtyard to provide patients with an opportunity for gardening.
The contributions of the KDH Auxiliary to the hospital cannot be overestimated. The $50,000 cheque recently presented by Bev Carson to KDH CEO, Colin Goodfellow, was double the amount the Auxiliary has contributed in recent years, thanks in large part to proceeds of the new coffee bar/gift shop. Goodfellow expressed his appreciation of the Auxiliary’s efforts: “Our hospital could not function without the ongoing vigorous support of the Auxiliary. And their presence in the building reaffirms for us every day that healthcare is a profoundly community based social mission.”
New volunteers are always welcome in the KDH Auxiliary. For more information, email auxiliary@kdh.on.ca, or call one of the Volunteer Coordinators: Catherine Brunton, (613) 258-5111, or Louise Tallman, (613) 258-2034.
Photo 1: Auxiliary President Bev Carson presents a cheque for $50,000 to KDH CEO Colin Goodfellow.
Photo 2: Auxiliary members (back row) Joan Valdstyn (left) and Brenda Steacie (right), (front row) Joan Gummeson (left) and Louise Shaw (right) Photo 3 Auxiliary volunteers Catherine Brunton (left) and Louise Tallman (right) with the first hip replacement patient at KDH, Maureen Mindach of Ottawa.
Current News > April 20th, 2012: Kemptville Hospital expands orthopaedic surgery program
Kemptville Hospital expands orthopaedic surgery program
The addition of hip replacements reduces wait times for patients throughout the region and cuts down on overcrowding in The Ottawa Hospital
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - April 20, 2012
Surgeons at Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) performed hip replacement surgery there for the first time this week, thanks to an expansion of the hospital’s orthopaedic surgery program.
This week’s recipients of new hips are patients of orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Joseph O’Neil, who operates at The Ottawa Hospital as well as at KDH, in an innovative partnership between the two hospitals that began last October. The partnership sees a roster of surgeons from both hospitals performing joint replacement procedures in Kemptville Hospital’s state of the art operating facilities, reducing wait times for patients throughout the region and cutting down on overcrowding in The Ottawa Hospital.
For the first hip replacement patients, having their surgery at KDH meant the constant pain is gone now, rather than months from now. It also meant experiencing a type of patient-focused care many have described as being treated like a member of the family. For Kemptville area residents, having orthopaedic surgery at KDH means care close to home, a goal of hospitals across the country.
Maureen Mindach of Ottawa West was the first recipient of a new hip at KDH. She chose to have her operation in Kemptville rather than wait for a surgery date in Ottawa. Two days after her hip replacement, she reported no pain at all, only mild discomfort when standing. She found the staff at KDH “wonderful, very knowledgeable, and very helpful.” She also appreciated the contribution of Catherine Brunton, a volunteer with the KDH Auxiliary who spends time with total joint replacement patients at the PAU (Pre-Assessment) clinic as well as on the nursing unit post surgery.
Bryne Nuttall of Ottawa also received a new hip this week at KDH. His relief was tremendous, after living with the pain of osteoarthritis for four years. He expressed pleasure with his experience at KDH while enjoying a special cake brought in to celebrate the start of this new phase of the total joint replacement program.
Lowell “Bubba” Smith from Orleans had a total knee replacement this week. He also reported “very little, if any” pain. 24 hours after surgery he had already had two physiotherapy sessions, walking with the aid of a walker. He commented that he was “impressed with the facility and the people” and appreciated the “personal approach” of the hospital staff.
The day after their surgery, hip and knee replacement patients at KDH are helped out of bed by their physiotherapists, and begin the exercises they will continue for at least six weeks. The following day, after several walking sessions and practice on stairs, they are ready to be discharged. Tanya Collins is the newest Physiotherapist on the KDH team. She credits the preparation the patients receive at KDH with their speedy recovery. “The patients are extremely well prepared for surgery; they are motivated, and as a result they are up and moving very quickly,” she said. “They are set up to succeed,” she added.
Cathy Watson, Manager of Clinical Programs, believes that the pain management practices in place at KDH also help to speed recovery for joint replacement patients. While still in the OR, they receive a 'cocktail' of anti-inflammatories and pain medication that is administered into the affected joint. This combination is less sedating than the patient-controlled intravenous narcotics that are often used after joint replacement surgery. As a result, she explains, patients are up and moving sooner.
