St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is a teaching facility affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

This has been a month ofsignificant activity for healthcare in our province and alsohere at St. Joseph's Healthcare.

There has been significantmedia attention regarding theon-going pressures on ourEmergency Rooms. A majorfactor causing long emergencyroom (ER) wait times is thehigh number of alternate levelof care (ALC) patients occupy-ing acute care hospital beds,making it difficult to admitpatients from the ER to hospi-tal. ALC patients are unable tobe discharged because theappropriate level of care theyrequire is not always available.

Last month, I was appointed bythe MOHLTC to lead theExpert Panel on ALC, report-ing to Dr. Alan Hudson, thehead of the ER Wait Time initiative. Over the next fewmonths, this panel will continueto determine how much fund-ing is available and where it willbe targeted. The overall goal isto lessen ER wait times byincreasing patient flow.

Last week, Premier McGuintyalso announced a cabinet shuf-fle at Queen's Park. As part of

Cont’d on Pg. 3

CONNECTIIONSSJune/July 2008 Volume 8 Issue 6

Kevin’sColumn

St. Joseph's HealthcareHamilton's Programs forAssessment of Technology inHealth (PATH) ResearchInstitute and the McMasterInstitute of Urology havelaunched a study looking intoa new way to provide relieffor men suffering from anenlarged prostate (BenignProstatic Hyperplasia).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH) is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of theprostate that causes urinarycomplications and affectsmore than half of all menover the age of 60. By the ageof 80, about 80 per cent ofmen have BPH.

This new procedure,Photoselective Vaporizationof the Prostate (PVP), is a minimally-invasive lasertreatment that can be performed in an out-patientsetting. PVP uses photo-selective vaporization of theprostate tissue, which reducesthe enlarged tissue fromblocking the urethra, makingit easier for the patient to urinate.

"I'm thrilled that this newtechnology is offering a betteroption than the current standard, TransurethralResection of the Prostate

(TURP), with a quicker recovery and less side effectsto the patient," says SJHHUrologist, Dr. Paul Whelan."We have seen excellentresults so far, and are anticipating this will continue."

A 120 W KTP (potassium-titanyl-phosphate) laser forPVP has recently beenapproved by Health Canada.This technology will be compared with the currentstandard treatment for surgically managing anenlarged prostate, TURP.

TURP is usually done as anin-patient procedure, with alonger recovery time and sideeffects for the patient. Incomparison to TURP, PVPmay be associated withreduced post-operative com-plications and a shortenedlength of stay in hospital.PVP can be seen as cost-effective due to the cost savings associated with ashorter hospital stay.

In order to track the out-comes associated with PVP and TURP, patientsparticipating in the study will be followed up by theirphysicians over six months,and then contacted again at12 and 24 months post procedure.

This study is supportedthrough funding by theOntario Ministry of Healthand Long-Term Care and isbeing conducted at the recommendation of theOntario Health TechnologyAdvisory Committee(OHTAC) to determine the effectiveness of the newtechnology in improvingpatient outcomes.

Individuals interested in this study should call (905)522-1155 ext. 35876 for more information.

Study showcases new minimally invasivelaser procedure to treat enlarged prostate

GreenLight High Performance System

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OPHTHALMOLOGY

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES

Mission on the MoveA regular update on recent achievements and progess to date in our Corporate and Clinical Attention Areas

Recent accomplishments: Wait times for cataract surgery continue to decline - 90% of patients had their procedures completed within 107

days of referral and this is well below the LHIN target of 182 days. The third operating room at the Stoney Creek Campus to accommodate growing volumes for cataract, retinal and

corneal surgery cases is fully operational. Planning continues for the transfer of the adult Eye Clinics from HHS. St. Joseph's Healthcare is now designated as the Regional Eye Institute. This designation will involve a greater role

for SJHH in terms of increased ambulatory care volumes, day surgery, teaching and research.

Two key factors to achieve our strategic goals are a solid infrastructure and a sound plan. In the last few months, we havefocused on these objectives with very good results. Portal performance and functionality have been improved

considerably. 99.997% average prime-time availability of critical systems for the

last four months. Successfully tested our disaster recovery plan. Finalized the software selection processes for the ER and Perioperative

Information Systems and obtained approval from the Information ManagementSteering Committee.

Future plans include:In the next few months, we will continue working on strengthening our core infrastructure, including the development of a strategy to finalize the implementation of our wireless network. We will also conclude the planning stages for the implementation of the Perioperative, ER and ICU Information Systems.

Recent accomplishments:

Redevelopment activities are in full swing. Many user group consultation sessions are occurring in which our staffexperts help to inform the functional room design and detail.

