Monday 1 December 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 28/11/14



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. Remembering Dr. Ted Cuddy

On behalf of all members of the Cardiac Science Program, sincerest condolences are offered to Margaret and her family. Dr. Cuddy passed on November 4th, 2014. He entered into medicine having graduated from the University of Manitoba as an M.D. in 1954. Among his many notable achievements, he was the head of Cardiology at HSC from 1962-1984, the Director of Electrocardiography Department for 34 years, and Director of the Holter Lab for 24 years. Dr. Cuddy was personally invested in bolstering Manitoba's reputation for leading-edge cardiovascular research. He was involved in many of the first clinical trials in the early days of permanent pacemaker insertion and helped develop the Health Sciences Centre Intensive Care Unit during his 13 years as Associate Director. One of his most significant contributions came when he was the Director of the Manitoba Follow-up Study, one of the world's largest and longest-running investigations of cardiovascular disease. He was named Director Emeritus in 2001 having published and presented extensively on the Study's research. Please visit his obit and guest book HERE.

2. A significant accomplishment for one of our own

On November 17th, Lorraine Avery successfully defended her PhD dissertation entitled “Registered Nurses Perceived Importance of Knowledge Sources in Relation to Structural Empowerment”. Lorraine’s study involved determining what knowledge sources were important to critical care/Cardiac Sciences clinical practice nurses and how these knowledge sources related to their perceptions on workplace empowerment. This is a significant accomplishment for Lorraine who balanced a full-time work as a CNS with completing this work.

 3. WRHA Long Service Awards – November 18th

The WRHA recognized dedication and commitment with awards for long service. On November 18th, the following people were recipients:

30 Years 
Mary Cairns

35 years 
Fraser Barnett
Maureen Kuppe

4. NP Transition Clinic Pilot Project official start

The Nurse Practitioner Transition Clinic pilot project for patients discharged from 5A with primary diagnosis of Heart Failure officially starts November 20th, 2014. During this 6-month project, patients will be seen within 1-2 weeks post discharge in the NP transition clinic on Y2. Patients will be assessed and their treatments optimized as per clinical practice guidelines. Patients will also be triaged to schedule a visit with MD. An automated interactive call system (TelASK) will complement the follow-up and teaching. Patients will receive a call 2 days post discharged and every 2 weeks thereafter for 3 months or longer. The project will be evaluated using specific indicators of outcomes at 6 month.

5. Accreditation Preparations Begin - FAQs

Why do we participate in accreditation?
The Regional Health Authorities Act requires all health authorities to maintain accredited status. The Accreditation Canada (AC) process supports the pursuit of excellence measured against national standards, helps improve performance, and guides ongoing quality and safety initiatives.

What does accreditation do for the Cardiac Sciences Program (CSP)/healthcare?
• Assess the quality of services, strengthen quality improvement efforts that are underway, and prioritize improvement opportunities
• Develop standardized processes to improve quality and efficiency/effectiveness
• Enhance our culture of quality and safety that focuses on ongoing improvement
• Identify leading and commendable practices (i.e. Post Op Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner Clinic, 2011; visit - http://www.accreditation.ca/node/6632)

How is accreditation completed?
April 2016 marks the beginning of the next four-year accreditation cycle. The CSP will be an active participant in this most important endeavor. Assessing the CSP as a whole provides feedback on the quality, safety, and continuity of services from a patient perspective. It also allows us to identify successes/challenges that reside at different points along the continuum of care. Previous lessons learned through accreditation have allowed us to focus our effort to address gaps/challenges in specific areas within the Program.

When and how does our accreditation cycle start?
The initiating step will happen in early February, 2015. CSP staff and physicians will be asked to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) online. These results will be compiled by AC and will inform next steps.

Why can’t AC use our last data – not much has changed since our last cycle?
AC strives to continuously improve their processes through feedback and international best quality assurance practices. This year’s accreditation cycle will have new elements and requirements that differ from previous cycles. The quality and “fit” of our decisions today is largely dependent on the currency and accuracy of the data we provide. How can I find out more information on accreditation? For more information about AC and the accreditation cycle in general, please visit http://www.accreditation.ca/accreditation-menu. Regarding the CSP accreditation cycle, details will be shared in the coming weeks.

