Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Media Release

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital, celebrating with the Ottawa Heart Institute: 10 years of offering smoking cessation support to patients!

 

CARLETON PLACE, October 21, 2016 — Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) is celebrating ten years of partnership with the Ottawa Heart Institute’s Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC). Since implementation of the OMSC at CPDMH, nearly 400 smokers have been reached through personalized, best practice tobacco dependence treatment, resulting in increased quit attempts and long-term cessation. Approximately 120 smokers are smoke-free as a result of the support they received while at CPDMH.

 

In 2002, smoking cessation experts at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute developed the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation–an institutional program that systematically identifies, provides treatment, and offers follow-up to patients who smoke as part of routine care. In 2006, UOHI began to assist other inpatient, outpatient and primary care settings to implement the OMSC. Implementation of the OMSC led to an absolute 11% increase in long-term quit rates among hospitalized patients (from 18% to 29% at 6 months). In eastern Ontario, nearly 100,000 smokers have been assisted through Ottawa Model programs, leading to approximately 25,000 people becoming smoke-free.

 

“Implementing the Ottawa Model at CPDMH has provided a great resource for our patient who smoke,” said Laurie Scissons, Manager, Inpatient Nursing. “We have the tools and systems in place to support smokers when they are admitted to the hospital and throughout their stay. Most importantly, our program has contributed to a significant decrease in the number of smokers in our community.”

 

“This is a great initiative and we are pleased to partner with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute to ensure our patients have the best support possible. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration,” added Mary Wilson Trider, President and CEO, CPDMH.

“The success behind the Ottawa Model for Smoking cessation is truly found in the determined teams across Canada, like here in Carleton Place, that are providing personalized support to smokers who are trying to quit,” said Dr. Andrew Pipe, co-developer of the OMSC and Chief of the Division of Prevention and Rehabilitation at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. “As all hospital grounds in Ontario will be required to be smoke-free by January 2018, helping patients deal with nicotine withdrawal when they are admitted and stay smoke-free when they leave will remain an important priority for hospitals in our region.”

 

About Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital

For more than 60 years, Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) has been caring for the residents of Carleton Place, Beckwith and surrounding communities. CPDMH provides 24/7 emergency services, more than 60 ambulatory care clinics which include telemedicine, an operating suite and primarily day surgeries. Core services are complemented by physiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. CPDMH received full accreditation with exemplary standing from Accreditation Canada in 2016. The hospital has also been recognized for its efficiency and high patient satisfaction. Recently, CPDMH partnered with Almonte General Hospital to create the Mississippi River Health Alliance to look for more collaborative opportunities and improve access to quality care. Together, we are providing a stronger voice and vision for local health care – close to home.

 

About the University of Ottawa Heart Institute

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada’s largest and foremost heart health centre dedicated to understanding, treating and preventing heart disease. UOHI delivers high-tech care with a personal touch, shapes the way cardiovascular medicine is practiced and revolutionizes cardiac treatment and understanding. It builds knowledge through research and translates discoveries into advanced care. UOHI serves the local, national and international community, and is pioneering a new era in heart health

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital–MEDIA RELEASE August 9, 2016

MEDIA RELEASE August 9, 2016

 

NEW BOARD CHAIR AND CHIEF OF STAFF READY TO GO

Terry Cairns and Dr. Scott Higham have one thing in common – they are both committed to local health care close to home. As Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital’s new Board Chair and Chief of Staff, they say they are looking forward to being at the helm and building upon the Board’s successes.

 

“Health care is transforming and working with our partners to find ways to improve the quality of care through innovation is always a priority. Providing the best and most appropriate services locally also remains at the top of the list,” says Terry Cairns who joined the board four years ago. “We want to take a lead role in advancing these priorities.”

 

“It’s an exciting time for us,” notes Dr. Higham, who has been Chief of Staff twice before. “Our recent Accreditation was terrific and I’m really looking forward to the announcement of our new Emergency Department.”

Terry’s career began in the armed forces and evolved through several industries including high tech and life sciences. “Strategy and roadmaps to getting things done have played a significant role over the span of my working life and the thought of building new health care services in Carleton Place has really got my attention.”

 

When he retired, Terry was looking for a new volunteer opportunity. “Four years ago, I decided that I wanted to commit to something locally and give back to the local community. The hospital was the most obvious choice.” In his spare time, Terry also enjoys the farming life, working with draft horses and various other animals on the 100 acre farm that he and his wife Carolyn have operated for the last 25 years.

 

Dr. Scott Higham has had a medical practice in Carleton Place since 1981. As a family physician and anesthetist, he says he likes the atmosphere of a smaller hospital. “As a family doctor, there is a lot you can do that you can’t do in the city. It’s very rewarding.”

