Annual Report #1

Reflections of

Excellence S T. M A RY ’ S G E N E R A L H O S P I TA L’ S 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 5 R E P O R T T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Vivian Zochowski, Past Chair; Dr. Kevin Smith, CEO; Marion Bramwell, COO; Dr. Doug Letson, In-coming Chair; Moira Taylor, President (l to r)

EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP

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f you have had the opportunity to visit St. Mary’s over the past year

you will certainly agree that it is an exciting place to be. Our commitment to be a health care leader in this community can be characterized by the continued growth of our programs and the expansion of our facility.

Our strategic direction over the next several years is to continue to develop our Centres of Excellence in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Respiratory and Thoracic Care, and Minimal-Access Surgery. We are proud of the innovative approach to patient-centred care that has defined these programs and as such, the theme of this year’s annual report is ‘Reflections of Excellence’. We have focused our attention on the development of our Centres of Excellence and the impact that these programs have had on the lives of our patients.

To support the development of our Centres of Excellence, St. Mary’s took a leadership role in the development of a Regional Nuclear Medicine program this past year. This partnership with Grand River Hospital will provide patients with greater access to this important clinical service, and our health care teams with the tools to diagnose and treat patients in a timely manner.

As our programs grow, so too will our clinical space as the final phase of our $89 million redevelopment project continued to progress this year. Construction of a 3-storey addition that will accommodate the expansion of our ambulatory and surgical programs is scheduled to commence this fall and be complete by the summer of 2008.

Also of note, the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) granted St. Mary’s full Accreditation status in January. This process re-affirmed St. Mary’s as a centre of excellence and a community of caring. The most notable practices and successes highlighted in the final Accreditation Survey Report included: a structure that effectively delivers services to patients; a good structure for risk management and patient safety, a continuous quality improvement process; a strong ethical framework; a strategic planning process; an evolving governance model; and, a strong financial position.

Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff, physicians and volunteers who dedicate themselves to delivering the innovative, compassionate care that the community has come to expect from St. Mary’s. Our improved facilities and enhanced programs will parallel the quality of our people. It is upon each of you that we truly reflect excellence.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2004-2005 Ms. Vivian Zochowski Chair

Dr. Doug Letson Vice-Chair

Mr. Allan Beaupre Past-Chair

Mr. Rob Way Treasurer

Dr. Kevin Smith Secretary

Vacant President, Medical Staff

Dr. Vinita Bindlish Vice-President, Medical Staff

Ms. Oonagh Burns

Mr. James Harper St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation

Ms. Chloe Callender

Mr. Tom Hunter

Mr. Larry Kotseff

Dr. Brian Kelly, V.P. Medical Affairs and Interim Chief of Staff

Ms. Martha Stauch President, Volunteer Association

Ms. Victoria Sills Staff Representative

Mr. Gary Kieswetter Councillor - City of Waterloo

Mr. Geoff Lorentz Councillor - City of Kitchener

Mr. Bill Strauss Councillor - Region of Waterloo

Sister Teresita McInally, C.S.J.

Ms. Joan McKinnon

Ms. Dianne Moser

1 S T. M A R Y ’ S G E N E R A L H O S P I TA L’ S 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 0 5 R E P O R T T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y

“The care I received at St. Mary’s was so great that it was hard to leave.”

EXCELLENCE IN RESPIROLOGY

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erformances by legendary guitarist and blues musician Mel Brown leave audiences breathless, wanting more. Those same performances leave Mel breathless, but for an entirely different reason. Mel has been battling emphysema for several years.

Mel has fought disease before in his life. In fact, a childhood illness that left him bed ridden for months led to his passion for music and paved the way for an illustrious career. However, on an evening when he was supposed to be celebrating his birthday with friends and family at a club in Toronto, Mel was rushed to the hospital as he struggled to breath.

Once his condition stabilized, Mel was transferred to the St. Mary’s Chest Program, which specializes in thoracic surgery and respiratory care. Our Chest Program includes a consolidated in-patient care area known as the Chest Unit, which groups patients with acute and chronic respiratory disease.

