2 The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital

Making a Difference...One Moment at a Time

York Central Hospital’sHealth and WellnessCommittee and theSmoking Cessation TaskForce has launched a cam-paign to make YorkCentral Hospital andgrounds smoke free.

Entitled Quit Date 8/8/8 tocoincide with the pro-posed effective date for thepolicy, August 8, 2008, thehospital’s new Smoke FreePolicy was officiallyannounced in an emailsent to all staff by YCHPresident and CEO BruceHarber in April.

In addition to providinginformation the effects ofsmoking and second-handsmoke, the Quit Date 8/8/8Task Force is also workingto provide staff andpatients who currentlysmoke with the supportsthey may need to becomesmoke free.

“We will be the firstsmoke-free hospital site in

the Central LHIN, whilefollowing in the footstepsof successful healthcareproviders like award-win-ning Credit Valley Hospitaland pioneer Mental HealthCentre Penetanguishene,”says YCH President andCEO Bruce Harber.

Supports For SmokersPlans include one-on-onecounseling sessions forstaff as well as nicotinereplacement therapy,Lunch and Learn sessions,free Quit Kits, a free tele-

phone hot line and coun-seling through hospital’sEmployee AssistanceProgram. Nicotine replace-ment medication andcounselling will also beprovided to patients aswell.

Policy in Effect, August 8Although YCH has beensmoke-free for a numberof years, all smokers arecurrently required torefrain from smokingwithin nine meters of thehospital. Once the new

policy comes into effect onAugust 8, 2008, those whowish to smoke mustrefrain from smoking any-where on hospital proper-ty, which includes the staffand visitor’s parking lots.

An information displayhas been set up in the hos-pital’s Atrium on a on a bi-weekly basis and in thelobby on Saturdays to pro-vide information on kick-ing the habit and the newpolicy.

A team of Smoke FreeChampions will also pro-vide smoking cessationinformation to staff intheir departments.

A number of Lunch &Learn sessions for thosewho want to quit havealready taken place. Pleasecontact Lynne Ackerman,ext. 7140 for informationon quitting or call the QuitDate 8/8/8 hotline at ext.7888.

Quit Date 8/8/8 Launched - YCH to Become Smoke-Free

IT staff members Dan Meister, left and Jim Lowman receive somesmoke free literature from Quit Date 8/8/8 Information booth volun-teer Dr. David Harper.

Nurses, physicians andstaff were gain valuableinsight regarding theOttawa Hospital system’sSmoking CessationCampaign from the pro-gram’s organizer Dr.Robert Reid.

Dr. Reid emphasized theimportance of identifyingpatients who smoke at theadmission stage. He advis-es healthcare providers to

ask patients if they haveused any form of tobaccoin the last six months.

One of the most impres-sive aspects of Ottawa’scampaign is the telephonefollow up program. Anautomated system callseach patient eight times inthe months following dis-charge to help them withtheir efforts to becomesmoke free.

Dr. Robert Reid of the Ottawa HealthSystem recently spoke to physiciansand staff about the Ottawa SmokingCessation Model.

Smoking Cessation Expert Speaks at YCH

FrequentlyAsked Questions

Q: Can I smoke in my car inthe parking lot?

A: No, not if the vehicle isparked on hospital grounds.

Q: Is the hospital asking me toquit smoking?

A: Whether to smoke or not isa decision each person mustmake for themselves. You maycontinue to smoke but not onYCH grounds.

Organ and TissueDonation was the focus ofa Lunch and Learn whichwas recently held to markNational Organ and TissueDonation Week.

Kidney donor JavierSantamaria said he waslistening to an interviewon CBC radio about a per-son who donated a kidneyand after discussing it withhis wife, he decided to dothe same.

“My decision had a lot todo with the support I had

from my wife and my fam-ily,” he said. “Everyonedoes so much more thandonate a kidney – the doc-tors, the nurses, the med-ical team. I thought it wasthe least I could do.”

Organ and TissueDonation Week organizerJudy Cooper said YCH hasbeen involved in the pro-gram for the past threeyears.

According to Trillium giftof Life Organ and TissueCoordinator Cathy

Weatherall, there werethree organ donors at YCHin 2007. A total of ninelives were saved due to thededication of YCH staff.

