Tuesday 8 December 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 07/12/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Drs. Lorraine Avery, Shelley Zieroth, Jo-Ann Sawatzky and Bev Temple, and Ms. Andrea Szwajcer were recipients of the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses Research Grant competition. The title of their submission was “The impact of caring on informal caregivers/support persons of individuals living with a ventricular assist device: A qualitative systematic review protocol.”

2. Two cardiologists were recognized for excellence in teaching at the Dept. of Internal Medicine Faculty Dinner on November 26. Dr. Davinder Jassal and Dr. Colette Seifer were two of the ten specialist consultants in the Department who obtained outstanding evaluations by residents and were considered for the Morley Lertzman Award for exceptional performance in the role of specialist consultant, teacher & mentor. This year, the Internal Medicine Teaching Awards Committee bestowed this award (which comes with both a monetary prize and an engraved crystal award) to Dr. Davinder Jassal. Well done to you both, and hearty congratulations to Dr. Jassal on this meaningful recognition!



3. Congratulations and best wishes to Joy Marsh, Charge Cardiology Technologist at Grace Hospital on her upcoming retirement!

4. Now that winter is again upon us, be reminded of the risk the cold weather presents…watch this Weather Network video clip starring our own Dr. Shuangbo Lui and Dr. James Tam! http://www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/study-is-your-heart-actually-weaker-during-the-winter/sharevideo/4621626093001

5. Dr. Riz Manji, Pat Taylorson, Corinne Lamotte and Jennifer Hayward have been given the wonderful opportunity to travel and work in Rwanda in February 2016 with an organization known as Team Heart. Team Heart is a non-profit medical organization that has been traveling to East Africa for over nine years, providing cardiac care and surgery to individuals affected by rheumatic heart disease. The program is not limited to the bedside. It is also involved in developing screening programs for school aged children and a teaching/mentorship program for health care professionals. The organization’s vision for the future is to build a cardiac center in Rwanda, so they are able to provide cardiac care all year round. If you would like to support this volunteer trip, come to the Rumors Comedy Club on January 8! If you can’t make it then, please donate. See the attached poster for details.

6. Dr. Shuangbo Lui, one of our cardiology residents, was the winner of the Best Poster Award at the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences scientific poster competition. The winning poster was titled, “Short and Long-Term Outcomes for Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)” and the work was supervised by Dr. Malek Kass.

7. Congratulations to Dr. Rakesh Arora on his promotion to full Professor in the Department of Surgery (College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba), and to Dr. Rohit Singal on his promotion to Associate Professor! Well done, both of you!



Monday 23 November 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 23/11/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Attention all researchers: The Clinical Trials Platform within the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) is seeking your feedback regarding research services, resources and training that are needed to facilitate research in Manitoba. The goal is to identify how the platform can be of value to you. Please complete this brief survey (less than five minutes) outlining various research services and training opportunities proposed. Click here to access the survey.

2. For the second year, volunteers from the Cardiology Technology services from SBH and HSC participated in teaching EKG technical skills to the U of M first year medical students. There were 110 Med 1 students who learned how to hook up 12 lead EKGs and obtain a quality EKG by watching, performing and having their own EKG taken in the Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility at the Brodie Centre.

3. On November 21, the Cardiac Sciences Program held a planning day, with the theme of “Planning for Change.” The purpose of the day was to recognize the growth and development of the Cardiac Sciences program and develop an action plan to continue the progress and sustain the program through the changes expected over the next 18-24 months. Thanks to all who gave up a large part of their Saturday to attend and participate!

4. Just a little chuckle:

• Overheard in a busy clinic as a receptionist spoke to an obviously hard-of-hearing client: "No Mrs. Smith, not the HEARSE. I'm sending the NURSE!"

• The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades.

• Always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.

Monday 9 November 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 09/11/15



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. This is cool: the heart nebula! http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap151027.html

2. Dr. William McIntyre (Cardiology resident) won the CCS-Bayer Resident Vascular Award at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress. His proposal to investigate Atrial Fibrillation Occurring Transiently With Stress (AFOTS) was awarded first prize by both the judging panel and by the audience. He received a $30,000 research grant to complete his work. Dr. McIntyre is grateful for the support of his mentors and all those who attended the presentation to support him.