Since Mel was suffering from an acute respiratory disease, he required the care of a team that specializes in this area of medicine. Respirologists, nurses and therapists that work in the Chest Unit have the skill, knowledge and expertise to care for patients with respiratory illnesses. The team manages the 27-bed unit, which includes a four-bed intermediate care area that has cardiac monitoring and the ability to monitor patients on BiPAP, a device used to provide positive airway pressure.

Following a short stay in the Chest Unit, Mel was admitted to our Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit.

The dedicated team in the rehabilitation unit works with patients recovering from respiratory illnesses, as well as those referred from surgical and cardiac programs. Mel worked with the rehabilitation team to increase his independence through strength building and education on the management of the illness.

Now at home, Mel continues the battle to overcome his disease. Thanks to the skill and compassion of the people that cared for Mel, he has the tools and knowledge to manage his illness and can continue to touch the lives of others through his music.

(l to r) Dr. Martin Strban, Respirologist; Jenny Harris, RN; Deborah Armitage, RN; Jason McDonald, RN; Shannon Lefebvre, RN

3 ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL’S 2004-2005 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

“When people ask me how my surgery went I always tell them that out of 10 I give St. Mary’s a 12!”

EXCELLENCE IN SURGERY

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ichard Schmidt is a normal, healthy 68 year old man. He is in

good physical shape following a career with the Waterloo Regional Police Services that spanned 33 years. He keeps active by working part time at Deer Ridge Golf Course and volunteering with a local Shiners Club. He is upbeat, enthusiastic and has a smile that could bring warmth to any room.

However, this past March, Richard was dealt some news that would have a tremendous impact on his life. Following a routine physical examination by his family physician he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The news was a complete surprise to Richard, as he had no medical conditions that would indicate that he had prostate cancer. In fact, the examination itself went fine. It wasn’t until the results of the blood work were made available that the cancer was detected.

Although thoughts of fear raced through his mind, he remained optimistic. He was referred to a surgeon at St. Mary’s for further examination. ‘I was amazed how quickly I was able to see a surgeon,’ said Richard. ‘When I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer I wasn’t sure how long I would have to wait for treatment.’

St. Mary’s is developing a Centre of Excellence in Minimal Access Surgery with an emphasis on urology, ophthalmology, and ENT. Each year, over 14,000 procedures are performed at St. Mary’s, of which 87% are done as day-surgery cases where our patients return home the same day as their surgery. The use of minimally invasive techniques has also resulted in shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery periods.

The development of a surgical Centre of Excellence at St. Mary’s requires the support of a skillful team that is able to provide innovative, compassionate care. For patients like Richard, care and compassion can turn a frightful experience into a positive one. ‘I knew I was in good hands the moment I walked in the door,’ adds Richard. ‘The surgical team was very informative and provided answers to all my questions. I knew what to expect before, during and after my surgery. They were simply awesome.’ (l to r) Dr. Ted MacKinnon, Chief of Anesthesia; Dirk Fletcher, OR Attendant; Kathleen Bomans, OR RN; Ruth Ann Weaver, RPN OR Technician; Dr. Dante Pocrnich, Ophthalmology Lead Physician

5 ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL’S 2004-2005 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

“Having these services available in our community is convenient for the patient and their family.�

EXCELLENCE IN CARDIAC CARE

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uring a routine morning workout Ron Green felt a slight pain in his chest.

He quickly dismissed it as a muscle strain from lifting weights and finished exercising.

Afterwards, Ron went home but the chest pain became so intense that he decided to go to the hospital. At the St. Mary’s Emergency Department, it was diagnosed that the chest pain Ron was feeling was actually a heart attack.

The diagnosis was a shock to Ron who for the past 30 years had exercised regularly and maintained a healthy lifestyle in an effort to beat the heart disease that had claimed the life of his father. Equally as shocked with the diagnosis was Ron’s wife Lois, who is a Registered Nurse and works at St. Mary’s with the Cardiac Rehabilitation team.

Upon learning of her husband’s condition Lois had to make the transition from nurse to wife.

‘It was difficult for me to come to St. Mary’s as a relative of a patient, not as a nurse,’ said Lois.

‘Through my experience as a nurse I know that when a loved one is ill it has a tremendous emotional and physical impact on both the patient and their families. Being on the other side reinforced just how much it impacts a family.’

