COMMUNITY UPDATESPRING/SUMMER 2009

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Building Healthier Communities

C O M M U N I T Y U P D A T E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 0 9

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Message from CEO & Board ChairWelcome to the fi rst issue of Regional Health Authority (RHA) B’s Report to the Community, a publication that highlights our recent accomplishments and outlines our future goals.

Since forming RHA B, Atlantic Canada’s largest health authority, we have made tremendous strides in becoming a more integrated healthcare system. With a wave of new projects and goals being set, as well as objectives coming to fruition, RHA B is moving forward successfully as an organization.

Though it has been diffi cult at times, molding the region into a more effi cient and effective entity has been a rewarding and exciting time. There have been many successes that will enhance how healthcare is being delivered. While from the outside looking in it may seem as though the progression has been gradual, there have been many milestones reached and a great deal of targets met.

We’re lucky to be part of such a great community, and as we continue to grow and evolve, we feel it is important for us to reach out to you. We want to bring you along in our journey, and include you in the process as we continue to develop, step by step.

We encourage you to read through the articles in this report and see for yourself the great things that have already taken place within RHA B, and the changes that will be forthcoming.

Within the report you will fi nd information about various facilities, healthcare professionals, and our services. You will further see how our commitment to our community begins with providing safe and high-quality patient care.

Working alongside so many great health professionals and our Foundations, Volunteers and Auxilaries has been a privilege. We have a group of outstanding employees who fi ll many roles. They are our most important resource, and for this reason we are excited to highlight their accomplishments.

With all of the great things taking place within RHA B, we are optimistic and truly excited about what is yet to come, and what we have set out to achieve.

Sincerely,

Donald J. PetersPresident & CEO RHA B

John LaidlawChair of RHA B Board of Directors

President & CEO RHA B

John Laidlaw

Donald J. Peters, President & Chief Executive Offi cer

Donald J. Peters was President / CEO of the South East Regional Health Authority based in Moncton, NB, having been appointed to this position in 2000. Before this, he was the Chief Operating Offi cer of the Central Regional Health Board located in Dartmouth, NS and from 1984 to 1996 he was the CEO of the Dartmouth General Hospital and the Hants Community Hospital in Windsor, NS. Mr. Peters began his healthcare career at the IWK Hospital and then the Halifax Infi rmary where he was the Assistant Executive Director from 1976 to 1984.

Mr. Peters has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Diploma in Engineering from St. Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. He holds a Diploma in Healthcare Organization and Management from the Canadian Healthcare Association and is a member of the Canadian Council of Health Service Executives.

John Laidlaw, Chair of RHA B Board of Directors

John Laidlaw is a partner in the Saint John offi ce of the law fi rm of Cox and Palmer. His practice is in the area of corporate and commercial law.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Allison University in 1980. He then attended the University of New Brunswick Law School, graduating in 1983. He was admitted to the New Brunswick Law Society in 1984 and is a member of the Saint John Law Society, the New Brunswick Law Society and the Canadian Bar Association.

In addition to his law practice, Laidlaw currently serves on the Board of Regents of Mount Allison University. He is also a director of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior “A” Hockey League.

On the cover: clockwise from the left — Darin Luke, SLP-Fredericton Unit; Gisèle Léger, Pharmacist, The Moncton Hospital; Jeff Poirier, Nurse, The Moncton Hospital; Fonda Dunston, Nurse The Moncton Hospital; and Roddy Barton, Nurse, Chipman.

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James Lutes Rothesay, Vice-Chair

Harry Doyle Lower Coverdale,

Treasurer

Rod Borden Saint John

Karen Branscombe Moncton

Richard Breault Neguac

Leo Burns Miramichi

Dr. Natasha Campbell Moncton

Cathy Carnahan Chelmsford

Lise Drisdelle-Cormier

Rothesay

Bryana Ganong Charlotte County

Mavis Hurley Upper Kingsclear

Jean-Eudes Levesque New Maryland

Bruce McCubbin Saint John

Barbara A. Quigley Moncton

Wayne Roach Aroostook

Roxanne Sappier Tobique First Nation

Board of Directors

RHA B: By the numbersOn March 11, 2008, our government announced a new, transformational approach in the governance and structure of the New Brunswick health-care system.

The goal was to make the health system more accountable to New Brunswickers.

To provide New Brunswickers with a better opportunity to be engaged in how healthcare is delivered in their communities and throughout the province.

To develop a new approach to the delivery of non-clinical services to save money to put back into patient care.

To accomplish these goals, we created two Regional Health Authorities to better meet the clinical needs of New Brunswickers and reduce the duplication that existed with eight Regional Health Authorities.

Regional Health Authority A and Regional Health Authority B became fully operational on September 1, 2008 – a mere eight months ago.

Since that time, the management, clinical staff and all other employees have dedicated themselves to our shared commitment of putting patients fi rst.

Individually and working together, RHA A and RHA B have improved patient services, eliminated unnecessary duplication, and strengthened our health-care system.

Our health authorities today are governed by board members selected for their

demonstrated competencies and skills, so necessary to oversee the operation of our multi-billion-dollar health system.