The addition of hip replacements to the orthopaedic surgery program at KDH meant the hiring of Occupational Therapists as well as additional Physiotherapists, and further training at The Ottawa Hospital. “There’s a lot more instrumentation with hip replacements,” explained KDH scrub nurse Linda Morton. She and the other scrub nurses participated in hip replacement surgery at The Ottawa Hospital. When the time came for the first hip replacements at KDH, “We were well organized and ready, and it went off without a hitch,” she stated.
KDH is one of only a handful of small community hospitals in North America performing this type of surgery. The hospital has a substantial capacity to perform joint replacement surgeries, and is not yet at capacity. KDH’s own orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Paul Shim, is accepting patients. People looking to have a knee or hip replacement performed at KDH or who are currently on a wait list but would like the procedure done sooner can have their family physicians fax their referral to the hospital at 613.258.8643.
Photo 1: Pictured, left to right, Dr. Kospeh O'Neil (surgeon), Dr. Senta Bauermeister (assisting surgeon), Linda Morton (scrub nurse) and Dr. Gilles De LaSalle (anaesthesist).
Photo 2: The first two hip replacement patients at KDH: Bryne Nuttall (left) and Maureen Mindach cut a celebratory cake while KDH Auxiliary volunteers Catherine Brunton (left) and Louise Tallman look on.
Photo 3: Knee replacement patient Lowell “Bubba” Smith (left) and KDH Physiotherapist Tanya Collins.
Current News > April 9th, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Foundation welcomes new Executive Director
Kemptville District Hospital Foundation welcomes new Executive Director
New Foundation head John Bouza has ties to the community and commitment to KDH
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - April 9, 2012
The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director: Mr. John Bouza. One of the top fundraising professionals in Canada for decades, Bouza brings to the Foundation over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of charitable fundraising.
Bouza has been involved in many successful fundraising programs including major campaigns for the Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa Heart Institute, Villa Marconi, Ashbury College and the Boys and Girls Club. He was the first person in Ottawa to earn the internationally recognized Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Bouza’s longstanding and passionate commitment to the non-profit sector and his leadership as a fundraising professional were recognized by his peers in 1998 when he received the Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award from the AFP Ottawa Chapter.
The Board of Directors of the KDH Foundation is delighted with Bouza’s appointment. Dermid O’Farrell, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, elaborates: "We are so pleased that we’re able to attract this kind of talent as we continue to raise funds for essential new equipment for the hospital. We are proud of our contribution to KDH’s growth and transformation into Ontario's leading small hospital."
Bouza was attracted to the position by the potential he sees because of the people involved, current economic development factors, and exciting Kemptville Hospital initiatives. He lists the “dynamic vision,” of KDH CEO Colin Goodfellow, the “dedicated volunteer leadership of the Foundation,” and the “wonderful community support” that the Hospital and Foundation enjoy. Add to that the explosive growth in population and economic development in the Hospital’s catchment area, the launch of the Total Joint Replacement program, and the expansion into Barrhaven with an Urgent Care Centre to serve southern Ottawa and, according to Bouza, “We have a tremendous opportunity to promote community philanthropy in support of KDH.”
Kemptville was a perfect fit for Bouza, as he and his wife Judy Dougherty, a talented artist, had recently moved from Ottawa to rural Osgoode Township to enjoy a different quality of life.
Members of the community had an opportunity to meet Bouza at the Foundation’s Annual Spring Gala, held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre March 31, 2012. With over 150 guests in attendance, the event raised $41,000 for new medical equipment for Kemptville Hospital. Sponsors, auction donors, volunteers and generous attendees made it an evening to remember.
Proceeds from the Gala and other KDH Foundation events will make a difference to people in the community, providing equipment for the Hospital’s new operating rooms and emergency department, as well as replacing and updating implements and devices throughout the hospital, so that doctors, nurses and staff can care for the community with essential new medical equipment.
Funds raised by the KDH Foundation are used to supplement the funding provided by the provincial government, which only covers the basics; every hospital needs fundraising bodies to be able to provide quality care to its community. The money raised by the KDH Foundation is a critical source of funding for the equipment and capital needs of Kemptville Hospital. It is the support of the community that makes it possible for KDH to offer compassionate, patient-focused, high quality care – close to home.
