A publication for the staff of Horizon Health Network
Building community care Primary Health Care Access Coordinators are helping people be healthy Page 5
Washer toss world record
Paying tribute to long-time colleague Security guard worked at CCH for 17 years Page 16
Horizon employees help make history Page 8
Issue No. 18, Vol. 4 September 2019
A publication for the staff of Horizon Health Network
Motorcycle surprise puts patient ‘on top of the world’ Page 13 Calmness, comfort and security: How skin-to-skin during painful procedures supports babies, children, parents and health care providers Page 6 Top 10: How you are becoming more responsible consumers and global citizens (and how Horizon is, too!) Page 17
Contents
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NB Organ and Tissue Program receives Astle family donation
Eye bank celebrates 25 years
How skin-to-skin during painful procedures supports babies, children, parents and health care providers
Horizon employees set world washer toss record
Donation of benches for URVH’s walking trail Making music at Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital
Primary Health Care Access Coordinators helping people be healthy Primary Health Care Education Forum
OT recognized for improving quality of life
Awards recognize exceptional care
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Successful Horizon events raise awareness about viral hepatitis Dietetic students bring energy, ideas and perspective 15
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Cerebral palsy patient surprised with his own motorcycle rally
#ResearchAtHorizon: Finding ways to detect and dianose dementia sooner Waste Walk reduces wait times at Horizon’s Fredericton Public Health office
SANE nurse recognized for helping victims CCH employees pay tribute to long-time colleague
Top 10: What are you doing to become a responsible consumer and global citizen?
Active Offer Relaunch and a new tool to help you
Celebrating four years of Smoke-Free Together at SJRH
The single most important thing you can to to protect yourself and your patients
On our cover: Justin Cormier, a patient at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital, was surprised by a motorcycle motorcade visit by former patient Keith Noble (right), his mom, Nancy, and his patient care attending Tony Lapointe, and other Horizon staff members and family members.
In Every Issue Message from CEO Editor’s Note Colleagues’ Corner Look Who’s Shining Top 10
This magazine is published by Horizon Health Network’s Communications Department, and is distributed free of charge to Horizon staff, physicians and volunteers. A French version can be found online at fr.horizonnb.ca. Editor: GinaBeth Roberts Design and layout: Hudson Creative Agency Printed by: Advocate Printing Please send comments and/or story ideas to HorizonStar@HorizonNB.ca .
Colleagues Corner
Primary Health Care Access Coordinators are helping people be healthy There are people working across Horizon Health Network who help New Brunswickers obtain better access to primary health care. Health Canada defines primary health care as an approach to health and a spectrum of Editor’s note: This is a truncated version of an article submitted to the New Brunswick Medical Society’s fall 2019 edition of Opus MD.
services beyond the traditional health care system. It includes all services that play a part in health, such as income, housing, education, and environment. Primary care refers to health promotion, illness and injury prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. Primary Health Care Access Coordinators (PHCAC) understand the specific needs in the regions where they work and look at the data and make recommendations to influence service planning. Dan Doherty, director of the primary health care for Horizon in the Saint John area, said the PHCACs act as a bridge between regional health authorities and community-based service providers. “The PHCACs build relationships with key stakeholders and community partners to align resources and assist in identifying opportunities for improving access to primary health care services,” said Dan. The PHCACs review and analyze data provided by professionals, Decision Support teams, Patient Connect NB, New Brunswick Health Council and Horizon’s Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) to identify areas of improvement. By reviewing and analyzing all the data and the processes in place, PHCAC are in a good position to provide recommendations to improve the services already in place or recommend new services according the specific needs of the population, therefore to facilitate change. Laurie Bouvier, Horizon’s PHCAC for the Moncton area, said prior to becoming a coordinator, she worked for 17 years in acute care. She said it’s rewarding when she sees a change in the way people think about health care. “The thing I appreciate most about this position is the opportunity to work ‘upstream’,” Laurie said. “Working with community partners to improve the system responsible for preventative care.” The PHCAC connects patients with primary- care providers working off the list collected by Patient Connect NB (811). Nathanael Patriquin, Horizon’s PHCAC for the Fredericton and Upper River Valley area, said for him, every day is a rewarding experience, but one aspect stands out to him: “Knowing that we have made a difference in the health and wellbeing of someone.” Stephanie Neilson, Horizon’s PHCAC in the Saint John area, said as PHCACs they work with physician recruiters to review data and consult on where and when recruiting a physician would have the greatest impact.
Dear Staff, Physicians and Volunteers, Fall has arrived, and Horizon is beginning to chart our course for the next three years as we are in the early stages of developing our strategic plan. There have been internal sessions and I hope many of you took the time to participate and share your ideas on how health care can be improved. Working in health care is interesting, because not only do we have stake in our organization as employees, but we’re also interested as users of the health care system. While some of us use our health care system more than others, it’s
A welcome note from the editor
Members of Horizon’s Primary Health Care leadership team. From left: Kathleen Buchanan, director of Primary Health Care, Moncton; Stephanie Neilson, Primary Health Care Access Coordinator, Saint John; Bronwyn Davies, director of Primary Health Care, Fredericton and Upper River Valley; Nathanael Patriquin, Primary Health Care Access Coordinator, Upper River Valley and Fredericton; Kerri Mullin, Primary Health Care Access Coordinator, Miramichi; Laurie Bouvier, Primary Health Care Access Coordinator, Moncton; and Dan Doherty, director of the Primary Health Care, Saint John. Missing from photo: Greg Sargent, director of Primary Health Care and Public Health, Miramichi.