The move to two Regional Health Authorities and the consolidation of non-clinical services under a new public company, FacilicorpNB, has created a more effi cient and

sustainable public health system. It is a system that will remain strong as we continue on our journey to a self-suffi cient New Brunswick.

We also created the New Brunswick Health Council to provide New Brunswickers with opportunities to shape healthcare that did not existed before. This will drive further improvement in clinical care. It will further inform us of where we need to be investing resources to meet the needs of New Brunswickers.

In the eight months since these four new entities came into being, much has been accomplished and more will be done.

As Minister, I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone in RHA A, RHA B, the Health Council and FacilicorpNB for joining us on our journey to preserve the best of what our health system offers and to strengthen those areas where improvement is needed.

Honourable Michael B. Murphy, Q.C.Minister of Health Government House Leader

• Population withinRHA B region: (approx) .......................600,000

• Budget: ............................................$1Billion

• Number of physicians: .........................1,000

• Number of staff: ..................................13,000

• Number of volunteers including Alumni/Auxiliaries: ..............3,500

• Number of hospitals: .................................12

• Number of beds: ..................................1,675

• Number of patient days: ..................601,000

• Number of surgeries completed per year: ............................48,000 +

• Number of emergency department visits annually: ..............410,000 +

• Number of clinic visits per year: (approx) ..............................350,000

• Number of Extra Mural Program visits annually: (approx) ......................300,000

• Number of diagnostic exams completed annually: .........................715,000 +

• Number of births: .................................4,790

• Number of provincial Rehabilitation Centres: ............................. 1

• Number of Veterans Units: .......................... 2

• Number of Long Term Mental Health Services: ............................ 1

• Number of Community Health Centres: .......................................... 7

• Number of satellite Community Health Centres: .......................................... 2

• Number of Health Centres/Clinics: ..........26

• Number of Public Health Offi ces: .............16

• Number of Community Mental Health Offi ces: .............................14

• Number of Addiction Services: ................... 7

• Number of Extra Mural Program service locations: ....................................17

• Number of School Districts that partner with RHA B: .................................. 8

• Number of Foundations: ...........................20

• Number of Auxiliary/Alumni: ....................18

Letter from Minister of Health

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ess Community outreach: improving health

by improving communities Francophone community health centres

The St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre (SJCHC) in Saint John has a much broader role than traditional primary healthcare. Although the health centre provides medical assessments and treatment, along with support services and education on healthy living, its staff also have a mandate to take a holistic approach to healthcare. Their job is to evaluate the many factors affecting the health of the people they serve, and to tailor their programs to match. Those who live and work in the community understand the issues, have ideas for action, and know community resources that could be used.

Currently, SJCHC works in several neighbourhoods in Saint John to provide support as a partner in improving health. In the South End, SJCHC runs a weekly clinic at both Romero House and the Salvation Army. In the old North End, a nurse practitioner is on hand weekly with a youth manager coordinating

programs and services to teens. The SJCHC has also worked with a health and wellness committee in the Crescent Valley neighbourhood to deliver a wellness fair, health education sessions, and a fl u clinic. Staff are also busy supporting their peers at other community health centres – Médisanté Saint-Jean, Deer Island Health Centre and Campobello Health Centre.

The newest outreach partnership for SJCHC has been occurring in the Lower West Side of Saint John. Working with the community group WestSide PACT (Police and Communities Together) to reenergize this neighbourhood and provide access to health services, health education and other services such as a food purchasing club. The goal is to encourage the strengths of community residents and partnerships – to look at making lasting changes, not just surviving day to day.

Enhancing access to French primary healthcare services in English-speaking regions is a priority in New Brunswick’s Provincial Health Plan. “Satellite” community health centres have been established in two locations in RHA B – at the Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton and at Centre communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain in Saint John. They are designed to provide primary care services to the Francophone population in their language of choice.

Opening a new community health centre serving a minority population is exciting work. Focusing on system innovations such as advanced access scheduling, group appointments, electronic health records and community development initiatives, collaboration will be fostered.

The community health centre located at Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne in Fredericton will be staffed by a physician, a nurse practitioner, a community developer, a nurse and two part-time clerical staff. Linking with partners such as the Francophone community, the Health

Authority, the Department of Health, and others, a collaborative approach is used that will ensure challenges are identifi ed and addressed. To date, the community developer has begun work at the Centre and the administrative support staff are in place. A nurse joins the team in May. It is anticipated that wellness initiatives and health promotion programs will be underway beginning in the summer of 2009. Recruitment is continuing for a physician and a nurse practitioner.

The community health centre located at Centre communautaire Samuel-de-Champlain in Saint John has been named Médisanté Saint-Jean and has been a dream of the Francophone community for many years. That dream became a reality with the opening of the facility on February 10, 2009. A project on which members of Association Régionale de la Communauté francophone de Saint-Jean Inc. (ARCf) have been working since 2003, the new Centre is now serving the needs of the Francophone community by offering wellness programs on many topics such as school health, seniors’ wellness, physical activity and healthy eating.

