A publication for Staff and Physicians of IH

Snapshots of our staff in action over the last month.

The @InteriorHealth magazine is a monthly publication created by the Communications Department of Interior Health. Past issues of @InteriorHealth can be found on our website under About Us/Media Centre/Publications & Newsletters. If you have story ideas for future issues, please e-mail: IHAcommunications@interiorhealth.ca Deadline for submissions to the December 2014 @InteriorHealth magazine is November 10. Editors: Amanda Fisher, Breanna Pickett Designers: Breanna Pickett, Kara Visinski, Tracy Watson IH Communications Contributors: Lisa Braman, Lesley Coates, Susan Duncan, Patrick Gall, Karl Hardt, Megan Kavanagh, Breanna Pickett, Erin Toews, Tracy Watson

On- and off-field teams help Mental Health and Substance Use client

play World Cup soccer in Chile.

Dr. Halpenny talks about our organization as he sees it from his

day-to-day perspective.

Celebrating the latest People Management Series graduates and

continuing to support the professional growth of our employees.

Taking a closer look at Interior Health’s response to the Coquihalla bus

crash.

Shining a spotlight on the many communities that make up where we

live, work, and play.

The crucial role of diabetes nurse educators helps those with diabetes

recover properly and quickly.

New Denver patient has a new lease on life thanks to quality care,

coordination, and transportation.

Engagement Survey takes place June 2015. Tell us: Is there someone

at work who encourages your development?

Kelowna General’s new Acute Diabetes Nurse Educator, Heather Busby. Story p. 9.

E very day in our Interior Health sites we bravely and competently cope with tragic circumstances. Dealing with

illness, injury, and death is a given when someone chooses a career in health care. On occasion, however, we are called upon to step up even more than one would expect and it is at these times

we realize heroes work among us. Two very different scenarios reminded me of that fact this October. The first is the motor vehicle accident involving two of our nurses from Vernon Jubilee Hospital, claiming the life of one and critically wounding the second. This is the third time this year that VJH employees have dealt with the unexpected death of a colleague. And, through it all, they have continued to provide the highest level of care to our patients and to support one another. I am overwhelmed by their resilience and their dedication. The second scenario is our staff response to the Ebola threat. While it is highly unlikely the virus will occur in one of our hospitals, IH employees and physicians are putting in many hours to ensure colleagues and sites are fully prepared to deal with the risk. These diligent efforts indicate that even in the face of a frightening contagious illness, our people are ready to stand on the frontlines to care for the sick. My fellow CEOs are fully cognizant of our responsibility to protect our health-care providers, which is why Ebola preparedness was the main focus of the Western Canada Health Authority CEO meeting in October. Manitoba provided excellent insight from its National Research Centre in Winnipeg, which has experience in researching and planning for Ebola. As well, our Ministry of Health has set up a provincial task force to ensure a consistent response across B.C. I invite you to stay informed about the directives coming from that task force and our own Emergency Operations Centre on the InsideNet Ebola Preparedness web page which is regularly updated. On the topic of illness, there is a virus you

are much more likely to get if you are not immunized – yes, I am talking about the flu. When we are so fortunate to have a vaccine against influenza, it’s vitally important that everyone, and particularly health-care providers who come in close contact to so many people with compromised immune systems, are vaccinated. At the October meeting of the IH Board of Directors, Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock and Promotion & Prevention Practice Lead Renee Liddicoat presented a summary of the response to the 2013-14 influenza season. As expected, our hospitals experienced increased rates of admissions during the flu season. Also not surprising, of the 51 severe cases of flu reported, more than half those patients had other health conditions. Incidentally, lab reports verified that H1N1 was the predominant strain circulating last flu season; fortunately, the H1N1 strain was included in the 2013-14 vaccine and is in the 2014-2015 vaccine as well. In 2015, we will see a changing of the guard on our IH Board. After six years of outstanding service, Norman Embree completes his term as Board Chair in December. Erwin Malzer will be the new Board Chair as of Jan. 1. I am confident Erwin’s experience as a director and Norm’s guiding hand will make this a smooth transition. You may have guessed, a month in the life of a CEO involves a lot of meetings. On Oct. 14, B.C.’s health authority board chairs and CEOs connected with Health Minister Terry Lake for our quarterly meeting. The discussion centred on the Ministry’s strategic direction document (Setting Priorities for the B.C. Health System), as well as their focus on four different patient populations for 2015/16: Staying Healthy; Getting Better; Living with Disease; and End of Life. Finally, as we head into the winter months, I am reminded that many of our employees regularly travel in inclement weather to provide care to our patients. Please take care on the road, as well as in our sites and at home – every employee is a valued member of our team and matters to us. Simply put, we need you. Thanks for all of the great work you do every day.

