OTTAWA, ONTARIO, MAY 31, 2023 – The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) and Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) are working together to provide patients across the region with the high-quality care they need. TOH and its Emergency Physician group will begin working with the KDH Emergency Department to coordinate and help support emergency services in Kemptville throughout this summer, ensuring that the community will continue to have access to emergency care.

“Our hospitals have worked together for many years, collaborating on ways to improve access to care for patients throughout our region,” said Cameron Love, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital. “This partnership is another step in that approach, as we look at more ways to ensure patients receive the care they need.”

Patients in the region will not notice any difference in the care provided at KDH’s Emergency Department. They should continue to go there if they need emergency medical care.

TOH and KDH previously created an innovative partnership in orthopedic surgery in 2017, which saw surgeons from both hospitals perform joint replacement procedures in KDH’s state-of-the-art operating facilities. This helped to reduce wait times for patients throughout the region, and allowed many patients to receive care closer to home.

“Like a number of other hospitals across the country, KDH has been dealing with the possibility of some reduction in our emergency services due to the shortage of physicians working in rural Emergency Departments. That is why we are so thankful to be able to collaborate with partners like The Ottawa Hospital,” said Frank Vassallo, CEO of Kemptville District Hospital. “Partnerships like this ensure that all patients will continue to receive high-quality, timely and consistent care, no matter where they are.”

Together, TOH and KDH are planning to implement an integrated service delivery model for the Emergency Department in the coming months. This model will ensure that patients accessing the KDH Emergency Department will have seamless and consistent care for the future.

About The Ottawa Hospital

The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals where we are guided by our vision to provide the world-class and compassionate care we would all want for our loved ones. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, is home to the Regional Trauma Centre and Cancer Centre, and to discoveries that are adopted globally. Backed by generous support from the community, we are focused on reshaping the future of health care to improve the health for our diverse population of patients from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and Nunavut. For more information about The Ottawa Hospital, visit OttawaHospital.on.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Rebecca Abelson, Media Relations Officer | rabelson@toh.ca

About Kemptville District Hospital

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to helping to build healthier communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the healthcare system. For more information, visit www.kdh.on.ca

For more information, please contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Officer | 613.258.6133 x 223 | jread@kdh.on.ca

KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO, April 28, 2023 – Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) honoured its dedicated volunteers on Friday, April 21, 2023 at a well-attended Volunteer Appreciation Tea held, according to tradition, during National Volunteer Week.

KDH’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank J. Vassallo, opened the afternoon’s program with a warm welcome to the dozens of members of the KDH Auxiliary (KDHA) gathered at Heritage Hall, home to Catered Affairs on the Kemptville Campus.

“We are all so happy to see the return of our annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea after a COVID-driven hiatus of three years,” he said. “The Volunteer Tea has always been a very important event in the annual life of the Hospital as it gives us the opportunity to formally recognize and thank all of our volunteers.”

Vassallo expressed sincere gratitude to the Auxiliary volunteers, both for choosing KDH to be the recipient of the precious gift of their time, and for their fundraising efforts, which resulted in a recent annual donation in the amount of $60,000.

KDH Auxiliary President, Linda Carnegie, addressed the attendees next, noting that, “Volunteers are the heart and soul of any organization.” She explained that every volunteer has their own reasons for giving of their time, whether it is to acquire new skills, give back to their community, or help improve the organization.

“Many of you say you get back more than you give,” she stated. “That is the biggest reward; however, every volunteer needs to know that their work matters and makes a difference: that is why we are gathered here today, to honour you and all that you do for Kemptville District Hospital and its Auxiliary.”

Carnegie introduced the awards segment of the event by noting there would be a large number of presentations as this was the first in person Volunteer Appreciation Tea since 2019.

The Awards Committee – consisting of Carnegie, Past President Brenda Steacy, Past President and Volunteer Coordinator Connie Parsons and, representing the Acton’s Corners Unit, Teresa Harrison –were honoured to announce the following awards.

KDH Auxiliary Members who received Outstanding Service Awards (left to right): Teresa Harrison, Brenda Steacy, Jean Gallant, Lillian Leonard, Jane Wolfe, Betty Beach, Allison Penny, Connie Parsons. Missing from the photo: Jolene Stover.

Certificates of Appreciation – 5 years

Certificates of Appreciation were presented to volunteers with five years of service to the KDH Auxiliary: Lisa Charlebois, Bea Francis, Cheryl Gilmour, Dorothy Leeder, Art Parks, and Johanna Kuntz.