This program is very involved in the management of surgical and oncology wait times. Our surgeons work veryclosely with the program management and Ms. Susan Gin - the SJHH Wait Times Coordinator as we monitor oursuccesses and implement plans to address opportunities for improvement.

The program continues to expand and we have welcomed new nursing, allied health and physician colleagues overthe past few months. We look forward to welcoming more new additions over the summer - Recruitment has beenquite successful.

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Green HeroesGoing Green with Chef Shane

Something's cooking in the Morrison kitchen at SJHH -and it is more than just good food. Chef ShaneMcCartney is taking some innovative steps to make theCharlton cafeteria "greener."

When McCartney first arrived at SJHH over a year ago,he was already thinking green. "I've always been anactivist and an environmentalist" notes McCartney.

Currently kitchen manager at the Charlton Campus,McCartney is now seeking to instill that activism into his

work at SJHH. After attending one of the Greenstorming sessions, he has become anenergetic member of the recently launched Green Program.

His first initiative began with the food itself. McCartney and his team are now using100% sustainable seafood at the cafeteria. More organic and local produce has also beenimplemented. In peak seasons, McCartney is aiming to use 90% local produce in kitchenselections. Fair trade and organic coffee is another step in the works.

In the future, McCartney hopes to implement a green bin system, using compost forboth foods and biodegradable flatware. "It's not any harder to do," he says about envi-ronmentally conscious habits. "It should just be the way it is. It's pretty second nature."

By Meghan Lawson, Student Research Assistant, SJHH

Cont’d from Pg. 1

these changes, Minister GeorgeSmitherman was appointed to lead thenewly-merged Ministry of Energy andInfrastructure, as well as continuing asDeputy Premier. We are grateful toMinister Smitherman for his tireless com-mitment to creating a sustainable and efficient health care system and wish himwell in his new role. With this change, wealso welcomed a new Minister of Health& Long-Term Care, the HonourableDavid Caplan. We look forward to build-ing a strong relationship with MinisterCaplan and wish him the best in this newrole.

Since its launch last year, SJHH hasinvested $7 million into the Strategic Plan.In early July, the Strategic PlanImplementation Team will meet to deter-mine what new goals will be added to theplan, and which goals can be retired.One of our new goals is our Greeninginitiative. This is a grassroots initiative forthe organization and will allow us tobecome a better environmental contribu-tor. Currently, work is being done toenhance our recycling program that willsee paper recycling in the coming year.

On a final note, I want to personally recognize each of our colleagues who celebrated a major career milestone onJune 11th, at our Annual EmployeeRecognition Ceremony. Special congratu-lations to Lois Rogers and Mary Remy on40 years of dedicated service. It was par-ticularly fitting to host this event on thehospital's 118th birthday. On that note, Iwould like to recognize the Quality,Planning and Performance ImprovementDepartment, who won the annual Sistersof St. Joseph Working Together Awardthat evening and Lina Jusdanis, the recipi-ent of the 2008 Commitment to CaringAward. These awards recognize the teamand individual that best exemplified theSisters mission in action this year.To that end, I would like to wish each ofyou a very enjoyable summer. I hope thatyou get the chance to enjoy some muchdeserved rest and relaxation.

Dr. Kevin SmithPresident & CEO

Safety in Numbers was the theme of thisyear’s Risk Management Week - emphasiz-ing how data collected by hospital frontlinestaff can be mined and translated intopatient and staff safety initiatives.

In an effort to improve Risk Managementservices here at SJHH:

We recently collaborated with DeloitteTouche LLP to review our RiskManagement program. As a result, weidentified our risk management goals forthe next year; established the RiskManagement Framework and increasedawareness on the integrative nature ofhealthcare risks and how an identified riskin one area of the organization has thepotential to affect all other areas of theorganization.

In collaboration with our LHIN, this fallwe will be implementing an electronicreporting system for patient and visitorincidents. As the responsibility to identifyand report incidents rests on all of us,staff will be provided with education andtraining on the new system.

Work continues on the development of acentralized system to receive and addresscompliments and complaints.

Thanks to our SJHH colleagues for theirefforts in the identification, reporting andmanagement of risks in their areas. Ourgoal is to learn from these situations so that we can enhance the quality and safetyof the care that we provide to our patientsand the quality and safety of our workenvironment. Together we all manage risk!