6. Points to Ponder - Contribution

Contributions come in many shapes, forms, sizes, and acts. They often come from unexpected places. On November 20th, 2014, one of our own team played a life-saving role and made a significant contribution. On that morning, a panicked neighbour whose husband had stopped breathing showed up at Karan Kraft’s door. Karan instructed the wife to call 911 and immediately started CPR.

In Karan’s words, “The paramedics arrived very quickly (which when performing CPR seems like hours) and he was defibrillated and together we saved a life! He’s a very good man and father and I am extremely thankful and proud of the outcome from that morning…He has returned home since and is doing well (allowing his son to shovel for him for a little while).”

What you may not know about Karan
She completed EMT training in 1996, Level 2 in 1998, and took EKG/ACLS courses in 1998. Karan was teaching BLS and ACLS courses for a year and then worked part time as an EMT for two years while working at St. Boniface as a secretary. She has been working as a Secretary in Cardiology full time (19 years) and has recently returned to casual EMT shifts occasionally teaching in order to maintain her license. She loves both jobs equally (it shows) and she is extremely proud anytime a life is saved by either team!

Way to go Karan! The CSP leadership team extends the deepest respect for your quick thinking, tireless efforts to maintain your clinical readiness, and your significant contribution. You continue to make a difference.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 17 November 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 14/11/14



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. 97 Days VAP Free! ICCS celebrated a significant milestone today! Through outstanding leadership (Larissa Nimchonok at the helm), a concerted effort by all staff, and the intervention of Swoop teams, the VAP rate has remained at a steady zero percent for the past 97 days. This is a considerable accomplishment and one that the ICCS team should be very proud of.

2. Dr. Tam recognized for his achievements Dr. Tam received the Canadian Society of Echocardiography Annual Achievement Award for 2015. This award recognizes Canadian cardiologists who have made significant contributions to echocardiography in terms of leadership, teaching, or research.

 3. Additional beds on CSIU set to open soon The WRHA authorized an expansion of beds on CSIU to 32 (+1) in September. These beds are scheduled to be opened on November 21st.

4. Welcome to our new PTM Kelly Lewington has accepted the permanent position of Program Team Manager for Non-Invasive Diagnostics (EKG, Stress Testing, Holter) and Echocardiography for the Cardiac Sciences Program. She will begin her new role on December 4th, 2014. Please join us in congratulating Kelly for taking her new position.

5. Starry Night November 22nd With record-setting ticket sales, this year’s Starry Night Gala promises to be an event to remember. Over a dozen door prizes are available at the Gala being held at the Delta Winnipeg. Pictures and prize-winners will be announced in the next edition of Staff Matters. You don’t want to miss out on the party!

6. Circle of Compassionate Care recognizes CSP staff Dr. Phillip Garber and the staff on 5A have been recognized in the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation’s Circle of Compassionate Care. Grateful patients and their families have recognizes health care providers, staff, and volunteers who have provided exceptional care during the months of August and September.

7. Wellness Challenge winners 16 participants signed up for the wellness challenge a little over 8 weeks ago. At stake, two cash prize-packages for most “healthy living points” earned and highest percentage of weight loss. Combined weight loss over eight weeks was an astonishing 150 lbs attributed to minor changes to lifestyles and eating habits (daily consumption of three veggies, two fruits, increased hydration, and exercise three times a week)! Here are the winners:

Most Healthy Living Points Earned - Chris Kuttnig
Highest Weight Loss Percentage - Brenda Richardson

Looking to get in on the challenge? Keep an eye out for an email early in the New Year when the next round runs. If enough people participate, we can do team challenges as well. All participants are grateful to Lesli Meek for organizing and administrating the challenge!

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 31 October 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 31/10/14


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. First Valve-in-Valve TAVI in Manitoba 

October 15th marks the date of the first valve-in-valve TAVI performed in Manitoba. Our multidisciplinary team of Interventional Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and Procedure Nurses collaborated in this Manitoba first. This complex procedure speaks volumes of our capabilities in the Program and continues to demonstrate that we are at the leading edge of cardiovascular excellence in the Province. Please visit the website in the coming weeks to read more about the procedure.