Celebrating our

Accomplishments

Carleton Community Centre, West Saint John

Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne, Fredericton

Rino A. MéthotNurse, Médisanté Saint-Jean

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h National homelessness and mental health research project

RHA B continues to work towards improving service to the members of the community in the offi cial language of their choice. Since 2002, several measures have been put in place because we know language is an integral part of patient care. Some of these important initiatives include: bilingual signage and patient information, recruitment of bilingual staff and preferred language identifi cation on identifi cation bracelets.

Although the measures in place have signifi cantly improved our capacity to serve both linguistic communities, the

amalgamation of the zones included in RHA B will allow us to:

• share best practices;

• leverage on projects and tools already created;

• identify opportunities in areas where more work needs to be done; and

• put an action plan in place to strengthen and improve our ability to serve in both offi cial languages.

Integration of addiction and mental health workersOver the past 18 months, initiatives focused on service delivery for addictions and mental health services have been underway. In March 2007, a large-scale consultation was held with the public, stakeholders, partners, advocates, clients and families. The messages were clear about making the addictions and mental health services better for the Moncton Zone. Three guiding principles were established 1) make

the system easier to navigate 2) have us tell “our stories” as few times as possible and 3) give us timely access.

These guiding principles have helped enormously in the redesign of service delivery. One phone call now initiates the screening/intake process when in need of addictions/mental health services. The group therapy “taking charge” is also being offered, which has had a positive impact on wait times. With group led therapy, the addictions outpatient counselling waiting list has dropped from 207 (July 2008) to near 0 (March 2009).

Dalhousie University Medical Education Program The province of New Brunswick, Dalhousie University and the University of New Brunswick have partnered to develop a Dalhousie University Medical Education Program – New Brunswick (DMEP - NB). This program will be delivered by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine and is a component of Dalhousie’s existing Medical Education Program.

This new medical program will enable 30 New Brunswick students, per year, to do their under graduate studies in Medicine in their home province. The fi rst students are expected to start their medical training in September 2010.

Most of the students’ education will be offered at the University of New Brunswick’s Saint John Campus. However, mainly during clerkship (third and fourth year), students will be exposed to clinical situations in Regional Healthy Authority (RHA) B’s facilities.

RHA B will provide teaching spaces to the students during their clinical activities in a hospital or community setting; and many members of RHA B’s medical staff will be involved as tutors or preceptors.

This is an exciting project that will, along with the Post Graduate Medical Education Program offered already in many of RHA B’s facilities, greatly facilitate recruitment and retention of physicians in the province of New Brunswick.

Health Canada, in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, has provided funding to support the Canadian Multi-Site Demonstration Research Project in Mental Health and Homelessness. This national research demonstration project will be carried out in fi ve Canadian cities including Vancouver,

Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton. The initiative will involve the evaluation of services and system interventions designed to attain housing stability and enhanced health for those who are homeless and mentally ill. Funding has been allocated to teams made up of researchers, service providers, government departments, and other community-based agencies that have direct experience in working with individuals who are mentally ill and homeless.

Currently, the treatment and basic life needs of this population in the Greater Moncton area are not being addressed as a result of:

• lengthy wait times and wait lists for outpatient mental health services;

• the absence of specialized outreach treatment or support services;

• inadequate treatment options on the evening and weekends; and

• lack of adequate services in rural areas.

One of the key components to this program is the ability to offer appropriate support services, based on a “Housing First” model, for clients with mental illness that are homeless.

Recent innovations of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Model have included the Pathways Program, which provides subsidized housing support services in conjunction with ACT services to address the needs of clients with mental illness who are homeless. The Pathways Program employs a Housing First philosophy that emphasizes the importance of assisting people to move directly from the streets to housing through provision of services that are client centred, solution focused and inclusive of additional basic community supports. Over the past decade, experimental designed evaluations of the Pathways Program found that clients with severe mental illness who received this treatment model experienced greater housing stability compared to their control counterparts.

This project is developed in partnership with Regional Health Authorities A and B.

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Strengthening our commitment to serving our communities in both offi cial languages

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re LPN medication administration pilotAs the landscape of healthcare has changed within Regional Health Authority (RHA) B, so has the role of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) within New Brunswick.

With seamless healthcare a top priority, allowing both LPNs, as well as registered nurses, to practice their full scope of skills and abilities is an important transition for the region. This will not only enhance the quality of patient care, but will enable both professional groups to exercise all of the knowledge they have acquired.

Until recently LPNs have not been able to administer medication to acute care patients, even though they have been dispensing them in the long-term care sector since 1993.

With many factors in mind, and the priority of building effi cient and effective patient care, the processes and procedures have been evolving.

A class on medication administration was added to the LPN program in 2000, and in 2007 the Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses completed ‘Medication Administration Guidelines for the Licensed Practical Nurse in the Adult Acute Care Setting’. This has opened the door to allow LPNs to practice their full scope within RHA B, regardless of the setting.

In January 2008, the Transitional Care Unit in the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital (DECH) opened to meet the needs of those patients awaiting nursing home placement. It was felt that this unit would be ideal as the fi rst LPN medication administration site in a hospital setting, and a pilot project was put into action.

As part of this pilot project, LPNs completed a medication administration educational program and began

administering medications shortly thereafter.