If you have celebrated an accomplishment, achieved a professional designation,spoken at a conference, written an article on health care or been elected presidentof your club within the past three months, let us know about it. Help us celebrateour staff and what they do in the community.

We’re also looking for photo opportunities. Call Alan Gilday, InternalCommunications Officer at ext. 7490, or email him at agilday@yorkcentral.on.ca

We want to hear from you!

The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital 3

I was a patient at YorkCentral Hospital fromApril 19-25 and I want tocommend the nursing stafffor their fine care.

Even though I do not knowmost of their surnames,my hope is that the nurseson 4 South will personallyreceive the feedback.

The quiet and efficientSam Narain prompted acalming effect.

The compassionate andefficient care of Andreainspired confidence andtrust.

Genet’s bubbly personalityand efficiency was abreath of fresh air and aray of sunshine.

Parvin was masterful inher attempt to restore IVinstallation, in spite ofretreating veins.

Others also providedexcellent care.

Although the wait in theEmergency Departmentwas in excess of five hours(two code blues didn’thelp), the registrationnurse was very consider-ate and reassuring

Thanks for the exceptionalcare,

William M. DayRichmond Hill

Patient Grateful for Exceptional Care

On behalf of my father,brother and sisters, I amwriting to thank the doc-tors, nurses and staff atYork Central Hospital forthe dedicated and kindmedical care they provid-ed to our mother, Mrs. Selina Shun-Ying Lauduring her last stay at thehospital.

We want to specificallythank Dr. Watson andDr. Gandell and the nurs-ing staff and physicians ofthe rehabilitation wing onthe ground floor, in partic-ular, nurses Deka, Helenand Martha and others onthe 4 South wing and theICU floor.

Our beloved motherpassed away on December 25 at YorkCentral Hospital.

We would like to make adonation to the YorkCentral HospitalFoundation to show ourappreciation. Attachedherewith, please find acheque.

For acknowledgementpurposes, we would like itto be shown as: In Memoryof Mrs. Selina Shun-YingLau by the Lau Family.

Sincerely,

David T. LauOttawa

YCH Hosts Organ and Tissue Week

FamilyExpressesGratitude

Javier Santamaria spoke abouthis decision to donate a kidneyduring Organ and TissueDonation Awareness Week.

4 The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital

YCH Staff, Physicians and Volunteers in the Spotlight

On Monday, May 12, YCHcelebrated the official kickoff of National NursingWeek at an OpeningCeremony, in the Atrium ofthe CCCR.

Official OpeningWith the authorization ofRichmond Hill Mayor DaveBarrow, Town Crier JohnWebster officially pro-claimed the week of May12 to 18, as NationalNursing Week in the Townof Richmond Hill.

President and CEO BruceHarber, Chief of Staff Dr.Larry Grossman and ChiefNursing Officer KathleenHeslin spoke of the contri-butions of nurses in pro-viding expert and compas-sionate care.

“This celebration for nurs-es was recognition for theirincredible work, their dailycourage, strength andeffort to meet patient needsthrough the increasingcomplexities of care andtheir unwavering commit-ment toward improvingthe health and quality oflife of our patients,” saidKathleen Heslin.

Educational SessionsThere were a number ofLunch & Learn sessions fornurses on Wednesday,Thursday and Friday.Nurses were able to learnabout InternationalNursing as well as the Role of the Nursing Practitionerand Rapid Response Team.

On Friday, there were afew more Lunch & Learnsessions. Nursing staffworking on their unit alsoreceived commemorativewater bottles and on-the-spot massages.

Tribute to NursesOn Thursday morning,nursing staff paid tribute totheir colleagues who havedied in the past year in aspecial remebrance servicehosted by Kathleen Heslin.

TD Canada Trust SupportsNursing EducationLater on in the afternoonina special recognition cere-mony, nursing staffexpressed their apprecia-tion to TD Canada TrustBank for their continuedfunding of educationalopportunities for YCH’snursing staff.

Nicole Di Paolo, CorporateNurse Educator and

Nursing Week organizer said she was pleased withthe week of events.

”York Central Hospital isvery proud and apprecia-tive of all that nurses doin caring for the healthand well-being of ourpatients,” said Di Paolo.

Nurse Educator Judy Smithsaid she’s pleased to seeNational Nursing Weekgrow.