2. Halloween 

Rhonda Findlater challenged her team on CSIU to a pumpkin contest and they rose to the occasion! Well done to all who participated. Photos below contain the three offerings with the winner on the left.


Stop by the unit today to see what creative people we have in our team!

3. Welcome to the team 

Two new hires to HCL started recently:
  • Christianne de Leon comes to us with 11 years of experience, most recently from HSC SICU.
  • Darcie Verfaillie comes to us with more than 20 years of experience, most recently as a flight nurse with Keewatin Air in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

4. Points to Ponder

2064 years of combined life and work experience! Truly significant milestones were acknowledged last week during the St. Boniface Hospital Long Service Recognition ceremonies. Here is a list of those recognized:

15 Years of Service 
Blake Morden, ICCS
Deborah Morrisseau, Cardiac Clinics

20 Years of Service 
Vilma Ablang, NICD
Dawn Barker, Cardiac Clinics
Karen Lawrence, Cardiac Clinics
Elsy Nadupparambil, A5 Cardiology
Donna Lee Samson, PTM
Charlene White, A5 Cardiology
Elsa Woldeghebriel, A5 Cardiology

25 Years of Service
Diane Cwyk, NICD
Diane De Blois, Cardiac Sciences
Geraldine Henry, ICCS
Wendy Janz-Marion, Cardiac Sciences
Karin Lazar, A5 Cardiology
Donna Mayoh, CSIU
Orit Romanov, A5 Cardiology

26 Years of Service
Dr. Naranjan Dhalla, Cardiac Sciences
Dr. Grant Pierce, Cardiac Sciences

27 Years of Service
Kelly Lewington, Pacemaker Clinic
Sally Masesar, ICCS
Larissa Nimchonok, PTM
Deborah Shaski
Deborah Wegier, Cardiac Clinics

28 Years of Service
Bernadine Brys, Cardiac Clinics
Sandra Chartrand, Cardiac Clinics
Dr. Kazimierz Czaplinski, Cardiac Sciences
Rhonda Findlater, PTM
Wade Morrison, Y2 Pre/Post
Dr. Edward Pascoe, Cardiac Sciences
Mary Wilson, Pacemaker Clinic
Cynthia Wong, Y2 Special Procedures Lab

29 Years of Service
Annette Angela Harman, Cardiac Clinics 
Gregg Herner, CSIU
Elvira Manalang, A5 Cardiology
Corliss Swenarchuk, Pacemaker Clinic
Patricia Taylorson, ICCS 

30 Years of Service
Rodney Giesbrecht, ICCS
Rosalie Grant, Cardiac Clinics
Pam Houlden, Angiography/Interventional
Donna-Lynn Lafreniere, Cardiac Clinics
Susan Mertin, Cardiac NP Clinics
Doreen Winsor, NICD

31 Years of Service 
Dolores Friesen, CHaRM Research
Maria Higgins, Pacemaker Clinic
Andrzej Jagnyziak, A5 Cardiology
Ester McGimpsey, Pacemaker Clinic
Gregory Moltschnow, A5 Cardiology  

32 Years of Service 
Corazon Dela Cruz, ICCS
Jennifer Kalouty Jesram, CSIU 
Irene Nazarevich, CSIU
Jody Semchuk, Y2 Pre/Post

33 Years of Service 
Paulette Devigne, Cardiac Sciences
Leonette Douville, CSIU
Trent Doyle, Y2 Pre/Post
Ann Hall, ICCS
Brenda-Lee Ingimundson, Cardiac Sciences
Sylvia K Jeanson, Cardiac Sciences
Linda McLean, NICD
Parminder (Pam) Singh, NICD
Kelly Tone, Y2 Pre/Post

34 Years of Service 
Donna Kingdon, A5 Cardiology
Linda Kozakewich, CSIU
William Maltman, Y2 Pre/Post
Kimberlee Wiebe, Cardiac Sciences

35 Years of Service
Maureen Kuppe, Cardiac Sciences
Jo-Anne Schaubroeck, NICD

37 Years of Service
Lucy Cabel, NICD
Louise Voth, Perfusion

39 Years of Service
Cindy Lo, Pacemaker Clinic
Dr. Andrew Morris, Cardiology
Dr. Hugh Smith, Cardiac Sciences

40 Years of Service
Sharon Deminiac, NICD

42 Years of Service
Dr. Sachchida Sinha, Cardiac Sciences

52 Years of Service
Dr. David Mymin


If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 19 September 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 19/09/14