Welcome to the 18th edition of the Horizon Star! Last September we celebrated our 10-year anniversary as an organization — can you believe a whole year has passed since then? Since then, we’ve become even stronger together as One Horizon: We celebrated together, now we owe each other that commitment, that shared responsibility and accountability, to better ourselves as we look to achieve new goals in our second decade. And that growth and collaboration is already happening. We’ve seen this through difficult times and challenges, such as recruitment, staff shortages and media attention, and through good times, like your support in making this one of the best internal publications in the country! Much of this is done by creating networks within our organization that allow us to build and share. As our VP of Community says in an article on Page 5, we need to “build partnerships, share best practices and move knowledge into action.” In this issue we see how Horizon’s primary care network is doing just that (Page 5), and how an initiative like encouraging skin-to-skin during painful procedures (Page 6 and 7) is a valued best practice throughout the organization. Even this issue’s Top 10 list (Page 17) shows how Horizon employees are doing their part to tackle an even bigger issue, as they share what they are doing to clean-up the world we live in. I hope you take time to read this list, as I truly believe learning from each other plays a big part in creating sustainable change. Likewise, sharing our good ideas, best practices and even failures with others means better outcomes for our patients, clients and families. As always, it’s an honour to share your stories, and I hope you’ll continue to reach me at HorizonStar@HorizonNB.ca
safe to say everybody accesses the health care services available in their community at one time or another. For this reason, it’s important you share your opinion, as you see how our system works every day and how our patients/ clients are being cared for. Because of this, you undoubtedly have ideas to share on how things could be improved. Not to worry if you missed these early consultation sessions, as there will be other opportunities to engage in the coming months. We see the importance in engaging with as many New Brunswickers as possible and aligning our plan with the government’s plan to improve health care in this province. I was pleased to see the provincial government announced a nursing recruitment strategy. This is both desperately needed and a step in the right direction.
In June, Horizon’s Community Health Leadership team hosted the 2019 Primary Health Care Education Forum in Moncton. The forum provided an opportunity for Horizon staff working in the primary health care field to learn about the collective actions health teams throughout Horizon are leading with communities in response to the identified Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) priorities. The CHNA priorities identify the strengths and needs of individual communities and enable community-wide health and wellness establishments to improve the populations’ health status. “Horizon’s Community Health Program is grounded in the understanding that an individual’s environment greatly influences their own health and the health of a community,” said Jean Daigle, Horizon’s Vice President, Community. “The Primary Health Care Education Forum was an excellent “That’s rewarding, because we know when patients have a provider, they’re healthier, and less likely to be hospitalized,” Stephanie said. The Patient Connect NB list is vital, because it helps with recruitment. For example, if a municipality is pushing to have more doctors in their area, but the number of patients on the list for that area is low, it’s difficult to recruit. If there is a high number of patients on the list, the access coordinators use that as a tactic to recruit a provider for that area. Kerri Mullin, Horizon’s PHCAC for the Miramichi area, said she enjoys the collaborative approach that comes with the role, which includes “seeing and learning about the available resources in our community to provide a link for physicians, nurse practitioners and patients.” “And at the end of the day it’s a great feeling to know that you’ve been instrumental in helping someone find a primary care provider because we all deserve to have a provider to care for us
opportunity to reflect on this understanding, build partnerships, share best practices and move knowledge into action.” Keynote speakers discussed how the CHNAs help health teams better understand the unique needs and assets of the communities Horizon serves, and how the shared regional priorities will act to guide Horizon’s next steps in primary health care planning and service delivery. Forum attendees learned how community developers at Horizon are putting CHNA priorities into action and are working in collaboration with communities to support the evolution of community-based primary health care. The forum brought together over 200 leaders from across Horizon’s Primary Health Care program, representing the various communities Horizon serves. and help navigate our health care,” she said. The PHCACs work with new physicians and retiring physicians to ease transitions. If a physician retires and someone new takes over their practice, the PHCAC ensures the new physician has a good understanding of the practice before they come on board. They provide coordination and assistance to new physicians and nurse practitioners to enhance their practice while ensuring the primary health care needs and gaps in the communities are addressed. Understanding a community’s need is essential to the role these PCHACs play in health care in New Brunswick. They understand the specific needs of the area they serve to ensure the proper services are in place in order to continue helping people be healthy. For general inquiries regarding primary health care access, email PHCAccess@HorizonNB.ca.
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Karen McGrath President and CEO
Over the summer Horizon felt the nursing shortage while many staff took their vacation to enjoy the summer weather. We encourage our staff to take the vacation they deserve, but it’s times such as peak vacation time or flu season that we become acutely aware of the worsening nursing shortage. As CEO I strongly support the initiatives identified in the government plan and hope that we are able to welcome nurses to our organization soon! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - I love reading the Top 10 section of the Horizon Star, as it allows me insight to many of the things that are important to each of you. It’s wonderful to learn about the many things you are doing to reduce waste and save our environment. I know in my household we do our best to be environmentally conscious, and after reading many of the incredible things you do both at work and at home with your families I’m empowered to do even more! I hope you’re settling into fall after the amazing summer weather we had. Sincerely,
Horizon hosts Primary Health Care Education Forum
with new ideas. Happy reading,
GinaBeth Roberts Editor, Horizon Star
Karen McGrath President and CEO Horizon Health Network
Want to tell your colleagues about the services you provide for patients and staff throughout Horizon? Email HorizonStar@HorizonNB.ca .