By Margaret Doma, Manager, Risk Management, SJHH

Risk Management Week - Safety in Numbers

Q & A

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MMeeddiiaa rreeppoorrttss rreeggaarrddiinngg aann eeccoonnoommiicc ddoowwnnttuurrnnccoonnttiinnuuee ttoo iinnccrreeaassee.. AArree wwee sseeeeiinngg tthhaatt ttrreennddwwiitthhiinn tthhee hheeaalltthhccaarree sseeccttoorr?? We're definitely feeling some impact.The North American economy as awhole is in a period of transition rightnow and I would say that eventually economic pressures touch every sectorincluding healthcare. On top of theseeconomic pressures, the healthcareindustry is facing growing pressures tosupport the increasing healthcare needsof an aging population and the challengeof recruiting healthcare professionals tosupport this increased service demand.

HHooww wwoouulldd yyoouu ddeessccrriibbee tthhee oovveerraallll ffiinnaanncciiaallhheeaalltthh ooff SSJJHHHH??St. Joe’s is one of the strongest finan-cial performers in the Ontario health-care sector. In recent years, we haveended the fiscal year with a balanced orsurplus position. In 2007/2008, likemany hospitals in Ontario due to thepressures related to patients requiringalternate level of care and employeesick time, we ended the year with a $4.2 million deficit. The hospital mustsubmit a balanced Hospital AnnualPlanning Submission [HAPS]. For the2008/2009 fiscal year, we are currentlylooking at new revenue streams andoperational efficiencies to ensure wemeet this requirement.

WWhhaatt iiss tthhee HHAAPPSS//HHSSAAAA pprroocceessss aanndd wwhhaattddooeess tthhiiss mmeeaann ffoorr hhoossppiittaallss?? Each year healthcare organizationsacross the province are required by lawto submit a Hospital Annual Planning Submission [HAPS] and Hospital

Service Accountability Agreement[HSAA]. The HAPS/HSAA process isdesigned to ensure hospitals plan forthe upcoming year, accounting forpotential fiscal pressures, to strengthentheir operations in order to achieve abalanced operating position. This is dif-ficult for many hospitals as inflationarypressures and increase service needsconsistently exceed funding needs.

AArree wwee tthhee oonnllyy hhoossppiittaall iinn tthhee pprroovviinncceeffaacciinngg tthhiiss ffiinnaanncciiaall cchhaalllleennggee??This is definitely not a challenge uniqueto SJHH. Approximately, 75 per cent of Ontario's hospitals are facing abudget shortfall and are looking at new revenue streams and operationalefficiencies to help them achieve a balanced budget position.

WWhhaatt iiss SSJJHHHH''ss ggrreeaatteesstt ffiinnaanncciiaall cchhaalllleennggee?? Our greatest challenge right now at St.Joseph's Healthcare is our absenteeismand sick time hours. I think many St.Joe's staff would be surprised to knowthat we have one of the highest sicktime rates in the province. St. Joe'sranked second highest in overallsick time in an Ontario HospitalAssociation [OHA] province-widesick time survey for 06/07 with anaverage number of 15 sick days peremployee. Obviously this poses notonly an impact on our finances but ona day-to-day basis puts the clinical units and departments under immensepressure to keep up with workflowdemands in the midst of staffingshortages. This is an issue that theExecutive team is committed toaddressing this year.

WWhhaatt iiss tthhee ffiinnaanncciiaall ccoosstt ooff aabbsseenntteeeeiissmm aattSSJJHHHH eevveerryy yyeeaarr??Last year, absenteeism at SJHH cost our organization over $9.2 million in paid sick time. If we workcollectively as an organization toaddress this problem, we will alleviatemuch of our budget pressures.

IIff ssttaaffff oorr pphhyyssiicciiaannss hhaavvee iiddeeaass ttoo hheellpp ffiinnddssaavviinnggss iinn tthhee oorrggaanniizzaattiioonn sshhoouulldd tthheeyy ppaasssstthheessee oonn??Absolutely, we know that individualsworking at the frontline see opportunitieswhere we might improve a process,enhance safety or save money thatcould be reinvested into patient care.We definitely want employees to sharethese 'Bright Ideas' with theManagement team. Emma Pavlov, VPof HR, and Winnie Doyle, VP ofClinical Services, are leading a BrightIdeas Committee that is reviewingemployee bright ideas and I know they are looking for not only ideas butindividuals across the organization toserve on this committee. I wouldencourage anyone with interest to email brightideas@stjoes.ca.

...with SJHH’s VP, Business & Therapeutic Services and Chief Financial Officer

This month we sat down with SJHH Chief Financial Officer and VP of Businessand Therapeutic Services, Susan Hollis, to discuss the current financial health ofour organization and the budget pressures facing hospitals across the province.