At Interior Health, we want to set

new standards of excellence in the delivery of health services in B.C.

and to also promote healthy lifestyles and provide needed health

services in a timely, caring, and

efficient manner.

To achieve this, we are guided by the following strategic goals:

Goal 1 Improve Health

and Wellness Goal 2 Deliver High Quality Care Goal 3 Ensure Sustainable

Health Care by Improving Innovation, Productivity, and Efficiency Goal 4 Cultivate an Engaged

Workforce and Healthy Workplace

The articles featured in the @IH newsletter are great examples of

how we’re achieving our goals … and realizing our vision and mission.

Dr. Halpenny with two employees dressed up as characters from the T.V. show Duck Dynasty. This team from Finance won the award for Best Halloween Costume at the Kirschner Plaza office in Kelowna.

“

“ “I feel comfortable to say I work “with” the team, rather than “for” the team; that one word makes a difference because it means I am part of the team, not being used by the team…”

For the month of November, let’s discuss the next Gallup question: There is someone at work who encourages my

development.

In this case, “development” does not mean “promotion.” It does not mean each team member gets what he or she wants.

It means helping individuals find roles or positions that fit their unique combination of skills, knowledge, and talents.

Development requires commitment – from both manager and employee. Each employee in the workplace is a unique

individual. Each person may need, respond to, or value developmental encouragement differently. Encouraged

development starts with an understanding, followed by a commitment.

With that in mind, tell us your thoughts. Does someone at work encourage your development? If so, how? If not, why not?

Think about how you will answer this question in June 2015 when you are asked to take the Engagement Survey.

Please send your feedback to YourOpinionsCount and we’ll share excerpts in the next @IH. As always, the complete list

of responses is posted on the Engagement web page, where you’ll also find more information on Engagement.

I n June 2015, Interior Health employees will be asked to complete an Employee Engagement Survey. This survey,

made up of 12 questions (Q12), is presented by the Gallup organization. These questions have consistently been found to measure the aspects of employee engagement that link to business outcomes.

So, in preparing for the 2015 IH Employee Engagement Survey, we want to know what each Gallup Q12 question

means to you, and how it relates to your level of employee engagement.

In last month’s question, we opened for discussion the following

engagement survey question: My supervisor, or someone at work, seems to care about me as a person.

Here’s what we heard:

In the Infection Prevention Control department, Nicki Gill (L) hands Connie Bergen a home-baked muffin. “Sometimes, for no reason at all, Nicki will bring in baked goods for our team. This gesture really makes me feel cared about,” says Connie.

“I work with a great team of people, and definitely believe that I am cared about at work…”

T he village of New Denver is a small community tucked away within the rugged Selkirk mountains, on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake. Bill Roberts, 71, is a long-time resident who enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending time with his grandchildren, and volunteering with the local health-care auxiliary.

On the morning of May 24, though, Bill wasn’t feeling himself. He had been having syncope (fainting spells) randomly during the nights and early mornings, and was undergoing tests to determine the cause. He had already experienced a heart attack followed by surgery in Vancouver 12 years ago. Little did he know that within hours on this bright spring day, he would be undergoing a second emergency surgery. After Bill experienced another spell that morning, his wife Jill was worried. She drove him to the Slocan Community Health Centre. He was wired to a monitor to measure his heart function, but he flat-lined during another syncope spell. Dr. Charles Burkholder, one of two resident physicians who cover the centre’s 24-hour Emergency Department, immediately contacted the LLTO (Life/Limb/Threatened Organ) Line. Fortunately Bill’s pulse resumed when his spell ended. “It was pretty obvious now that Bill’s syncope was not caused by brief seizures, as had been suspected when several 24-hour cardiac monitors had been normal. Now there was a witnessed spell of approximately 20 seconds with no electrical activity of the heart,” explains Dr. Burkholder. That prompted the physician to request urgent transport to the cardiology service in Kelowna for a permanent pacemaker. Helicopter transport was deemed the most efficient method of transport and the paramedic team