Dr. McIntyre also was elected to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society as its first ever Trainee Representative.

3. Thanks to all who participated in the ICU display at SBH last week—you helped in an amazing recruitment effort!


4. CSIU held its second annual pumpkin carving contest. Here are a few of the entries:








5. Congratulations to Estrellita Estrella-Holder, Karan Kraft & Dr. Shelley Zieroth for a very successful Heart Failure Educational Retreat Day held on November 3! Attendees found it wonderfully informative and reflective. Job well done!

6. Congratulations also to Donna Lee Samson, Program Team Manager for Cardiac Clinics/Lipid Clinic/Cardiology Admin Services at SBH on her successful completion of the Health Services Leadership & Management program at Red River College! Hats off to you!

7. Bravissimo to the seven Stenberg College students who passed their recent national certification exam: Kathryn Hurtig , Darcy Marion, Swsan Mohammed, Samantha Nedokus, Ashley Pevie, Jason Schick, and Dilpreet Sidhu. Nicely done!
Wednesday 28 October 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 26/10/15



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. ATTENTION all nurses!!! Next week is Canadian Intensive Care Week! At SBH, the ICCS along with ICMS and CCU (upcoming ACCU) will be celebrating the week with booths in the atrium highlighting the importance of critical care nursing along with offering job shadow shifts to nurses interested in critical care. There will be draws for prizes daily, so come by and learn more.

2. On a related note: Attention all aspiring critical care nurses!! A new session of the Winnipeg Critical Care Nursing Education Program will commence in January. Please see the poster below in this attachment for more information.

 3. A group of seven individuals from SBH, including Sheila Bowles (Program Director) and Louise Voth (Chief Perfusionist), went to Edmonton earlier this month to visit the Cardiac OR at the Mazankowski Center. There, they observed the patient flow within the OR to hopefully learn some efficiencies that could be brought back to our own cardiac ORs.

They had the opportunity to talk with many team members, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, perfusionists, housekeeping staff and clerks. Sheila Bowles recounts the following experience while there:

While discussing perfusion practices, an RT came into the room to speak specifically to Louise Voth, wanting to thank her. Louise looked a little puzzled, but this perfusionist went on to explain that Louise was responsible for him entering the profession of perfusionist. He explained that while training as an RT several years ago, the students had the opportunity to spend some time in the OR.

He was observing a cardiac surgery but after a while became a little bored. He looked around the room and noticed the Heart-Lung Bypass machine and a person (Louise) sitting beside it. He approached and Louise immediately started to explain the machine and what her job was. She was so enthusiastic about her work, he left the OR knowing for sure that this was the career for him. He said that, of his class of 15 students, apparently 6 or 7 went on to become perfusionists and he attributed it specifically to Louise's presentation when they were in the ORs. He has now been a perfusionist for over 20 years, as have some of his classmates.
Tuesday 13 October 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 12/10/15


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. The 2015 Employee Opinion Survey was launched last week, and if you haven’t already participated, please plan on taking some time over the next few weeks to do so. You should have already received either a survey link or a paper copy from your manager…if you haven’t, ask your manager about the survey. This is your chance to let us know your thoughts about your workplace in a safe and confidential way. The paper survey deadline is October 16, while the online survey deadline is October 31.

2. On July 10th, 2015, the first Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic was held at St Boniface Hospital. This is a multidisciplinary initiative involving Genetics, Adult Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiology, resulting in a clinic focusing on patient care through integration of clinical assessment and research. The clinic is supported by physicians and a number of allied professionals including genetic counselors, ECG technologists, cardiac imaging, pediatric nursing, and our arrhythmia research nurse. Other invaluable team members include our clerical and administrative support. The clinic takes place once per month on Y2 cardiology. In 2016, clinics will also occur at the Variety Children’s Heart Centre. Congratulations to all involved!

