SPH Welcomes the Completion of the Palliative Care Unit The ...

SPH Welcomes the Completion of the Palliative Care Unit
On October 15, 2002, the Vancouver
Island Health Authority officially
opened the 10-bed palliative care unit at
the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. The space
became available when the maternity service
was moved to Victoria General. To provide a
more suitable space for palliative care, some
changes were made in the unit at that time.
“We felt we would be able to offer a palliative
care service in that environment until we were
able to upgrade,” explains Darcee Bidgood,
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Acute & Palliative
Care at SPH. “We made that decision because
a need had been identified and we already had
the staff.” The goal was always to renovate the
unit and seven months ago, the wheels were set
in motion to begin construction on the facility.
Much to the delight of the staff, volunteers
and the community, the new Palliative Care
Unit is finally re-opening at the end of this
month???. “We wanted to do it right and that
takes time,” says Darcee. “We wanted the unit
to feel home-like while remaining a functional
care environment. It takes quite a bit of
planning and the professional expertise we
received was very valuable.” Darcee states that
one of the best decisions they could have made
was to hire an interior designer to work along
with the architect.
A variety of user-group meetings were
held to collect input and ideas from the staff,
volunteers and stakeholders. It was unanimous
that keeping natural light in the unit was very
important. One of the best ideas to come from
the staff was to build a door between two of the
rooms so that it could act as two private rooms
or one large semi-private room, depending on
the relationship between the patients and
families.
Other changes and upgrades include an
addition to the structure of the building, the
repositioning of the lounge, a kitchenette and
each bedroom has a private bathroom. Shelagh
Bell, a Palliative volunteer, SPH Auxiliary
member and Board Member of the Foundation
points out the wood boxes fixed to the wall
outside of each room where patients can
display personal items to identify the room as
their own. This is just one extra touch that
makes the unit less institutional looking, which
is very important in meeting needs of palliative
patients and families.
Darcee and Shelagh admit that it seems
like they have been waiting a long time for the
new unit to open but both are very excited. “I
can hardly wait to see it!” says Shelagh. She is
also looking forward to doing what she was
trained to do as a Palliative volunteer. As for
Darcee, she is most pleased about the little
changes that make the unit seem more like
home.
She also highlights that the project has
received tremendous support from the
community. One third of the funds for the
renovations have been from donors through the
SPH Foundation. As a thank you, a donor
reception is being held on November 18 th .
VIHA and the Capital Regional District
provided the remaining two thirds of the
funding. For anyone else interested in seeing
the new space, a community open house will
take place on Saturday, November 20 th from
1:00 – 3:00 pm in the unit.
It is anticipated that new patients will be
admitted by the first week of December. “We
want to be able to offer the very best care to our
patients,” says Darcee. “These renovations will
help us do that by creating a comfortable and
warm environment.” �
The Victoria Sobering & Assessment Centre breaks new
ground with Volunteer Programs
he Sobering and Assessment Centre
opened on February 24 th T
, 2004, as part
of Withdrawal Management Services,
located on Pembroke Street. Part of the
Functional Plan for the Sobering & Assessment
is to implement a Volunteer Program. “We
have been breaking new ground with the
development of this program,” says Maureen
Fatin, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources.
“However, it is in keeping with VIHA’s overall
direction to have volunteer involvement
throughout its programs.”
VIHA’s Sobering & Assessment Centre
provides a non-judgmental short-term refuge
for people who are struggling with addiction
problems. The Centre provides a voluntary and
safe therapeutic shelter on a temporary basis. It
is comfortable and the centre treats clients with
respect while they are under the influence of
substances. “There is a real opportunity for
staff and volunteers to work together in a new
environment with this clientele, as a cohesive
team,” says Maureen.
Some of the services being offered and
which have strong volunteer involvement are:
Clothing Service: Clients who are in need
are able to access some clothing from the
Clothing Closet donations, which was set up
shortly after the opening of the Centre. Tara, a
VIHA volunteer runs this program, “For me,
volunteering is an opportunity to give back and
help those in need in the community.”
Clothing is generously donated from the James
Bay Community Closet, by the staff and by
some corporate donors.
Tara is extremely dedicated and
commented, “I like being here because it is a
good learning experience and I enjoy the
interaction with staff and clients. It has also
opened new doors for me by being able to take
additional training.”
Pet Services: On-Call Pet shelter
volunteers have also been recruited and are
available to take charge of clients’ pets during
their stay. These volunteers working with staff
provide food, water and exercise to the animals.
They also assess the overall physical condition
of clients’ pets, linking them up to necessary
veterinary services and help maintain the
shelter in a sanitary condition.
Research: A Research support volunteer
has been recruited and is working with
Maureen on donations of light-hearted videos
for the Detox Centre, setting up a small library
and educational material for use by clients.
In addition to the above programs, a new
Welcome Volunteer Program is in the process
of being implemented. This will involve
volunteers liaising with clients in both the
Victoria Sobering & Assessment Centre and
the adjoining Detox Centre. These volunteers
will work with regular Centre staff members
while clients are staying at both facilities. They
will welcome clients, offer caring conversation
and assist with the use of the laundry facilities.