The pilot has been successful and since this time similar projects have been started in the Oromocto Public Hospital, Sackville Memorial Hospital, and The Moncton Hospital, as well as other nursing units in the DECH.

Over time, it is the goal to have this pilot project implemented across all of RHA B.

Nurse practitioners in RHA BWith top quality patient care in mind, the roles for nurse practitioners within Regional Health Authority (RHA) B have been changing. Currently, nurse practitioners practicing in the region are found in a variety of settings and serve in a multitude of roles.

A nurse practitioner is someone who has completed a very specifi c path in advanced nursing education, generally obtained through a Master’s or Doctoral program. Training is also provided in the diagnosis and management of certain medical conditions ranging from common to complex. The nurse in this role also has the ability to order lab

tests, ultrasounds, and x-rays, and can even prescribe certain drugs.

This profession is a “portable” role, as the settings for service can be schools, community health centers, and other appropriate community healthcare facilities.

As of today, in RHA B, nurse practitioners are found throughout our community, in our health clinics, within the Sexual Health Program in the Fredericton Zone, and in a communicable diseases capacity in the Saint John Zone. In total, there are currently 32 practicing within RHA B.

The absolute portability of RHA B’s nurse practitioners greatly contributes to the access to safe and quality healthcare for the region’s population.

Moving forward, it is a long-term goal of RHA B’s to create more roles for nurse practitioners within the province. This will not only create a strong team for all professionals involved, but will also build on the quality of services being offered to patients across the entire region.

The Petitcodiac project: preventing chronic diseasePreventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease is an extremely important aspect of healthcare delivery. For this reason, many healthcare providers are fi nding ways to get out into the community to educate and enlighten patients on the importance of physical activity.

Recently, a group of rural communities found within Regional Health Authority (RHA) B recognized the need for community-based initiatives. These initiatives would be implemented to mobilize citizens to identify their risks for diabetes, as well as other chronic diseases.

Based on extensive research, health professionals in the areas of Petitcodiac, Salisbury, Havelock and Elgin wanted to create a pilot project that would: encourage residents to invest in their health by addressing risk factors associated with chronic illness; help people manage their diseases; and promote a healthy lifestyle. After much deliberation and planning, a walking program modeled after the successful ‘Footloose in Albert County’ initiative was introduced.

This program, which had patients track each step taken with the use of a pedometer and a log book, promoted walking as a means of staying healthy and fi t. Since its inauguration, Footloose has been extremely successful, with an unexpected outcome of many local businesses requesting permission to provide the program to their employees. This has gone a long way in promoting healthy living, and chronic disease prevention in patients living in several rural communities within RHA B.

As RHA B develops, one goal of the organization is to encourage the population to have a more active role in their personal healthcare. Whether it be through programs such as Footloose, or others that have yet to be created, it is the hope to have patients fully engaged and living a healthy lifestyle.

in their personal healthcare. Whether it be through programs such as Footloose, or others that have yet to be created, it is the hope to have patients fully engaged and living a healthy lifestyle.

Kate Burkholder, Nurse PractitionerFundy Health Centre & Blacks Harbour

Darbi Musseau, LPN Oromocto Public Hospital

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Physician privilegesacross RHA BImproving patient care is a top priority within Regional Health Authority (RHA) B. Ensuring that patients have equal access to quality care within the province has been a mission of the newly formed organization. For this reason, moving forward, physicians in RHA B will be able to move their services and expertise throughout the entire region as the need arises.

Currently, RHA B has a team of up to 1,000 physicians that cover the needs of its population of 600,000. These physicians are specialized in different areas, from family medicine to cardiac surgery, paediatric endocrinology and many, many more.

Previously, under the former Regional Health Authorities, when the expertise of a physician was needed in a region other than their own, the physician had to go through a lengthy and meticulous process to get privileges (i.e. permission to work in another region). Now, as all of the physicians work for the same organization, it is a goal to create an easier way for them to work anywhere in the region when there is a need to.

In the next year, the medical by-laws will be reviewed to facilitate the credentialing of physicians in the different zones of the region. Meanwhile, waiting for this review to be completed, an interim process will be implemented in June of this year because it is important to ensure that RHA B’s population will have the best access possible to the medical resources they require.

Campobello Island:building a healthier communityIn 2008, a Campobello Island Health and Wellness Advisory Committee was formed to help gain insight into what the community felt contributes to or hinders the health of those living on the Island. The committee organized focus groups with more than 200 participants and the information gathered was used to develop a survey that was completed by an additional 483 residents. The information was analyzed in context with Health Canada’s 12 Determinants of Health.

In September, community residents, service providers and policy makers met to developed an action plan. Since then, a lot of activity has occurred on Campobello Island. Some of this progress includes the opening of a new food bank, and more collaborative efforts between the Health Centre, Extra-Mural Program and Mental Health and Addictions to further enhance patient services. In addition, youth are now engaged in planning programs and have increased their enrollment in various volunteer-related activities. Teens now have the self-assurance needed to pursue their dream of developing a teen drop-in centre.

The local health nurse and the teens are now examining how a health needs assessment can be used to aid the community and its citizens in understanding the importance of close family and friends and the value of developing the community to enhance healthy living. As part of their initiatives the group raised money for a Nintendo Wii that is now set up at the nursing home.