“The events I’ve attendedthis week have been phe-nomenal,” said Judy Smith.“Nursing has opens somany opportunities thatyou never expect. You canbecome a researcher, aninformatics educator. It’sjust a stepping stone.”

She believes nurses appre-ciate National NursingNursing Week and thatthey’re often busy doingwhat they’ve always want-ed to do-nursing.

Continued, Page 5

York Central Hospital Celebrates National Nursing Week

Markham Town Crier JohnWebster kicked off YCH’sNational Nursing Week in grandstyle when he read the officialproclamation from the Town ofRichmond Hill during the open-ing ceremony.

Newly-appointed Director of Patient Care Tiziana Rivera, left, facili-tated one of the many Lunch and Learn sessions held during theweek.

Mental Health Program Nursing Manager Gundel Lee, left, RNsBernie Bathory and Sean Dejardine check out the poster displayswhich represented the various nursing programs at YCH in theAtrium on Wednesday.

Continued, from Page 4RN Nemely Lospe said shefelt honoured to be anurse.

“When you feel appreciat-ed, it makes you happy todo your work,” said Lospe.

ICU Nurse SeanDejardine said the weekwas a “commendable cel-ebration of people in aprofession who actuallyact as heroes pretty muchevery day that they workin some way or another.”

Dejardine was able toattend a few educationalconferences through agrant he received fromTD Canada Trust.

“It was a great week ofevents to honour staffwho are invested in theorganization and com-munity," said AudreySheridan, Pain NurseClinician.

The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital 5

YCH Staff, Physicians and Volunteers in the Spotlight

Staff and patients in the Emergency Department weresaddened by the loss of fellow staff member MaryMiddleton who died in March.

Mary came to the EmergencyDepartment as an RN more than 18years ago but to her fellow nurses,it feels as though she’s always beenthere. Mary was and will always bethe designated “Mother” of theEmergency Department.

Emergency Department staff members said they alwaysknew when they worked with Mary, she would “tell itlike it was”. Favorite memories of Mary are her love ofTim Horton’s, and her favorite pet names for staff. Staffmembers can still picture her, curled up on the couch,laughing with her colleagues.

Mary was bright, passionate, fun-loving, wonderful per-son to be around and she will be truly missed.

Mary Middleton

ED Loses Cherished Colleague

Nursing staff listen to the speakers during the National NursingWeek opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was the start of aweek full of events dedicated to honoring YCH’s Nursing staff.

ICU Nurse Sean Dejardine thanksTD Canada Trust bank for givinghim the opportunity to furtherhis education.

Kathleen Heslin, Chief Nursing Executive and Professional PracticeLeader lights a candle to honor the nurses who have died during thepast year at the tribute to nurses event, Thursday morning.

Corporate Nurse Educator Nicole Di Paolo, left and Kathleen Heslin,Chief Executive Nurse and Professional Practice Leader cut the cakeat the Opening Ceremony to kick off National Nursing Week.

6 The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital

YCH Staff, Physicians and Volunteers in the Spotlight

Rabbi Lazer Danzingerbecame Captain LazerDanzinger following arecent ceremony at the 32Canadian Brigade Group’sArmoury in Downsview.

As a member of the armybattalion’s spiritual careteam, the rabbi, who is amember of the YCHSpiritual Care Team, willbe counselling Jewish ser-vicemen.

Rabbi Danzinger is alsothe first Canadian bornrabbi to be sworn in ascaptain since 1945.

Brigade Chaplain JillianFederico said the rabbi’sexperience counselling

people in the health careand prison system madehim a logical choice.

Rabbi Lazer Danzinger, right, a member of YCH’s Spiritual Care teamgets sworn in as a captain in the Armed Forces by Lt. Andrew Zelvinduring a recent ceremony.

YCH Spiritual Leader Joins Armed Forces

Medical programs directorArlene Webster has beenselected to become a mem-ber of the NationalAssociation of PhysicianRecruiters.

The associa-tion, whichhas just fourCanadianmembers,allows mem-ber hospitals to advertizephysician vacancies on aWorld Job Bank, andreceive informationregarding compensationand industry trends.

“This essentially puts YCHon the map in terms ofphysician recruitment,”says Webster. “I am hon-oured to become a mem-ber.”

WebsterSelected to Join

Association

Mystica Beekmeyer, whoprovides admin support toHRSS and OrganizationDevelopmentis now a certified specialevents planner.