Patient STORY

With a new pacemaker and a new lease on life, Bill Roberts looks forward to spending more special moments with his grandchildren in the beautiful Slocan Valley.

was dispatched. Dr. Burkholder has worked in the Slocan Valley for 20 years and agrees it can be a scary place when people present with critical illness. “We are well aware of the area’s isolation, but it is part of the attraction, along with natural beauty. In the past, finding care for someone in this situation would have required numerous phone calls to hospitals and BC Ambulance.” He said having a streamlined, one-call system for physicians to get the appropriate players in motion to allow them to take care of patients has really added to his sense of satisfaction in practising in the Slocan Valley. Bill says his life was saved because all the ingredients necessary for his care were present. “We are very fortunate to have a 24-hour Emergency Department and helipad that allows lives to be saved,” says Bill. “My situation is a good example of the pieces coming together. We have a great team of doctors, doses of clot-busting drug in the clinic fridge, and a helipad allowing BC Ambulance Services air transport access.” Brent Hobbs, IH Patient Transport Network Director,

describes the BCAS Air Ambulance helicopter service as a lifeline to rural and remote residents in the Southern Interior. Helicopter transport allows life-saving interventions to start sooner, which in cases like Bill’s can mean the difference between life and death. “Interior Health is most appreciative of the helicopter service provided by BCAS,” Brent adds. The successful transport allowed Bill rapid access to expert cardiac care at KGH. He was successfully stabilized by Dr. Kevin Pistawka and the next day received a pacemaker from surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Pasenau. One day later, he went home with a new lease on life. “After living and working on four continents, I cherish being able to retire to the tranquil beauty of the Slocan Valley where I grew up. Thanks to our capable and caring doctors and nurses, backed up by the resources of IH and BC Ambulance, my access to health care matches that available in world capitals. What a team!” Cardiac and vascular surgeons throughout IH implant about 800 pacemakers each year. At KGH alone, 311 pacemakers were installed last year. This is in addition to the services provided through the Cardiac Program at KGH.

Left: Pacemaker Technologist Wendy Bolton conducts a post-implant check on Bill Roberts’ new pacemaker. Right: Paramedics prepare to transfer Bill Roberts from New Denver to Kelowna General, where he received expert cardiac care.

T he goal for Heather Busby, Kelowna General’s

new Acute Diabetes Nurse Educator, is to help

diabetes patients admitted to the hospital, for

any reason, heal as quickly as possible and return

home as soon as they can.

Heather’s specialized training puts her services in demand

for high risk and complex diabetes patients. As diabetes

continues to grow at an alarming rate across the Interior

Health region, three new diabetes nurse educator positions

have been approved for Kelowna General and Royal Inland

Hospital in Kamloops.

The addition of these positions speaks to our commitment

as a health authority to make diabetes prevention and

management a priority. This commitment began in 2011

with the adoption of a three-year diabetes strategy.

The strategy was in

response to statistics

that showed a drastic

increase in the

number of patients

with diabetes across

IH.

“Patients with

diabetes tend to

heal slower,” says

Heather. “They

often require close

monitoring to ensure

their insulin and blood

sugar levels remain

stable enough to

allow their bodies

to properly heal.”

More than 53,000 people live with diabetes in the IH region,

a number that has increased by 72 per cent since 2001.

The acute diabetes nurse educators in Kelowna and Kamloops

hospitals play an integral role working with nurses, physicians,

and other staff to improve care for patients with diabetes.

Their specialized backgrounds

also allow them to work in

coordination with community diabetes services.

Heather has worked as a nurse at Kelowna General since

1992 and has extensive experience in discharge planning

and multiple acute care areas. Since 2008, she has worked

in the Integrated Primary and Community Care unit, caring

for patients with complex, chronic illnesses, many of whom

had diabetes.

“Diabetes can be very

intimidating because

there’s huge

variability on how

to approach it,” she

says.

A typical day for

Heather in her new

role begins with

checking for referrals.

She then creates a list

and identifies which

referrals require the

most urgent attention.

“Our educator role

involves a lot of detective work,” she explains. “Once

I receive a referral to see a patient, the problem solving

begins. I’ll go through the process, starting at the top

and moving down to figure out what’s working for the

patient and what’s not.”