A monthly newsletter titled ‘Tidal Chatter’ has been created and distributed to the local residents in order to provide them with up-to-date information on what is happening on the Island, health and wellness information, and updates on local programs, services and celebrations.

Local organizations including: churches, RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency, Campobello Island School, St. Stephen Family Resource Centre, Charlotte County Food Bank, Public Health, Roosevelt International Park, Campobello Island Health Centre, Extra-Mural Program, housing departments, and Mental Health and Addictions are some of the partners that have both actively supported and benefi ted from working with the local residents to make Campobello Island a healthier place to live!

Dr. Ralph Ellis, RadiologistThe Moncton Hospital

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Construction is well underway at the Saint John Regional Hospital for a new Emergency Department and space for two new linear accelerators for cancer care. The new, larger Emergency Department will further improve access to emergency room care for patients in this area. The design refl ects the Saint John Regional Hospital’s designation as a Level 1 trauma facility. The two new linear accelerator bunkers will help improve radiation treatment for cancer patients. The province is purchasing a new linear accelerator to replace one of two now being used in Saint John, and is also adding a third. Physicians and staff collaborated on all aspects of these projects to ensure commitment to quality of care and safety received utmost consideration.

Saint John Regional Hospital making changes to improve care

Upper River Valley Hospital receives national designationUpper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, New Brunswick has been designated as the fi rst full-service hospital in Canada to be recognized as a leader in energy and environmental design. The hospital received a silver designation award from the Canada Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for New Construction.

The Upper River Valley Hospital was designed and built using LEED strategies to increase the quality of the building environment and reduce its operating costs. The LEED for New Construction Rating System rates projects based on a points system recognizing performance in fi ve key areas of human and environmental health. Upper River Valley Hospital received high marks for its commitment to sustainable sites, water effi ciency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation and design processes. LEED is the most recognized rating system for green building performance in Canada.

Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville

Valerie PricePredialysis CoordinatorSaint John Regional Hospital

Jennifer RyanClinical Manager, Pharmacy ServicesSaint John Regional Hospital

Sherry BagnellClinical DietitianSaint John Regional Hospital

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Fast, Convenient & Easy Options.

OnlineGo to www.snb.ca/regionb or go to the Regional Health Authority B website: www.rhab-rrsb.ca

By phoneSNB TeleServices Toll Free: 1-888-762-8600

In PersonContact Service New Brunswick to fi nd your nearest Service Centre, Toll Free: 1-888-762-8600

Now you can pay this hospital bill with Service New Brunswick.

Partnership developed with Service New Brunswick To improve customer service to patients, RHA B has partnered with Service New Brunswick to enhance payment options within the region. Any invoice received for services provided within RHA B can now be paid through Service New Brunswick’s website that is accessible seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by phone through Service NB Teleservices or in person at any Service New Brunswick location.

Ambulatory Care Centre: $47 million benefi ts for health

The opening of the $47 million Ambulatory Care Centre will mark the beginning of a new era in the delivery of healthcare services.

This three storey extension to The Moncton Hospital will house more than 20 ambulatory care clinics, an enlarged and updated emergency and trauma referral centre, a state-of-the-art laboratory as well as an underground parking garage for approximately 175 vehicles.

The benefi ts of this new centre to the provision of healthcare are numerous. Some of the highlights include:

• Consolidation of many ambulatory care clinics will improve patient access to diagnostics, treatment, follow-up and patient education.

• Procedures previously performed in operating rooms, such as cataract surgery and cystoscopys, will now be done in a clinic setting, freeing operating rooms for other procedures. This will lead to reduced wait times for surgery.

• The state-of-the-art laboratory, home to Eastern Canada’s only fully automated laboratory robotic system, will process more than three million tests each year. This new automation system will enable quicker turn-around times for test results by processing over 500 tubes per hour.

Regional clinical program networks established

Regional clinical program networks have been established for RHA B’s emergency, surgery, women and children, family practice/palliative care, health and aging (geriatrics), oncology, and cardiac services. Currently, each regional hospital has their own unique versions of these services that include different policies and procedures, quality and safety programs, etc. The development of these networks provides an opportunity for clinical leaders in these areas to share information and develop consistent standards of care based on resources and the role of each facility. Once developed, these consistent standards will be rolled out throughout the health authority. This will ensure that clinical staff that choose to work in different facilities or patients who seek care outside of their communities can expect the same procedures and care in facilities throughout RHA B.

established for RHA B’s emergency, surgery, women and children, family practice/palliative care, health and aging (geriatrics), oncology, and cardiac services. Currently, each regional hospital has their own unique versions of these

procedures, quality and safety programs, etc. The development of these networks provides an opportunity for clinical leaders in these areas

standards of care based on resources and the

consistent standards will be rolled out throughout the health authority. This will ensure that clinical staff that choose to work in different facilities

communities can expect the same procedures

Ambulatory Care Centre, Moncton

Lynn Godin, RN, BNNew Brunswick Heart Centre

Dr. Jeanne McNeillThe Moncton Hospital

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Recruiting the Best to be the Best!