Outstanding Service Awards – 10, 15 and 20 years

• 10 years:  Outstanding Service Awards and “V” (for Volunteer) pins were presented to Past President Brenda Steacy and Volunteer Johanna Kuntz. Carnegie noted that Kuntz reached 1,000 hours (the equivalent of 10 years) of volunteer service in only a few months: she spent more than 1,700 hours knitting Comfort Dolls for KDH’s smallest patients in 2022, almost the equivalent of a full time job!
• 15 years:  Outstanding Service Awards were presented to Bev Carson, Mae Fairfield, Marguerite Gooch, John Graves, Audrey Halsey, Teresa Harrison, Allison Penny, and Donna Thibert.
• 20 years:  Outstanding Service Awards were presented to Cathi Finley and Sylvia Johnston.

Outstanding Service Awards – Achievements

Where the previous awards recognized numerous years of dedicated service to the Auxiliary, the following Outstanding Service Awards were presented in recognition of specific outstanding achievements:

• Brenda Steacy – for hard work, dedication and consistent willingness to go above and beyond her duties in every role, including  President, Treasurer, and Coffee Shop Purchaser.
• Allison Penny – for contributing great ideas, flare and innovation to the Gift Shop and Coffee Bar while dedicating many years as a Director of the KDHA.
• Jolene Stover – for taking risks, being creative and innovative, and achieving success through skillful execution of events, taking Hey Day to new heights and putting the KDHA on the map.
• Betty Beach – for demonstrating true stewardship, contributing significantly to the success of the KDHA through Second Hand Rose as well helping organize and orchestrate numerous events.
• Teresa Harrison – for outstanding performance and dedication to excellence, especially in taking the KDHA into the advanced world of technology, navigating the on-line 50/50 raffle.
• Jane Wolfe – for positivity, patience, and wonderful team spirit while serving as President, achieving Life Membership, acting as Director, and now managing the Gift Shop and Coffee Bar.
• Lillian Leonard – for years of motivation and encouragement as President, Life Member, and Buyer for the Gift Shop, where she displays exquisite taste in purchasing.
• Jean Gallant – for bringing fresh perspectives, objectivity, and innovation combined with a visionary approach and tireless work ethic, always sharing positive support and encouragement.
• Connie Parsons – for sharing ideas, seizing every opportunity, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment, and countless hours spent coordinating volunteers.

Retirements

Several dedicated KDHA volunteers made the difficult choice to retire rather than return to in-person volunteering post-COVID. The KDHA expressed heartfelt appreciation to the following retiring volunteers:  Lois Nichols (10 years of service); Louise Shaw (10 years); Sue Cotter (15 years); Joan Gummeson (15 years); Ina Dyks (15 years); Joyce Charter (17 years); and Tina Te Grotenhuis (18 years). To great applause, Linda Carnegie announced that together these volunteers had given an astounding 100 years of service to KDH.

Awards of Excellence

For this year’s celebration, the Awards Committee felt it necessary to create a new category. The Award of Excellence recognizes volunteers who have served the KDHA for many years and in many ways displaying good intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution.

• Helen Racine (25 years) – for numerous years of working at Hey Day in the role of Section Head, nurturing Beth’s Garden, holding plant sales at her home, and more.
• Cecile Prodonick (25+ years) – for service as an active member of the Acton Corner’s Unit, as Treasurer for many years, and developing the Betsy Boxes at Hey Day into an outstanding raffle.
• Catherine Brunton (30 years) – for exceptional devotion, loyal service, and outstanding contributions as President, Life Member, and much more.  Note: this posthumous award was accepted by Catherine’s husband, Doug Brunton.
• Moira Anderson (37 years) – for devoted service and commitment to Spiritual Services at KDH, including sharing her skill as a pianist at the weekly services for inpatients.
• Louise Tallman (40 years) – for exceptional devotion and commitment to the KDHA as President, Life Member, and Ambassador for all of KDH and the Auxiliary.
• Eleanor O’Neil (60+ years) – for six decades of service as one of the founding members, present for each and every Hey Day, baking delicious desserts, and helping in every way possible.

The final speaker of the day was Lana LeClair, KDH’s Vice-President of Corporate Services and the Hospital’s senior leader for the volunteer program. She expressed thanks to everybody who had helped make the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation Tea so memorable, including KDH’s internal volunteer coordinator, Julia Hunter.

“Listening to the number of years each of the volunteers honoured today has devoted to the service of KDH, and letting it really sink in,” said LeClair, “I am just blown away!” Applause and exclamations of agreement followed this comment. The event wrapped up after an additional time for visiting.

ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system.

For further information contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Officer

Kemptville District Hospital

O: 613.258.6133 x 223 | C: 613.914.0195

jread@kdh.on.ca

www.kdh.on.ca

KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO, April 14, 2023 – The Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) Auxiliary has donated $60,000 to the Hospital in the lead-up to National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, 2023.