In the days that followed his emergency visit to the hospital Ron had an angiogram, followed by angioplasty to clear the obstructed heart valve that caused his heart attack. St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre has been providing cardiac surgical services since July 2003. The Regional Cardiac Care Centre includes Cardiac Rehabilitation, two Cardiovascular Operating Rooms, a Cardiac Catheterization Suite, an 8-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and a 20-bed Cardiac Surgery Ward.

Ron has since recovered from surgery and has started his rehabilitation program with St. Mary’s Cardiac Rehabilitation. ‘Having these services available in our community is tremendous for the patient and their family,’ said Ron. In addition to heart healthy exercises, the rehabilitation team will also teach Ron how to plan a heart healthy diet and educate him on the management of cardiovascular disease.

Both Ron and Lois are grateful for the care and expertise of the staff. ‘As a nurse at St. Mary’s I know that we have the most caring, compassionate and professional staff and this experience has made me proud to be part of such a great organization,’ adds Lois.

7 ST. MARY’S GENERAL HOSPITAL’S 2004-2005 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNANCE

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n February 2005, the Board of Directors

of St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) together with representatives of member Boards of Trustees, Foundations, and the SJHS CEO Group, met to discuss current challenges and opportunities.

The goals of the Retreat were: •

To ensure clarity of existing responsibilities and accountabilities of the Corporate and member Boards.

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To review existing reporting mechanisms between parties and establish more effective reporting where indicated.

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To begin dialogue on developing a governance structure to best meet the Board’s responsibilities and accountabilities.

During the Retreat there was considerable discussion on the current health care environment including the introduction of Local Health Integrated Networks (LHINs) and the potential impact on our health care ministry. A number of Work Groups were established to address key themes consistent with the Retreat goals.

These Work Groups will be preparing reports for the June SJHS Board meeting.

We would like to commend Mr. Jay Ayres and the SJHS Purchasing Group for their work with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in the Ontario-wide purchase of MRI/CTs. This initiative was the first of its kind in Ontario and underscores the respect that SJHS enjoys throughout the province.

The following highlights are but a few examples of the new and exciting developments taking place in the System.

Sister Anne Anderson, President & Chair, St. Joseph’s Health System Sister Margaret Kane, General Superior, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton

St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

It was announced at the recent Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) conference that St. Mary’s was a recipient of the 2004 OHA Healthy Hospitals Innovators Award. The award was developed in partnership with the National Quality Institute and recognizes a commitment to developing a long-term strategic approach to the development and sustainability of a healthy workplace and as a role model for others in the community.

George Smitherman, Minister of Health, visited the Centre for Ambulatory Health Services (CAHS) on December 10th. The Minister announced final approval for construction of the 26-Station Satellite Dialysis Centre. The Minister has also indicated funds may be announced for additional cataract surgeries shortly.

The Board and senior staff continue to work with our colleagues at Grand River Hospital to complete the implementation of the directions under the Investigator’s Report, as well work continues to develop a plan to address the community needs facing health care in Kitchener-Waterloo over the next 2 to 3 years.

St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph St. Joseph’s Health Centre assumed responsibility for the Wellington Terrace Outreach Program on January 1, 2005. Our staff provides an excellent Seniors’ Day Program and we are recognized as leaders in this area. We look forward to providing this quality service for Wellington County residents so more seniors can have access to the many benefits provided.

The new SJHH Tower is almost complete, and programs will move onto floors 2 to 10 by April 2005. The official opening is scheduled for Friday, June 10, 2005, coinciding with the hospital’s 115th anniversary.

St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, Brantford The new long term care centre is now fully operational. 205 residents were transferred from the John Noble Home starting October 26, 2004. All rental space is now fully utilized including: Child Day Care, physician offices, a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, the diabetes association, and psychiatric outreach.

The Stedman Hospice held a very successful opening on December 2, 2004.

Currently day programming is available with the expectation that residential care will open in January 2006.

Five additional rehabilitation beds were opened in January 2005 for a total of 15.

The additional beds are part of our ongoing plan to provide rehabilitation services to meet our community need. We are also working with our community partners to provide integrated seamless rehabilitation care.

Foundations

St. Joseph’s Villa, Dundas

The ongoing development of St. Joseph’s Resource Development System Board, chaired by Mr. Bernie Miller, ensures consistency at a policy and governance level throughout the System.