3. Pearls of wisdom …

• People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude. –John C. Maxwell

• The human body experiences a powerful gravitational pull in the direction of hope. That is why the patient's hopes are the physician's secret weapon. They are the hidden ingredients in any prescription. –Norman Cousins

• Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. ― Plato

Tuesday 29 September 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 28/09/15



Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. The welcome mat is extended to:

• Joceline deGraaf, who began her new role as Clinical Resource Nurse on CR4 at SBH on September 21.
• Caroline Jardine, who has accepted a 0.7 EFT term position as an Access Coordinator. She will begin on October 5.

We’re glad to have you both as part of the team!

2. A new central intake process has been introduced in the cardiac surgery clinics as of this week. This new process calls for all outpatient cardiac surgery referrals to be directed to a single place (CR1). Referrals will be reviewed by the medical director for cardiac surgery and assigned to a surgeon. Generally, if the referral source or patient expresses a preference for a specific surgeon, this will be respected. However, consideration will be given to patient urgency, surgeon specialty, waiting lists and surgeon availability. As part of this process, a new cardiac surgery referral form has also been developed. Communications will be going out to referral sources about cardiac surgery central intake as soon as the new referral forms are available.

3. Your input is needed for the Patient Safety Culture Survey. It’s painless and takes only 10 to15 minutes to complete. The voluntary survey, created by Accreditation Canada, will help us gather valuable insight into our collective attitude as an organization about patient safety. This information will help us with our mission to deliver safe and caring services.

To complete the survey, go to https://www3.accreditation.ca/OrgInstrument/ and contact our office for the Organization Code and Password. The survey can be completed until October 2, 2015.
Monday 14 September 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 14/09/15


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. The findings of a study that established a link between outdoor temperature and the risk of STEMI, the most severe form of heart attack, were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London by Dr. Shuangbo Liu. Not only was the story picked up locally (CTV), but it gained national and international attention, being highlighted online by organizations such as the American College of Cardiology, U.S. News and World Report, Science Daily, and CBS (Atlanta), as well as many others. Dr. James Tam was the supervisor for this project. Follow this link to see the local coverage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0M5FRgUa_I 

2. A belated welcome to Dr. Kanwal (Kenny) Kumar. Although already well-known within the program, he started in a new role as a locum cardiac surgeon in August.

3. A big congratulations goes out to all those who participated in this year’s CCCN Manitoba Chapter, Health Promotion and Advocacy Committee’s Step Challenge. This year 4 teams counted their daily steps from June through August for a first prize of a one year CCCN membership. This is a yearly event which encourages us all to get out there and step into exercise. The grand prize goes to the team consisting of Estrellita Estrella- Holder, Chris Kuttnig, Lisa Banman, Lorraine Avery and Jocelyn Plante who clocked a grand total of 1,545,840 steps!

4. A warm welcome is extended to Brenda Lord, who has accepted the .50 term Access Coordinator position, effective Monday, September 14th, 2015. Happy first day, Brenda!

5. Please help us take a vital sign for the health region. You are invited to take 10-15 minutes to answer a 23 question survey on your perception of safety within the 2 organization. The survey, which is called the Canadian Patient Safety Culture Survey, is required as part of WRHA’s regional accreditation process. The purpose is to gather insight into our collective attitude as an organization about patient safety.

We value your opinion. Your answers are kept confidential and your participation will remain anonymous. Please contact our office to obtain the code and password to complete the survey.

The deadline for completion of the survey is October 2, 2015.