This year’s annual donation will be used to support the purchase of three new patient beds and a mobile nursing station for the inpatient medical unit, as well as a cardiac monitor for the recovery room.

The gift represents an amazing accomplishment for the KDH Auxiliary whose main fundraising activities were hampered by COVID-19 again in 2022: for the third year in a row they were unable to hold Hey Day, their annual giant garage sale, and were only able to reopen their Café and Gift Shop at KDH mid-way through the year after seeing it shuttered in March 2020 with the onset of the pandemic.

KDH Auxiliary President Linda Carnegie (left) and Treasurer Brenda Steacy (centre) present the volunteer organization’s annual donation to Frank Vassallo, KDH’s CEO

Linda Carnegie, President of the KDH Auxiliary, explained that the sizeable donation was made possible by the generosity of the North Grenville community and the volunteers’ vigorous fundraising efforts, including hosting a very successful British Tea as part of the Quilt Show and International Plowing Match held on the Kemptville Campus in August 2022.

“The Auxiliary is now a very small unit of dedicated members and volunteers,” stated Carnegie. “However,” she added, “I think you will see that we have KDH in our hearts and minds. We work tirelessly to support staff and patients. Our dollars, although modest in the big picture, are dedicated to enhancing hospital services.”

KDH’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Vassallo, gratefully acknowledged the donation, which brings the Auxiliary’s total contribution since its founding in 1959 to a staggering $1.86 Million.

“Thank you from all KDH staff and physicians to each and every one of our volunteers for your unflagging support,” he said. “We deeply appreciate both your fundraising efforts and your countless hours spent volunteering, either in the hospital or at home, devotedly creating comfort dolls for our smallest patients, fidget quilts for residents with dementia, and colourful gowns for palliative patients. In all these ways and others I haven’t mentioned you make a difference at KDH every day!”

In addition to the reopening of the Auxiliary’s Café and Gift Shop, 2022 saw the return of the volunteers to their previous roles in the hospital, including acting as greeters at the ER entrance, helping on the Interim Long-Term Care/Convalescent Care Unit, tending the hospital gardens, and more. Volunteers also help raise awareness about the Auxiliary by participating in local parades and markets.

Carnegie happily noted that Hey Day is back this year and will be held at a new venue – the North Grenville Municipal Centre – on June 9 and 10, 2023. Arguably the largest garage sale in Ontario, Hey Day requires well over 100 volunteers and months of planning to make it happen, including sorting and displaying the goods donated by the community and then selling them – as well as refreshments and raffle tickets – at the event.

Another volunteer-run event resuming this year is the Memorial Service held at a nearby church in memory of patients who passed away at KDH over the previous year. The service is organized by the Pastoral Care Team and will be held May 11, 2023.

The KDH Auxiliary always welcomes new volunteers, including students. To learn more, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at kdh_volunteer@kdh.on.ca.

During National Volunteer Week, KDH traditionally recognizes its volunteers at an Annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea. This year the event will be held in person, on April 21, 2023.

ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system.

For further information contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Officer

Kemptville District Hospital

O: 613.258.6133 x 223 | C: 613.914.0195

Email: jread@kdh.on.ca

www.kdh.on.ca

MARCH 13, 2023 – Terry MacLellan and his family have lived in Barrhaven for 13 years, but they still think of Winchester District Memorial Hospital as their hospital of choice. In fact, they wouldn’t think twice about driving down Highway 31 for care. Now, Terry says the option to use MyChart to track the care his family receives is an added bonus.

MyChart is a secure online portal that enables patients to see and manage their personal health information anytime, anywhere. Three local hospitals are now offering this new option to their patients.

Pictured (l-r): Terry, Andrea, Scott, Courtney MacLellan

As part of the Epic digital health network joined by Deep River & District Hospital, Kemptville District Hospital, and Winchester District Memorial Hospital late last year, patients can now have greater access to their own information through MyChart. Patients anywhere across the network of hospitals in the Ottawa region can see their own health records, including after-visit summaries, upcoming appointments, test results, progress notes, discharge notes, medical imaging reports, and more. Patients can also record their medications, allergies, and health measurements, such as blood pressure and weight.

Terry says his daughter starting using MyChart first and he signed up following a recent visit to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He was able to compare the test results from before and after a medication change. “It’s all there and it’s pretty cool,” he notes. “It keeps track of your medications, your blood tests and the dates of your procedures. We also get notifications from the app when a test or lab report is in. It’s hard to remember everything but it’s all there and we can share information with one another too.”