They will also distribute wholesome snacks and
refreshments to clients and join them doing
occupational games and puzzles.
November 17, 2004
A BI-WEEKLY PAPER FOR STAFF, PHYSICIANS, VOLUNTEERS & AFFILIATES OF VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH (SOUTH ISLAND)
Tara, VIHA Volunteer, organizing
clothing donations at the Sobering &
Assessment Centre
If you would like to donate clothing, the
Centre is currently in need of new socks, warm
jackets, sweat pants, fleece shirts in good
condition. If you think you have the skills and
the interest in volunteering at the Centre, please
call Maureen at 213-4444, Ext. 3266 or email
maureen.fatin@caphealth.org. �
All Gazette articles are developed by the Communications office unless otherwise noted.
Share your ideas! Call Karen Clifford at 370-8374 or email karen.clifford@caphealth.org, or e-mail staffspeak@viha.ca
Our Vision: Healthy People, Healthy Island Communities, Seamless Service

Things to Know…
LOTTO WINNERS
Here are the recent GVHF lotto winners for
October 15 th .
Lotto 200 – Charlene McCabe, VGH
Lotto 500 – Barbara Jones, RJH
CANADIAN TIRE MONEY
The Canadian Tire Money total at the end
of October is $161.75. Thank you so much for
the donations. There are only a few weeks left
to collect for the Christmas Hamper drive.
Please remember that this 'money' goes towards
buying household goods for the Mustard Seed,
a very worthy cause. Please send any Canadian
Tire money that you won't be using to me at
Victoria General Health Records. Let's get into
the Christmas spirit and share with those less
fortunate. ~ Thanks, Heidi Young
THANK YOU!
Thanks to all who helped to make the
CONA (Canadian Orthopaedic Nurses'
Association) conference on October 30 th a
success. We appreciate the presentations by
Drs. McAllister, Dryden, and Wheeler, as well
as Deb Exelby, Norma Jones, Jackie Walker,
and the support of the sponsors and
participants. Congratulations to Heather
Larocque who, as the first registrant, won free
registration to the conference. Keep October
30 th in mind next year for National Orthopaedic
Nurses' Day....and celebrate bone health
everyday with calcium rich foods and weight
bearing exercise!!
PRACTICAL NURSE
PRECEPTORS NEEDED:
Camosun College Access PN program are
seeking preceptors for their Final Preceptorship
December 20 to 24 and January 3 to 28 (approx
185 hrs - with two week break for Christmas).
If you are interested in volunteering, please
discuss with your manager/leader and contact:
Joanne Maclaren, Clinical Placement
Coordinator, VIHA (South) at 544-2509 or
joanne.maclaren@caphealth.org.
SPH AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR & CRAFT FAIR
Saturday, November 20 th from 10:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mary Winspear
Centre at Sanscha in Sidney. Admission is
free, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
Places to Go…
HOSPICE PALLIATIVE CARE
INFORMATION EVENINGS
Victoria Hospice presents a new series of
monthly Hospice Palliative Care Information
Evenings, Tuesday, December 14, 7 to 9 pm,
Salvation Army Citadel Church, 4030 Douglas
off Mackenzie, near Pat Bay Highway.
Information and a panel discussion led by a
nurse, counsellor and volunteer from Victoria
Hospice, as well as a Home & Community
Care Nurse. Come learn about end-of-life care
options in Greater Victoria. Free admission,
open to all. Volunteer drivers available at
Victoria Hospice Volunteer Office: 370-8727.
People to Meet…
RETIRING
Dr. Neil Donen will be retiring on
December 31, 2004. His dual appointment as
Director of Continuing Medical Education and
Chair of the Quality Improvement Council
have provided an opportunity to link these two
The event will have many beautiful handicrafts,
Christmas decorations, gifts, collectables,
books, white elephant, gourmet basket draws
and a raffle. If you don't attend for the crafts,
come for the goodies such as jams, jellies,
baking and Christmas specialties, gourmet
pickles and relishes. All of the proceeds will
go towards purchasing equipment for the
Saanich Peninsula Hospital. We hope to see
you there - everyone is welcome!
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank the following
businesses for generously donating prizes
towards our Employee Community Service
Fund Charity campaign. Also a big thank you
goes out to everyone, who during tough
financial times, reached into their pockets to
donate.
COOK'S DAY OFF
COOK STREET WINERY
THE VILLAGE WINERY
CHRISTIE'S PUB
GOLDSTREAM U-BREW
MARINE ECOLOGY OF SIDNEY
MT. DOUGLAS GOLF
STARBUCK'S COFFEE
THE WHITE SPOT
Thank you on behalf of the RJH
Employee's Community Service Fund
Committee ~ Roy Baldwin-Vice President and Barb
Shaw-Treasurer
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who supported the
VGH Community Services Fund Campaign!