6. There have been a number of SBH office relocations within the program this past week:

Chris Kuttnig Clinical Education Instructor, CCU D2015 235-3397 (Same)
Emily Phillips Clinical Education Instructor, A5S Cardiology D2015 237-2363 (Same)
Geri Henry Belinda Landry Abe Laureano ICCS CRNs CR5044 235-3365 (Same)
Allan McConnell Equipment Coordinator CR5054 258-1868 (New)
Divina Cosino Equipment Coordinator CR5054 258-1869 (New)
Carolyn Gilmour Hillier Research Nurse Y3506 258-1139 (New)

7. On Sept 25th, eleven students will be writing the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists exam being held at SBH, including 4 of our new casual employees Samantha Nedokus, Kathryn Hurtig, Dilpreet Sidhu and Darcy Marion. Best of luck to all of them! 3

8. Farewell and good luck to 2 of SBH’s full time EKG technologists: Rabeea Siddiqui and Kristina Patskan. Rabeea has joined her new husband in London, England and while there will pursue a Masters degree. Kristina has enrolled in the Mohawk echosonography program and has taken an educational LOA to pursue her studies in Hamilton, Ontario.

9. Welcome back from your maternity leave, Kathy Puzio (SBH EKG technologist)!

If you have any news, items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 1 September 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 31/08/15


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Lisa Bowen began her position as the Program Team Manager for the Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit at SBH on August 17. We’re very happy to have you with us, Lisa!

 2. A warm welcome is extended also to Dr. Harry Lapierre, who started a locum in Cardiac Surgery on August 10. He will be with us at least until February 2016.

3. Another new face in the program will belong to Kimberly Kummen! Kim will begin her new role as Administrative Director for the Cardiac Sciences Program on September 21 and will be a great addition to the CSP Leadership Team! A huge thank you goes out to Michael Powell, who filled the role of Administrative Director on an interim basis while the search for a permanent Admin Director was going on. It was great having you with us, Michael!

4. The results of an audit done on 5A cardiology regarding venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is “in press”….follow this link for the online version: http://www.onlinecjc.ca/article/S0828-282X%2815%2900405-5/abstract

5. On the lighter side: These are sentences exactly as typed by medical secretaries (and dictated by doctors?) in NHS (National Health Service) Greater Glasgow:
• Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
• On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.
• The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
• While in ER, Eva was examined, x-rated and sent home.
 • Skin: somewhat pale, but present.
• Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.
• Patient was seen in consultation by Dr Jones, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.

If you have any news, items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 18 August 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 03/08/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. In anticipation of the upcoming opening of the expanded Acute Coronary Care Unit at SBH, some reorganization has taken place. The existing CCU (which will be the ACCU when finished) will be headed by Roseanne Labossiere-Gee as Program Team Manager and Chris Kuttnig as Continuing Education Instructor. Cheryl Swanson will be the PTM on the Cardiology Inpatient Unit (5AS) with Emily Phillips as the Continuing Education Instructor.

2. There are a number of new staff in EKG/Holter Services at Health Sciences Centre: Kathryn Hurtig started June 15 joined by Samantha Nedokus and Darcy Marion on July 13. And David Lawrence began as Charge Technologist on July 6. Welcome to all of you—we’re very glad to have you aboard!

3. Thoughts for Today: "It is not a question of how well each process works, the question is how well they all work together." -- Lloyd Dobens

“Isn't it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?” -- Zig Ziglar

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” --Bryant H. McGill

REMINDER: Cardiac Staff Matters will not be published on August 17. If you have any news, items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 21 July 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 20/07/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Bill McIntyre and Dr. Colette Seifer on a poster presentation summarizing their review of 74 patients who had generator change after primary-prevention ICD implant. This poster was presented at the European Heart Rhythm Association EUROPACE - CARDIOSTIM 2015 conference in June in Milan, Italy. The results of their review have added to the conversation about the indications for generator change procedures, having been highlighted in a Commentary by Dr. John Mandrola on theheart.org. For more information, follow this link: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/847076?topol=1

2. To take a very interesting tour inside the human heart, watch this: http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/watch-awesome-video-tour-inside-human-heart

3. Dr. Bill McIntyre, Chief Cardiology resident, has won the Research Manitoba Award for Excellence in Resident/Post-Doctoral Research in the Manitoba Health Research Poster competition. This award will provide support for his attendance at a national or international scientific meeting in the upcoming year. Congratulations yet again, Dr. McIntyre!

