A publication for Staff and Physicians of IH
Dr. Halpenny talks about our organization as he sees it from his day-to-day perspective.
Do you have a best friend at work? Read this month‟s responses.
A refresh for IH‟s Strategy Map.
A helping hand from someone who has been there.
IH leaders credit People Management Series for helping them along the way.
April 21 to 27 is National Volunteer Week. Thank you to all our volunteers at IH.
Highlighting the role of IH dietitians.
Thoughts on collaboration and engagement from VP John Johnston.
Community partners part of „In‟tegration.
Shining a spotlight on the many communities that make up where we live, work, and play.
Snapshots of our staff in action over the last month.
The @InteriorHealth newsletter 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 May 2013 issue of the @InteriorHealth newsletter is April 22. Editors: Amanda Fisher & Breanna Pickett IH Communications Contributors: Lisa Braman, Lesley Coates, Susan Duncan, Karl Hardt, Megan Kavanagh, Erin Toews, Kara Visinski
Recognizing our staff for their achievements is an important part of IH Board meetings. At the March meeting, Dr. Halpenny and Board Chair Norman Embree congratulated Donna Mendel, Regional Practice Leader – Professional Practice Office, on receiving a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her outstanding contribution to nursing and health care.
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.
I
t feels like I‟ve spent a lot of hours on the road and in the air lately; not always ideal to be away, but valuable time for thinking and planning.
be taking a closer look at some recent evidence from health authority staff and the New England Journal of Medicine related to treatment using fecal transplants.
March started with a trip to Ottawa for the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) board meeting. I have just finished my first three-year term on the Board and have been appointed for a second term. It is a fascinating area of heath care.
The IH Board met on March 18 and 19 with informative presentations and updates from a number of our VP portfolios, ranging from our 10-Year Capital Strategy to a look at how we‟re responding to tuberculosis cases in IH, to how the work underway in Community Integration is aligning with CADTH provides timely, evidence-based the Ministry‟s Key Result Areas. information to health-care leaders about the effectiveness and efficiency The final presentation was from Dr. Guy of medical devices and drugs so they Fradet, Medical Director for IH‟s Cardiac can make informed decisions. Program, and it was a terrific update on the progress we‟re making in cardiac At this meeting, there was significant care across IH. focus on the subject of personalized medicine and how the application of The month ended with our Senior drugs can be aligned with an Executive Team meeting, which was individual‟s genetic make-up based predominantly focused on our financial on predictive indicators from genetic picture and approving the Budget testing. Management Plan for 2013/14. For me, as a health authority CEO, the question to consider is what kind of an impact this burgeoning field will have on our health-care system in the long term. Back in B.C., I attended our monthly Leadership Council meeting with the Deputy Minister and the other health authority CEOs in Vancouver. While there, I brought forward a challenging topic – the need for a co-ordinated provincial approach to treating recurrent C.difficile. I have agreed to pull this together with a provincial working group, and we‟ll
We expect to announce a balanced budget for 2012/13 when the final numbers are tallied in April. I thank all of you for your efforts to reduce costs and help us achieve this goal and will be looking for continued support in the year ahead. We know it will be more challenging than ever and that we may need to look at additional cost containment initiatives. Undoubtedly a balancing act as we try to meet ever growing need with available resources while remaining true to our vision and values.
your
opinions
count @
What do you think the meaning is behind the Gallup Survey question:
Do you have a best friend at work?
“…I am hoping that the meaning behind this question is more towards whether I am supported and have a culture in my workplace that supports and promotes friendships.”
“I think it‟s kind of an odd question to ask on a work–related survey. Best friends are generally people we spend time with outside of work and share personal information with and usually have known for years…”
“…Someone who would give me honest constructive feedback.”
“I know there is a meaning to this question but it‟s beyond me what it means even after asking our Gallup support person…”
“I do not like this question! Best friends are people you spend time off with, you know for a time period in your life…”
“…Feeling like you have someone that you can trust 100%; someone you feel comfortable talking to about work, personal, etc.; that you can look to for advice, assistance and friendship in the workplace…”
Visit the Engagement web page on the InsideNet to read background from the Gallup organization on the question “do you have a best friend at work.” A full list of the responses is also available, as well as all questions and answers posted since Your Opinions Count @ IH started in January 2012.