For more information or to make suggestions or comments about the Kemptville District Hospital Foundation please contact John Bouza, Executive Director, Box 2007, 2675 Concession Road, Kemptville, Ontario, K0G 1J0, 613.258.6133 x194, jbouza@kdh.on.ca.
Photo 1: John Bouza.
Current News > March 21st, 2012: Beth Donovan Hospice moves into new office space at Kemptville District Hospital
Beth Donovan Hospice moves into new office space at Kemptville District Hospital
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - March 21, 2012
As part of its focus on being an integrated health hub for the community, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has partnered with Beth Donovan Hospice to offer the palliative care provider new office space at the hospital.
On March 21, 2012, Beth Donovan Hospice is moving into repurposed space in the hospital’s former emergency room. The new office space is three times the size of the Hospice’s former premises at 6 Asa Street in Kemptville.
This is a temporary move for the Hospice, as the organization looks forward to expanding its footprint as a tenant in larger quarters on the KDH campus; the end goal is a residential hospice facility offering hospice beds in addition to office space.
Beth Donovan Hospice is a charity committed to providing quality care to palliative individuals in their homes, while enhancing comfort, dignity, choice and quality of life. The Hospice supports clients for the duration of their illness, continuing on with the surviving family with bereavement support. The Hospice serves all members of the community who have a life limiting or terminal illness with no fee for any services.
The Hospice supports palliative clients in their homes with regular visits from caring volunteers, at the same time providing a respite to caregivers. The Hospice enhances this support with a free medical assistive equipment lending program, and by acting as a resource for pain and symptom management through community partners. Spiritual support is provided by the Hospice Chaplain.
Beth Donovan Hospice also offers support to patients newly diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and to their families throughout surgery and/or treatment.
The work of the Beth Donovan Hospice is made possible by its volunteers, who are committed to providing emotional support and companionship to clients and their families. Each of the Hospice’s 48 volunteers is fully screened and receives 30 hours of training before being matched with a client to provide in-home support. Volunteers often develop special relationships with the clients they visit: palliative clients may be able to express things to volunteers that they don’t want to burden their families with.
A percentage of the Hospice’s funding requirements are provided by the provincial government, with the balance raised through private and in memoriam donations, including those made at the organization’s four annual events: a Fall Extravaganza, a Bowl-A-Thon and Spaghetti Dinner, Hospice Walk, and Butterfly Campaign for Remembrance. Local service clubs – the Knights of Columbus and Masonic Lodge – provide ongoing support.
Dawn Rodger has served as Executive Director of the Beth Donovan Hospice since 2009. She has also acted as coordinator of volunteers since 2008, conducting assessments and pairing volunteers with clients, as well as facilitating training. “We are proud and honored to be able to help the families who utilize our services,” she states, “and excited about the possibilities that are opening up through our partnership with Kemptville District Hospital.”
Rodger and KDH CEO Colin Goodfellow have developed a mutually supportive working relationship since the informal partnership between their organizations began in 2009. Goodfellow is very pleased with this step: "The hospital's mission is to build healthier communities and this partnership is part of that. The hospice organization is an exemplary partner and an essential part of an integrated health system."
The Hospice has also built good relationships with KDH nurses, who will call when a patient is dying in the hospital with no family or friends at the bedside – in such cases the Hospice will send a volunteer to the hospital right away.
In order to bridge service gaps for palliative clients, an important partnership has been developed between Beth Donovan Hospice, the Champlain Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), and Kemptville Hospital. This partnership will work toward bringing additional professional hospice care to the residents of the area. This will include realizing the dream of a residential hospice to provide quality end-of-life care for patients facing a terminal illness. Catherine Van Vliet, Director of Patient Services and Integration for KDH, elaborates: “Together with the Champlain Local Health Integration Network and Hospice Palliative Care Program Council, we are planning the delivery of hospice palliative services for the growing areas of North Grenville and South Ottawa. We are designing a full range of services that builds upon the excellent client care that currently exists in our area.”
For more information about the Beth Donovan Hospice call Dawn Rodger at (613) 258-9611 or visit the organization’s new website: http://www.bethdonovanhospice.ca.
If you would like to make comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Goodfellow at 613.258.6133 extension 132, or by email at cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca.