Mystica received the certification from theCanadian HR TourismCouncil. She has been help-ful in organizing events likethe Kiani Awards, andadministrativeProfessionals Week.

Admin ProfessionalBecomes Planner

Mystica Beekmeyer

Arlene Webster

After serving as a Memberof the Chamber’s AdvocacyCommittee for the past twoyears, Director of PublicAffairs Melina Cormierwas officially nominated tothe Richmond HillChamber of CommerceBoard of Directors at theChamber’s Annual GeneralMeeting on June 26, at theSheraton Parkway Hotel.

Cormier worked with theChamber and the GrowingCommunitiesHealthcareAlliance todevelop apolicy resolu-tion for con-sideration bythe OntarioChamber of Commerce(OCC).

The OCC formally adoptedthe proposed resolution

asking the Government ofOntario to act on its elec-tion commitment to pro-vide growth funding tohospitals in high growthcommunities as well as toadopt the Health BasedAllocation Model (HBAM).

Cormier Joins Chamber’s Board

Melina Cormier

Darlene Marando,Executive Assistant,Governance, completedthe 34th Edition of OttawaRace Weekend Marathonon May 25.

Marando managed to fin-ish the 42.2 km race infour hours, 32 minutes -her personal best.

“Overall, I was pleasedwith the results,” she said.

Congratulations!

YCH Presidentand CEO Co-AuthorsArticleYork Central Hospital’sPresident and CEO BruceHarber recently con-tributed to an articlewhich was published in arecent issue of HealthServices ManagementResearch.

The article, Using TheBalanced Scorecard toMobilize HumanResources inOrganizationalTransformation, outlinesthe case for using theBalanced Scorecard whenevaluating an organiza-tion’s performance.

The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital 7

York Central Hospital’s VolunteerServices Department honored the hospi-tal’s many volunteers at a recent awardsbanquet.

With more than 800 volunteers involvedin the volunteer program, it’s easy to seehow valuable they are to YCH.

Volunteer and Community ServicesDirector Karen Andersen said VolunteerCanada’s theme this week isVolunteers…from Compassion toAction.

“We feel this theme is particularlyappropriate as it encompasses the inspi-ration that drives our volunteers as theydonate their time, energy and skills tobetter York Central Hospital,” saidAndersen.

In total, 100 volunteers were honored fortheir achievements.

“Together you gave more than 75,000hours last year, which is the equivalent

of 38.5 full time staff to York CentralHospital,” said Andersen.

Volunteer Services Coordinator AnnaDaigle said she’s always amazed by thededication of York Central Hospital vol-unteers. Holding an event to honor themis the least the hospital can do.

“They even travel through snow storms

to get to the hospital for their volunteershift,” said Daigle. “I’m truly inspired bythem and hope I can do the same whenI’m retired.”

Volunteer Anne Walker, who as beenvolunteering at the hospital for 34 years,said there wasn’t a cafeteria when shefirst started, just a cookie cart.

“I really enjoy it,” said Walker. “I feel I’mhelping people. They like to tell us theirstories.”

The Caring Spirit Awards, which aregiven to those who demonstrate kind-ness, were given to Doug Le Drew andWin Redman.

Le Drew was recognized for his effortsto purchase drinks for fellow volunteerswhile Redman ensures the volunteerlounge is always clean and tidy.

Volunteer Marjorie Barker was toreceive her 45-year pin however, shewas unable to come to the event.

YCH Honours Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

YCH Staff, Physicians and Volunteers in the Spotlight

Outstanding Service Award winners, fromleft to right, are: Eileen Green, NormanGillanders, Monika Chapman and JoanSmith.

York Central HospitalFoundation’s 3rd Share theSpirit of Care 5k Run/Walkevent raised $70,000 to helpfund the new Breast HealthCentre in YCH’s MedicalImaging Department.

The threat of rain didn’tdeter the more than 543participants who came outto enjoy the event.Highlights included:

•Arlene Webster raisingmore than $3,500 inpledges • Team Dove - ElenorDrago, Greg Oliver, LucyOliver, Lucciano and TerryVilella collecting almost$2,800 and taking the prizefor Top Team Pledge

• Leadership teams Walkthe Talk Guys and Walk theTalk Gals taking on a cre-ative challenge – the Galslost• Congratulations to DanMontesdeoca, FacilityServices, who placed third

overall with an impressivetime of 19:33

• Peter Tsekouras, Redevelopment Office) finished 22nd with a timeof 23:23. CongratulationsPeter!