How skin-to-skin during painful procedures supports babies, children, parents and health care providers
WHAT SKIN-TO-SKIN MEANS TO MOMS
At theMother Baby Clinic, we
offer the option for skin-to-skin
during heel pokes for all babies and parents. It has become a routine practice; we don’t even give it a second thought.
I would not have it any other way. To me it felt normal. Madelyn got a little bit of milk and it seems like it
It was amazing, Hayes didn’t
even cry when he had his shot because he was on me, he was nursing. For him, it was like nothing even happened. As a parent, it is comforting to know I can take away a little bit of their pain by being close. Jenna
Horizon’s Baby-Friendly Initiative team encourages all staff— and parents, guardians and family members—to promote and perform skin-to-skin with their newborns, toddlers and young children during painful procedures. Skin-to-skin means your baby is placed belly-down (wearing only a diaper), directly on your bare chest.
This can be immediately after birth (or as soon as the baby is born), frequently during your hospital stay, and when a young child is having any painful or upsetting test or procedure and many moments in between. Skin-to-skinwith breastfeeding and/or sucking is an effectiveway to decrease their pain!
I find giving parents a chance to hold their newborn not only gives baby a sense of security and helps with pain but empowers parents and builds confidence in their parenting skills. The initiative has made my job a lot easier. The baby is calmer, allowing for more efficient and effective results. It’s also a much more pleasant experience, during what can be a very stressful event for both parent and baby. Someone recently said if a child fell and started to cry our instinct would be to console them by picking the child up and holding them close. Skin-to-skin provides that very same comfort — it’s a basic instinct. Amanda Campbell Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified
soothed her so much faster. I find she cried a
lot less than any other child would have. I really think it’s great that this is the new normal. Anya
HOW SKIN-TO-SKIN HELPS STAFF PROVIDE CARE DURING PAINFUL PROCEDURES
When my daughter was around
It was my midwife who first recommended breastfeeding my baby during injections. I was amazed at the comfort it provided for my then infant. Now,
18-months-old she dislocated
Adjusting to the practice of heel pricks while the baby is skin- to-skin has been, at times, a struggle. It has been worth it, though, as I have now observed its benefits. The most obvious and No. 1 benefit is for the comfort of the infant. They are often calmer and cry
Several years ago, bloodwork, PKU test (a blood test looks for rare conditions, including phenylketonuria (PKU)) and immunizations on a newborn for
During my career, I have seen a shift of practise in recommending breastfeeding during painful experiences for infants and young
her elbow. The ER doctor was able to quickly set the arm back in place while she nursed, and she didn’t
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the most part did not happen in the roomwith the parents. We now know and educate new (and not so new) parents on the importance and benefits of newborns being skin-to-skin or breastfeeding during painful procedures. In 2011, as a new nurse in obstetrics, I watched as coworkers struggled to get bloodwork or fill a PKU card as newborns lay on their backs, wiggling in their basinets and crying. I was pregnant with my first son at the time, so I too felt when my son was born I didn’t want to watch or listen tomy baby cry during bloodwork. Both of my sons were taken out of the room for painful procedures and I was okay with that because I was unaware of the benefits of skin-to-skin. Fast forward to 2016: On my orientation, the LPNwas orientating me was showing me how to do a PKU in the roomwith the parents. Nurses were being courage to not take baby from the room during painful procedures. She showedme how to get baby all snuggled onto MomorDad’s chest andworkwith gravity to help the blood flow. Also, it also gives parents an active role in helping comfort their child. As parents we hold our childrenwhen they get stitches in the emergency department so why should painful procedures on a newborn be any different? My daughter was born in 2017 and I breastfed her while a nurse did her PKU. She didn’t cry, and the blood flowwas great, filling up the PKU card in a few short minutes. As a mom it felt good to be able to comfort her during that uncomfortable test. Kia Bridges LPN, Obstetrics, Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital
even flinch. I love that breastfeeding provides more than just nutrition for my child; it is also giving comfort. Deanna
three children later, I’ve seen this soothe them time and time again, frommy newborn, who snuggled in a little closer with a tear down his cheek, to my almost three-year-old child receiving his flu shot who said, “Mommy’s milk made it feel all better.” Dana
children. There are a few scenarios that stand out: The first was a mother breastfeeding her infant (over six months) during a urinary catheter. The infant tolerated the procedure with increased ease during the procedure and obtaining the specimens. Remarkably, when the procedure was completed the infant continued breastfeeding as the above never had taken place. The second occasion was with a young child (from 12 to 24 months) requiring their immunizations. During this scenario, the mother sat in a chair and breastfed during the immunizations. The young child was not fond of the procedure, however quickly recuperated and continued breastfeeding post-immunizations. Throughout my career, I have seen several other scenarios with breastfeeding during painful procedures. On many occasions I have been told by both parents that breastfeeding has aided in the decrease of their anxiety overall. Being a nurse for many years, this is what we do in the profession: We advocate pain relief during painful procedures. When we can include the parents along with a non- pharmalogical resources, it truly is a win-win scenario for the children and families. My best advice prior to any painful experience is to always have the discussion with the family on how best we can support the child and the family. Patient-and family-centered care truly is the focus here at Horizon. Misty Spencer RN / Nurse Educator, Women and Children’s Health Program, Horizon’s TheMoncton Hospital
Lactation Consultant, Mother Baby Clinic, Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital
much less if they are skin-to-skin or being held or fed by a parent. I find their feet easier to hold as they are not moving around as much, and it often means that the foot is hanging down so gravity actually aids in getting good blood flow to the foot. The parents are also much calmer and appear to have less anxiety when it is done this way. I find they feel they are actively helping their child during the procedure instead of just standing by the basinet and attempting to soothe the infant while looking on. This initiative is made possible when there is cooperation and understanding between the nursing staff and the lab staff. On my end, I have learned to take my time and make sure that the parent and child are comfortable and that I make the proper adjustments, so I am in the best position while performing the procedure. I have found that, in the majority of cases, we are all nowworking together to perform this necessary procedure in the least traumatic way possible for the newborns.