Photo 1: Beth Donovan Hospice Executive Director Dawn Rodger (left) and Kemptville Hospital CEO Colin Goodfellow. Photo courtesy of Ashley Kulp, EMC-Advance.
Photo 2: The Beth Donovan Hospice Team (left to right): Pastor Dan Massey, Dawn Rodger, Kristin Albert, Anne Langlois, Laura Smith and Lark Herbert. Photo courtesy of Ashley Kulp, EMC-Advance.
Current News > March 7th, 2012: Kemptville Hospital releases video celebrating launch of new joint replacement services
Kemptville Hospital releases video celebrating launch of new joint replacement services
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - March 7, 2012
In the same week that its 100th orthopaedic surgery patient received her new knee, Kemptville District Hospital has released a video celebrating the launch of the program in late 2011, when it became one of a handful of small hospitals in North America performing this type of surgery. The entire organization had worked together to bring the program to launch in six short months. In the process, Kemptville Hospital had been transformed.
The new Total Joint Replacement program is an innovative partnership between this small rural hospital and one of the largest teaching hospitals in Canada: The Ottawa Hospital. The program sees surgeons from The Ottawa Hospital performing joint replacement procedures in Kemptville Hospital’s state of the art operating facilities, reducing wait times for patients throughout the region and cutting down on overcrowding in The Ottawa Hospital. Knee recipients in Kemptville have appreciated the patient-focused care; the hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction.
To make the video, titled “Kemptville Hospital: A Different Organization Now”, a group of 20 staff, administrators, physicians and volunteers sat down to talk about their experiences in preparing for the new inpatient surgical program. The video celebrates the sense of joy and accomplishment that permeated the hospital the day the first knee replacement surgeries were performed. It also speaks to the power available to an organization, and in fact to an entire system, when good people are happy to work together to build healthier communities. Kemptville Hospital staff recognized that as a small organization they had the potential to help solve a big problem, the problem of long wait times for this type of surgery. The video demonstrates how the people at Kemptville Hospital embraced the opportunity to be a different kind of small hospital, and how it felt to be engaged in meeting a system-wide challenge.
More than 100 staff and friends of Kemptville Hospital gathered for the live release of the video at a celebration of the new surgical program, held at the hospital on March 7th.
For more information, please contact Jenny Read, jread@kdh.on.ca, 613.285.0301. If you would like to make comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Goodfellow at 613.258.6133 extension 132, or by email at cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca.
Photo 1: Kemptville Hospital CEO Colin Goodfellow (left), and well-known orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Dervin, who performs surgery at both Kemptville Hospital and The Ottawa Hospital.
Photo 2: left to right: Cathy Watson, Manager Clinical Programs, Joe Buckle, Senior Director of Operations, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Chair of the KDH Board of Directors -- all of whom appeared in the video
Current News > January 31st, 2012: Kemptville District Hospital Expands Education and Support Programs to Help Combat the Global Epidemic of Diabetes
Kemptville District Hospital Expands Education and Support Programs to Help Combat the Global Epidemic of Diabetes
Demonstrating its continued focus on population health issues in its catchment area, the hospital has announced expanded services for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada January 31, 2012
With an emphasis on prevention, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has committed staff and resources to help tackle the global epidemic of diabetes: teams at both KDH and its satellite Rideau Valley Health Services (RVHS) in Barrhaven are offering a variety of programs to provide education and support to people living with diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Today, more than 9 million Canadians live with diabetes or pre-diabetes. By 2020 almost 10 percent of Canadians will have diabetes and the disease will cost our healthcare system a staggering $16.9 billion per year.
Approximately 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, a non-preventable disease of unknown cause; the remaining 90 percent have Type 2 diabetes, a disease that can often be prevented or delayed through increased physical activity, healthy eating and weight loss. The number of Canadians with type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically due to a number of factors, including our aging population, rising obesity rates, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
As many as 1 million Canadians are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. If left untreated or improperly managed, diabetes can result in a variety of complications including heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, impotence, and nerve damage.
Prevention and early diagnosis are key to managing this healthcare crisis. Kemptville Hospital and RVHS realize that it starts with education.