Recruitment of physiciansRegional Health Authority B has a very comprehensive medical recruitment program. Every year, each zone reviews its medical manpower and establishes needs for physicians’ recruitment. Recruitment strategies and activities are numerous: participation in job fairs, use of specialized recruitment fi rms, newspapers ads, visits to medical school and teaching hospitals and more. Recruitment in New Brunswick is helped by the various incentive programs offered by the Government

of the province and there is continuous collaboration with many stakeholders like the Department of Health, local Chambers of Commerce, and municipalities, to name a few.

Last year, RHA B successfully recruited 72 physicians, both in family medicine and in specialties, for both urban and rural areas. However, we know the needs are not met everywhere and we are committed to pursuing our efforts to improve access to physicians for all our population.

We welcome the following new physicians who have been hired since April 2008:

Recruiting the Best Recruiting the Best

We welcome the following new physicians who have been hired since April 2008:

ZONE 1 MONCTON

Family Medicine:• Dr. Michelle LeBlanc,

Family Medicine, Health Services Centre Rexton

• Dr. Cory Long,Family Medicine, Sackville Memorial Hospital

• Dr. Richard Morcom, Family Medicine, Albert County Health and Wellness Centre

• Dr. Serhat Perk, Family Medicine – Oncology Hospitalist, The Moncton Hospital

Specialists:• Dr. Adebusola Akinmokun,

Psychiatry,The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Sylvie Bourque,Internal Medicine – Medical Oncology, The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Tania Gallant, Internal Medicine – Endocrinology, The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Aneil Mujoomdar,Thoracic Surgery,The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Carla Roberts, Obstetrics/Gynaecology,The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Muhammad Shrayyef, Internal Medicine – Endocrinology, The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Cynthia Theriault, Medical Imaging, The Moncton Hospital

• Dr. Scott Wilson, Anaesthesia, The Moncton Hospital

ZONE 2 SAINT JOHN

Family Medicine:• Dr. Farhad Bakezadeh,

Family Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Sarah Caines, Family Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Margaret Carson, Family Medicine, Hampton

• Dr. John Desmond, Family Medicine, St. Andrews

• Dr. Kazi Parveen, Family Medicine, Grand Manan

• Dr. Robert Poirier, Family Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Sasha Sealy, Family Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Alison Walter, Family Medicine, Saint John

Specialists:• Dr. Adenike Aladetoyinbo,

Paediatrics, Saint John

• Dr. Kehinde Aladetoyinbo, Psychiatry, Saint John

• Dr. Najmedden Attabib, Neurosurgery, Saint John

• Dr. Douglas Bergstrome, Anesthesiology, Saint John

• Dr. Terrance Comeau, Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Sarah Gander, Paediatrics, Saint John

• Dr. Cory Gillis, Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Liviu Goia, Psychiatry, Saint John

• Dr. Jay Hannigan, Emergency Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. John Hoey, Medicine, Grand Manan

• Dr. Tilda Konforte-Vasiljevic, Emergency Medicine,St. Stephen

• Dr. Olufemi Olufowobi,Obstetrics/Gynaecology,Saint John

• Dr. Tarek Rahmeh, Laboratory Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Lakshmi Rajappannair, Laboratory Medicine,Saint John

• Dr. Tony Reiman, Oncology, Saint John

• Dr. Melanie Sohn, Emergency Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Robert Stevenson, Medicine, Saint John

• Dr. Emma Unoh, Psychiatry, Saint John

• Dr. James Wagg, Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint John

• Dr. Eve Wiseman, Psychiatry, Saint John

ZONE 3 FREDERICTON AND UPPER RIVER VALLEY

Family Medicine:• Dr. Frances Alborg,

Family Practice, Woodstock

• Dr. Aaron Digby, Family Practice, Fredericton

• Dr. Michael Fisher, Family Practice, Fredericton

• Dr. Jill Goodyear, Family Practice, Fredericton

• Dr. Deborah Ginson, Family Practice, Fredericton

• Dr. Anu Jacob, Family Practice, Plaster Rock

• Dr. Romesh Sharma, Family Practice, Plaster Rock

• Dr. Agnete Toesti, Family Practice, Doaktown

• Dr. Aron Zuidhof, Family Practice, Minto

Specialists:• Dr. Yilma Bekele,

Psychiatry, Fredericton

• Dr. Kim Butler, Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Fredericton