The April topic for discussion is…
Engagement—Whose responsibility is it anyway? Please send your feedback to YourOpinionsCount@interiorhealth.ca and we‟ll share excerpts in the next @IH, along with a new topic for discussion.
setting our sights G
oals are important.
Our patients have goals, professional athletes have goals, politicians have goals, Tim Hortons has goals … which means they all have a clear idea of where they want to be and how they plan to get there. And we all know that setting goals is the first step in achieving them. The same holds true for Interior Health. Every year, our Senior Executive Team (SET) reviews IH‟s three-year Strategy Map, complete with goals and objectives, and decides whether we‟re still headed in the right direction, if we have to factor in new priorities or realities, and what our specific imperatives will be for the year ahead. For the 2013/14 – 2015/16 timeframe, our goals remain the same: improve health and wellness; deliver high quality care; ensure sustainable health care by improving innovation, productivity, and efficiency; and, cultivate an engaged workforce and healthy workplace. “To a guy who has played hockey his whole life, goals mean a lot,” says CEO Dr. Robert Halpenny, with a smile. “And that hasn‟t changed in my role as CEO. The end game is a little different, but it‟s still essential to have a plan for success. Our Senior Executive Team is very clear on what we want to achieve as a health authority.” Just as Tim Hortons likely knows how many cups of coffee
Improve Deliver
they want to sell this year, and what they will do to make that happen, we know what we must do to continually provide high quality care with engaged employees. Some of the key changes from the April 2012 version of the Strategy Map relate to wording in our strategic objectives – “implementing” health promotion and prevention initiatives rather than “redirecting” them; and focusing on “health improvement strategies” for targeted populations rather than “chronic disease prevention”. In addition, more emphasis has been placed on community engagement, future surgery service delivery models, and employee engagement and wellness strategies. “At the SET table, we also spend considerable time determining what our imperatives are for the immediate year – the must do‟s,” continues Dr. Halpenny. “For 2013/14, these include: reducing Alternate Level of Care numbers through a collaborative, cross-portfolio effort; balancing our budget; meeting benchmarking targets; implementing system-wide strategies for engagement and health and wellness; supporting deliverables identified in the Ministry's Key Result Areas; and, improving the delivery of our surgical services.” Visit the Health Systems Planning web page on the InsideNet for the most current version of IH‟s planning documents for 2013/14 to 2015/16.
health and wellness
high quality care
Ensure
sustainable health care by improving innovation, productivity, and efficiency
Cultivate an engaged workforce and a healthy workplace
Patient STORY
Helping
...from someone who has been there
I
never give up, I never surrender,” says Brian King, a member of the Kelowna General Hospital Auxiliary. Faced with obstacles and challenges over his lifetime, it‟s a motto this grandfather lives by.
“I used to have some troubles,” says Brian. “But volunteering gives me the opportunity to give something good back to the community.”
Brian, co-convener of the Centennial Mercantile Gift Shoppe at KGH, is a favourite of customers and volunteers alike.
Brian is the volunteer co-convener of the Centennial Mercantile Gift Shoppe at KGH, and he provides emotional support to fellow amputees. A motorcycle accident in 1990 resulted in seven surgeries including an ankle fusion that didn‟t work out. “I lived in excruciating pain for years. I saw two surgeons. They said I could have a full fusion or amputation. After learning about the limitations a full fusion would have on my life, and giving it a lot of thought, I said „take it off.‟ ” Now approaching the four-year anniversary of the removal of his lower right leg, Brian is in a good place in his life. Much of it is because of the volunteer work. He describes the KGH Auxiliary as “family,” and says working with people who are going through what he has been through with amputation is as therapeutic for him as it is for them.
“After learning about the limitations a full fusion would have on my life, and giving it a lot of thought, I said „take it off.‟ ”
Brian was encouraged to volunteer with new amputees by the team in the Prosthetics and Orthotic Department at the hospital, which is where his prosthetic (artificial) limbs are custom made. Mike Lenz is a Certified Prosthetist at Kelowna General Hospital. “It‟s important for many of our clients that their prosthesis is personalized,” he says. “We make limbs right here in our department and we can customize the look. Clients can choose from dozens of fabrics, or they can bring in their own. In Brian‟s case, he brought us T-shirts with pictures he liked and we used those.”