Heather says there’s a strong appreciation for the

service she provides and, given the number of

individuals with diabetes continues to increase, she expects to

remain busy.

The acute diabetes nurse educator role will expand to

Royal Inland Hospital before the New Year with two

part-time positions. For more information, take a look at

Interior Health’s Diabetes Strategy and Three-Year Plan.

Left: Acute Diabetes Nurse Educator Heather Busby checks a patient’s history for clues that might help her improve recovery. Right: Heather speaks with Mike Link, a patient with diabetes who recently underwent a surgery. Heather’s goal is to ensure Mike’s insulin and blood sugar levels remain stable enough to allow his body to properly heal.

W hen a Kelowna man with chronic schizophrenia stepped on the field in Santiago, Chile, to play in the Homeless World Cup soccer tournament in October,

two teams had his back. The first team consisted of the players with him on the field. The second team, headed by Interior Health Social Worker Stephen Segec, was at home cheering him on, just as they have been for the past six years. The story of James, 32, is a testament to what can happen when one guy has a burning desire to be healthy despite overwhelming odds and is supported by a whole community of people who want to see him succeed. Stephen started working with James six years ago through Kelowna’s Mental Health & Substance Use, Adult Community Support Services. James was struggling with drug use, mental health issues, poor physical health, and homelessness. According to James, Stephen has been his lifeline. “He’s helped me get housing, he’s got me clothing. He’s been here as a friend,” says James. But Stephen says many people have been in James’ corner, including his MHSU colleagues and the people at Inn from the Cold, a local homeless shelter. “Inn from the Cold has really evolved over the past few years into a truly fabulous social agency,” says Stephen. “They deserve a lot of credit and recognition for the work they do for Kelowna.” In fact, the Kelowna Kodiaks, the soccer team that helped James earn his spot on the Canadian national team,

MHSU staff support journey of a lifetime

Left: James stands with his proud parents, Russell and Nancy, at the Kelowna International Airport before he embarks on his trip to Santiago, Chile, to play in the Homeless World Cup soccer tournament. Right: Kelowna MHSU staff also accompany James to the airport to see him off on his great adventure. Left to right are Social Worker Stephen Segec, Office Assistant Linda Dais, James, and Administrative Assistant Jobina Maurer. Their sign says it all!

operates under the umbrella of Inn from the Cold. Most of all, Stephen says, James has worked hard to overcome his troubles and it is not an easy battle. “Despite his current good health, he still hears voices every day, and he has good days and very bad days. In general though, his recovery has been pretty good and a big part of it has been physical fitness.” So how did a mentally-ill man who has lived on the streets end up playing soccer in a World Cup tournament halfway across the world? A couple of years ago, along with working out at Parkinson Rec Centre with a support worker, James joined the Kelowna Kodiaks. The soccer team is made up of men and women who have experienced homelessness. They play street soccer, which has become a world-wide initiative to raise awareness about homelessness and improve the health and hopes of homeless people. Stephen says he and James started talking last year about trying out for the national team, which would join 72 other countries in Chile for the world competition. “We even worked together to obtain his passport to make the possibility more realistic.” This summer, the Kelowna Kodiaks attended a street soccer tournament in Vancouver. “We knew the Team Canada coach would be there and I encouraged James to play hard and to introduce himself to the coach and say how eager and prepared he was to make the team. A week after the tournament, the coach invited James to join the squad,” says Stephen. In some ways, that was the easy part. Now James had to deal with nerves. Before he left, he told a television crew

from Global Okanagan that he could barely handle the excitement. “My knees are weak and I’m finding it hard to sleep,” he said. On his end, Stephen was worrying about James’ finances. “Everyone in this office knows James well and we couldn’t have been more excited about this amazing opportunity. We also knew he lives on a monthly disability income of about $900 a month so we thought about what we could do to help make his trip safe and happy.” The obvious solution seemed to be to challenge eight staff members (including Stephen), who often brag about their secret killer chili recipes, to hold a pay-what-you-wish Chili for Chile luncheon. James proudly wore his jersey and dished out chili and buns to the appreciative and supportive staff who contributed to a total of just over $500. Kodiaks coaches Tom, Tiffany, and Jeff also attended and Stephen says it was great to see how supportive they are of James. “With a lot of work from James, some great care from Interior Health and Inn from the Cold, and a little food and fun, the result was a life-changing opportunity for someone who otherwise might have remained isolated, ill, and homeless,” says Stephen. James’ off-field team is grateful for the experience. “We don’t have a lot of success stories in this line of work so when we have someone taking something to a new level that we didn’t expect, it is really incredible to see.”