Ms. Susan Hollis, VP, Business & TherapeuticServices and Chief Financial Officer

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St. Joseph's Healthcare celebrated its dedicated long service employees recently at two exciting events. On June 11th, over450 of our colleagues joined together at Carmen's Banquet Centre to celebrate 15 to 40 years of service to our organizationand on June 20th, we honoured our 5 and 10 year recipients at a reception held in the Frank Charles Miller Amphitheatre.

Congratulations to all of you on reaching this milestone in your careers!

Celebrating our dedicated employees

Honouring those who go above and beyondThe annual Mission and Values Awards were also presented at the Long Service Dinner on June 11th. These awards are presented annually to an employee and team who go above the call of duty and who strive to live the mission in the workthey do each day. Congratulations to our winners and all of our nominees!

2008 Sisters of St. Joseph Working Together Award Winner

Quality Planning & Performance Improvement ProgramTina DhanoaVera Dodds

Valerie FitzellAngela FowlerMona GrewalMike Heenan

Ann HigginsJoey Hrebik

Michelle JoynerKiran KumarJerri O'Neill

Laura Wheatley

Congratulations also goes out to the Diabetes ConsultationTeam for being nominated for this award.

2008 Commitment to Caring Award WinnerLina Jusdanis, Senior Mammography TechnologistWomen's Health Centre - Stoney Creek Campus

Congratulations to all who were nominated for this award.Sherri HowardDonna JohnsonJosie Nikpal

Sandra Reis WelshAlycia GillespieMarcia RichardsCandice BabbeyBruno DiFranco

Jeff WhattamAlina Bodzak

Lorraine MastroianniRandy Coutts

Maryann KlunderJanet CrouchChris Chovaz

Listra Manoo-Lutchman

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Think You Know Nursing? Take a Closer Look...

Celebrating National Nursing Week 2008

National Nursing Week began with anengaging Nursing Grand Rounds panelpresentation entitled "Nurses' Journeys ofExcellence". The panel represented abreadth of practice, education, and experience and included LesleyPiedrahita, RPN, Geriatrics; TeresaMorosin, RN, Nephrology, Barb L'ami,RN(EC), Nurse Practitioner, Geriatrics;Fran Szypula, RN, Nurse Educator,MHAP; and Winnie Doyle, RN, MN, VPClinical Services and Chief NursingExecutive.

The reception that followed provided anopportunity for nurses to connect andreflect on their own journeys, and tolearn about the important role that BestPractice Champions play in advancingnursing practice.

Another successful Nursing ExcellenceAwards Dinner, held on May 14th atCarmen’s, celebrated our dedicated nursing colleagues and those who werepresented with Nursing ExcellenceAwards.

Also in attendance was Dr. Don Wilsonand his niece, Donna Watson, whojoined us to present the 2nd AnnualRobertson Memorial Award for NursingLeadership and Innovative Practice.This award is invested through the St.

Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, and isdedicated to the memories of BarbaraWilson and Sandra Watson, graduates ofthe St. Joseph's School of Nursing.

The Psychiatric Mental Health NursingPromotion Committee celebratedNursing Week by hosting the well-attended 3rd Annual Knowledge Café atthe Mountain Campus. This year's themewas: "Integrating Physical and MentalHealth". Posters and presenters were onhand to raise awareness on a variety oftopics from Metabolic Monitoring inSchizophrenia to Social Cognition &Cognitive Remediation. The event alsofeatured live music by Colleen Sevenson,Cynthia Chhina and Tanya Lysiak-Globe,and free yoga and tai chi demonstrations.

A special Hamilton Spectator NursingWeek supplement coordinated by theRegistered Nurses Association ofOntario (RNAO) featured a profile ofour own Colleen Stang, Clinical NurseSpecialist in the Stroke Prevention Clinic.

Colleen's significant contributions toadvancing patient care and knowledgedevelopment through her participation inthe development of the RNAO Self-Management of Chronic Illness BestPractice Guideline and certification as aTobacco Treatment Specialist through

the Mayo Clinic were highlighted.

We'd like to thank the many sponsors ofour Nursing Week activities and thePublic Affairs Department for all theirassistance. Special thanks also to themembers of the Nursing Week planningcommittee: Heather Hoxby, CherylEvans, Sharon Simons, DarleneKennedy, Dawn Driscoll, Ron Denardis,Mary-Lou Martin, and Nancy St. Aubin.New members are always welcome!