It was one of these customized legs that Brian was wearing in the gift shop that drew the attention of some shoppers. They told him their 83-year-old father Jack was going to have his leg removed. Brian offered to be there as someone for Jack to talk to after the surgery. “At first Jack was a stubborn old guy, kind of like me, but after we shared some tears and had some good talks, we became real friends. Two years later, we‟re still friends and I call him up to check how he‟s doing every week.” Nancy Wells, Business Enterprises Manager for the Kelowna Hospital Auxiliary, describes Brian as someone who is always willing to do whatever is needed.
Mike makes adjustments to Brian's prosthesis.
“Brian quickly became a favourite at the gift shop and is respected by the student volunteers. He is truly a shining example of what volunteering is about.” Currently, prosthetics and orthotic services are offered at KGH. RIH also offers orthotic services. For general information on the fields of prosthetics and orthotics, visit the Canadian Association of Prosthetics and Orthotic website.
Mike Lenz, Certified Prosthetist, works on one of Brian's custom limbs.
Brian's prostheses were made using T-shirts he likes.
IH leaders credit People Management Series for helping them along the way
S
ince 2005, Interior Health‟s People Management Series has offered IH leaders the chance to hone their skills and be more effective in their roles. As of July 2012, a total of 101 people have completed the series. All past and future graduates of the program will be acknowledged with a customized graduate lanyard, a certificate signed by John Johnston, Vice President of People & Clinical Services, and recognition in the @IH newsletter. IH‟s Senior Executive Team is very proud of all the graduates and their work to improve their leadership capabilities. People Management learning opportunities are open to IH staff in leadership roles with responsibility for managing others. The series consists of eight courses that focus on providing the knowledge and tools necessary to engage, lead, and influence others. The courses include: Foundation for Management & Leadership; Change & Transition; Fierce Conversations (new in 2012); Resolving Conflict in the
Workplace; Coaching for Engagement (new in 2012); Facilitating for Results; Leading Teams; and, Improving Performance in the Workplace. This series is also part of IH‟s OnTrack program, a self-guided curriculum for new leaders. IH leadership development programs like these support leaders in creating environments where quality care and excellence are embraced. More information about the OnTrack program is available on the InsideNet. Here‟s what some of the recent graduates had to say about the People Management Series: “I found the components of the People
Management Series to be practical, relevant, and specific to situations which frequently arise in health care.” David Kelcey, Manager – Lifeline Program
“I remember being in the last class of the
series discussing coaching scenarios when all the course material started to come together for me. The journey this series has taken me on has allowed me to be a better-rounded professional.” Neil Elwood, Business Consultant – Acute Services
Kris Kristjanson (left) Health Service Director – Acute Services, shows off his PMS graduate certificate.
“I believe the People Management Series
has increased my awareness of how to approach my work from both a personal and work perspective.” Karen Stoopnikoff, Team Leader – West Kelowna Public Health Nursing
“The People Management program was
very useful to me in my leadership role. I particularly enjoyed learning in a small group alongside other leadership colleagues. This facilitated networking and a sense of togetherness. I highly recommend this program to new and experienced leaders.”
Kris Kristjanson, Health Service Director – Acute Services
“I found this series to be a great benefit
and it helped to build my confidence as a professional practice leader in learning the course content and interacting with others in similar positions as myself. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.” Kim Perris, Professional Practice Leader – Diagnostic Imaging
“The biggest plus for me in taking the
People Management program was the interaction with others during the workshops. While it could be humbling, it was for the most part very stimulating and supportive to network with leaders from across IH and find such similarities in the challenges we were facing. You could almost call it „Leaders Anonymous‟ as it was truly a treasure chest of support.” Sarah Farmer, Manager – ACU, Ortho Clinic, Cancer Centre, and PICC Clinic
Karen Bowen (right) and Stephanie Gatti pose with the certificates and lanyards all People Management grads will receive.
People Management graduates (above left) from Salmon Arm (L-R): Sharon Berglund, Adrienne Kehl, and Renee Roberge see real value in this education series. Graduates (top right) Bianca Poelman (left) and Leona Bamping are also all smiles. Iwona Szczepanski (right) is thrilled to count herself among the graduates of the People Management Series.