a round 3 p.m. on Aug. 28, calls about a serious bus crash with multiple injuries began flooding into Interior Health hospitals in Merritt, Kamloops, and Kelowna. It was the beginning of an extraordinary day for the physicians and employees of Nicola Valley Hospital

and Health Centre (NVH), Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), and Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). Before the day was out, all three hospitals would call Code Orange mass casualty responses – an unprecedented event for our health authority – and would treat a total of 44 patients from the Coquihalla highway accident 20 kilometres south of Merritt, with another 12 taken to Lower Mainland facilities for care. It’s the kind of event that brings out the best in people. But it’s also the kind of event that teaches us not only what we already do well, but what we can do better. Rick Erland, Director for Health Emergency Management British Columbia (HEMBC) Northern & Interior Health regions,

notes that mass casualty incidents are rare, but when they do happen, they can significantly test a health authority’s ability to respond effectively. “KGH, RIH, and NVH all responded admirably during the Coquihalla bus crash. Physicians and employees were prepared and ready to respond – and they did a terrific job,” says Rick. “But this also highlighted the need to review and exercise mass casualty plans regularly in all our facilities, big and small, so we can respond even more capably. “Next time this happens – and we hope there never is a next time, but if there is – the lessons we learned here will help us be even more prepared.” Rick says KGH and RIH have both worked diligently over the last few years to update their Code Orange plans, including staging mass casualty simulations at their sites. That training was apparent when the crash call came and they were able to activate their plans quickly. Although the Merritt hospital is much smaller, staff and physicians there just as ably stepped up. Emergency departments and inpatient units were decanted, volunteers were activated, and local community groups were engaged. Interpreters, food, and transportation services were provided to support the bus passengers, many of whom were from Asia. Rick says what was most impressive was the flow of information between all portfolios. It was “amazing” that KGH, RIH, and NVH command centres could share information in real time with each other, as well as with fellow IH hospitals. At the same time, our Communications department managed the public face of the IH response, live and as it happened, through social media and with media outlets around the world. “It was an entire cross-portfolio response,” says Rick. But there were also challenges, he adds. The chaos of the event meant that information was constantly changing about where patients were being transported. In addition, the event provided a new kind of test for the KGH and RIH surgical programs. The impacts were felt for days afterwards, affecting discharge planning and the support required for the families impacted by the crash as well. These successes and lessons learned were shared at a recent presentation to the Interior Health Board by Bernadine Easson, CIHS Health Services Administrator for Thompson Cariboo Rural, Nancy Serwo, RIH Interim Health Services Administrator, and Sharon Cook, KGH Health Services Administrator. As well, the entire event has been reviewed at the department, hospital, and trauma services levels, and all will be brought forth to an IH-wide review in November. “We don’t forget these events – we learn from them,” Rick says. “It’s a lesson observed until you implement changes.” But what we do know is that Interior Health was tested – and weathered the Code Orange storm.

Left page: An air ambulance lands on the Coquihalla highway near the scene of the bus accident. Photo credit: BC Ambulance Service.

Interior Health spokesperson Michaela Swan provides a briefing to the media the day following the code

orange (Aug 29). This photo is from a CFJC TV Kamloops news broadcast.

Incident Command at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops managing the "Code Orange."

Here‘s what a few of the graduates had to say about the People Management Series:

“Both the training, and the facilitators inspired me to pursue further leadership education, and I am now enrolled in the Royal Roads MA in Leadership-Health Specialization!” – Lorraine Kirk, CIHS Manager, Capri Central

“I found the courses to be enlightening, positive, and useful in my role at IH. It was helpful to network and meet people from all over IH and share solutions in the leadership capacity.” – Cindy Stratychuk, Medical Radiation Technologist

“The People Management Series program has enhanced my awareness of the skills I need to lead, influence, coach, and mentor others. My learning experiences have helped me to be more effective both in the workplace and at home. It is revitalizing to learn and share with others.” – Mirella Holden, Billing Systems Coordinator