In January a special event recognized the contributions of the Guild volunteers.

A special plaque was unveiled to celebrate their contributions over a 43-year period to the residents, families, staff and volunteers at the Villa.

There was a major effort during the year by the Board, management, and staff to ensure that the 97% occupancy target was attained. This was a difficult year to reach this goal due to ongoing construction and the opening of many additional long-term care beds in the community. Congratulations to all in meeting this important target which has had a major direct impact on resident funding levels.

Our member Foundations continue to support our redevelopment programs for SJHS members. This important contribution to our health care ministry directly impacts on patient and resident care.

International Outreach Program Our International Outreach Program continues to provide assistance to the developing world through the participation and commitment of our SJHS family.

St. Joseph’s Home Care

Several containers of much needed medical equipment and supplies were sent to our programs in Haiti, Uganda and Yemen. In addition, training opportunities for visiting medical residents and faculty were provided in cooperation with the Faculty of Health Sciences of McMaster University.

In January 2005, the Board of Directors approved the change in name to St. Joseph’s Home Care (formerly SEN Community Health Care). This name change reinforces membership in SJHS and the linkage to the health care Ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

As we reflect on the many ways in which we serve God and God’s people through our Ministry in Health Care, we are very much aware and recognize with gratitude the ongoing commitment by our Board members, staff, physicians and volunteers who are so adept at making dreams a reality!

The Minister of Health and Long Term Care appointed the Honourable Elinor Caplan to review the Managed Competition process used by the Community Care Access Centres throughout the province. We await her final report with hopeful anticipation that there will be appropriate recognition for the contribution of long standing not-for-profit providers of home care services.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO

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t. Mary’s General Hospital is a 191-bed adult acute-care hospital located in Kitchener, Ontario. The hospital’s 1,100 employees provide innovative, compassionate care to the residents of Waterloo Region and surrounding municipalities.

Programs and services offered at St. Mary’s • 24/7 Emergency services • • Surgery • • Regional Nuclear Medicine Program • • St. Mary’s Counselling Service •

include: Regional Advanced Cardiac Care Centre Chest Program • General Medicine Diagnostic Imaging • Out-patient clinics Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Treatment Centre

Our Vision: St. Mary’s General Hospital will be a leader in health care excellence characterized by compassion, innovation and respect for the individual.

Our Mission: To continue the healing ministry of Christ consistent with our Catholic traditions and values.

F I N A N C I A L H E A LT H The number of patients cared for at St. Mary’s increased in 2004/2005. Much of the increased volume is related to the development of our Centres of Excellence - a trend that will continue as our programs evolve.

As St. Mary’s continues to develop its Centre of Excellence in Minimal-Access Surgery, the number of surgical cases performed each year will likely grow. Last year, over 19,500 surgical procedures were performed at St. Mary’s where Day-Surgery remains a preferred choice and increased by 5.8% in 2004/2005. The use of minimally invasive techniques in surgery has resulted in a decrease in the average length of stay by 12%.

St. Mary’s Regional Cardiac Care Centre continues to treat an increasing volume of patients.

Cardiac catheterization increased by 20.4% over last year, while cardiac surgery increased by 33.5% and with the addition of a second Cardio Vascular Operating Room capacity will increase in the coming year.

St. Mary’s ended the year with a surplus of $1,555,530. The hospital will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to address future funding decisions so we are able to provide the same quality, compassionate care that the community expects from St. Mary’s.

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t. Mary’s is currently raising funds to help

build our New Surgical Suite, complete with 7 operating rooms. We plan to raise over $1,000,000 by the end of this year to prepare our Surgical Suite for its first patients. We are excited to share that since launching this appeal last November, we have raised over $500,000!

Please help us improve your hospital, so your family has a place to go in a medical crisis.

Your gift to our Surgical Suite appeal will help our caring physicians and health professionals do their best work, with the most recent technology available.

Every day at St. Mary’s we save lives, and give comfort and support to those who need it most.

HELP US BRING THIS ROOM TO LIFE!

Sincerely,

André Anderson Foundation President

St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation 911 Queen’s Boulevard, Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1B2 CHARITABLE BUSINESS NO. 11918 9017 RR0001

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