Horizon Star - January 2020

Campaign aims to reduce serious preventable injuries

New equipment provides calming, modern treatment for breast cancer patients

innovative partnership between businesses, government and community groups whose combined energy, effort and resources are focused on building awareness, shifting attitudes and changing behaviours towards causes of serious preventable injuries. The campaign’s messages encourage Atlantic Canadians to “Have a word with themselves” — to think before they act on the road, at work, home and play. The Atlantic Collaborative on Injury Prevention (ACIP), together with partner organizations from across Atlantic Canada (including the NB

Trauma Program), coordinated the campaign in the fall of 2019. Phase one of the campaign trialed the distinctive black and yellow branded TV ads for eight weeks on all major networks, and in both English and French. “It is important that, together, we continue to reduce the burden of preventable injury within New Brunswick,” said Ian Watson, Administrative Director of the NB Trauma Program. “The key to reducing serious injuries is to shift our overall attitudes and behaviours to recognize that serious injuries are not a normal or acceptable part of life. When we couple that shift with short, simple and highly visible reminders where and when injury is most likely to happen, we know we can help save lives.” With phase one of the campaign complete, ACIP, the NB Trauma Program and other partners from across Atlantic Canada are exploring phase two of the campaign. Stay tuned – and in the words of the campaign, before you take a risk that could cause serious injury: Have a word with yourself.

Preventing serious injury is important. Injuries kill more New Brunswickers aged one to 44 than any other cause. They have a devastating impact on patients and often tear families, colleagues and friends apart without any opportunity to say goodbye or to appreciate how different things will be after they occur. Injuries are also costly: New Brunswickers pay approximately $1.1 million dollars a day – over $400 million a year – on direct costs related to injury care! That is why, during 2019, the New Brunswick Trauma Program played an integral role in supporting the launch of phase one of the Preventable campaign in Atlantic Canada. The Community Against Preventable Injuries (known as Preventable) is a collaborative and

Roughly 400 women come through the hospital’s mammography unit each month. In addition to the new Serena mammography machine and Pristina biopsy machine, the space has also been equipped with a new digital monitor that will allow a radiologist to read the updated image and compare it with the results from previous screenings on-the-spot.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Radiology Department at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital (MRH) is a new addition to the facility that’s providing quicker results and a more comforting experience to patients undergoing breast cancer screenings or biopsies. The hospital’s new,

While the mammography machine has been installed since last April, the biopsy unit only came online this past fall. Funding for the equipment came through a combination of pre-approved capital expenditures, as well as a significant contribution from the Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation.

state-of-the-art Digital Mammography Unit has been up and running for a few months now, and according to staff, it’s

already made a difference in improving the overall patient experience. The main upgrades include the purchase and installation of a new GE Medical mammography machine, as well as a new biopsy unit and a sensory suite aimed at creating a calming experience for visitors and lowering anxiety. Janice Brideau, director of Diagnostic Imaging at MRH, said it’s believed the hospital is the first in Atlantic Canada to be outfitted with this specific line of diagnostic equipment. Going into a hospital setting for a breast screening or a biopsy can be a nerve-wracking experience for many women, Brideau said, and it can be difficult to put people at ease. While being on the leading edge of digital mammography technology is one thing, she noted the addition of the sensory suite – a digital screen and sound system offering a serene visual and auditory environment – is something staff are thrilled to be able to offer. “It adds a calming factor, especially during biopsies, and it’s just something for people to draw their attention to so they don’t have to concentrate so much on the needles and the other things around them,” Brideau said. “Nobody comes here on their best day, and it’s a stressful time for women – so anything we can do to make it a more pleasant experience, they’re typically not as afraid to come back again next time.” For the sensory suite, patients can choose from a combination of soothing sights and sounds, including a tranquil garden with songbirds chirping in the background, an ocean scene or the gentle crashing of waves. Aside from being able to provide a more relaxed experience, Brideau said the screening equipment represents a massive upgrade that should lead to improved outcomes for women.

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To learn more about the campaign, visit preventable.ca.

CCH surgeon retires after 36 years Staff at Horizon’s Charlotte County Hospital

recently said goodbye and gave many thanks to Dr. Tom Goulding at a farewell barbecue, which was attended by staff and members of the St. Stephen and surrounding community. Dr. Goulding was a general surgeon at the hospital for 36 years, and will be missed by all but wished much happiness in his retirement!

Dr. Goulding is seen here with his wife, Ella and daughter, Sarah.

A look at the different pieces of equipment that make up the new and improved Digital Mammography Unit at Horizon’s Miramichi Regional Hospital.

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