“The People Management Series has broadened my perspective of management. It has helped me to define who I want to be in the workplace… how I want to lead… how I can support others to find their work fulfilling… how I can transfer my knowledge to others. It has also helped to define my limitations and challenges so I can continue to work on improving myself.” – Laura Leadbetter-Fuoco, Community Dental Hygienist, Dental Health Services

“As a science-geek and introvert, finding the time (and motivation) to take these courses was always a challenge and I was always drained when they were done. But not once did I regret taking a course; the theory and practical skills provided have been invaluable.” – J. Ivor Norlin, Manager, Infrastructure Programs, Health Protection

“I use the skills I learned during many of these courses on a daily basis. In addition, I actually was able to challenge one of the courses in my BCIT Health Leadership Advanced Certificate program. The BCIT Program Head was very impressed

P rofessional and personal growth of employees is a top priority. At Interior Health, this commitment is rooted in our goal to build an organization where learning is continuous and innovation is highly valued. The People Management Series, offered through IH’s Organizational Development team, is designed

to enhance management and leadership skills by focusing on competencies needed to lead individuals and teams and to hone the skills needed to be more effective in leadership roles. This leadership learning opportunity is open to employees in a leadership role, with the responsibility for managing others. The series consists of 10 courses that focus on providing the knowledge and tools necessary to engage, lead, and influence others. The Organizational Development team has also been listening to feedback and has begun to explore ways to enhance our learning and development opportunities to be more inclusive. This may include cohort-based, peer learning and graduate stretch opportunities, such as co-facilitation or peer support/coaching. Stay tuned for more information and visit i-Learn to view the current list of courses.

Celebrating the Latest People

Management Series Graduates!

Top (L-R): Cheryl Posnikoff, Mirella Holden, and Demetrios Karogiannis. Bottom (L-R): J. Ivor Norlin, Cindy Stratychuk, and Louise Moberg

with the topics covered in the People Management courses.” – Marijke Henkemans, Manager, Infection Prevention

and Control “The Management Series has taught me the importance of being curious when engaging in conversation, to be supportive, accepting of individuals and their individual strengths. To be a good listener and to encourage often, but mostly to be committed to having fun together as a united team in the workplace.” – Louise Moberg, Program

Coordinator of Recreation, Adult Day Program and Volunteer Services

“The program gave me the tools to deal with tough situations that I had previously avoided if at all possible. I believe the outcomes for the staff members that I was interacting with were also more positive due to the skills I learned.” – Kim Birk, Operations Supervisor, Core Lab

“I appreciate all the tools and guidance provided at the People Management education sessions. The information provided at these sessions is very relevant and has enabled me to address matters in a positive and productive manner.” – Rob Desjardins, Senior Auditor

“A great learning experience that has brought a new brighter pathway in my work as a team leader and my personal life. I thoroughly enjoyed all courses. A must for every new PCC or team leader starting out. Thank you ER management for this opportunity.” – Cheryl Posnikoff, Patient Care Coordinator

“To me, these courses ignited a passion I have for learning and a want I have to create learning organizations.” – Demetrios Karogiannis, Patient Care Coordinator

Joann Auger

Kim Birk Rob Desjardins

Daniel Goughnour Faye Haworth

Marijke Henkemans

Wendy Henly Mirella Holden

Wendy Howes

Shareena Jacyna Kelly Kankaanpaa

Demetrios Karogiannis Lorraine Kirk

Neil Lalach

Laura Leadbetter-Fuoco Jackie Marsh

Shannon Maslyk

Louise Moberg Beverly Moody

Allison New J. Ivor Norlin

Cheryl Posnikoff

Anne-Marie Savard Deborah Saville

Heidi Schilling

Christa Sloan Cindy Stratychuk

Jo-Ann Tisserand Dennis Wallis

Cheryl Whittleton

Rhonda Wigglesworth-fafard

We are pleased to acknowledge the recent graduates of the People Management Series program:

Population: Approx. 16,300

Health Services: Shuswap Lake

General Hospital, as well as other community and residential

programs and services.

Economy: Tourism, forestry,

agriculture, and light manufacturing.

