PEMBROKE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

President & CEO Report – April 2011

 

Education Session

 

The Board was provided with a presentation on our new Stroke Prevention Clinic by Sabine Mersmann and Dr. Debbie Timpson.

 

C Difficile Outbreak Declared On Third Floor Medical Unit

 

A spike in the number of hospital-acquired cases of Clostridium difficile (C difficile) last month prompted a declaration of an outbreak on the Pembroke Regional Hospital’s third-floor Medical Unit effective March 31st.

 

Regular contact with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit as well as consultations with the Champlain Infection Control Network lead to the Hospital’s declaration and, in line with best practices, additional cleaning procedures were put in place.

 

While the outbreak did not result in restrictions on visitors to the unit, family members and visitors were reminded that they should stay home if they themselves are sick or feeling unwell and to ensure proper hand hygiene practices when visiting to prevent the spread of C difficile.

 

C difficile is a bacterium that in its toxin form causes diarrhea and can cause more serious intestinal conditions. Those most at risk of contracting C difficile include the elderly population, patients who have been treated recently with antibiotics and people with compromised immune systems or other illnesses.

 

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit declared the outbreak over Tuesday, April 26, 2011 after seeing no further transmission of C difficile in the four weeks ending April 24.

 

Grand Opening of New Systemic Therapy (Chemotherapy) Satellite Clinic

 

Operational since the end of February, our new Systemic Therapy (Chemotherapy) Satellite Service will be officially opened at an on-site ceremony on the afternoon of May 2nd.

 

A joint venture between Pembroke Regional Hospital and The Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Program the new service involves both chemotherapy and medical day care services for cancer patients such as blood transfusions and pain management and is located in an outpatient area close to the diagnostic imaging department.

 

Under the leadership of Dr. Joel Ward, five physicians provide support on a rotational basis to this clinic which is anticipated to accommodate up to 400 patient visits in its first year.

 

Patients are referred to the new clinic by an oncologist in Ottawa, thereby improving accessibility of care and decreasing travel time for patients in our community. In addition, Telemedicine is used to access oncologists and other professionals from the Regional Cancer Centre.

 

 

 

Staff Recognized For Perfect And Outstanding Attendance

 

On May 3rd, our annual Attendance Awards Breakfast will be held honouring those full time staff who achieved perfect attendance in 2010 or had less than 15 hours of sick time during the course of the year.

 

This year we will recognize 61 staff who achieved between one and 11 years of perfect attendance and 59 staff who will be recognized for outstanding attendance.

 

Staff who have achieved perfect attendance are rewarded with a certificate as well as a monetary gift for certain milestones, while those in the outstanding attendance category receive a certificate and have their names placed in a draw for a gift.

 

Volunteer Appreciation Activities

 

As part of National Volunteer Week (April 10th-16th) the Pembroke Regional Hospital’s volunteers were formally recognized and celebrated at a Chapel Service on April 18th and a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on April 20th.

 

Approximately 170 volunteers attended the dinner which was held at Germania Hall. During the dinner, the long service achievements of our volunteers were also recognized. The ongoing contribution of more than 400 volunteers (Auxiliary, Hospital, Board and Foundation) is valued and appreciated by the Hospital Board, Leadership Team, staff, physicians and most importantly, our patients.

 

The Ottawa Hospital Spring Planning Day

 

Barb and I were happy to accept an invitation from the The Ottawa Hospital's Board Chair, Phil Murray, to attend their Spring Planning Retreat on May 8th.  Their spring retreat will focus on “The Ottawa Hospital’s role in the Champlain LHIN: Challenges and Opportunities” and we have been asked to make a short presentation describing our programs and services, our top three challenges and opportunities, and how we might work together to address these. 

 

 

Pierre Noel, April 21, 2011