1. New to the Program

We are very happy to announce that two new Medical Transcriptionists will be joining the Cardiac Sciences Team: • Kemorine Platt is the successful applicant for the Permanent Full-Time position. She will be located at Y3500-4 and can be reached at 204-237-2953 • Sheila Marte is the successful applicant for the Term Full-Time position. She will be located at Y3500-10 and can be reached at 204-258-1267 Both Kemorine and Sheila will be starting on Monday, September 29th, please join in welcoming them to their new positions.

2. CCU on A5 West – gone to tender

We have achieved a major milestone on the road to renovating A5 West for the new 10-bed CCU. The project has gone to tender, which means it is in the market place for interested construction companies to bid on. Once that process is complete (expected to be mid-October), the next phase will be to get Government final approval to award the construction contract. Currently, we are projecting to start construction in the early-winter.

3. Congratulations – Donna Lee Samson

Cardiac Sciences Leadership is pleased to announce that Donna Lee Samson has accepted the permanent position of Program Team Manager with the Cardiac Sciences Program, effective Monday, September 22, 2014. Donna Lee has been in the acting role on a term basis for the past year. Her areas of responsibility have been Cardiac Clinics, NICD, and Echocardiography. We now have the opportunity to split this enormous portfolio and will be posting another PTM position very shortly. Donna Lee has chosen to manage the Cardiac Clinics which includes not only Cardiology Clinics on Y2, but CR1 Surgery and CPAC Clinics, and CR3 Lipid Clinic. Prior to Donna Lee being in the PTM term role she was a senior technologist in the Department of Echocardiography as well as the Charge technologist. She will be sorely missed in this area. Donna Lee’s office will remain at Y3512 in the Bergen Centre and she can be reached at 204.258.1404, pager 204.931.2657 or via email at dsamson@sbgh.mb.ca. Please join me in congratulating Donna Lee in her role as Program Team Manager for the Cardiac Sciences Program.

4. WRHA Consultation with Ottawa Heart Institute

From the WRHA Website: NEWS - WRHA plans for future demand on cardiac sciences Winnipeg Health Region - Published Thursday, September 18, 2014

A team of consultants from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute will be in Winnipeg this fall to consult with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's Cardiac Sciences Program to ensure the program's approach to quality improvement is consistent with best practice, and is positioned to meet future needs and demands on the program including an evaluation of the need for and feasibility of developing a heart transplant program in Winnipeg. "After ten years of growth, we need to look forward to ensure we are well positioned today to meet future demands on the program so we can be confident the program will be able to meet the needs of patients over the next ten years," said Arlene Wilgosh, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. "This consultation will assist us in identifying any changes we need to make today to ensure we are able to meet the future needs of patients and Manitoba's population which we know is growing, getting older, and generally living longer. This includes an examination of the approaches used within cardiac sciences to monitor and improve quality, and an assessment of the need and feasibility of developing a heart transplant program here in Winnipeg." Wilgosh noted that accurately projecting future trends in cardiovascular medicine is challenging due to rapid pace of change and the introduction of new therapeutic treatments and procedures. However, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority's Cardiac Sciences Program has been actively engaged in trying to quantify and prepare for future demand on the program. This included the internal preparation of demand projections which were subsequently reviewed internally and also externally by Dr. Jack Tu, Canada Research Chair in Health Services Research and Senior Scientist with the Sunnybrook Research Institute.