• Dr. Michael Davis,Emergency Medicine, Fredericton

• Dr. Mary Beth Dove, Hospitalist and ER, Waterville

• Dr. Patrick Feltmate, Geriatric Medicine, Fredericton

• Dr. Benjamin Hoyt, Otolaryngology, Fredericton

• Dr. Linda Hoyt, Psychiatry, Fredericton

• Dr. Mike Hughson, Emergency Medicine, Oromocto

• Dr. Sergei Ivantchev, Anesthesiology, Waterville

• Dr. Ihsan Musa, Emergency Medicine, Waterville

• Dr. Karuppan Muthiah, Anesthesiology, Perth

• Dr. Külli Põder, Psychiatry, Fredericton

• Dr. M. Saleem Raza, Medical Oncology, Fredericton

• Dr. Heather Redstone, General Surgery, Fredericton

• Dr. Monique Scholten, Psychiatry, Fredericton

• Dr. Samuel Simonyi-Gindele, Emergency Medicine, Waterville

• Dr. Lola Sotomi,Paediatrics, Fredericton

• Dr. Gregory Thompson, Otolaryngology, Fredericton

ZONE 7 MIRAMICHI

Family Medicine:• Dr. Schalk Kruger,

Department of Family Medicine, Miramichi Hospital

• Dr. Melissa McQuaid, Department of Family Medicine, Miramichi Hospital

• Dr. Johan Wannenburg, Department of Family Medicine, Miramichi Hospital

Specialists:• Dr. Salim Ahmed,

Department of Emergency Medicine, Miramichi Hospital

• Dr. Edith Nemec, Department of Pathology, Miramichi Hospital

COMMUNITY UPDATESPRING/SUMMER 2009

PA G E 1 1COMMUNITY UPDATESPRING/SUMMER 2009

Workplace wellness initiatives receive awardThree RHA B departments were honoured at the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation’s annual “Wellness at Heart Award” ceremonies held April 23 in Moncton. The Saint John Regional Hospital’s Therapeutic Services Department, Fredericton Public Health and Miramichi Zone’s Workplace Wellness Program each received awards for their outstanding work in promoting employee health and wellness.

The departments were required to meet criteria under each of the four pillars of healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco free living and psychological wellness through various activities. A gold award was presented to the Saint John Regional Hospital’s Therapeutic Services Department. Their initiatives were praised for reducing sick time in their department. Fredericton Public Health received a silver award and was acknowledged for their innovative workplace balance kit given to each employee. The Miramichi Zone’s Workplace Wellness program was presented a bronze award and was praised for their physical activity challenges that included all staff and students.

Researchers have found that employees who enjoy good overall health are more dedicated, have higher productivity, miss less work and are more likely to state that they are happy with their career choice and current job. Vicki Squires, Vice President of Organizational Learning for RHA B, congratulates these departments for improving employee wellness within RHA B and making the organization one of the best employers to work for.

Nursing recruitmentNurses are a critical component of the healthcare team and Regional Health Authority B is dedicated to the recruitment of valuable nurses to work in our healthcare facilities. RHA B has implemented a unique initiative to target nursing graduates and recruit them to come work with us. Our Region is large and unique – encompassing fi ve zones that offer great diversity in both career choice and lifestyle. In March, RHA B launched a campaign targeted at new graduates – it offers nurses guaranteed full time employment in the zone of their choice. As of early May, 170 graduate nurses from the 2009 class have been hired. New graduates are offered wonderful opportunities with individualized orientation, mentorship programs, a focus on teamwork and educational opportunities.

The region has also undertaken a unique pilot project for nursing recruitment at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Initiatives including international recruitment and the use of a temporary staffi ng agency are being implemented at the Saint John Regional Hospital to deal with an immediate shortage in the Critical Care Unit. If successful, these initiatives could be implemented in other hospitals throughout RHA B to aid in recruitment as needed. RHA B will be working with a staffi ng agency and anticipates recruiting approximately fi ve experienced nurses to work with the Critical Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital for a period of three months,

beginning in June. This is a temporary initiative to allow new nurses to complete training over the summer. It will also give our more experienced nurses the opportunity to take well deserved vacation time over the summer.

RHA B is also working with a New Brunswick company to recruit experienced international nurses. This initiative is in the development stages, but it is anticipated that ten nurses will be recruited within the next twelve months. International recruitment has been a successful strategy in zones in the past. The international nurses will be offered support to integrate into the community and our healthcare system. They will be a great addition to the RHA B healthcare team.

The formation of Regional Health Authority B has allowed the fi ve zones to work together, be more innovative and leverage best practices on issues such as nursing recruitment.

Update on recruitmentRecruiting the best and the brightest healthcare professionals and staff is a high priority for Regional Health Authority B. Our dedicated people are committed to providing the best possible healthcare and promoting wellness to our patients and communities. Here is a look at some of the people we have hired since April 2008.

Human Resources staff are hard at work on recruitment activities. RHA B was represented at career fairs held in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario and Maine. RHA B representatives also visit universities and colleges throughout Atlantic Canada to deliver personalized presentations and coordinate meet-and-greet events for interested students.

Other initiatives include a summer student program, where summer employment is offered to students in a variety of allied health and nursing disciplines. Also a provincial bursary program, targeting health occupations with high vacancy rates, is offered. As part of their educational programs, students can also complete clinical placements at various RHA B facilities. All of these things help us promote the value of careers in healthcare and recruit talented people to come work as part of our team.