To sign up for MyChart, patients need a valid email account and an activation code. There are several options to sign up:

• Ask hospital registration staff to sign you up when you are registering.
• Use the MyChart activation code on your After-Visit Summary.
• Complete a paper form and present government issued photo ID to Health Records to request an activation code. Your activation code will then be emailed to you.

“Signing up for MyChart is easy and I can even use it on my phone,” adds Terry. “I would highly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to get on MyChart because it really gives you control of your own health care. We’re going to sign my wife up next!”

The Atlas Alliance network of local hospitals using Epic and MyChart includes Deep River & District Hospital, Hawkesbury and District General Hospital, Kemptville District Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, Renfrew Victoria Hospital, St. Francis Memorial Hospital, University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Winchester District Memorial Hospital. For patients who visit a non-Epic site and would like access to their records, requests can be made through the hospital’s Health Records department.

For more information about how to register for MyChart, please visit your local hospital’s website.

ABOUT DEEP RIVER & DISTRICT HOSPITAL.   The Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH) is a 16-bed acute care hospital located on the wooded banks of the Ottawa River, within the Town of Deep River. DRDH is part of a person-centered campus of care, which also includes the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home and the North Renfrew Family Health Team, all on one site. Our campus of care is expanding, innovating, and modernizing to better serve our communities and further our ability to provide excellent, compassionate care, every time. Supported by a dedicated team of employees and physicians, DRDH is committed to advancing our mission of caring for every person like a loved one, within an integrated health system. With partners across the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team, DRDH is collaborating on new models of health care delivery that put patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. Accreditation Canada has recognized the organization’s clinical and operational performance with its highest rating, Exemplary Standing. For more information about DRDH, visit www.drdh.org.

Media contact: Amy Joyce: 613.584.3333 x 7100 | amy.joyce@drdh.org

ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL.   Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. For more information about KDH services, visit www.kdh.on.ca.

Media contact: Jenny Read: 613.258.6133 x 223 |  jread@kdh.on.ca

ABOUT WINCHESTER DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL.   We’re here for you! That’s the message from the team at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). WDMH cares for families throughout our region, with a patient and family-centred approach. It is a full-service hospital from childbirth to seniors’ care – and a hub site for cancer care, dialysis and cataract surgery. WDMH has a 24/7 Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging services including digital mammography and CT scans. Day surgery and specialty clinics, with visiting specialists from Ottawa hospitals, mean that patients can receive care without travelling to the city. Research and education initiatives drive quality and best practices. WDMH has an award-winning reputation for compassionate excellence. For more information about WDMH services, visit www.wdmh.on.ca

Media contact: Jane Adams: 613.729.4864 | jadams@wdmh.on.ca

KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO, MARCH 9, 2023 – After two and a half years, 33,000 COVID tests and 44,000 COVID vaccinations, the North Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre (NGCAC) in Kemptville is closing on March 31, 2023.

“I’m so grateful to our staff, physicians and partners for their commitment to providing COVID testing and assessment in this area as long as it was needed,” said Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, the NGCAC’s Clinical Lead since its inception.

Thanks to the collaboration of a number of community partners, the NGCAC opened its doors for COVID testing on September 24, 2020 on the Kemptville Campus. Several months later, the community partners set up a Vaccination Site, which operated at the North Grenville Municipal Centre from February 2021 to March 2022.

The North Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre will close its doors March 31, 2023.

“I am very proud of our community that came together to establish the North Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Vaccination Site,” said Frank J. Vassallo, CEO of Kemptville District Hospital and NGCAC Co-Lead.  “Specifically, our great Primary Care Physicians, the Municipality of North Grenville, Kemptville Campus, the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, numerous allied health professionals, and KDH. I’d like to thank Dr. Suzanne Rutherford for her excellent leadership in developing and operating, with her team, the Assessment Centre and Vaccination Site. I’d also like to recognize our MPP Steve Clark and Mayor Nancy Peckford, whose excellent advocacy in the early days of our efforts to establish a local assessment centre were vital to our cause. We are stronger together!”

Following its opening, the NGCAC quickly garnered media attention for its ticketing process, which was inspired by Disney’s FastPass virtual queue system. Patients received time-stamped tickets on arrival and then left the Centre, returning during their assigned time window. This creative model, devised by Dr. Rutherford, enabled the NGCAC to operate very efficiently, testing a large volume of patients.

One month after opening, the NGCAC transitioned to a full assessment and treatment centre, offering physician assessment, COVID testing, and treatment for respiratory illness. “We are proud we were able to help preserve hospital ER capacity for other emergencies during this critical time,” said Dr. Rutherford.