Building on the Region's efforts to date, the team of clinical professionals from the Ottawa Heart Institute has been asked to consult with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Cardiac Sciences Program. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada's largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing heart disease. They provide care to more than 80,000 patients a year, and serve local, national, and international communities. The four member team will be led by Dr. Thierry Mesana, President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and a professor of cardiac surgery. Other members of the team will include a cardiologist, anesthesiologist, and chief nursing officer. "As with any service we provide, it is important to plan for future needs and demands. It is equally important to remain committed to continuous improvement. This means innovating, changing, and adapting the system based on our growing base of collective knowledge of what works well and what doesn't so we can provide the best care possible to patients, clients, and residents," said Wilgosh. "I am pleased to welcome the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, and look forward to what we can learn from them following their visit in the fall." University of Ottawa Heart Institute Consultation Terms of Reference

• Examine and validate internal projections for an increased demand for cardiac services in Manitoba, and assess the capacity of the Cardiac Sciences Program to meet these demands.
• Examine the indications for cardiac surgery and case selection processes in Winnipeg and determine if they are consistent with best practices in other jurisdictions.
• Examine the scope of cardiac services offered in Winnipeg to ensure they meet the needs of Manitoba's population specifically with respect to highly complex cardiac surgery interventions.
• Examine the approaches used in Cardiac Sciences to monitor and improve quality/standards and determine if they are consistent with best practices in other jurisdictions.
• Examine the resources available to support cardiac services (surgical/procedural/non-surgical) in Winnipeg (slates, critical care beds, ward beds, etc.) and comment on the adequacy of these resources to deliver the current and projected volume of cardiac services.
• Examine the ability to recruit and retain academic clinical staff, and assess existing clinical staffing models and structures within the Cardiac Sciences Program. Examine the need for and feasibility of developing a heart transplant program in Winnipeg.

5. Points to Ponder Cardiac Sciences Program Website – new look and new functions! Thanks to Maureen Kuppe, the Cardiac Sciences Program website has undergone a complete makeover! All the information that was on the old website has been migrated to the new one at the link(s) below. In addition, we have included new sections, new information, and new functionality. Tweets will be sent along to notify you of important events/updates; the Program Facebook page will contain information about our life here in the Program – you may see yourself in pictures from last year’s Annual Gala and Dinner; the Linked In page houses key elements of the Program for professional consumption; blogs will inform and provide more detail about initiatives; and the Program YouTube channel is designed to educate/inform patients pre-procedure, highlight key elements of Program transformation, and publicize the work being done in patient care and research. Please visit the website, follow the various social media streams, and contribute to the growth of the Program. Comments, feedback, and suggestions are always welcome.

Links:
Website: www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/cardiac_sciences/index.html
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CardiacSciences
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cardiac.sciences
Twitter: twitter.com/CardiacSciences
Blog: cardiacsciences.blogspot.ca/

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 9 September 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 05/09/14



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. Cardiac Sciences Career Symposium – Sep 10 The inaugural Cardiac Sciences Career Symposium is taking place on September 10, 2014. “Care Comes from the Heart” will take place on the Mezzanine in Asper and consist of booths and posters from all areas across the Program. Staff will be available to provide information about your career in the Cardiac Sciences Program as well as host tours of our departments and areas. If you know people from outside the hospital who are interested in nursing, cardiac diagnostics, perfusion, clinical assists, and support roles, please encourage them come out and explore a career in the Program.

2. CCU Construction update – St Boniface Hospital will be tendering the A5W CCU Expansion project on Wed, Sep 10, for 3 weeks. Non –mandatory site visit with vendors on Tues, Sep 16. Tender close is Tues, Sep 30. We will be ready to award within a few days of close, but definitely by mid-Oct.

3. Around the Region; in the Program At HSC Retirees/Leaving the Program – Diana Large RCT after 22 years; Mary Troung RCT moving to Ultrasound at HSC RCT Hires – Crystal Cruz, Gary Trepanier and Rodano Paredes-Alpaca New Protocol Room in the Emergency Department. It has helped the workflow in Emergency as well as providing more timely EKGs for the patients at HSC.

4. Consultation by Ottawa Heart Institute Oct 22-24, 2014 In 2004, the WRHA consolidated the Cardiac Sciences Program at St. Boniface Hospital. After ten years of significantly advancing cardiac care for Manitobans, the WRHA is looking to build on this foundation setting the stage for continued success into the next decade. Collaborating with Program leadership, the WRHA has commissioned a consultation visit from a leading Canadian heart program. A team from the Ottawa Heart Institute will be joining the Program from October 22 – 24, 2014. They will be comprised of a Cardiac Surgeon (CEO), Cardiologist, Cardiac Anesthetists, and the CNO with a mandate to exchange and validate best cardiac practice. This consultation to the WRHA will provide feedback to ensure the CSP is positioned to meet future demands for cardiac related services in Manitoba and to ensure it continues to be a strong, sustainable, and visionary program.