You are your baby’s whole world. Imagine them
Dads can do skin-to-skin, too! Dads can and should take part in skin-to-skin whenever and as often as possible (if Dwayne “The Rock” Johnston can do it, so can you!). Holding your baby close to your chest during a painful procedure will provide comfort and help decrease the baby’s pain during needles and blood tests. Being skin-to-skin will lower the baby (and Dad’s) stress level and reduce tears. Not only that, but it will help the baby develop and feel secure – all while bonding with Dad. Get comfortable and snuggle up!
facing a painful procedure like a needle or a blood drawwithout you. Holding your baby next to you, skin-to-skin, makes your baby feel secure,
protected and “home.” Dr. Nils Bergman’s research tells us that a mother’s chest is the baby’s natural habitat. Breastfeeding your baby during scary, painful procedures lets your baby know the breast is more than food — it’s their safe place. As a Public Health Nurse Lactation Consultant, I promote skin-to-skin for all babies and breastfeeding in addition to skin- to-skin during immunization. It makes the world of difference for baby, for Mommy and forme. The baby does somuch better with the needle — it’s remarkable. Kim Scott Nurse Lactation Consultant, Healthy Families, Healthy Babies Program, Public Health, Miramichi
You’ve read the success stories and can see the benefits of holding a baby or child close. Performing skin-to-skin during a painful procedure provides comfort and security, something every parent wants to be able to do for a baby or child in pain. As health care providers, Horizon staff should encourage parents to hold their child close during any painful procedure. The direct skin- to-skin contact will benefit everyone involved: baby will be less fussy, the parent more confident and staff better able to care for both. Help Horizon and Canada celebrate World Breastfeeding week Oct. 1 to 7 by encouraging parents to hold their baby close and perform skin-to-skin whenever possible!
HOW TO DO SKIN-TO-SKIN SAFELY
Every time your baby is skin-to-skin, make sure your baby’s: • shoulders and chest face you • face is visible • head is up (in ‘sniffing’ position), not looking down • nose andmouth are not covered
Lauren Graham Medical Lab Technologist, Laboratory Services, Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital
• head is turned to one side • neck is straight, not bent
• legs are in a frog-leg position; and • back is covered with a blanket. (Source: GNB)
A washer toss tourney for the record books: Horizon employees team-up to help set world record
The premature passing of Avery Astle and his three friends resonated with people from across New Brunswick, and what happened in the hours following Avery’s death sounded the alarm regarding gaps in coverage for tissue donation. Due to a shortage of trained staff, Avery Astle’s family was unable to have their son assessed for eligibility to become a tissue donor. This made an already terrible situation even more difficult. Michelle Astle, a social worker and long-term Horizon employee always knew the value of organ and tissue donation, so when presented with the earth-shattering news her son had died, it was an easy and quick decision to see if her son’s organs or tissues could be donated. Unfortunately, it was not possible. In the months since his passing, Michelle continues to be an advocate for organ and tissue donation, wanting to ensure changes are made so that no other family will live the same experience. Today, the NB Organ and Tissue Program has put in place changes to address identified gaps in service for eye/corneas and other tissue donation, with the program’s goal to provide all families the opportunity to donate. The organ donation team continues to provide 24/7 coverage and its services were not affected by the shortage. When the PEI/NB Barrel Horse Association hosted their “Race from the Heart show” fundraiser in Sussex Aug. 23 to 25, they selected New Brunswick’s Organ and Tissue Program as the recipient of their fundraising efforts as part of the #4AV movement in memory of Avery. Riders and their horses wore green (the official ribbon colour for organ and tissue donation) for the occasion. An amount of $600 was raised and presented to representatives from the NB Organ and Tissue Program, and Michelle Astle traveled from Miramichi to be in attendance. The money raised will contribute to raising awareness on the importance of organ and tissue donation. Horizon is thankful to the Astle family for being champions and advocating for changes and awareness for organ and tissue donation. The Astle family plans to establish the 4Av Foundation in memory of their son to raise awareness and help those in need. NB Organ and Tissue Program receives donation, thanks to Astle family
A pair of Horizon employees in Fredericton are now written in the history books — a big, giant, flashy, world-record-setting history book to be exact. Mike Gulliver, a painter at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and Romeo Leblanc, an administrative assistant at Fredericton Addiction and Mental Health Services were part of the World’s Largest Washer Toss Tournament. The record was set at the Come Home East Hants Association’s Tide Fest in 2017, and – after official video recordings and photographs were submitted and reviewed by the Guinness World Book of Records team — just became official earlier this year. The entry appears in the 2020 edition, published on Sept. 5. And not only were they part of the record- holding tournament — they won it! The path to victory Gully, as he’s known in the washer toss world, throws washers all-year long, but it was during the summers where his game really took off. He started playing at campgrounds, and the uniqueness of the backyard game drew people to his site. People asked where they could buy washer toss sets, and since they were not yet mass- manufactured, Mike started building them and would always bring a couple sets and sell them. He had been playing for 25 years before Romeo even started, but Romeo was no stranger to sports: he was busy being a champion bowler. They met at Mike’s annual backyard tournament a few summers ago, where Romeo was picked as Mike’s niece’s husband’s teammate. The pair went on to win the tournament.