Salmon Arm Lifestyle Situated in a lush valley on the shores of beautiful Shuswap Lake, the city of Salmon Arm is a popular year-round vacation destination thanks to its wide variety

of cultural, seasonal, and outdoor recreation opportunities. From hiking to boating,

to the annual Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, there is no shortage of opportunities for building a healthy lifestyle in this family-friendly community.

Healthy Community Interior Health and the City of Salmon Arm have established a Partnership Agreement to work together to improve community health and wellness over

the long term. They do this work through joint participation, together with a number of other regional stakeholders, in the new Shuswap Healthy Communities

Coalition. The Coalition is in the first year of operation and is focusing on healthy public policy to ensure health and wellness opportunities are available for all.

In our own words... “Twenty-four years ago, my family relocated to the interior of B.C. from the Lower Mainland in pursuit of a different-paced lifestyle. We were attracted to this area because of the warmth and friendliness of the people and of their strong sense of community. We were also attracted to the four seasons of recreational

activities that nature has provided in our beautiful area. I have never looked back

or regretted the decision to relocate and feel blessed to live and work in this community.” – Dorothy Crandell, Patient Care Coordinator, Emergency and ICU,

Shuswap Lake General Hospital

At a glance

Submit your photos of the beautiful places that make up IH: InsideNetWebmaster@interiorhealth.ca

Our employees regularly share photos of the spectacular scenery that surrounds them wherever they are in the IH

region. Majestic mountain ranges, pristine pine-fringed lakes, blossom-filled orchards, abundant vineyards, and thick forests alive with wildlife are just some of the beautiful things that make up these places we call home.

Covering over 215,000 square kilometres, Interior Health is diverse in nature and composed of vibrant urban centres

and unique rural communities. This @IH feature shines a spotlight on many of these places … and perhaps will entice

you to add them to your travel wish list.

This month we feature photos near Nelson, Williams Lake, Hedley, and Ainsworth.

Where We Live & Work ... A Spotlight on Our Communities

Apex Mountain Submitted by: Terrance Holgate

Nelson Submitted by: Jocelyne Martin

Farewell Canyon Submitted by: Anna Halamic

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park Submitted by: Donna Thibeault

snapshots from the region ...

Congratulations to the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic in Williams Lake, which was awarded with the BC Renal Agency’s top Quality Initiative Award at BC Kidney Days in Vancouver on Oct. 16-17. The award recognized the work that has been done to bring care closer to home for 65 patients in the Williams Lake area who formerly travelled to Kamloops for their check-ups. They’re now able to meet with their care providers using telehealth videoconferencing in Williams Lake. Sharing their work at Kidney Days were (L-R) RN Marg Daum, student RN Lynn Lyall, nephrologist Dr. Joslyn Conley, and student RN Hayley Bentley.

Dr. Ross Outerbridge shot this photograph of his surgical colleagues at work as part of a series of images he took in

support of Royal Inland Hospital Foundation’s fundraising campaign for the new operating room. This photo, taken

with only available light, won the Best in Class award and a Judge’s Choice ribbon at the 2014 Professional

Photographers of Canada-B.C. Awards in September. The Kamloops orthopedic surgeon was also a finalist for 2014

Photographer of the Year.

Public Health Nurses in the East Kootenay were out in force during National Breastfeeding Week from Oct. 1-7. With community partners, PHNs in Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, Creston, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Invermere, and Golden helped organize various breastfeeding events to raise awareness.

Across Interior Health, employees are lining up to protect themselves and their patients by getting the seasonal flu shot. Here, Darlene Iceton, left, from Support Services at Royal Inland Hospital receives her vaccine from RN Cheryl Phippen. Cheryl said she and her colleague Josie Freake immunized more than 600 staff, volunteers, physicians, vendors and contractors over two days. Staff flu clinic dates are posted on the InsideNet, Influenza Protection Program.

Infection Control Week is a national event that highlights the importance of infection control. The theme this year was "Staying

Ahead of the Game." At Cottonwoods Care Centre in Kelowna, Infection Control Practitioner Lorena McLure plays game-show host for this infection-control themed game. Staff were invited to "come

on down" to "spin the wheel" and win prizes.

Kelowna Health Centre staff purple up to recognize World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna Branch encouraged Okanagan residents to show their support for mental health awareness by "Painting Kelowna Purple" which included anything from wearing purple, to changing business store fronts to purple to, most importantly, having conversations with people about mental health.