Kemptville District Hospital Diabetes Clinic
KDH provides diabetes services in the Kemptville area through a Diabetes Clinic run by a multidisciplinary team, which includes Heather Kamenz, a registered nurse, Julia Hicks, a registered dietitian, the hospital’s pharmacist, Mary Whyte, and chiropodist Melanie Atkinson. The goal of the clinic is to provide individuals with the tools they need to manage and treat their diabetes.
The KDH Diabetes clinic offers several programs for adults diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The programs provide in-depth education on diabetes management and treatment, as well as group sessions and/or individual counseling with the nurse and dietitian.
The team recently held an offsite diabetes education session at a local retirement home for people unable to conveniently get to the hospital to take part in a program; the team is now looking into options for taking the program to other area nursing homes. Dietitian Julia Hicks also leads group excursions to a local grocery store, to provide education about how to interpret food labels and make healthier choices for managing diabetes.
Kamenz explains that there are many signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, including unusual thirst, frequent urination, weight change (gain or loss), extreme fatigue, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. People experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away. However, as Hicks points out, some people with type 2 diabetes are asymptomatic. This is why it’s important to be tested. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends screening for diabetes for everyone once they reach age 40 and every three years after that.
Patients can book their own appointments at the free KDH Diabetes clinic, or have their doctors make referrals. To book an appointment, call (613) 258-6133, extension 155; for more information choose extension 212 for Heather Kamenz, or 216 for Julia Hicks.
Rideau Valley Health Services
Located within the Rideau Valley Health Centre in Barrhaven, the Ottawa South Diabetes Education Program and Support Team offers diabetes education to residents of Barrhaven, Manotick, and Ottawa South. The multidisciplinary team includes registered nurse Kelly Rody and registered dietitian Alia Khudhair-Gilmer.
Dedicated to improving the quality of life of clients living with type 2 diabetes and those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the Team offers diabetes and pre-diabetes education in individual and group settings, as well as individual counseling with both Rody and Khudhair-Gilmer. New group programs start every month and are offered during the day and/or evening. Spouses are encouraged to attend sessions, especially if the spouse prepares most of the meals in the family.
Rody and Khudhair-Gilmer provide support to clients recently diagnosed and those diagnosed at some point in the past. Clients are assessed one-on-one and invited to participate in programs. Khudhair-Gilmer notes that the group sessions are really helpful, with clients sharing suggestions for coping with their diabetes, from good walking paths to recipes. “It helps to feel that you’re not alone,” says Khudhair-Gilmer, “especially when you are first diagnosed.”
Both Rody and Khudhair-Gilmer have noticed that clients are being diagnosed at a younger age these days. They have clients in their 30s, where in the past the onset of type 2 diabetes tended to occur in the patient’s 40s or later. Since diabetes is a progressive disease, explains Rody, it is important that it be managed well from the beginning or it can become increasingly difficult to control. The good news is that education makes a difference: “the more education people receive about diabetes,” says Rody, “the more success they have in managing the disease.
Khudhair-Gilmer lists the risk factors for developing diabetes: being 40 or older, having a close relative with Type 2 diabetes, being a member of a high risk population – Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African – having a history of gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes or some evidence of complications (eye, nerve or kidney problems), having heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, and being overweight (especially extra weight around the abdomen).
A physician referral is not necessary to benefit from the free services provided by the Ottawa South Diabetes Education Program and Support Team; to book an appointment or for more information call (613) 258-8714, or email diabetes@rvhs.ca. The Rideau Valley Health Centre is located at 1221 Greenbank Road, Ottawa, www.rvhc.ca.
For more information about diabetes, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website, www.diabetes.ca. For more information about this press release, contact Jenny Read, jread@kdh.on.ca, 613.285.0301. If you would like to make comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Goodfellow at 613.258.6133 extension 132, or by email at cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca.
Photo 1: KDH Diabetes educators Julia Hicks (left), registered dietitian, and Heather Kamenz (right), registered nurse.
Photo 2: Registered nurse Kelly Rody of the Ottawa South Diabetes Education Program and Support Team located at the Rideau Valley Health Centre in Barrhaven.
Photo 3: Registered dietitian Alia Khudhair-Gilmer of the Ottawa South Diabetes Education Program and Support Team.
Current News > January 19th, 2012: Kemptville Hospital's Dietary Department Receives Award
Kemptville Hospital's Dietary Department Receives Award, January 19, 2012
Led by Dietician Andrea Corbett, the Food and Nutrition Services group is named Morrison's Regional Unit of the Year
Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - January 19, 2012
Kemptville District Hospital is committed to a patient-focused approach to healthcare in every department, and recently the dietary unit was honored with an award for demonstrating that approach.