 

Dr. Higham says he looks forward to expanding the relationship with Almonte General Hospital at the medical staff level to ensure even more collaboration. “We have an excellent facility at CPDMH and by working together, we can make it even better.”

 

 

 

 

Media Release- The Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital

MEDIA RELEASE July 8, 2016

CPDMH RECEIVES ACCREDITATION WITH EXEMPLARY STANDING FROMACCREDITATION CANADA

The Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) has received Accreditation with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada. The on-site survey took place from June 12 to 16, 2016.

“This is a testament to staff and physician attention and commitment to quality, safety and patient experience. Well done everyone! You make me so proud to be a part of this organization,” notes Toni Surko, CEO.

Board Chair Terry Cairns agrees. “This is the highest level of accreditation that organizations can achieve and we are proud of everyone associated with CPDMH.”

Hospital accreditation through Accreditation Canada is a voluntary exercise that reviews a health care organization’s care and services. It includes an intensive self-assessment, a survey visit with a team of health care professionals and a comprehensive survey report. The process also involves interviews with staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and families, Board and community members as part of the process.

In its report, the survey team noted that CPDMH “has gone beyond the requirements and demonstrates excellence in quality improvement. Organizations that become accredited with Accreditation Canada do so as a mark of pride and as a way to create a strong and sustainable culture of quality and safety. Accreditation Canada commends CPDMH for its ongoing work to improve the quality and safety of its programs and services.”

During the on-site survey, the team observed the care that was provided and talked to staff, patients, families and others. This process, known as a tracer, helped the surveyors follow a client’s path through the organization.

Here are just a few of the comments found in the report:

§ Significant progress has been made in the achievement of strategic directions including adoption of the Ontario Hospital Association governance best practices, successful physician recruitment, progress towards patient and family centred care, pharmacy automation and expanded clinics.

§ The Board is a high-functioning board that is committed to providing access to the best care possible. The board has embraced change and seeks opportunities to improve care through partnerships. The board is a skill-based board that is committed to best governance practices, to allow it to govern effectively given the complexity of health care.

§ The Board and leadership are committed to ensuring that patient and family voices are heard. The hospital created a Patient and Family Advisory committee to provide advice on key issues. Changes have already been made in response to the committee’s feedback.

§ Thinking about patient’s first, the Board innovatively embraced change and determined that a partnership with Almonte General Hospital would improve local services.

§ Staff are committed to the hospital, the patients and the families. Staff commented that the culture at the hospital is one of caring and family. They feel it is a privilege to come to work and contribute to changing lives.

§ Physicians are highly engaged as part of the care team. They are dedicated to improving quality care.

§ Patients and families indicated that staff are caring and compassionate and they involve them in the plan of care. They commented that they are very pleased with the care, including the excellent food.

§ The hospital foundation and community are very supportive and contribute annually to purchase much needed equipment for patient care.

§ Volunteers provide an amazing service and they are greatly appreciated.

§ Community partners comment that the hospital is a collaborative partner. The hospital is seen as a leader in building partnerships and focusing on the health care needs of the community and the patients.

“While we are very proud of these results, we want to do even more,” adds Toni Surko. “The next step is to review the report’s recommendations for improvement and develop plans to address them. This is a continuous process to ensure safe and quality care for our patients and families.”

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Media Release

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

April 19, 2016

TWO HOSPITALS. ONE GOAL. THE VERY BEST CARE CLOSE TO HOME. — AGH AND CPDMH ANNOUNCE NEW ALLIANCE AND SHARED CEO

Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) have a history of collaboration. Today, the two Boards are announcing that they are forming stronger ties with a single goal: to provide the best care for local communities.

To support ongoing collaboration, the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) has been created. The Alliance is a joint committee that provides a means for both Boards to work together to identify opportunities for better care. It will make recommendations to the two hospital boards.

“About a year ago, we announced that the two Boards wanted to do more and would be meeting together to examine all options and identify opportunities for stronger collaboration,” says Paul Virgin, Board Chair, AGH. “The two hospitals are very aligned given our close proximity and shared patient population. We have a real opportunity to be a leader in the region with this model.”

“We want to improve each patient’s overall health care experience through a strong, coordinated system of care,” explains Marcel Pinon, CPDMH Board Chair. “This planning fits well with the Ministry of Health and Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) transformation agendas.”

In fact, the hospital Boards have been working closely with the Champlain LHIN to develop this plan. The plan will be presented to the Champlain LHIN Board at their April 27th meeting.