“I‟m grateful for the People Management courses as they created a space for us to learn
how to build and maintain constructive positive relationships. I now have a greater understanding of the importance of listening and responding to each other as we work toward common goals. The series has also increased my ability to be of service by increasing my confidence entering discussions from a place of goodwill, knowing I have skills to navigate conflict and change in team settings. ” Lucie Poisson, Patient Safety Investigator – IH East
Are you interested in developing your leadership skills? Find out more about the People Management Series and related programs by visiting the Pathways to Leadership web page on the InsideNet. If you are new to leadership, the eLEADER program is also open to all staff and provides a great introduction to personal, peer, and team leadership concepts.
Congratulations! Amanda Ellison Ann James Barbara Tymchuk Barbie Kalmakoff Bernadette Bugiera Bernadine Easson Beverly Grossler Beverly Ross Bianca Poelman Bobby Tanaka Carla McGregor Carol Butcher* Carol ZehrMccutcheon Catherine Ellison Cheryl Bott Cherylee Hale
Chris Olesen Christina Lewis Christine Ondrik Corilee Clarke Daniel Ferguson Daniel Semenoff Darlene Kuzyk* Darlene Russell Darold Sturgeon* David Kelcey Dawn Benwell* Debbie Morgan* Deborah Park Deborah Runge Doneen Wooden Donna Lofstrom-bell Donna Martin
People Management Series Graduates: June 2004 - July 2012
Donna Munn Donna Porter Dorothy Crandell* Elisabeth Antifeau Elwyn Stauffer Friedelgunde Volk Galadriel Jolly Genevieve Garner Gerald Hickl Greg Baytalan Iwona Szczepanski Janis Kilback Jeffrey Harrison* Jennifer Thur Joanne Odermatt Jocelyn Wood John Evans
Joseph Kristjanson Joyce Christianson* Judith Ekkert Judyann Dyer Karen Fitzpatrick Karen Stoopnikoff Kevin Touchet Kim Perris Kimberly Statham Lauren Kembel Leona Bamping Lina Pavanel Lorne Sisley Lorraine Hartson Lorraine Tarasoff* Lucie Poisson* Mark Redden
Mary Pepper-Smith Matt Renfrew Maura Seyl Michael Adams Michele Hromadnik Michelle Parenteau* Neil Elwood Nicola Candy Pamela Blain Pamela Valer Patricia Manning Patricia Martin* Patty Metcalf Philip Snyman R. Byrne Ramona Getz Randy Thiessen
* Have completed the eight PMS courses and the new Coaching for Engagement and Fierce Conversations.
Renee Caillier Renee Roberge Ron Floen Sarah Farmer Shannon Jennings Sharon Berglund Shauna Gregoire* Stacey Byram Susan MacNeill Suzanne McCombs Terri Stockwell Tracey Rannie Tracey Stone Vicki Lodge Wendy Barber Wesley Noppers
RECOGNIZING our Volunteers
April 21 to 27 is National Volunteer Week which pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who graciously donate their time and energy to benefit their communities. Here we feature three of IH‟s volunteers, but would like to salute ALL ... and let them know how much their efforts are appreciated! Take some time to give those volunteers you work with a shout out.
E
lsie Babcock loves helping others and it shows – not only in her kind smile and the lively twinkle in her eyes, but on her resume as well.
Elsie joined the 100 Mile & District Hospital Auxiliary in 1967 and has held every volunteer role within the auxiliary, except secretary. Currently, she is the liaison between the auxiliary and hospital administration. “Volunteering is a great way to meet other people in the community. I feel a sense of accomplishment having helped others,” she says. “In the auxiliary we make patients more comfortable in their stay and raise money for the hospital.” In addition to volunteering with the auxiliary, Elsie is a volunteer for two other local organizations and feels this is what keeps her active, and provides a sense of well-being. Elsie Babcock is in her 45th year of volunteering “Everyone should be a volunteer. I know if I should have to quit for some with the 100 Mile & District Hospital Auxiliary. reason I would really miss getting out of the house,” she says. And her
advice goes for people in all stages of life. “It felt so good to get out for a couple hours to help others when my children were small.”
J
udy Doyle‟s commitment to residents of her Golden community doesn‟t end with her duties as an Interior Health physiotherapist. In fact, the longtime Goldenite volunteers for not one, not two, but three different local organizations that support her fellow residents and community.