The NGCAC also set up and operated  the Southwest Ottawa Test Centre in Richmond, Ontario in April and May of 2021, and a pop-up testing centre in Stittsville, Ontario in December 2021. That same month, the NGCAC transitioned from a testing centre to a ‘do it yourself’ collection centre to limit exposure risk for its staff as cases were rising dramatically.

The NGCAC pivoted again in November 2022, increasing its hours to help manage the challenging viral season resulting from the early annual arrival of influenza combined with a resurgence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as well as the continued spread of COVID-19. 30 appointments per day were available for patients presenting with Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI) symptoms seeking physician assessment.

“Our doctors, nurses and other staff will never forget the support of the North Grenville community,” said Sara Paquin, the NGCAC’s Administration Lead. “When we were screening patients outdoors during the fall and winter of 2020, Kemptville Building Centre BMR built us a large heated shed to protect us from the elements.”

“Then there were all the businesses that supported us with nourishment,” Paquin continued. “Brewed Awakenings brought us coffee and treats every week for the entire two and a half years of our operations!” She also noted that Shoeless Joe’s sent over lunch once a week during the busiest periods, and The Crusty Baker provided coffee and treats for more than a year. “Other businesses that lifted our spirits and warmed our bellies were Mr. Mozzarella, The Brigadoon, Fat Les’s, The Station, and Brinston General Store,” Paquin added.

For more information, please contact –

Jenny Read, Communications Officer

Kemptville District Hospital

jeread@kdh.on.ca

(KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO) FEBRUARY 7, 2023 – Following extensive stakeholder and community engagement, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has released a new Strategic Plan that will guide its way forward in the complex health care environment through 2026.

Entitled, Your Hospital, Your Community: Growing Together, the new Strategic Plan was developed in collaboration with more than 800 stakeholders: patients, staff, partners, and neighbours. Input was gathered through a variety of modes, including in-depth interviews, a community survey, and a virtual strategic planning workshop facilitated by well-known health futurist, Dr. Zayna Khayat. Following the large group workshop, Dr. Khayat facilitated a smaller virtual strategic planning session at which all the information gathered was synthesized to formulate the new strategic directions.

KDH’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 is centred on five strategic directions: Person-Centered Care, Service Excellence and Innovation, Team KDH, Strong and Vital Partnerships, and Sustainability and Growth. Four key priorities support each strategic direction.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the development of our new Strategic Plan,” said CEO Frank J. Vassallo.  “Your input allowed us to better understand what our community wants to see grow, change, and improve in the coming years,” he added.

Standing in front of a photo of KDH’s Opening Day in June, 1960, CEO Frank J. Vassallo (left) and Board Chair Elizabeth MacPherson hold up a new Strategic Plan sign

Elizabeth MacPherson, Chair of the KDH Board of Directors, expressed her thanks to Board Member Amy Yee, who oversaw the completion of the new Strategic Plan as Chair of the Board’s Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee; MacPherson also acknowledged former Board Member Paul-Emile Cloutier, who initially led the Ad Hoc Committee prior to his departure from the Board.

The majority of the effort to develop KDH’s new Strategic Plan occurred from February through June of 2021; the work was paused due to the extra responsibilities placed on the hospital administration due to COVID-19 and other stresses.

“We are looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and executing on this new Strategic Plan,” stated Vassallo. “And we are committed to keeping the community informed on how we are doing.” As part of KDH’s commitment to accountability for the Strategic Plan, it will be releasing a report halfway through the term of the Plan to share progress to that point, and then a final report at the end of the term.

The KDH Strategic Plan 2022-2026 can be found here: https://kdh.on.ca/wp-content/strategic-plan-flipbook/2022/

KDH welcomes feedback on its new Strategic Plan, requesting that it be sent to  Lana LeClair, VP Corporate Services, at lleclair@kdh.on.ca.

About Kemptville District Hospital

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to helping to build healthier communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the healthcare system.

For more information, please contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Officer

jread@kdh.on.ca

DECEMBER 15, 2022 – Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH), Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) are delighted to announce the successful launch of the Epic digital health information system at all three hospitals on November 5, 2022.

“Epic has ushered in a new era in health care at our hospitals, both for patients and their care providers,” said KDH CEO, Frank J. Vassallo. “The credit for the successful launch goes to our dedicated care teams at each of our hospitals, who spent many months training and preparing for go-live.”

“We also want to thank the patients and families in our communities for their patience and understanding as our teams adapt to the new system,” added Cholly Boland, WMDH’s CEO, noting that the three hospitals reduced some services over the first few weeks following the launch to ensure that staff had time to care for each patient while learning to use the new system. Each hospital was focused on reducing disruptions for patients and making the transition as seamless as possible.