This idea is not new to our region. “Barry’s Bay and Renfrew Hospitals have had a similar relationship for more than 15 years and both communities definitely benefit from this partnership. A shared CEO has allowed us to identify opportunities to grow and secure new services for both hospitals,” notes Andy Boldt, Board Chair, Renfrew Victoria Hospital. Jasna Boyd, Board Chair, St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry’s Bay agrees. “There are many success stories. Our partnership has resulted in improved access to clinical services for our patients and families. We are able to build on each other’s strengths and continually respond to the changing health care needs of our communities.”

“This is not a merger,” notes Paul Virgin. “Each hospital remains a separate corporation with its own Board providing strategic direction and oversight for its local hospital. It’s business as usual for the staff, physicians, Auxiliary, volunteers and Foundation. Patients will continue to receive the same services at their local hospitals, with the same level of care.”

As part of this new partnership, the two hospitals will share a President and Chief Executive Officer. Mary Wilson Trider will assume the role in September 2016, at the time of Toni Surko’s retirement as CPDMH’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Our discussions identified a unique opportunity with regard to the CEO,” adds Marcel Pinon. “Our Board looked at many options and consulted other hospitals that have already implemented this model. This shared model makes sense, particularly in an environment where recruitment and retention of senior leaders in rural areas can be a challenge.”

CPDMH and AGH already collaborate on many fronts. They have successfully attracted funding for a new program that supports vulnerable seniors in our region. A joint pharmacy system is improving the safety of medication delivery and the hospitals share pharmacy staff. The hospitals also have one Director of Human Resources. And, the two hospitals are combining their buying power to purchase new digital x-ray equipment for both hospitals.

“It’s the right thing to do for our patients and their families,” sums up Paul Virgin. “We are creating a stronger voice and vision for local health care.”

 

Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) Media Release

 

MEDIA RELEASE Date: February 8, 2016

WRAPPING CARE AROUND OUR MOST VULNERABLE PATIENTS

Every day in the Emergency Department, there are seniors with complex needs who require complex care. Identifying and putting that care in place right away can have a big impact. Doing so ensures better care and helps reduce future hospital visits and readmissions. Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) is pleased to part of a unique program to do just that – the first of its kind in rural Ontario. It’s called ‘Rural Assess and Restore’ and involves a 20-member regional and local team including Almonte General Hospital (AGH), the Mills Corporation, the Champlain Community Care Access Centre, the Lanark Community Health Centre, Carefor and the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario.

 

Mark Gormley has worked in the CPDMH’s Emergency Department (ED) for 19 years and says his new combined role as the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurse and Geriatric Outreach Assessor makes a lot of sense. “It’s incredibly rewarding. I look at the big picture and help to determine what services might benefit each particular patient,” he explains. “Everything we do is a recommendation that the client can choose to take.”

Mark has specialized geriatric training working in the ED providing screening, assessment and follow-up of high risk seniors being discharged home. He has a multitude of options to offer, from in-home support such as meals on wheels to more intensive rehabilitation support at the AGH Day Hospital. He can visit the patient’s home to assess their living arrangements or refer them to a geriatric clinic led by Dr. Salima Shamji. Carol Kwissa has seen the results for herself.

After breaking her leg and ankle. Carol met with Mark to ensure the right supports were in place. “Carol has excellent family support, but there were services she was unaware of such as meal on wheels and how to access a wheelchair. She told me that she feels this is a much-needed service for seniors, particularly those who live on their own. She felt truly cared for,” explains Mark. Patients accessing the physiotherapy program also say the specialized service makes a big difference. “Because of the company in the program, you feel inspired to do the exercises and you get better,” noted one participant. “There are many services in our local communities that patients don’t know about and it’s my job to help link them to the care they need as quickly as possible,” adds Mark. “It could be anything from a free exercise program to a community program to help seniors with their yard work.”

As co-lead of the project, the Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario (RGPEO) plays a key role and believes that the Assess & Restore approach will have a significant impact. “The complexity of providing care for high-risk seniors in the unique environment of the ED is increasingly more challenging. This program ensures that high risk seniors are provided access to the right service, at the right time, in the right place and delivered by the right person,” notes AnnMarie DiMillo, Program Manager, RGPEO. “We are grateful to the Champlain LHIN for their support of this new model of care,” sums up Toni Surko, CPDMH CEO. “This new program brings together a team of health and community partners who work together to ensure the best possible care. It puts our patients at the centre of their care.” Demand has been greater than expected with about 30 assessments each month. The pilot project runs for six months.

Cutline: Stewart Miller, an Assess & Restore client, works with Joceley Monaghan, a physiotherapy/occupational therapy aide at the AGH Day Hospital.