The record attempt saw 304 teams — 608 participants — battle it out at the East Hants Sportsplex in Lantz, N.S. over three days.
The crowd was an intimidating, but exciting addition to the atmosphere.
Consistency is key — consistency and how fast and what angle the washer is thrown. “You get a lot of bounce,” said Romeo. “You’re throwing a steel, three-inch washer into a wooden box, so if it comes in too fast it’s going to bounce out.” A few triple pipe shots (all three of their washers in the pipe) don’t hurt either. Asked if they’ve ever made that shot comes the response: “Oh, plenty of times.” A game can last upwards of 45 minutes, but during the tournament many of their games were done within five to seven minutes as they were playing against a lot of non- competitive teams there to support the shot at the record. At Tide Fest they used official supplied washers; at other tournaments they usually bring their own. Both throw under-hand, but some players throw over-hand, and both carry a washer pick-up tool. “When you walk around with a magnet,” Romeo said, of the sawed-off driver he keeps on him, “they know you’ve been playing this game.” What’s next? Both have since scaled back on their washer toss playing. Mike won the tournament on an injury. He had a previous injury from 12 years prior, and the weekend before the tournament ripped a tendon and rotator cuff in his shoulder and couldn’t move his arm. “I won that tournament twice on a bad shoulder and lost it on a good one — it doesn’t make any sense!” he said, adding he had surgery last fall and is feeling better. The competition has stepped up and winning is more difficult now, but it’s still the sport they love most. “It’s quite a world,” Mike said. “Where else can you drink some beer, have some fun, make some money, and get in the World Book of Records?”
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Romeo Leblanc, an administrative assistant at Fredericton Addiction and Mental Health Services (left) and Mike Gulliver, a painter at Horizon’s Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECRH) are photographed at the DECRH holding their Guinness World Book of Records certificates.
“That got me hooked on it and I just went from there and tried to improve my game,” said Romeo, who previously worked in Food Services and Patient Information. “He’s a natural,” said Mike, who has been with Horizon for 12 years. Romeo heard about Tide Fest on social media and was intrigued organizers were going for a world record. He didn’t have a partner at the time, and advertised himself as a free agent. Despite the event being sandwiched between the Worlds, held in Stanley, and the NB Cup (yes, those are other washer toss tournaments), Mike couldn’t turn down this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and said, “Yes.” The washer toss tournament of all washer toss tournaments The record saw 304 teams — 608 participants — in men’s, women’s, mixed and non- competitive divisions battle it out at the East Hants Sportsplex in Lantz, N.S. over three days.
Mike and Romeo lost the Friday night New Brunswick-Nova Scotia cup (coming second) but beat out all other teams in the single- elimination tournament to win $2,000 and have the honour of having their names appear in the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records. It was a mix of intense pressure (a crowd of over 100 people watching) and intense camaraderie amongst players from across Atlantic Canada and as far as Wise County, Texas, the region that previously held this record. “It was great. It was amazing. The first day especially, when they were getting all the teams to walk into the dome,” said Romeo. “It was pretty amazing to be there for a record attempt. It was special.” They won again in 2018 (and the Friday night cup, too). This year they played on separate teams (Mike’s team came second). Train like a champ What makes a champion washer toss player?
How to Play Washer Toss Washer toss is played with two 12x12 boxes, each with a three-inch pipe in the middle, placed 20-feet apart. One player from each team stands behind the front edge of one of the boxes and throws a washer towards the other. A player from each team throws all a total of three washers before his or her competitor. You get two points for landing a washer in the box; you get three points for landing a washer in the pipe. But the score is only tallied after your competitor has thrown, and your competitor can easily nullify those points. Only one team can score in a round. “If you put all three in the box, then your competitor has to do the same to cancel out your points (same goes for washers in the pipe). If not, you earn those points. If he puts one in the pipe, he not only cancels your points, but earns three for his team,” explains Romeo. Each game goes to 21 points. Usually, a best of three match is played.