This photo was taken at KDH’s Epic Go-Live at 5am on November 5th. In the photo (left to right): Frank Vassallo CEO, Catherine Miller RN, Spencer Hayward RPN, Amy McLaughlin Epic Project Support/Educator, Brittany Rivard CFO & VP of Operations + Epic Project Lead, Cathy Burke RN Epic Clinical Lead, Cara Duhaime Physiotherapist.

“Thanks to the support received in our hospitals’ early weeks with Epic from The Ottawa Hospital and our partner hospitals across the region, we were able to work together and ensure a smooth and successful transition,” said DRDH CEO Janna Hotson. “Our sites were ready and prepared to resolve issues as they arose in those first few days with the new system. Now that we are more than a month in, we are looking at continuing to improve the system at each of our hospitals.”

A command centre providing 24-hour support for any Epic issues was established at all three sites for a period of time following the launch; on an ongoing basis, ‘credentialed trainers’ at each hospital continue to provide daytime and after-hours support for the care teams when issues arise. Additionally, all three hospitals report that their staff and physicians are helping and supporting each other.

A 24-hour command centre was established at each site to oversee the launch. On an ongoing basis, Epic experts continue to provide ongoing support for the care teams when issues arise. All three hospitals have also reported that their staff and physicians are helping and supporting each other.

“Epic has challenged the teams to work differently and adapt to new workflows,” said Jennifer Ellis, KDH’s VP Nursing/Clinical Services. “The teams have done a remarkable job adjusting and, most importantly, teaching and bringing each other along. It’s been a very successful start and, like the rest of my team, I am excited to see what is next!”

Here is a recap of the benefits of Epic for patients and providers:

• Epic uses the latest technology to securely store, organize, and access patient records while maintaining patient privacy, providing a comprehensive digital health record for every patient.
• Epic replaces dozens of electronic and paper-based systems, making every patient’s medical information readily available to their providers in one secure place online.
• Epic gives patients better access to their own health information through the MyChart portal. Anywhere, anytime, MyChart subscribers can see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.
• Epic improves patient safety by reducing errors.
• Epic is proven to reduce wait times, length of stay in hospital, and readmissions.

By implementing Epic, DRDH, KDH, and WDMH have become part of a fully integrated network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the state of the art health information system. This means that when a patient is transferred between hospitals, critical information will be available immediately to their new healthcare team and the patient will not have to repeat their medical history over and over. The result is more seamless care.

For more information about Epic and how to register for MyChart, please visit your local hospital’s website.

ABOUT DEEP RIVER & DISTRICT HOSPITAL

The Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH) is a 16-bed acute care hospital located on the wooded banks of the Ottawa River, within the Town of Deep River. DRDH is part of a person-centered campus of care, which also includes the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home and the North Renfrew Family Health Team, all on one site. Our campus of care is expanding, innovating, and modernizing to better serve our communities and further our ability to provide excellent, compassionate care, every time. Supported by a dedicated team of employees and physicians, DRDH is committed to advancing our mission of caring for every person like a loved one, within an integrated health system. With partners across the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team, DRDH is collaborating on new models of health care delivery that put patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. Accreditation Canada has recognized the organization’s clinical and operational performance with its highest rating, Exemplary Standing. For more information about DRDH, visit www.drdh.org.

Media contact: Amy Joyce: 613.584.3333 x 7100 | amy.joyce@drdh.org

 ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. For more information about KDH services, visit www.kdh.on.ca.

 Media contact: Jenny Read: 613.258.6133 x 223 |  jread@kdh.on.ca

 ABOUT WINCHESTER DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

We’re here for you! That’s the message from the team at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). WDMH cares for families throughout our region, with a patient and family-centred approach region. It is a full-service hospital from childbirth to seniors’ care – and a hub site for cancer care, dialysis and cataract surgery. WDMH has a 24/7 Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging services including digital mammography and CT scans. Day surgery and specialty clinics, with visiting specialists from Ottawa hospitals, mean that patients can receive care without travelling to the city. Research and education initiatives drive quality and best practices. WDMH has an award-winning reputation for compassionate excellence. For more information about WDMH services, visit www.wdmh.on.ca

Media contact: Jane Adams: 613.729.4864 | jadams@wdmh.on.ca

Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care honours one of Canada’s greenest health care organisations 

(KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO) NOVEMBER 30, 2022 – In recognition of its commitment to environmental stewardship and greening its internal health care practices, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) has won three Green Health Care Awards as top performer in the categories of Leadership, Pollution Prevention, and Waste. 

The Green Health Care awards are presented annually by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. This year’s awards were based on data submitted to the 2021 Green Hospital Scorecard (GHS) program, which rendered KDH the highest Leadership, Pollution Prevention and Waste scores of all participating hospitals within its peer group. KDH was also awarded an Honourable Mention in the Water Category.