4. As a reminder, there are regional policies & procedures in place that outline the steps that need to be taken in situations when elective surgeries or procedures are done on out-of-country patients. You can find them here: http://home.wrha.mb.ca/corp/policy/files/110.000.100.pdf

5. NOTE: Cardiac Staff Matters will not be published on August 17.

6. Food for thought:  "If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." -- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

If you have any news, items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 6 July 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 06/07/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Mehrdad Golian on receiving the 2015 Sanofi / Heart and Stroke Foundation Award in Cardiology! This $10,000 annual prize is presented to a clinical resident who demonstrates academic excellence and pursues additional academic training beyond core cardiology. Dr. Golian notes that receiving this award is an honour and that he shares credit with his researcher mentors.

2. Dr. Olga Toleva has recently completed a Master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her dedication & perseverance over the last three years in completing a concentration in clinical effectiveness within the degree program has finally paid off. Hats off to Dr. Toleva!

3. Dr. Davinder Jassal has been awarded a CancerCare Manitoba operating grant entitled, "The art of preventing broken hearts in colorectal and renal cell cancer.” This prolific researcher has also received a Research Manitoba Mid-career operating grant entitled, "Cardio-Oncology: the prophylactic role of renin-angiotensin system antagonism in the prevention of Avastin and Sutent mediated cardiotoxicity." These two-year grants are worth a total of $300,000. Excellent work!

4. There will be a farewell dinner for Ken Rannard on Thursday, July 16 at Bailey’s Restaurant & Lounge (185 Lombard Avenue). Join us to thank Ken for his contributions in the Cardiac Sciences Program and wish him well. Please RSVP to Lesli Meek (204-258-1089 or lmeek@sbgh.mb.ca) if you would like to attend, or if you’d like to contribute to a gift.

5. Food for thought: 

“The ability of a group of people to do remarkable things hinges on how well those people pull together as a team.” ― Simon Sinek 

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit." – Aristotle

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 22 June 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 22/06/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. The Manitoba Association of Cardiology Technologists recently unveiled a brand new website, which was created with the assistance of Rabeea Siddiqui, one of the SBH Cardiology Technologists. Visit http://www.themact.ca

2. The CSP Website Advisory Group would like to remind everyone of the wide variety of resources available on our website: http://www.umanitoba.ca/medicine/units/cardiac_sciences/ Although the website has been getting an increasing number of hits, many people still don’t use it to its capacity. It’s also requested that you include the link in your email signature, to make it easy for others outside the program to find us! If you have any suggestions or ideas regarding the website, please forward those to Kelly Lukaszewski.

3. A warm welcome is extended to Soobia Naeem, who joined the CSP team at Seven Oaks on June 1. Soobia is a Cardiology Technologist hailing from Brampton, Ontario. Glad to have you aboard, Soobia!

4. We are pleased to announce that Emily Phillips has accepted the position as Continuing Education Instructor for 5A Cardiology (SBH). She will start in this new position on July 20. Join us in giving her a warm reception!

5. Congratulations to Kyle Eckhardt, Regional Clinical Engineer on being awarded the 2015 Early Career Achievement Award from the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society. Each year, this award is presented to an individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills in such areas as: client services, technical performance, sophisticated scientific or technology development. Kyle’s work within our program has been invaluable and we very much agree with the CMBES’ assessment of his skills!

6. Rhonda Findlater, Program Team Manager for the Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit at SBH has accepted the position of Director, Education & Clinical Programs Support at SBH, and so will be leaving CSP. Thank you, Rhonda, for your many contributions to the program and best of luck in your new position!

7. Another new face within CSP at SBH: on August 3, Cheryl Swanson will be starting as the Program Team Manager on 5A Cardiology. Cheryl comes to us from the SBH Emergency Program, where she was the Continuing Education Instructor. Welcome, Cheryl!

8. On April 18, 2015 several nurses from the SBH Cardiac Surgery Inpatient Unit (CSIU) wrote the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Cardiovascular Nursing Certification exam. Congratulations to Kelsey Forest, Kyla Siatecki, Amanda Vermeire, Tara Lamoureux and Vida Ferrer who have received their CNA Certification in Cardiovascular Nursing.