5. Congratulations to Dr. Arora – his research has been highlighted and will be featured in print and video on ResearchWasHere.com on Saturday, September 6th discussing:  Understanding Delirium



6. Points to Ponder - Quotations

The mind is everything. What you think you become.
–Buddha

Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.
–Charles Swindoll

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
–Chinese Proverb

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
–Stephen Covey

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us. –Helen Keller

Being positive in a negative situation is not naïve; it is leadership. What are you doing to contribute to being positive? If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 29 August 2014

Redesigned Website

I created the first website for the Section of Cardiology back in 2005. Since I was also in charge of distributing course notes for our Residency Program, it provided a great way to update teaching materials to our students.

When Cardiology merged with Cardiac Surgery and Cardiac Anesthesia to become the Cardiac Sciences Program, we added to those teaching pages with resources for patients, videos, professional links and more to become one of the largest and most comprehensive websites in Medicine at the University of Manitoba.

Now nearly ten years later, it's time for our third major overhaul; expanding to bring together all of our Program's social media applications.

Not only has the new look been tested on Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera, it looks great on mobile too.

For those of you with a preference for Internet Explorer, please be aware that it will look it's best on version 9 or later. If you have Windows 7, be sure to upgrade your browser. Both Windows XP and IE 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft and don't support some of the coding used in the new site.

http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/cardiac_sciences/index.html


I hope you enjoy the improved Cardiac Sciences website. Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance in any way.

Maureen Kuppe
Computer Applications Specialist
Cardiac Sciences Program
Friday 22 August 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 22/08/14





Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program.   The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination. 

1.      Interim Vice President for the Cardiac Sciences Program

As you know, Francis LaBossiere is retiring on August 29th.  Until a permanent VP is recruited, Arlene Wilgosh will assume the position.

2.      Surgical Head for the Heart Failure Program

Doctor Rohit Singal has been the interim surgical head for Heart Failure within the Program.  Effective immediately, he has been appointed Surgical Head of the Heart Failure Program.  Please join the CSP leadership team in congratulating him on this accomplishment. 

3.      New CRN in ICCS

Belinda Landry has accepted the position of CRN on ICCS starting in September.  Belinda graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2007 with a Bachelor of Nursing and immediately started her nursing career with the Cardiac Sciences Program on CSIU. She then took on the WCCNEP ICU course and completed this in 2010 and has been working as a bedside nurse in ICCS since then.  She is currently the co-chair of SBH Nursing Practice Council

4.      New to the Program 

Please extend a warm welcome to two General Duty Cardiology Technicians to the Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostics department.  Brenda Cahigas will be taking a full-time, D/N position and Amy Harris will be in a part-time (0.7FTE) D/N.



5.      New CEI on ICCS

Ashleigh Shearer is the new Continuing Education Instructor for ICCS.  Ashleigh comes to the position from being the CRN on ICCS.

6.      Professional Development Opportunity

The 2nd Cardiovascular Forum for Promoting Centers of Excellence and Young Investors will be taking place at the RBC Convention Centre (375 York Ave, Winnipeg), September 4-6 2014.  This forum features a broad selection of thematic symposia, in addition to four awards sessions dedicated to trainees and young faculty. Twenty-eight symposia have been assembled to span the gamut of modern cardiovascular basic and clinical research, including regenerative and translational medicine, with over 100 speakers from around the world sharing their latest findings.  For more details, please visit www.cvforum.org 


7.      Save the Date

The inaugural Cardiac Sciences Career Symposium is taking place on September 10, 2014.  “Care Comes from the Heart” will take place on the Mezzanine in Asper and consist of booths and posters from all areas across the Program.  Staff will be available to provide information about your career in the Cardiac Sciences Program as well as host tours of our departments and areas. 