“We are truly honoured to receive these awards and to be acknowledged among our peers for success in making our hospital more environmentally friendly,” said Frank J. Vassallo, KDH’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are very proud to be recognized as a Canadian leader in driving health care’s greening agenda.”

KDH’s Manager of Building Services and Environmental Program Lead, Tammy Buehlow, attributes the organization’s outstanding results to leadership. “KDH’s corporate commitment to sustainability through dedicated budgeting and planning, an executive champion, a dedicated staff member, and our KDH Green Team aligns perfectly with our Environmental Mantra, which remains, ‘Our hospital, our responsibility’,” she said.

This is not the first time that KDH has been recognized as a top performer by the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care: the hospital’s sustainability efforts were rewarded in 2020 with five awards in the small hospital peer group including Green Hospital of the Year. KDH was also recognized with awards in 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2015.

“At KDH we recognize that, as a community leader, we have a responsibility to minimize our ecological impact while providing quality health care services in a manner that ensures a safe and healthy environment for our patients, staff, and visitors,” said Brittany Rivard, KDH’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations. “Our Environmental Mission Statement is a demonstrated commitment from within to operate in an environmentally responsible manner today, for a better tomorrow.”

The Green Hospital Scorecard is a comprehensive health care benchmarking tool that measures energy and water conservation, waste management and recycling, corporate commitment, and pollution prevention. Participating hospitals report on their environmental and sustainability initiatives through an online questionnaire and the resulting Scorecard summarizes their environmental performance relative to their peers.

The awards were presented by the Coalition’s Executive Director, Neil Ritchie, at the Coalition’s virtual awards ceremony earlier this fall.

About Kemptville District Hospital 

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the healthcare system. For more information, visit www.kdh.on.ca

For more information, please contact:  

Jenny Read, Communications Officer | Kemptville District Hospital | 613.258.6133 x 223 | jread@kdh.on.ca

About the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care 

The Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care is recognized as Canada’s premier, integrated green resource network driving leadership in environmentally-sustainable health care practices. A national not-for-profit, the Coalition is a catalyst for environmental change encouraging the adoption of resource conservation and climate change resiliency practices, pollution prevention principles and effective environmental management systems to reduce the Canadian health care sector’s ecological impact while protecting human health. To learn more, visit www.greenhealthcare.ca

KEMPTVILLE, ONTARIO, NOVEMBER 10, 2022 – The early arrival of the flu, a resurgence in respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and the continued spread of COVID-19 have created a challenging ‘viral season’.

In an effort to help manage this challenge, The North Grenville Covid-19 Assessment Centre (NGCAC) has expanded its hours to Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm.

The NGCAC is offering 30 appointments per day for patients over three months of age presenting with Febrile Respiratory Illness (FRI) symptoms who are seeking a physician assessment.

FRI symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting.

Patients will require an appointment for physician assessment; bookings can be made online after 5pm the day before at www.ngcac.ca. To check for availability by phone, call 613-258-3192 between 9am and 5pm.

“In light of the huge pressures on all components of our health system, we are pleased to be able to provide another option for people with FRI symptoms,” said Dr. Suzanne Rutherford, Medical Director of the NGCAC. “The other options for people are to get an appointment with their family doctor or go to the emergency department.”

Dr. Rutherford  credited Lisa Kirkham and Sara Paquin, the NGCAC managers, for locating the staff needed to execute this change.

Please note, physician assessment visits will not include a COVD-19 test unless testing eligibility is met (as set out by the provincial guidelines.) The NGCAC also offers COVID-19 tests as a ‘Do It Yourself’ Testing Centre. For more information see www.ngcac.ca

The NGCAC’s expanded hours took effect on November 8.

About the North Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre

The North Grenville COVID-19 Assessment Centre is a community-based collaboration of five partners: Rideau Crossing Family Health Centre; the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; the Municipality of North Grenville; Leeds Grenville Paramedic Service; and Kemptville District Hospital. The Assessment Centre is located at 15 Campus Drive (Bell Hall on the Kemptville Campus) in Kemptville, Ontario. The Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm beginning October 5, 2020. The partners designed the centre to be as efficient as possible, to minimize wait times for patients and families, and to minimize disruption on the Kemptville Campus, which is home to several schools and other organizations.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 – Excitement is building as Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH), Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) conduct final preparations for the November 5, 2022 launch of the Epic health information system at each hospital.