In addition to this, congratulations also to Sandy Warren, Clinical Educator, Irene Nazarevich, CRN and Rhonda Findlater, PTM who obtained their 5 year CNA cardiovascular recertification. This is a great accomplishment and brings the total number of cardiovascular certified nurses on CSIU to twelve!

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass on to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 9 June 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 08/06/15

Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Thank you to Estrellita Estrella-Holder, Jonathan Yip and Lorraine Avery for co-chairing the Knowledge Café. The knowledge cafe took place on May 12th, 2015 as part of the Nursing Week celebrations at St. Boniface Hospital. Congratulations to Shari Barker who won second prize for the best poster/display entitled Bionic Heart and to L. Avery, E. Estrella-Holder, T. Warner, J. Tam, M. Kvern, & D. Fitch who won third prize for the best poster/display entitled Are E-Cigarettes More Than Smoke and Mirrors?

2. Transcription for Holter reading has been upgraded to Digital with a go-live date of May 25/15. There is now a digital recorder located in the Holter reading room on CR 1. Secretaries will be able to assist the Cardiologists with any questions or concerns with the new system.

3. Aron Casas has accepted a term position in NICD, and started on May 25. Welcome, Aron!

4. Michael Powell has joined the CSP Leadership team on a part-time basis as interim Administrative Director. We’re happy to have you with us, Michael!

5. Starting on June 9, a trial will start of providing phlebotomy services in the Lipid Clinic for patients attending educational sessions on CR3. This will greatly decrease patient wait times, eliminate the need for patients to travel between buildings as well as reduce the potential for delays in session start times. Thanks go out to Alissa LaForte and her team from Laboratory Services for helping us find this solution to streamline the patient experience!

6. Dr. James Tam was a guest judge at UBC’s Cardiac Sciences Research Day last week. In addition he spoke at Grand Rounds and was a leader for Academic Half-Day.

7. Calling all Cardiac Sciences nurses—gather a team, challenge yourselves and maybe win a free CCCN membership! See more information below.

 If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743




CCCN MB Provincial Division: Step Challenge 


Calling all Cardiac Sciences Nurses! Win a 1 year membership to CCCN! Check us out at us http://www.cccn.ca

Take the three week Step Challenge anytime between June 1, 2015 to August 15, 2015

Studies have shown that physical activity improves your health, helps you manage stress and helps maintain a healthy weight

Challenge each other and other teams of nurses to increase levels of physical activity

• Form a team of 5 nurses
• To register your team: email Eva Stephens or Barb Payne (estephens@sbgh.mb.ca; bpayne2@sbgh.mb.ca) Include the first and last names of team members and the contact person
• You can purchase a pedometer, Garmin or Fitbit anywhere or go to http://www.stepscount.com/index.php. Pedometers are approximately $12.00/each
• Each person counts their steps using their device every day for 3 weeks and records his/her total number of steps
• After 3 weeks, the designated team contact person will report the team’s total number of steps to Eva Stephens or Barb Payne • First prize for the most steps is a one year membership to CCCN for each team member (5 X $75)
• Every other participant receives a $5 Tim Horton’s gift card…just for taking part to be fit.

Please contact Eva Stephens at 204-258-1494 (estephens@sbgh.mb.ca) or Barb Payne at 204-235- 3682 (bpayne2@sbgh.mb.ca) if you have any questions.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 25/05/15


Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and news items 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. Please join us in congratulating Chris Kuttnig, Continuing Education Instructor on 5A and CCU at SBH, who has won the Nursing Excellence Award in Education and Research from St. Boniface Hospital! This award recognizes Chris for her hard work and dedication to both patients and staff in the Cardiac Sciences Program.

2. Congratulations to Carolyn Gilmour–Hillier on her recent appointment as a Research Nurse working on the APPROACH project. Carolyn most recently has been working in the Heart Cath lab. She begins her new position on June 1, 2015.