To all the employees who kindly pledged from
their paychecks, the dedicated canvassers, the
wonderful volunteers who graciously gave of
themselves for such a worthy cause at the Let's
Dance United Way Fundraiser (a special note
of Thanks to "Trixie" for his/her effort of
presentation!! )
Thank you to the following businesses for
their generous prize donations for the 2004
VGH Employee Community Services Fund
Campaign:
ANGEL ACCESSIBILITY SOLUTIONS
LTD, BEST WESTERN CARLTON PLAZA
HOTEL, BUTCHART GARDENS, CHOC O
NUTS, COMFORT INN, CRAIGDARROCH
CASTLE, ESQUIMALT RECREATION
CENTRE, GARDENWORKS, GOODVIEW
FAMILY RESTAURANT, GENERAL
PAINT, HALIBUT HOUSE CHINESE FOOD
SING YOUR HEART OUT!
The Cancer Centre/Hospice/RJH
Community Choir invites you to participate in
this life-sustaining project. SOWELU has been
developed to provide an opportunity for
ANYONE and EVERYONE in our health care
community (patients, family members, staff,
volunteers) to come together and create music
through singing that focuses on healing and the
Spiritual Warrior.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CHOIR
"Sing Noel: Christmas at
RJH Pemberton Memorial
Chapel" St. Dunstan's
Children's Choir Sunday,
December 5 th at 2:30 pm.
Tickets $15 available at RJH
Gift Shop or phone Norene at 598-5680 ~
Sponsored by RJH Nursing Alumnae
vital facets of medical care quality. Dr. Donen
has taken Continuing Medical Education into
the 21st century with the development of a
first-class website (http://cme.viha.ca) that has
served as a model throughout the province of
BC. Similarly, Dr. Donen has led the Quality
Improvement Council in coordinating and
developing standards for medical practice in
RESTAURANT, HEAVEN THE SPA ON
THE ROCK, HELMCKEN MARKET, LADY
MAE UNIFORMS, LEXINGTON SPA,
MARINE ECOLOGY CENTRE,
MCMORRAN'S BEACH HOUSE,
MEDICHAIR, MEDIVAN, MING'S
RESTAURANT, 100.3 THE Q, PACIFIC
COMPANION TRANSPORT, ROMANOS
MACARONI GRILL, SAANICH
COMMONWEALTH PLACE, SOOKJAI
THAI RESTAURANT, THE OLDE
SPAGHETTI FACTORY, THRIFTY FOODS
Many Thanks on behalf of the VGH
Employee's Community Services Fund
Committee ~ Brenda Austin / Kelly Patterson
NOTICE OF EVENT
Victoria Cool Aid Society has been
building hope, lives, and community since
1968. Through holistic healthcare, housing, and
shelter for those in need, Cool Aid hopes to
eliminate homelessness in the CRD.
At least 60% of Cool Aid's clients struggle
with mental health and/or addiction issues and
almost all of Cool Aid’s clients are considered
at-risk.
This year, in an effort to alleviate poverty
and eliminate homelessness, several hundred
community members will embark upon Greater
Victoria’s first Homeless Count on January
15 th , 2005.
Led by representatives from the Cool Aid
Society, the Open Door Inner City Ministry,
Burnside Gorge Community Association, The
Salvation Army Addictions Rehabilitation
Centre, The Native Friendship Centre,
Coordinated Housing Registry, City of
Victoria, and District of Saanich, the count will
provide a baseline estimate of the number of
homeless in the Capital Regional District.
The count results will bring to light the
need of those most marginalized in our
community. By means of a dinner, 6 hour
rough count, and 24 hour agency count, the
group hopes to increase awareness and provide
research for social policy development.
For more information on the count, go to
www.coolaid.org or call 250-383-1977 for
more details. It’s important to be counted in as
a volunteer, supporter, and community member
seeking change – because to build community
solutions, everyone counts.
VIHA STAFF & FAMILY
CHRISTMAS SKATING PARTY
DATE: December 5, 2004
TIME: 11:00am-12:50pm.
PLACE: George Pearkes Arena
3100 Tillicum Road
COST: Free
Come out and enjoy a free skate at George
Pearkes Arena on Sunday, December 5th.
There is no need to register, just show up with
your skates or if you need to rent, there is no
charge but do bring your own helmets for
young children. If you require more info please
email bshaw@caphealth.org or phone Barb
Shaw at 370-8111 local 2006.
the Greater Victoria community. Dr. Donen’s
contribution to the medical staff organization
and to patient care in Victoria has been
enormous and will be sadly missed. We
certainly wish him well in his retirement with
his many medical and non-medical interests.
The Gazette is produced by the Communications Dept. bi-weekly. Let us know what you think? E-mail feedback or article ideas to:
gazette@caphealth.org or via Interoffice Mail: RJH – Begbie Hall, #308, or fax 370-8888. General submissions are to be no larger than 150
words. We will connect you with our writer for article ideas (300-500 words). We retain the right to edit. Submissions should be submitted to
the Gazette no later than the Thursday prior to the day of publishing. Call Karen Clifford at 370-8374 for more info. Only one week’s
placement is guaranteed. Current and archived copies are available at: http://www.viha.ca/news.