From left: Tammy Smith, NPBHA President; Michelle Astle, Avery Astle’s mother; and Nadya Savoie, Administrative Director, NB Organ and Tissue Program.
Washer toss cheque presentation. The duo won $2,000.
Look Who’s Shining! Know someone who’s accomplished something outstanding outside the workplace? Nominate a colleague, peer or volunteer for this feature by emailing HorizonStar@HorizonNB.ca .
Donation of benches for URVH’s walking trail to benefit “everybody”
OT recognized for improving quality of life for Muscular Dystrophy patients
“Children affected by Muscular Dystrophy and their families are truly amazing. I feel privileged to work with them and I’m happy to do all I can to make their day-to-day lives a little easier,” said Lise. Through her collaboration with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Lise’s patients received support and funding to get the assistive technology they needed to better function in their home, school and play environments. Some children benefit from tablets or special computer accessories to do their school work, others enjoy Smart Home technology to control lights or window blinds, and many need adaptations to electronic toys to achieve what all children need to do: explore through play. “Lise’s knowledge, passion and dedication to assistive technology, the profession of occupational therapy and to the many kids and families she assists is incredible,” said Horizon occupational therapist Kara Reid. “This award is so well deserved!” Lise was presented with the award at Fredericton’s annual Walk for Muscular Dystrophy in June.
For a variety of reasons, volunteers were unable to devote the time required to maintain the service. “It’s sad that we had to close,” said Rose, “but unfortunately things happen that you do not expect.” When the Board decided to disband, they chose to use remaining funds to purchase benches for the walking trails at URVH. The Board’s decision to donate the benches was one that everyone was happy with, including Board member Shirley Boyd, who said it was a very rewarding experience for her and her husband and fellow Board member, Stephen. “It will do a lot of good for everybody,” she said. Two benches on the trail have been placed in memory of: • Dawn Campbell, pioneer CCMAF member, for years of service and volunteering; and • Donna White, CCMAF treasurer, for years of service and volunteering. Two benches have been placed in honour of: • Jim Patterson, driver, for his time commitment with CCMAF in transporting patients; and • Rose Spike, CCAMF founder, for her dedication, advocacy and years of service.
Staff at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH) would like to thank and acknowledge the Carleton County Medical Assistance Foundation (CCMAF) for their generous donation of four benches for the hospital walking trail. All hospital staff, patients and family and friends will enjoy the benches. “On the walking trails if someone can only walk short distance, then they can relax and rest on a bench or if someone needs alone
time, it gives them a place to go,” said Rose Spike, association founder and president. “It is something that can be used for a lot of years to come.” The CCMAF was a community group of volunteers that graciously gave their time to raise funds to assist patients with medical transportation. The CCMAF was able to help many patients attend their medical appointments and procedures over the six years it was in operation.
Lise Bleau, occupational therapist inPediatrics at Horizon’s Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, was recently recognized for her extensive collaborative work with Muscular Dystrophy Canada to improve access to assistive technology for New Brunswickers with neuromuscular diseases. She was awarded the organization’s Excellence in Healthcare Delivery Award, which is given annually to a physician or clinician in each province for outstanding achievements in improving neuromuscular disease clinical practices and for playing an important role in improving the quality of life for people affected by neuromuscular disorders. Muscular Dystrophy includes a group of diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Lise specializes in assistive technology to help people with disabilities be more independent in their day-to-day lives. She determines what technology could best meet the needs of children and teenagers with neuromuscular diseases in order to improve their quality of life and autonomy. Recipients of the inaugural Tom Jarrett Exceptional Care Award were recognized for demonstrating exceptional care at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital at a ceremony in June. The awards acknowledged the dedication of outstanding staff members who provided exceptional service to patients of Horizon’s Health & Aging Program. The Health & Aging Program is dedicated to the delivery of care to frail older adults in the inpatient and outpatient environment through interdisciplinary care focusing on comprehensive quality health and social care. Tom Jarrett was the CEO of Loch Lomond Villa in Saint John, a home for aging adults in need of support, for many years until his retirement in 1999. He was committed to exceptional patient care. In 2017 and 2018, he was a patient at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital where he and his family received compassionate care from his health care providers, and all staff. His family established this award to recognize Horizon staff members who provide outstanding care. “On behalf of our father and our family, we wanted to acknowledge, with appreciation, the exceptional work these recipients do everyday as they care for older adults. Their dedication to their work, along with the compassion
Members and family members of the Carleton County Medical Assistance Foundation (CCMAF) and URVH staff are photographed at one of the benches donated by the foundation. Back row, from left: Richard Derrah, chief power engineer at Horizon’s Upper River Valley Hospital (URVH), CCMAF Board member Stephen Boyd, Jim Patterson, CCMAF driver, and Rose Spike, CCMAF founder. Front row, from left: Lois Cullen (sister of Dawn Campbell), MelissaWhite (daughter of DonnaWhite), CCMAF Board member Shirley Boyd, and Erica Hull, social worker at URVH.
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Lise, left, was presented with the award at Odell Park in Fredericton by Martha Donovan, service specialist with Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Inaugural awards recognize exceptional care at Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital
Making music at Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital
they show every day does not go unnoticed and is valued and appreciated by many,” said Horizon’s Dr. Pamela Jarrett, a geriatrician and Tom Jarrett’s daughter.