KDH's Food and Nutrition Services group was named Regional Unit of the Year by Morrison, the healthcare division of Compass Group Canada, the hospital's food service provider. The KDH unit was chosen from healthcare organizations all over the region, which encompasses Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.
The Dietary Department at KDH is led by Andrea Corbett, a leader committed to quality and patient satisfaction. Corbett and her staff of 12 part- and full-time associates provide food services to all inpatients and Interim Long Term Care residents, as well as supplying the Ladies Auxiliary with healthy meals and snacks for their coffee bar, and providing catering within the hospital.
Since arriving at KDH two years ago, Corbett has undertaken a number of new initiatives: creation of a new menu, review of the interim long term care meal service, initiation of the partnership with the KDH Auxiliary for food service at the gift shop, and revision of vending machine stock to offer nutritious meals and snacks. Corbett accommodates special diets, consulting on sensitivities and allergies, and responding to patient preferences whenever possible.
Catherine VanVliet, KDH's Director of Patient Services and Integration, commended Corbett and her team for responding to rapid organizational change by "showing leadership, focus on quality service, and collegiality towards patients, staff, volunteers and visitors."
This is the second award for Corbett, a registered dietician originally from Westville, Nova Scotia; after only six months in her current position she was named Morrison's Regional Salaried Associate of the Year, an honor not usually bestowed on an employee with less than a year's service to the company.
Morrison District Manager Jane McPherson speaks of Corbett in glowing terms: "Andrea and her team have done amazing things. For Andrea, 'adequate' is not good enough: she envisions what could be and makes it happen. She's exceptional and she proves it every day."
Although Corbett is a Morrison employee, she volunteers on a number of KDH committees, chairing both the Wound Care Committee and Environment Team, and participating in the inpatient quality team, long term care quality team, and budget council. "It's a reciprocal relationship," she explains. "If I'm part of a team, I'm going to be a contributing member."
For more information, please contact Jenny Read, jread@kdh.on.ca, mobile 613.285.0301. If you would like to make comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Kemptville District Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Goodfellow at 613.258.6133 extension 132, or by email at cgoodfellow@kdh.on.ca.
Photo 1: Several members of the Dietary team: (left to right): Cheryl Norris, Debra Holt, Andrea Corbett and Marg Thomson.
Current News > January 3rd, 2012: KDH Executives' Contracts
KDH Executives' Contracts, January 3, 2012
Kemptville District Hospital values transparency and accountability. For this reason, in conjunction with hospitals across Ontario, we have made public the contracts of our current executive team.
Appropriate compensation is a key element in attracting and retaining the kind of leaders we need at KDH. Our executive compensation consists of salary plus standard employee benefits. The CEO's salary is set at the midpoint of CEO compensation in the budget appropriate quadrant of the group of $10-$25 million budget hospitals. No compensation is provided to the CEO for managing the KDH Health Centre, serving on the Foundation, or any external Rideau Valley Health Services work. There are no other compensation perquisites such as free parking, club memberships, general travel allowances or a car allowance.
As required by the Excellent Care for All Act, our CEO's compensation is linked to our hospital's performance, with a 2% Performance Amount available to the CEO based on an assessment of his or her achievement of the performance improvement targets set out in the Hospital's annual quality improvement plan.
KDH has benefited from the strong leadership provided by our executive team. Over the last four years, emergency visits have risen steadily; inpatient satisfaction has consistently been over 90%, hitting 96.4% in 2010/11; staff satisfaction has risen to 10% above the industry average; and the hospital has experienced steady revenue growth, predicted to top $20 million in 2012/13.
We will be closely reviewing the report of the Independent Expert Panel on Executive Compensation in Hospitals (available at www.oha.com) to determine whether there are any policies that we can improve in the short term. We will also be working with the Ontario Hospital Association to develop and implement a framework for executive compensation.
To view contract documents, click on the name of the Executive Team member:
Colin Goodfellow, Chief Executive Officer
- Employment Agreement, signed April 9, 2009
- Letter of Understanding and Agreement re Pay for Performance and other Matters, signed April 29, 2011