• Freedom 55 Financialbrought in over $10,000 andentered five teams

• Weston Produce raisedpledges, entered teams anddonated refreshments.

Our thanks to all hospitalstaff who participated orpledged their friends.

Thanks also to our spon-sors, donors and the morethan 100 volunteers whohelped stage the event. Wecouldn’t have done it with-out you!

Be sure to join us, May 2,2009 for next year’s run.

Third Annual YCH Spirit of Care Run Raises $70,000

Kristine Jarvi, left, congratulates Team Dove, the team that raised themost money for the second year in a row. Team members, in front,from left to right are: Eleanor Drago, Lucy Oliver, Terry Villella. Inback, are Greg Oliver and Luciano Villella.

A total of four YCH programs were chosen tobe showcased atInnovations 2008, aHealth Care Expo, facili-tated by the OntarioMinistry of Health andLong Term Care.

The HELP of HospitalElder Life program wasamong the programs cho-sen. Elder Life SpecialistLori Geary and TatianaDiamond, manager of thehospital’s ContinuingCare Program developed

a new approach to helpprevent the decline inelder patient’s cognitiveand physical functions.

The program uses trainedvolunteers who workwith staff to provide per-sonal support and atten-tion to older patients.

Human Resources VicePresident Bill Whittaker’smodel for CEOPerformance Evaluationwas also well-received.

Chief Executive NursingOfficer and ProfessionalPractice Leader KathleenHeslin’s ImprovingEfficiencies ThroughProcess Redesign and

InterprofessionalMentorship programswere also featured at theevent.

The Process Redesignprogram included cen-tralization of staffing andscheduling and revisionto all clinical scheduleswhile theInterprofessionalMentorship programinvolved pairing experienced nurses withnew nursing grads.

Lori Geary, left and TatianaDiamond with their Elder LifeProgram display.

Axiom News Photo

Four YCH Programs Recognized at Innovations 2008 Health Expo

Emotions were runninghigh in the Atrium of theCCCR on June 11 as YorkCentral Hospital hostedthe semi-annual KianiCompassionate CareAwards.

The Kiani Awards areawarded twice each yearto staff members who gobeyond the call of duty todemonstrate compassion-ate care to patients.

Each recipient receives aframed certificate, a pin aswell as a cheque for $500.To date, the awards, whichare funded by Farsad andJoan Kiani, have beengiven to 36 YCH staffmembers.

This year’s Kiani Awardswere presented to RNNancy McCart, 3 EastRespiratory, AmbulatoryCare Unit SecretaryAscenza Teixeira, CherylLinton, Clerk Typist inHemodialysis at YCH’sOak Ridges site, Dr.Matilda Ng, and JayMassvelli, OrthopaedicTech-Emerg Fast Track.

OrganizationalDevelopment DirectorMary Yates, who hostedthe event, read some of thereasons why each of therecipients were chosen.

Nancy McCart’s dedicationto her patients was clearlyevident when she oncebrought in a television soone of her patients couldwatch a religious program.

Cheryl Linton multi-tasksall day and while the tele-phones are ringing, twodoctors are giving herinstructions, nurses areasking her to fax some-thing - all at the sametime. She still cheerfully

helps patients with button-ing up their coats andtying their shoes laces asshe is worried they couldtrip and fall.

Linton said she’s still on“Cloud 9” after receivingthe award.

“I’ve never been so hon-ored in my life, “ she said.

The person who nominat-ed Dr. Ng said, “She isvery patient, kind andunderstanding no matterhow busy her schedule.She goes out of her way toprovide patients and fami-ly members from out oftown with names and tele-

phone numbers of otherspecialists.

Ascenia Teixeira is alwayswilling to lend a helpinghand in the AmbulatoryCare unit. On one occa-sion, she spent hourstracking down the belong-ings of a patient who hadbeen moved several timesand had lost them.

“I was totally surprised,”said Teixeira. “Everyonein my departmentdeserves a Kiani Awardbecause they exemplifywhat compassionate careis and they do it every day.They inspire me.”

Orthpaedic Tech JayMovasseli was nominatedin part, because he usedhis sense of humour toreassure a patient who wasfearful a broken bonewouldn’t heal properly.