The award recipients were either nominated by patients, patients’ families or staff for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Meredith Hicks, Olivia Brownell and Hannah Dulenty worked in the hospital’s Brunswick West Family Practice Unit and Emergency Department. Almost every morning, Hannah, Meredith and Olivia would take 98-year-old Betty MacDonald, a Brunswick West patient, to the atrium and sing with her. Staff enjoyed the piano playing and the group’s singing, too. Betty, who has since passed away, had grown to love these students and referred to them as “my girls.” “During my co-op term, I without a doubt made memories I will never forget, especially with Betty,” said Olivia. “She taught us so much in such a short amount of time. “Although some days at co-op were difficult, as we experienced many of the ‘firsts’ of our nursing careers, I’d always leave the hospital with a full heart,” she continued. “We would sing You Are My Sunshine with Betty each day, and looking back on our experience, she was definitely our sunshine with the joy she brought us. There is something so special about connecting with patients and getting to know them.”
Five mornings a week from February until June, co-op students from Tantramar Regional High School worked at Horizon’s Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital (SMH). Three students went above and beyond their work duties, bringing music and joy to the halls, patients and staff at the hospital.
Hannah, Meredith and Olivia celebrated their last day as co-op students at Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital in June. Olivia and Meredith are off to St. Francis Xavier University in September to pursue Nursing degrees, while Hannah will attend the University of Prince Edward Island to study Psychology, with hopes of entering Nursing the following year. “Our future is bright if based on these dedicated young students!” said Beth Black, registered nurse at SMH.
Front row (from left): Award recipients PamWallace, Physiotherapist; Linda Cunningham, Environmental Services; Christine Phillips, Unit Aide, Cognitive Assessment Management (CAM) unit; Tanya Doyle, Ward Clerk, CAM unit; Lorraine Kincade, RN, 8th floor Transitional Care Unit; Lynda Parks, Charge RN, CAM unit. Back row (from left): Nancy Marsh, daughter of Tom Jarrett; Dr. Pamela Jarrett, daughter of Tom Jarrett and geriatrician; Laureen Jarrett, wife of Tom Jarrett; and award recipient, Jean Hawkes, Occupational Therapist. Absent from photo: Award recipient, Elaine Smith, PCA, seventh floor Transitional Care Unit. Congratulations
Horizon co-op students Olivia and Meredith, and patient, Betty, in Horizon’s Sackville Memorial Hospital atrium.
‘He just loves the sound of motorcycles’: Health care team, former patient surprise cerebral palsy patient with his own rally
Eye bank celebrates 25 years
This summer, the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program - Ocular Division, based out of Horizon’s St. Joseph’s Hospital (SJH), celebrated 25 years of giving the “gift of sight.” The program, originally known as the New Brunswick Eye Bank, is responsible for cornea recovery, assessment and release for transplant service to New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. The eye bank is the bridge between donor families and recipients, said Debbie Jefferson, who has been with the program for 15 years, and is now its nurse manager. “We’re helping our donor families turn an unfortunate situation hopefully into a better one, and we’re also helping recipients with the gift of sight,” she said, of the rewarding work. The eye bank officially opened at SJH in 1994, several years after corneal surgeon Dr. Mark Johnston determined the need for corneal tissue in New Brunswick. Dr. Johnston was recovering corneas at night and performing corneal transplants during the day, and the demand became too much for one person. That’s when Mary Gatien, an RN, was brought in as program director; for two years, they were a two-person operation, performing all corneal retrievals for this program. The eye bank has grown in the past few decades, merging with the Tissue Bank from Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital (TMH) in 2009, then with the New Brunswick Organ Program in 2013. With these mergers the eye bank name changed to the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program (NBOTP) - Ocular Division. Now, there is a staff of five at SJH, and 25 eye bank technicians (RNs and LPNs) who perform corneal recoveries throughout the province. Nadya Savoie, the NBOTP’s Administrative Director, works from Horizon’s TMH. In addition to Debbie, the team at SJH includes eye bank nurses Sue Giggey, Chantal Haley and Haven Perry and Robyn Richardson, the team’s administrative assistant. Debbie and Sue are both Certified Eye Bank Technicians and Physician Designees for their The New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program - Ocular Division team at Horizon’s St. Joseph Hospital (SJH) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the program this summer. From left: Robyn Richardson, administrative assistant; Chantal Haley, RN; Debbie Jefferson, Manager; Sue Giggey, LPN, and Haven Perry, RN.
There’s not much that makes Justin Cormier happier than the roar of a motorcycle engine. Well, maybe the sound of nine of them. Justin has cerebral palsy and has been a patient on the Cardiac Step-Down Unit at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital for two-and-a-half years. It’s no surprise to anyone who knows him that motorcycles are his thing. That’s why, on a Thursday evening in late August, Justin was surprised by his own personal motorcycle rally outside the hospital’s Ambulatory Care entrance. His face lit up with pure joy as he heard the sounds of bike after bike turning the corner to park in a line in front of him. For his patient care attendant, Tony Lapointe, who has been working with Justin for almost two years, there’s no one more deserving of this special event. “Five minutes a day with him in this building and it changes the way you feel about your day,” Tony said. Tony has been working at the hospital for 25 years, and his connection with a patient has never been stronger. “This is the most rewarding job I’ve had in my life,” he said. “I even think of him when I’m not here.” Tony works with Justin every day he’s on shift. He does his bedside and oral care, and then gets him into his own Harley Davidson — his orange and black motorized wheelchair, decked out with a licence plate and motorcycle stickers — for a walk around the hospital. There aren’t many people in the hospital who don’t know him, Tony said, and he leaves “everybody a better person.” Justin’s love of motorcycles is clear to anyone who meets him— especially someone who’s been biking for 49 years. Keith Noble was in the hospital last year for a couple months, recovering from neck, back and rib injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident when he met Justin on one of his walks with Tony.