Judy has volunteered with Golden Hospital Auxiliary for more than 25 years, Golden and District Hospice and Palliative Care Society for more than 12 years, and RCMP Victim Services for more than a decade. She views her volunteering for all three of these organizations as a natural extension of her physiotherapy work with Interior Health. “Physiotherapy is a caring, helping profession and as a volunteer I am supporting and helping people.” And volunteering, for Judy, is the natural thing to do. She recognizes times have changed and finding time to volunteer can be challenging, but it comes with the reward of knowing you‟ve made a difference in someone‟s life. “We all may be in a situation one day when we need help, and I‟m fortunate to be in a position to do that. We owe it to each other to be there for each other. There are many, many groups who are always looking for volunteers.”
In addition to juggling equipment to support community physiotherapy clients in Golden, Judy Doyle finds a way to balance three different volunteer commitments in her community.
F
or more than 10 years, Oliver resident Trudy Demorest has been providing support, respite, bedside vigils, and comfort as a hospice volunteer.
“I don‟t do it for myself,” says Trudy. “It‟s just my way of giving back to my community.” Trudy is a founding member and past president of the Desert Valley Hospice Society, and a member of the South Okanagan Health Care Auxiliary where she has served as president multiple times. In addition to helping organize events and fundraisers, including the annual Hike for Hospice, this remarkable woman volunteers as a caller in two important programs. In the Tuck-in Calling Program, Trudy makes telephone calls on Thursdays to palliative patients to “tuck them in” for the weekend. Trudy‟s calls ensure patients have all necessary supplies, medications, and volunteer support before the weekend arrives. This helps save on-call visits and provides potential crises intervention/prevention.
Trudy Demorest works the phones as a volunteer caller supporting palliative care clients and their families.
Making calls for the Hospice Telephone Bereavement Program, Trudy supports family members and friends of palliative care clients during the first year of bereavement. She provides the bereaved with information about the grief process and available support systems, monitors their coping ability and stress levels, and refers them to appropriate resources when needed.
F
ood, glorious food! It tastes great, smells great, looks great – but did you know it also plays a crucial role in preventing disease, promoting healing, and treating illness? And its benefits go beyond that – food can bring families and communities together, it can help support local economies, and even help beautify our neighbourhoods.
Interior Health‟s dietitians are experts on food and how to make the most of its many benefits. Lucky for us, they are available to share their expertise in a variety of our settings including hospitals, residential care facilities, and the community.
In Hospitals Dietitians are involved in the complex care of patients with multiple health challenges. They help create therapeutic care plans that minimize the stress of illness and maximize healing. Care plans may include intravenous feeding, tube feeding, or adding nutritional supplements to a patient‟s diet. In addition, some dietitians work in hospital food service, where they manage all aspects of food production and menu planning. Pictured right is Alisa Senecal. She helps ensure patients‟ dietary needs are met at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
In Residential Care Facilities Dietitians spend time getting to know the residents and their dietary needs. They help residents get all the appropriate nutrients and food they need to support their health. As a residentâ€&#x;s medical condition or needs change, dietitians are there to make sure adjustments in diet are also made. This may include things like changing the type or texture of food offered. Laura Hsu (left) a dietitian at Overlander Residential Care, speaks with resident Mario Dal Ponte about his best options for a nutritional diet.
In the Community Clinical dietitians work with clients one-on-one, either in an office or in the clientâ€&#x;s home, providing counselling, support, and education on how food choices can reduce or eliminate health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. They also help monitor medical conditions and make dietary changes as necessary. Pictured right, Kamloops Home Health Dietitian Barbara Mark discusses a new tube feed supplement that is made from whole foods with her client.
Community Nutritionists are dietitians who work to improve the health of the larger population. They work closely with community partners like school districts, community-based agencies, and non-profit societies to improve access to healthy food and teach shopping and food preparation skills. Together with provincial and local governments, community nutritionists help develop policies and plans to support sustainable food systems and emergency food supplies. They also provide training and resources to our staff and physicians so they can provide the public with up-to-date healthy eating information. Pictured left, Cathy Richards (centre) Community Nutritionist, tells interns Angela Mathews and Julie Steffler about the creation of the St. Paul Community Garden in Kelowna. The project helps increase access to healthy food. Dietitians unleash the power of food by translating the science of nutrition into information and practices that improve health and well being. For more information on the work of dietitians, check out the Dietitians of Canada website.