Movasseli said he hasreceived other awards butthe Kiani Award is extraspecial because he wasnominated by someonewho appreciated his work.

Semi-Annual Kiani Awards...Celebrating Compassionate Care

The most recent winners of the Kiani Awards were announced dur-ing a recent ceremony in the Atrium. From left to right are: RN NancyMcCart, Dr. Matilda Ng, Ascenza Teixeira, Cheryl Linton and JayMovasseli.

8 The Central Line - June-July 2008 - York Central Hospital

The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital 9

The Atrium of the CCCRwas recently transformedinto a small village in thePhilipines for the FilipinoPistahan celebration.

The smell of barbecuepork wafted through theair as dancers, many ofwhom were YCH staffentertained their col-leagues.

YCH’s Filipino communitydecorated the room withstreamers, an island hutand even a white picketfence.

Following welcomingcomments from YCHPresident and CEO Bruce

Harber, PhilippineConsulate GeneralAlejandro Mosquera saidhe was pleased to be ableto celebrate the firstFilipino PistahanCelebration at YCH.

“I thank the Filipinohealth care workers atYork Central Hospital,”said Mosquera. “You arethe pride of thePhilipines.” This celebra-tion is a great example ofthe diversity that isembraced here at York

Central Hospital.”

“I think it helps strengthenthe community when wehave events like this,” saidMarina Inting, who worksin the X-ray department.

It makes me feel proudthat we were able to shareour culture, “ saidEverlinda Devera, ECEAssistant

Organizer PaulinaGonzales said she receivednothing but positive feed-back about the event.

“Everyone was pleasedwith the food and thedancing, “ she added. “Itwas lots of fun.”

More than 100 physiciansand specialists turned outfor the hospital’s 3rdAnnual Meet & GreetEvent at Eagles Nest GolfClub, April 29.

The event was designed toallow physicians in thearea to discover all theservices YCH has to offerthem and to provide themwith an opportunity to net-work with members of theLeadership Team.

Chief of Staff Dr. LarryGrossman said he’s alwayssurprised by the feedbackhe receives from the event.

“I had one doctor tell mehe was able to finally meeta specialist he had beenreferring patients to foryears,” he said.

Response to the event byphysicians was over-whelming. Several doctorssaid they appreciated the

opportunity to learn moreabout the hospital and tomeet the newest doctors.

“The doctor I met lastyear, started sending mepatients and this year, theyactually thanked me fortaking care of theirpatients, “ said one doctor.

Chief of Staff Dr. LarryGrossman will be sendingout a package of informa-tion to doctors who attend-ed the event to keep themposted about variousevents taking place atYCH.

Chief of Staff Dr. Larry Grossmanspeaks to physicians at theAnnual YCH Physician Meet &Greet.

YCH Hosts Physician Meet and Greet

YCH has been chosen to bea screening centre for col-orectal cancer by CancerCare Ontario.

Ontario has one of thehighest rates of colorectalcancer in the world and allstaff over the age of 50 areencouraged to be tested.

You can’t afford to ignorecolorectal cancer as thereare no physical signs orsymptoms in the earlystages.

According to Dr. StephenSinclair, YCH’s DivisionHead of Gastroenterology,colon cancer is quite com-mon.

If caught early through acolonoscopy, there is a 90per cent chance it can becured.

There are two types ofscreening for colorectalcancer, Fecal Occult BloodTest(FOBT) andColonoscopy.Health care providersbelieve people over 50should be having an FOBTevery two years.

Are You At Risk?

You may be if you:• Have a family history of colorectal cancer• Are 50 years of age orolder• Have benign polyps(growths)

For more informationonline, visitColonCancerCheck.ca orcall the Infoline at 1-866-410-5853.

YCH Named Cancer Screening Site

Filipino Celebration Brings Culture to YCH

YCH staff of Filipino descent performed the Tinikling dance at thevery first Filipino Pistahan Celebration.

10 The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital

York Central Hospital’sstaff and physicians camethrough in a big way forthe Heart and StrokeFoundation of Ontario.

Together with a team fromAlexander MacKenzieSecondary School andHome Depot, more than$20,000 was raised.

Sandi Tanner, Director,Labour Relations, whosefour-year-old daughterLauren suffered a stroke,brought in the most moneywith an individual total of$6,100. The top team wasRollin for Lauren whichraised $11,662.