The Donor Quilt hangs from the ceiling at the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program – Ocular Division at SJH. Each square of the quilt honors a donor’s memory.
Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Seamone, a corneal surgeon in Halifax who has been the eye bank’s Medical Director since 1997. Chantal and Haven are in training for these specialized eye bank roles. All recovered corneas in New Brunswick are sent to the Eye Bank at SJH for an evaluation and assessment. The Certified Eye Bank Technicians assess each cornea to ensure all standards and regulations are met prior to the corneas be offered for transplant. Donors must be under the age of 76. They don’t have to have 20/20 vision or be in perfect health. For example, even people living with diabetes with retinal disease can still be donors if they meet all other criteria. The program has between 100 to 125 donors a year, and since its inception has recovered over 4,000 corneas in New Brunswick. Corneas are sent to Halifax to be transplanted, which is also where New Brunswick patients currently go to have their corneal transplant surgery. Donor families must give consent and answer questions about their loved ones’ medical and social history within a few hours of their passing. The donor family is contacted so soon after death due to tight timelines needed in the recovery of the cornea. The cornea can be transplanted up to 14 days following its recovery. “I’m always so amazed with our donor families. They are always so kind and gracious when we call to ask about donation,” said Debbie. “They’ve gone through a rough time, their family member has passed away, yet they’re very kind and answer our questions.” A year after the donation, a letter is sent to donor families asking them if they’d like to participate in the Donor Quilt, which
The New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program - Ocular Division recently achieved 100 per cent compliance on its Eye Bank of America (EBAA) inspection site visit. The rating means the program can expect to obtain full accreditation status from the EBAA Accreditation Board for the next three years. Congratulations to the team on this achievement and thank you for all of your hard work leading up to and throughout this inspection! is on display at SJH. The Donor Quilt was developed in 1998 as a way to honour donors and their families. Families are given the opportunity to make a quilt square showing special memories of their loved one. The Donor Quilt will be on display this year at the NBOTP Annual Donor Celebration of Thanks Ceremony at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH). Each year the NBOTP has a special celebration to say thank you to its donors and their families. Debbie has seen many changes in corneal recovery and transplants over the years, and there are still lots of advancements to be seen in the province. Corneas used to be transplanted whole; now, they’re transplanted by layers. Most eye banks are performing these cuts, but that doesn’t happen in New Brunswick because the team doesn’t have the specialized equipment and training and direct access to a corneal surgeon. However, this is changing, as Dr. Zack Ashkenazy has recently joined Horizon and has already performed two corneal transplants at SJH.
Justin and his parents pose for a photo behind one of the Harley Davidson motorcycles during a special surprise visit to Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital.
She called Keith and her brother-in-law, who called their friends, and asked other staff who had motorcycles in the hospital, who did the same. The answer to her request of asking if they’d come to the hospital one evening for Justin was always an easy, “Yes.” “All you have to do is reach out to people,” she said. “People are great.” Nancy agrees. “There are no words to explain how thankful, how grateful, how blessed we are to have these people who can do this for him,” she said, adding that Justin is doing well and has received excellent care by everyone who has worked with him at the hospital. Justin and Keith shared a special moment at the visit, when Keith told Justin’s mom to wheel Justin close enough to his Harley so he could put his hand on the throttle while he revved it, feeling the vibrations. It’s the rev of the engines that elicit such joy from the 26-year-old. He doesn’t see 100 per cent, so his hearing is very much in tune. “He hears them from a long way’s away. By the time they got here, it was like, ‘Breathe, Justin!’,” she said. “He was on top of the world.”
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Keith had a collection of stuffed Harley toys and memorabilia his daughters had given to him over the years, and he knew Justin would appreciate them. He was right — “They’re all in his room,” said Justin’s mom, Nancy, who attended the surprise motorcycle rally, as did his dad, brother, grandparents and extended family members. Keith just so happened to be friends with Lori Vrensen, the staff scheduler for Stroke, Palliative Care and Family Practice units, and Lori wanted to do something special for Justin. Justin Cormier, a patient at Horizon’s The Moncton Hospital, was surprised by a motorcycle motorcade visit by former patient Keith Noble (right), his mom, Nancy, and his patient care attending Tony Lapointe, and other Horizon staff members and family members.
Justin and Lori Vrensen, staff scheduler for Stroke, Palliative Care and Family Practice units, share a moment of excitement as more motorcycles roll in.
Teammembers of the New Brunswick Organ and Tissue Program celebrated the 25th anniversary of the program’s Ocular Division in June at SJH.
Justin and his crew outside the Ambulatory Care Clinic.
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