The three hospitals are asking the public for patience during the transition to the new system. “Putting Epic in place is a big change for staff and patients with many benefits, but it will take time to adjust,” said Brittany Rivard, KDH’s Chief Financial Officer/VP Operations and Site Lead for the Epic implementation. “Please be patient with the staff at each of our hospitals as they adjust to this new system.”

After go-live, it is expected that some processes, such as registration, documenting notes, and appointments may take a bit longer. Plans are in place to reduce disruptions and make the transition as seamless as possible. For example, each hospital has reduced the number of appointments in some areas to ensure that staff have time to care for each patient while learning to use the new system.

Planning has been underway at each hospital to prepare for the new system. Above, at Deep River & District Hospital, Allison Lepack, Manager of Clinical Services – Acute Care and Epic Certified Trainer (left) and Personal Support Worker Ashley Morrison (right) update the “Epic Journey” wall to show that each department has reached its milestones as we quickly approach go-live.

Epic replaces dozens of electronic and paper systems, making every patient’s medical information available in one secure place online. It provides a comprehensive digital health record for every patient, enhancing standardization, information sharing, and continuity of care. Simply put, Epic gives people better access to their own health information and more seamless care from their providers.

Hospital CEOs Frank J. Vassallo (KDH), Janna Hotson (DRDH), and Cholly Boland (WDMH), have one message: “We are ready! Preparation has been underway for many months with extensive staff and physician training, new equipment purchases, and improvements to the IT infrastructure. Thank you to our teams for your commitment to continually improving patient care.”

When the switch is flipped, Epic will bring many improvements and benefits for patients, families, staff and physicians. It will:

• eliminate paper-based patient health records
• replace dozens of electronic systems that don’t always ‘talk’ to each other when patient information needs to be shared across teams and services
• ensure patient information is available in one place and save staff and physicians time looking for things like test results and medication history
• eliminate the need for patients to repeat their health history at every interaction or visit
• give every member of a patient’s care team access to their health record so that critical care decisions can be made safely, and in collaboration with the patient
• make it easier for patients to access their medical record using MyChart – they will be able to view test results, see their medical history, diagnostic test results, upcoming appointments, lists of allergies and medications, and even educational materials.

The three hospitals now become part of a digital network of nine hospitals in the Ottawa region using the world-class health information system.

It’s going to be Epic!

ABOUT DEEP RIVER & DISTRICT HOSPITAL

The Deep River & District Hospital (DRDH) is a 16-bed acute care hospital located on the wooded banks of the Ottawa River, within the Town of Deep River. DRDH is part of a person-centered campus of care, which also includes the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home and the North Renfrew Family Health Team, all on one site. Our campus of care is expanding, innovating, and modernizing to better serve our communities and further our ability to provide excellent, compassionate care, every time. Supported by a dedicated team of employees and physicians, DRDH is committed to advancing our mission of caring for every person like a loved one, within an integrated health system. With partners across the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team, DRDH is collaborating on new models of health care delivery that put patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. Accreditation Canada has recognized the organization’s clinical and operational performance with its highest rating, Exemplary Standing. For more information about DRDH, visit www.drdh.org.

 Media contact:

Amy Joyce: 613.584.3333 x 7100 | amy.joyce@drdh.org

 ABOUT KEMPTVILLE DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is a 40-bed acute care hospital located in the rapidly growing Eastern Ontario municipality of North Grenville, 40 minutes south of Ottawa. We provide 24-hour emergency care, inpatient care, advanced orthopaedic surgery (as a satellite of The Ottawa Hospital), Convalescent Care, Interim Long-Term Care, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, an ever-growing list of outpatient clinics, and education and wellness programming including Diabetes Education and Support. Committed to advancing our mission of Building Healthier Communities, we are an integrated health services organization with deep partnerships in our community and region. With our partners in the Ottawa West Four Rivers Ontario Health Team, we are collaborating on a new model of health care delivery that puts patients, families and caregivers at the centre of the health care system. For more information about KDH services, visit www.kdh.on.ca.

 Media contact:

Jenny Read: 613.258.6133 x 223 |  jread@kdh.on.ca

ABOUT WINCHESTER DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

We’re here for you! That’s the message from the team at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). WDMH cares for families throughout our region, with a patient and family-centred approach region. It is a full-service hospital from childbirth to seniors’ care – and a hub site for cancer care, dialysis and cataract surgery. WDMH has a 24/7 Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging services including digital mammography and CT scans. Day surgery and specialty clinics, with visiting specialists from Ottawa hospitals, mean that patients can receive care without travelling to the city. Research and education initiatives drive quality and best practices. WDMH has an award-winning reputation for compassionate excellence. For more information about WDMH services, visit www.wdmh.on.ca

Media contact:

Jane Adams: 613.729.4864 | jadams@wdmh.on.ca