Profession Number hired

Registered Nurses (excluding May 2009 graduates)

365

Occupational Therapists 14

Physiotherapists 16

Speech Language Pathologists 13

Audiologists 2

Pharmacists 15

Psychologists 4

Ultrasound Technologists 7

Medical Radiation Technologists 25

New RN graduates hired

Zone 1 - Moncton 37

Zone 2 - Saint John 55

Zone 3 - Fredericton 57

Zone 3 - URV 9

Zone 7 - Miramichi 12

Total 170

Reaching out to youthOver the past year, RHA B has partnered with secondary and post-secondary educational institutions to coordinate and participate in activities to facilitate career exploration. RHA B professionals are reaching out to youth in unique ways including job shadowing where youth and adults of all ages spend time observing health careers. RHA B also participates in the annual Take Our Kids to Work Day for grade nine students. Hospital-based career fairs are another great way for students to see fi rst hand what it’s like to work in healthcare. Students spend a day visiting various departments in their local health facility to gain valuable hands-on experience by participating in coordinated activities. RHA B professionals have visited various high schools throughout our region, as well as volunteer departments to deliver career awareness presentations. Finally, co-op placements provide opportunities for students to gain relevant experience through scheduled periods of employment in a health setting as part of their educational program. scheduled periods of employment in a health setting as part of their educational program.

Bettina MacNeil, Clinical InstructorSchool of Radiology (Radiological Technologists)

COMMUNITY UPDATESPRING/SUMMER 2009

PA G E 1 2

Contact us!

Our PartnersFoundations, Auxiliaries and AlumnaeIn every community the local hospital Foundations, Auxiliaries, and Alumnae are an important, vital connection between the institution, the medical staff and the community.

The associated Foundations and Auxiliaries/Alumnae remain integral organizations serving various communities and health facilities. Their hard work and dedication enables us to provide top-notch patient care, and we are extremely thankful, and excited about the tremendous work that they do.

Within the newly formed Regional Health Authority B, there are 20 Foundations and 20 Auxiliaries/Alumnae. These groups help raise millions of dollars that contribute to the top-notch programs and services provided to our patients.

Without their dedication and hard work, many of the projects that take place within our region would not come to fruition. It is because of them that we are able to succeed in our mandate to deliver quality patient care.

20 HOSPITAL/HEALTHCARE FOUNDATIONS

• Bennett and Albert County Healthcare Foundation (Riverside-Albert)

• Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation (Fredericton)

• Charlotte County Hospital Foundation (St. Stephen)

• Extra Mural Foundation (Saint John)• Friends of The Moncton

Hospital Foundation• Grand Manan Hospital Foundation• Harvey Community Hospital

Foundation (Harvey Station)• Hotel-Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital

Foundation (Perth-Andover)• Wauklehegan Manor/MacLean

Memorial Hospital Foundation (McAdam)

• MindCare New Brunswick (Saint John) – Provincial

• Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation

• New Brunswick Heart Centre (Saint John) - Provincial

• Rexton Area Healthcare Foundation (in formative stages)

• Sackville Memorial Hospital Foundation

• Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation Foundation (Fredericton)

• Oromocto Public Hospital Foundation

• Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation

• St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation (Saint John)

• Sussex Health Centre Services Inc.• Tobique Valley Hospital Foundation

(Plaster Rock)

20 AUXILIARY/ALUMNI ORGANIZATIONS

• Albert Auxiliary (Riverside-Albert)• Charlotte County Hospital Auxiliary

(St. Stephen)• Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital

Auxiliary Inc. (Fredericton)• Harvey Healthcare Auxiliary –

Harvey Station NB• Hotel Dieu Hospital School of

Nursing Alumni (Miramichi)• Hotel-Dieu of St. Joseph Auxiliary

(Perth-Andover)• Miramichi Hospital

School of Nursing Alumni• Miramichi Regional Hospital Auxiliary• Mount St. Joseph’s Auxiliary –

Miramichi• New Brunswick Association of

Healthcare Auxiliaries (Provincial)• Oromocto Public Hospital Auxiliary• Queens North Health Complex

Auxiliary (Minto)• Saint John Regional

Hospital Auxiliary• St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary

(Saint John)• Sussex Health Centre Auxiliary• Moncton Hospital School

of Nursing Alumnae• The Moncton Hospital Auxiliary• The Moncton Hospital Nurses

Healthcare Auxiliary• The Sackville Hospital Auxiliary• Tobique Valley Hospital Auxiliary

(Plaster Rock)

Volunteers: partners in careVolunteers come to our Regional Health Authority (RHA) B healthcare facilities with many skills and talents that they are willing to share. They help to make our organization a warm and vibrant place for our patients and our staff. The impact volunteers have on our healthcare community is tremendous.

Over 1600 RHA B volunteers take the time to sit with patients or hold the hand of a family member during a critical time in the life of their loved ones. They share a laugh or a special moment in a child’s day. They cheerfully deliver a newspaper, a cup of coffee or fl owers to the patients and staff alike. Volunteers also support our Foundation’s special events and help to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for new technology and enhanced services. Volunteers are a vital part of our healthcare team and we celebrate their contributions to our RHA B community.

Your local healthcare facilities are always looking for new volunteers to be part of their team. If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer, please contact your local facilities’ volunteer services department. Celebrate life and volunteer with us!

We welcome your feedback. Please visit our website at www.rhab-rrsb.ca or send an email tocommunication@reg2.health.nb.ca.

Regional Health Authority B155 Pleasant StreetMiramichi, New BrunswickE1V 1Y3

Telephone Number: (506) 623-5500Fax Number: (506) 623-5533

Published by: Regional Health Authority BPrinted by: Urban Publications Group

Jean Shaw, VolunteerSaint John Regional Hospital