Many of the riders saidriding the Big Bike forStroke was a wonderful

experience. They appreci-ated being able to givesomething back to thecommunity.

Lucky rider MargCooksley, of I.S. won thedraw for a Westjet trip val-ued at $2,200.

“The main goal was thatYCH is the district strokecentre for York Region,”said organizer SueMainella. “We also wantedto help staff recognize therisk factors associatedwith stroke and to providethem with information on

what they can do to avoidthem.

YCH’s Dr. WarrenGoldstein said he wasthankful staff were able tolearn the signs of stroke,which are:

- sudden weakness ornumbness on one side ofthe body

- difficulty speaking- headaches or loss of

vision- dizziness

Several displays associat-ed with Stroke Awarenesswere set up in the Atriumwhich allowed staff andvolunteers gather informa-tion or to have their bloodpressure and blood sugarchecked.

YCH Stroke Awareness Day Raises Close to $20,000

EmergencyDepartmentReceivesFunding

The more than 180 admin-istrative professionals atYCH were recently hon-ored for their hard workand dedication as YCH’sAdministrativeProfessionals Week cele-bration.

About 80 admin staff par-ticipated in a reception inthe Atrium where mem-bers of the hospital’s lead-ership team expressedtheir gratitude.

“It’s always nice to beacknowledged,” saidCarmen Newman whoworks in the FinanceDepartment on Yonge St.“I haven’t seen some ofthese people in a while soit’s nice to visit.”

OrganizationalDevelopment DirectorMary Yates called the

admin professionals the“glue that keeps us alltogether” in her welcomemessage.

“The fact that we are ableto provide an organizedface to our patients andpublic is because of you,”said Yates.

In the afternoon, the staffwere able to listen to

motivational speakerRandy Taylor speak about discovering the passionwithin. He encouraged theaudience to have thecapacity to reconnect withthe little voice inside – thevoice that drives usthrough life.

“Figure out what you wantto do in life and take thesteps to move toward it,”

Administrative professionals Carmen Newman, left and EffieSofianidis fill out ballots for prizes as part of AdministrativeProfessionals Week, which ran from April 21-25.

YCH Celebrates Administrative Professionals Week

MPP Reza Moridi recentlyvisited York CentralHospital to announce thehospital will be receiving$1.322 million to help alle-viate ER wait times.

YCH Chief of Staff LarryGrossman said the fundingreflects that the hospitaldoesn’t have the resourcesit needs to handle all thepatients it serves.

“It’s going to be well spenthere at York CentralHospital,” said Dr.Grossman.

YCH was one of 22 hospi-tals that received the fund-ing.

The Easy Riders, a team consisting of members of the finance andadministration departments took a well-deserved break followingtheir ride on the Big Bike for Stroke.

The Central Line - June/July 2008 - York Central Hospital 11

Lights, camera, we’relive...with Global News at6. That was the scene asthe Global News at 6 teamdelivered their entire newsprogram from the parkinglot in front of the Atrium,June 4.

The program, was part ofGlobal’s News from theNeighbourhood serieswhich brought the anchordesk team to five area hos-pitals during the week.

The excitement started tobuild early in the after-noon as Global equipmenttrucks moved into theparking lot. Crews arrivedsix hours ahead of thebroadcast to set up theirequipment and ensureeverything was ready forthe 6 p.m. broadcast.

A small crowd of staff,patients and members ofthe public gathered tocatch the excitement livewhile a few area residentscame down to watch thebroadcast when they real-ized the crew was broad-casting in their neighbour-hood.

Public Affairs staff mem-ber Stefanie Kriebe spentmore than three weeksleading camera crewsthroughout the hospitaland the community whilefilming segments in prepa-ration for the news pro-gram.

Compassion in ActionOne news story featuredYCH’s Dr. David Berger,whose compassion for hispalliative patients bringshim into their homes aspart of his regular routine.

Dr. Berger, Chief andClinical Director,Continuing Care program,firmly believes it’s essen-tial for doctors to see theirpatients in their homes.

“How else can you seehow they bend when theyput their clothes or theirshoes on,” he asks?

Rehab Unit Profile

At YCH, Global followedpatients and staff throughvarious stages of learninghow to use new hip andknee joints followingreplacement surgery.