2008 Nursing Excellence Award Emergency - Mary Margaret Haggith

Medical - Barb L'AmiSurgical - Lindsay de la FosseNephrology - Krista PasquaCritical Care - Linda Lipsitt

Maternal Child - Caroline GoodaleNursing Education - Mary Dunn

Psychiatric Mental Health - Angela FabePreceptorship/Mentorship - Darla Clarkson

Patient Education - Colleen StangStar On The Horizon - Jodi Horton

Nursing Research - Helen KirkpatrickNursing Leadership - Ann Higgins

2008 Robertson Memorial Award Renal Transplant Coordinators:

Maria Bennett, RN Tracy Hamilton, RN Melodie Jansen, RNRon Denardis, RN

Congratulations!

Submitted by Cheryl Evans, Nursing Professional Practice Consultant; Tanya-Lysiak Globe, Clinical Nurse Specialist; & Pat Ford, Clinical Nurse Specialist

My husband Mark and I were thrilled tofind out we were expecting a child aftermany years of trying. Although we live inBrantford, we made the decision to deliver atSt. Joe’s as I work in Hamilton, but alsodue to your great reputation.

Our experience with St. Joes started with myfirst appointment with Dr. Loosley-Millmanand the great care I received from her office.We made it to the hospital on Christmasmorning and delivered at 10pm on

Christmas night. We were so thrilled to haveour little Andrew in our arms.

I cannot say enough about the care wereceived with Dr. Loosley Millman, in thethrombosis clinic, labour & delivery, thematernity ward and post delivery withLouise in the BANA clinic. We have toldeveryone we know how St. Joes provides suchgreat care and by such special people. Wecould not have been happier with the entireexperience.

I feel badly it has taken me so long to writethis letter!! Please pass along our thanks tothe various departments. We saw on yourwebsite the new St. Joe’s Babies fundraiserand we will be certain to take part on behalfof Andrew. We cannot thank you enoughfor helping to bring our lovely baby into theworld.

Yours very truly, Mark & Anna Nemeth

Living the MissionA spotlight on staff, physicians and volunteers who demonstrate the SJHH mission in action

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Managing Editor: Kyla KumarEditor: Karen DeBreauContributors: Debbie Silva, Lindsay Whelan,Carrie Thomas, Amanda BoundrisPhotography: Craig Peters

Contact:Public Affairs Department, Rm T140750 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton ON L8N 4A6Telephone: (905) 522-1155 ext. 33423Fax: (905) 540-6531Email: kdebreau@stjoes.ca

We want to hear from you! Please send us your comments, suggestions, story ideas or submissions.

The Public Affairs Department reserves the right to edit and print your submissions as space permits. Submissions are subject to approval.

is published monthly by the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Public Affairs Department.

The latest Payday Payouts winners are...

CCONNECCTIONS

The Payday Payouts 50/50 Staff Lottery provides players with a chance to win over $4,000 every payday. While half ofthe lottery proceeds make up the ever-growing prize amount, the other half supports patient care initiatives at SJHH. Soeverybody wins.

Call the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation at (905) 521-6036 to find out how you can register for the Payday Payouts 50/50Staff Lottery!

Joanna Rekas from the Critical Care Unit wonan incredible $4,726.50 in the May 15thPayday Payouts draw. "I've already spent halfthe money," said Ms. Rekas, noting that theday she found out she won, she had to get hercar towed and repaired. Still, she also took theopportunity to go on a clothes shopping spreethat same day.

Ms. Rekas just bought her first house and gotengaged over Christmas, so she plans to put the rest of her win-nings toward home renovations and her wedding in the summer of2009. "This will come in very handy."

Barbara Fiorino from Respiratory Services was thelucky winner of the May 29th Payday Payouts draw.Barbara took home our largest prize pot ever, awhopping $4,746! Upon hearing about her big winBarbara said, "I was literally pinching myself, saying'No way!'"

In addition to paying off some debt, Ms. Fiorinosaid she has another plan for her winnings…she's always wanted to get herself a family ring

to represent her son, daughter, husband, parents and in-laws. "I decided, why not treat yourself?"

A Healthy & Smoke-Free St. Joseph’sHealthcareHamilton beginsNovember 1, 2008

Traffic changes due to SJHH redevelopment

Effective July2nd, there will be

NO access tothe roof deck

parking from the

Emergencyentrance driveway.

Effective July 2nd,there will be a

temporary access to the roof deckparking located

off the eastboundlane only of St.Joseph’s Drive.

Effective June23rd, the west-

bound lane onlyof St. Joseph’sDrive will be

temporarily closedto traffic during

construction.Please note that due to ongoing hospital redevelopment,there will be some changes to roof deck parking and accessto St. Joseph’s Drive. Please see diagram for more details.

Don’t miss this year’sSummer Sizzler

BBQ!!Charlton - Aug 6

Mountain - Aug 13Stoney Creek - TBD