If you know people from outside the hospital who are interested in nursing, cardiac diagnostics, perfusion, clinical assists, and support roles, please encourage them come out and explore a career in the Program.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 8 August 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 08/08/14


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. A notable retirement

Francis LaBossiere is retiring from service to the people of Manitoba. Come celebrate his accomplishments at a retirement reception:

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Place: Sheraton Four Points Winnipeg South, 2935 Pembina Highway
Cost: $40/person (covers food and gift contribution) by Friday September 12, 2014
Contact: Gail Bartlett (204) 477-3375 or Lesli Meek (lmeek@sbgh.mb.ca)
 Please make all cheques payable to: Victoria General Hospital

2. New to the Program

Please extend a warm welcome to two new nurses to the Cath Lab. Leia Olien is joining us from Concordia ICU, beginning Aug 18. Tammy McLachlan is coming from Grace ICU, beginning Aug 22. While Kelly Codispodi is away on Leave, Lori Stobart is the new Cardiac Sciences Senior Physiotherapist effective August 11, 2014 – August 24, 2015.

3. Residents Annual Combined Rounds

The WRHA Cardiac Sciences Residents Annual Combined Rounds Quality Improvement Workshop is taking place on September 3, 2014 from 9:00-12:00 am in the Y3 Auditorium. Please see the quality boards for topics and speakers for this outstanding event.

4. Points to Ponder

WIN A PRIZE! This is an extension to an earlier competition.

Most organizations, including ours, innovate and improve through addition. All staff regularly bring up ideas of what we could add to our services that would make the Program better. Of equal or greater value are suggestions on what we need to stop doing (innovation through subtraction).

Tell us at least three things we have the authority/ability to remove that would make the Program better – no suggestion is too small!

Three names will be randomly drawn from all respondents on August 31. Prizes are your choice of a $20 gift card from the Atrium food services, The Running Room, or Sobeys.

Replies by email to pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca please.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 13 June 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 13/06/14



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program.   The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination. 

1.      Four nurses (Annmarie Sanders, Pamela Cooke, Leigh Guina and Laresa Sayles) from CSIU wrote the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) cardiovascular certification exam in April and were successful in receiving CNA cardiovascular certification.  CSIU has a total of 11 nurses who have successfully obtained CNA cardiovascular certification.

2.      During Nurses Week, CSIU had 2 nurses nominated for nursing excellence award in the clinical nursing category (Annmarie Sanders and Ghenet Berhane).  Annmarie Sanders was awarded one of the three awards. 

3.      Work is being done on a product trial that could have a significant impact on the length of stay for our patients.  Dr. Rakesh Arora is leading an initiative to trial the PleuraFlow Catheter for six months and it is expected to have the impact of reducing blood complications.  The trial is anticipated to start soon.
Tuesday 29 April 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 29/04/14

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. Congratulations to Dr. Shelly Zieroth who was recently appointed as Associate Professor of Medicine in the University of Manitoba.

2. Nursing Week Knowledge Café - The Nursing Week Planning Committee will be sponsoring the Knowledge Café in the Everett Atrium on Tuesday, May 13 from 0730 – 1530 hours, as part of the Nursing Week celebration at St. Boniface Hospital. We encourage individual nurses and/or groups to display their outstanding work undertaken at St. Boniface Hospital. Submissions may include profiling of nursing roles, nursing research, innovations in clinical practice, and/or quality initiatives. Submissions are encouraged to be interactive i.e. hands on displays, quizzes or games) and targeted to both hospital staff and the public. Space is limited. Book your space by contacting: Estrellita Estrella-Holder @ 235-3149, email eestrell@sbgh.mb.ca; or Lorraine Avery @ 258-1286, email lavery@sbgh.mb.ca.

3. Congratulations are due to Dr Rakesh Arora who was successful in securing a Heart and Stroke Foundation research grant for his continued studies on Delirium as it relates to outcomes in Cardiac Care.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 25 March 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 25/03/14

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. Congratulations to Dr. Thang Nguyen on his appointment as Medical Advisor to both Cardiac Rehab programs at Wellness Institute and Reh-Fit Centre.

2. The outcomes from 21 cases from Complex Case Rounds are now entered and available in EPR. This represents great progress on this nationally significant initiative.

3. Prize winners!! Congratulations to Kathleen Hillstrom, Nicole Bonomo, and Steve Klassen for correctly answering the question from the last issue of Cardiac Staff Matters. Dr. Morley Cohen completed the first open heart surgery in Manitoba in 1959. I will arrange for a drop-off of your $20 Convenience Card for Café Oasis & Tim Hortons (at St B).