Thoughts on Collaboration and Engagement
W
hile travelling home from a recent business trip, John Johnston, Vice President, People & Clinical Services, was flipping through an airline magazine when he came upon an interview with a frequent traveller who is a CEO. “What immediately leapt off the page for me was a quote. This CEO was discussing the role of teamwork and he said, „You have to be true to your team – you can‟t be successful on your own.‟ That statement really resonated with me because I fully believe in the importance of collaboration.” Although John has learned a great deal about collaboration during his 30 years in human resources, the lesson really hit home during his 15-year tenure as a member of marine search and rescue teams on B.C.‟s West Coast. “In that environment, I learned right from the start that communication is essential and everyone needs to play their part for a rescue to be successful. The lives of the entire team and those we were trying to save were at stake and everyone had a job to do.” John sees a focus on interdependency and collaboration as equally critical to the success of our health-care team at IH. “When I look at our system from a patient standpoint, I am continually amazed at how seamless it all is,” says John. “There may be 40 staff and 10 different departments involved in a patient interaction, but all they see is their progression through the system. Each of our staff has a specific task and role to play, but together, they make us Interior Health.”
John on a rescue mission with the Search and Rescue team.
feels that effective communication is essential to fostering that sense of value and enjoyment. Today, in his own work, he believes wholeheartedly that keeping people informed and involved is critical to helping them feel engaged. “In our team, we spend a lot of time talking about how decisions were made and who was involved, not just the outcome. I think it‟s essential that we make decision making as transparent as possible and provide regular opportunities to share information and learn from each other.”
Like his straightforward personality, John has an equally direct take on engagement. His recipe is:
As he approaches his one-year anniversary at IH, John says that moving here was the right choice for him. “I am consistently amazed at the level of commitment I see each day from our staff.”
John believes that organizations have a major role to play in creating a culture of engagement. He feels strongly that acknowledging the contributions of others is critical to improving their sense of value in the workplace. John also
“The IH team demonstrates an incredible passion for their work and a genuine dedication to the care of our patients, residents, and clients. I‟m inspired every day here. That keeps me engaged.”
by: Cheryl Sidenberg
Community Partners Part of ‘In’tegration
H
ave you ever wondered what it takes to build relationships with community partners to move initiatives forward?
What I have discovered is that strong, trusting relationships with community stakeholders are an essential consideration for all of us who work in Community Integrated Health Services. There is a role for including stakeholders at several different levels and this is truly where the excitement begins. Positive and productive relationships with community (how ever you define your community) are critical to the success of our work.
Dan is an award-winning, exuberant smoke-free advocate. (Photo Credit: James Murray, Salmon Arm Observer)
their support of tobacco cessation initiatives. TRU‟s staff and students benefit from all their efforts in this important area. These champions also have a long standing relationship with Interior Health and the Tobacco Reduction Team.
Interior Health‟s Healthy Communities Initiative lays the foundation for building healthy communities across our region. As we move forward, more partners emerge to My story in tobacco reduction began by developing a support the ongoing work with local governments. In relationship with Dan, an exuberant smoke-free advocate Promotion and Prevention, the Tobacco Reduction Team, who has engaged his North Okanagan community for more community nutritionists and community health facilitators than 38 years with the message that there is no safe all engage to respond to the unique needs of each exposure to second-hand smoke. He has presented to community. Everyone contributes as community integration Salmon Arm City Council and is committed to seeing work continues with our community partners. children live in a tobacco-free environment. I have referred to recent work, but there has been action Dan‟s presentation convinced Salmon Arm council to take in the past carried out by other health authorities and action on a smoke-free outdoor bylaw. Although he was communities that helped lay the foundation for our current front and centre at the council table, his presentation was endeavors. Many IH employees, such as medical health developed by a team of partners including the Canadian officers, Health Protection staff and former tobacco Cancer Society, UBCO Nursing Students, and IH‟s Tobacco reduction co-ordinators, have contributed to the pieces that Reduction Program and Healthy Communities Initiative. are now falling into place. There is an abundant readiness to move forward in addressing health together. The I have supported Dan‟s work for more than a year now and momentum keeps building. I know that our work will continue to grow and develop for many years to come. Did I mention that Dan is in his late We all know it takes 70s and jokes he has at least 30 years of work left? many partners for community In 2012, Dan‟s work in his community resulted in the IH integration to work Tobacco Reduction Team recognizing his work with a successfully. As we Smoke Free Champion award. Subsequently, the Tobacco move forward with Reduction Team, in collaboration with the B.C. Lung our healthy Association and the B.C. Heart and Stroke Association, took communities his tobacco work to a higher provincial level, where Dan initiatives, it‟s and several other individuals and groups across B.C. were gratifying to know recognized. that the past and current work sets the Thompson Rivers University, along with its Wellness Centre stage and supports and Respiratory Therapy program, were also recognized for future work. Cheryl Sidenberg,Tobacco Reduction Coordinator.