Having rehab in the samehospital where the surgeryis performed is a greatbenefit to the patient. Thewait times for rehab aresignificantly reduced.

The unit also has anIndependent Living Suitewhere patients work withoccupational and physio-therepists to learn theskills they will need whenthey return to their homes.

Caring for Our DiverseCommunityHelen Yu, an RN in thehospital’s Dialysis Unit,

showed how she goes thatextra mile in deliveringcare. Yu has learned keyphrases in several differ-ent languages so she canbetter understand herpatients who have fewEnglish language skills.

“It makes them feel morecomfortable,” says Yu.

“Even their blood pressureis lower.”Focus on RedevelopmentYCH President and CEOBruce Harber was inter-viewed about YCH’s majorexpansion. When askedabout the hospital’s rede-velopment project, Harbersaid once the expansion ofthe new EmergencyDepartment is completed,the hospital will be able tobetter manage the estimat-ed 65,000 emergency roomvisits it currently receives.

After the show, membersof the news team met withfans and signed auto-graphs.

Global Television News Broadcasts Live from YCH

Newcasters Susan Hay, right and Leslie Roberts share a laugh justbefore show time while Anne Marie Mediwake and weathermanAnthony Farnell wait for their cue.

Global News trucks started arriving at York Central Hospital around11 a.m. to prepare for the 6 p.m. newscast.

YCH Day Care Staff members Lee Perry, left and Ines Rizzi, right got achance to get up close and personal with their favorite newscasters.

Upcoming Events andActivities

Monday, July 14 andTuesday, July 15Code of Conduct Display,Atrium, 1 - 3p.m. Staff canprovide input on the draftCode of Conduct

Wednesday, July 16Staff Sneak Preview tour ofthe new EmergencyDepartment from10 a.m. - 12 noon. Special Staff and DonorRecogntion Celebration in theAtrium at 2 p.m.

July 16, 18 and 22Code of Conduct FocusGroup/Open Sessions will alsobe held in Room 217 in theCCCR. On July 16, the ses-sion will be held from 12noon to 1:00 pm, on July 18the session will be held from10 to 11 am, on July 22 thesession will be from 10:30 to11:30 am.

Orientation - May-June 2008Please Give a Warm Welcome to our New Staff!

YCH was fortunate enough to be able to add to the YCH Health Care team in May. Back row, left to rightare: Amynilda Calupig, Laboratory Medicine; Jane Mina, RN 3 East; Analisa Ramirez, RN, 4 South; Chi WaiMak, RPN, 3 East; Youngran Park, RN, CCU; Cecilia Wong, RPN, 4 North; Leonie Lau, RN, 4 North; MedeehaAhmed, Instructor Therapist, Autism Service; Judy Eristhee-Braham, Unit Secretary, ICU; Coleen Williams,Staffing Clerk, Central Staffing; Allison Martin, Instructor Therapist, Autism Service; and ElenaShvartsman, RN, ICU

Front row: Sandra Pileggi, Unit Secretary, Continuing Care; Victoria Bakun, RPN, 4 East; Vanita Kellawan,RPN, 4 East; Allan Lee, RN, Emergency Medicine; Luba Kakhodnova, RN, 4 East; Samantha McLachlan,Manager, Emergency Medicine, Olga Zizovski, Environmental Associate. Missing from the photo: SandraRaso, Respiratory Therapist.

12 The Central Line - June/July 2008

Please welcomenew staff memberswho joined YCH inJune.

Back row, from left to right are: Manjula Jacob, RN; Hamed Hashemi, RN; Cesar Tangalin, Environmental Services; MayBacolong, Environmental Services; Ivory Tigley, RN; Stephanie Chow, Non-Registered MLT; Monica Barylski, RPN; MeganMcEwan, RN; Candy Rose General, RN; Shelby Glazier, RN; Anna Suleymanova, RN; Jane Liu, Pharmacy Intern; NicoleSamuel, Pharmacy Intern; Agnes Swica, Environmental Services; Lina Nedion, RN; Peng Nie, RN; Mandeep Singh, RN;Front row: Tresha Forrester, RPN; Maunaki Barot, Food Services; Mylene Rodolfo, Environmental Services, AnastasiyaKotelenets, RN; Mihaela Carasila, RPN; Alexandra Sobol, RN; Caiju Huang, RN.