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 3 March 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 03/03/14

Cardiac Staff Matters (formerly messages of the week) is a weekly publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. Both the Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments went through Accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons last week. Congratulations go out to all staff for their outstanding work and specifically Dr. Davinder Jassal, Kathy Van der Vis, and Dr. John Lee for their leadership and professionalism in the prep and delivery of the finished product.

2. This year’s Annual CSP Party was a resounding success! 131 people attended, $262 raised for the Cardiac Pillow project, and fun was had by all. Planning is underway for the next event, so please send feedback to email below. Didn’t attend; tell me why!

3. Win a prize!! Three people will be chosen randomly from the first 15 correct responses to the question below and will get a $20 Convenience Card for Café Oasis & Tim Hortons (at St B). Please fwd answers by email to pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca.

Question - What was the date of the first open heart surgery in Manitoba and who was the surgeon?

 If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 24 February 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 24/02/14

Welcome to Cardiac Staff Matters (formerly messages of the week)! This is a weekly publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.

1. You are invited to a celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the creation of the WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program with a special dedication honouring the contributions of the late Dr. Morley Cohen Pioneer in open heart surgery. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 26 at 12:30 p.m. on the Mezzanine of the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute. There will be a plaque unveiling and an exhibit featuring the history of cardiac surgery in Manitoba.

2. Honouring the retirement of Joyce Thomas, the Program will be hosting a coffee party on February 28th, 2014 on the mezzanine of the I.H. Asper Clinical Research Institute from 1:30 – 3:30 pm. You are welcome and encouraged to drop by.

3. All members of the Program distinguished themselves through outstanding professionalism, dedication, and teamwork during the OR shutdown issues over the past few weeks. Thank you for your effort and focus on patients in weathering the storm. 4. Save the date: May 14, 2014 from 7 – 8:30 am for a special Cardiac Sciences Presentation and event. 5. Congratulations to Dr. Rakesh Arora for being appointed as the Provincial Chair of the Manitoba Committee on Trauma, Manitoba ATLS.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Friday 10 January 2014

Cardiac Staff Matters 10/01/14

Over the past few years, we have all been working on being more effective communicators.  As a Program, we revived the Program Council and, based on your feedback, have evolved this into a series of section-focussed sessions.  To date, the feedback on this has been incredibly positive.   Regular huddles have also been identified as an unmitigated success which is largely due to your continued efforts to invest in our staff and increase their awareness.

There are many working parts in the Program which makes effective communication a challenge.  Sending Program-wide emails will only contribute to the “communications fatigue” associated with using only one communication method to relay critical or time-sensitive information. 

After discussions with almost all of the Program sections/departments in the new Program Council format, we are initiating the distribution of a “Message of the Week” from the Program leadership team.  The aim is to pass on information that is important for all Program staff and will address issues from both inside and outside of the Program.  These Messages are meant to be included in all huddles and also any staff meetings that occur for a full week (but are not meant to take the place of any regular information that is passed along).  On Friday, I will forward the Message(s) of the Week for the next week.

Starting Monday, January 13th, 2014, please include the following Message(s) in your huddles, staff meetings, and discussions with staff during the week :

·         Congratulations to Dr Ducas for being assigned as Director of the Cath Lab.  At Dr Hussain’s request, this transition is happening well in advance of his departure date this summer to ensure continuity in the Cath Lab;
·         In the face of recent train derailments and other disasters, we are updating the fan-out for all Cardiac Sciences Program staff;
·         Joyce Thomas is retiring in February and Steve Klassen was successful in the competition for that PTM position – his handover will start January 27th and will continue until Joyce’s retirement date of February 14th;
·         Congratulations are extended to Estrellita Estrella-Holder for having successfully attained her Nurse Practitioner designation; and
·         We are less than a month away from the Cardiac Sciences Program Dinner and Dance (Feb 1st) – get your tickets soon as they are going fast!

Thanks in advance for your contribution to increasing the effectiveness of our communication,

Paul

Paul Joudrey
WRHA CSP
Manager, Strategic Initiatives
204.237.2743
Pager 204.932.0598