Logan Lake
Lifestyle
Logan Lake is situated in the heart of the Highland Valley; a pristine natural environment of mountains, lakes, and forests. The community is popular with outdoor sports enthusiasts and backcountry explorers, and takes pride in its family-oriented, friendly community.
Recreation and culture
At a glance Population: Approx. 2,300 Health Services: Logan Lake Primary Health Centre, as well as community programs and services. Economy: Mining, tourism, ranching.
Logan Lake is known for its many seasonal events including the Western Cup of Pond Hockey Tournament and “Polar-thon” triathlon in the winter, and the Little Britches Rodeo and ATV BC in the summer. The area also boasts world-class fishing, hiking, and biking, and over 36 kms of crosscountry ski trails. Snowmobiling and ice-fishing are also natural draws.
In our own words...
“Logan Lake has a great balance between country/rural life and business, and outdoor activities. It is not unusual to find oneself in the midst of a ranch‟s cattle drive while on the way to work at one of the local professional offices. Popular attractions include many lakes in the surrounding area used for fishing and water activities, the wilderness for hiking, hunting and back country sports, and the pretty lake and park right in the centre of town!” – Jocelyn Rhode, Family Nurse Practitioner, Logan Lake Primary Health Centre
Kamloops Summerland Submitted by: Judy Kelly Submitted by: Shelia Howard
Moyie Falls (near Lumberton) Submitted by: Mandy White
Hell’s Gate (near Kamloops) Submitted by: Faye Knox
Kootenays Submitted by: Karen Czar
Where We Live & Work ... A Spotlight on Our Communities 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 Summerland, Lumberton, Kamloops, and the Kootenays.
Submit your photos of the beautiful places that make up IH: InsideNetWebmaster@interiorhealth.ca
snapshots from the region ... Darlene Laramie, right, a 16-year volunteer at David Lloyd Jones Home in Kelowna, received a $500 grant from her employer for volunteering 40 hours or more a year in her community. The grant will go towards buying new cushions for DLJ’s outdoor lawn furniture. Accepting the cheque from Darlene are Dolorese Rudnicki, DLJ Volunteer Coordinator (left) and resident Nora Mitchell (centre).
TRU 3rd year nursing student Shea Hrycan (left) and Becky Rugolo, IH Health Services for Community Living, are part of the team that put together the successful Health Fair for adults with developmental disabilities in Kamloops on March 25.
Three of the 13 members of Overlander's Auxiliary who attended a thank you tea on March 19. The Auxiliary has raised $1 million since its start in 1977, and its current members have contributed a combined total of 257 volunteer days.
Kelowna General Hospital's pharmacy team was out in full force during the week of March 3 rd to educate staff and increase awareness about the important role of of hospital pharmacy teams for this year's Pharmacy Awareness Week.
The pharmacy team at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital also had something to smile about during Pharmacy Awareness Week.
The Colon Check team at Penticton Regional Hospital picked up a 2012 BC Excellence in Quality award from the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council (BCPSQC). This is the hospital’s third win since the awards program started in 2009. Pictured here (L-R): Andrea Lindsay, Patient Care Coordinator; Margot Heintz, Nurse Navigator; Pat Breakey, Nurse Manager; and Dr. Doug Cochrane, BCPSQC.
A baby's mouth and teeth begin to form during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Taking good care of your teeth and mouth during pregnancy affects the development and dental health of your baby. Early dental care helps keep teeth healthy for a lifetime. Learn more about pregnancy and dental health and keeping baby’s teeth healthy.