3. The Cardiac Sciences Research Symposium, held on May 13, 2015, was an overwhelming success! Special thanks to Terri Hillier, whose amazing organizational skills contributed greatly to the day’s success! The keynote speaker, Dr. Glen Whitman, inspired all to look at how each of us contributes to quality care.

Awards were presented as follows:

Dr. Navid Koleini: Best Oral Presentation (Basic Sciences)
Dr. David Horne: Best Oral Presentation (Clinical)
Mr. Vineet Goyal: Best Poster Presentation (Basic Sciences)
Dr. William McIntyre: Best Poster Presentation (Clinical)
Dr. Genevieve Lalonde: Don Peters Award
Dr. Clarence Khoo: Ted Cuddy Cardiology Educator of the Year Award

4. Welcome to Reid Love, who begins in the position of Program Team Manager of the Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery unit today. We’re very glad to have you on the team!

5. Kudos and thanks to the medical staff on ICCS for pulling together to ensure coverage for this week.

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 11 May 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 11/05/15



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. Please plan on attending Resident Research Day on Wednesday this week. The first event of the day will be a program update by Dr. Alan Menkis at 7:30 in the Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium (SBH Research Centre). Dr. Glen Whitman from Johns Hopkins Hospital, will be giving the keynote address at 1:00 pm and will be our guest judge for the resident research projects. For more information, contact Terri Hillier at 204-258-1203.

2. This week is National Nursing Week! There are events planned at each hospital to celebrate the enormous contributions of nurses so please check out the calendar of activities at your site. And be extra-nice to all the nurses you know!

3. A very informative afternoon for patients and families was held on May 7 on the topic of Heart Failure. Presenters included doctors, nurses, a pharmacist, a dietitian and a physiotherapist. Approximately 170 individuals attended this successful session.

 4. Welcome back to Sandy Gibb! Sandy returned to SBH on May 4, having been away in Calgary completing her clinical re-certification in Perfusion. She will work in Perfusion here while preparing to write her final exam in October. Congratulations, Sandy, and we’re glad to have you back where you will be a much needed addition to a very hard-working and short-staffed area!

5. Representatives from the Cardiac Sciences Program were thrilled to be able to thank in person the generous individuals who made the purchase of the 3-D trans-esophageal echocardiography equipment possible. A donor recognition dinner was held on April 30 which allowed us to express our gratitude to both the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation and the donors.

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 27 April 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 27/04/15



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 warm welcome is extended to Reid Love, who will take over the position of Program Team Manager, Intensive Care Cardiac Surgery on May 25. He comes to CSP with a very strong leadership & management background and a longstanding interest in cardiac care. We’re very glad to have him join the team!

2. The Cardiac Sciences Program participated for the first time in the annual Rotary Career Symposium held annually at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. The event, held this year on April 21st & 22nd, attracts high school students from across the province as they consider career choices. We hope that by planting the seeds now for students to consider careers such as perfusionist, echocardiographer or cardiac technologist, we will reap rewards in the future. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Rhonda Findlater, Kelly Lewington, Steve Klassen, Rosanne Labossiere-Gee, Ed Stocki, Denise Poettcker, Linda McLean, Estrellita Estrella-Holder, Karen Throndson, Donna Lee Samson, Lesli Meek and Gladys Cadieux for their help in making the Program’s participation such a success.

3. Transplant Manitoba – Gift of Life celebrated National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week from April 19 – 25, 2015. Even though we’re late in bringing this to your attention, it’s never too late to register your intent to donate. It’s easy…all you need is your Manitoba Health card to register online at http://www.signupforlife.ca/ If you’ve signed your blue organ donor card, retire it and go online. Registering online means your decision to be an organ and tissue donor is recorded and is readily accessible to the medical team; your blue card might not be.

4. Congratulations Dr. Bill McIntyre, cardiology resident, on his recent research award at the Internal Medicine Research Day last week! He won first prize in the Clinical Investigation category for his presentation titled PREDICTORS OF APPROPRIATE SHOCKS FOLLOWING DEVICE REPLACEMENT IN PRIMARY PREVENTION IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR PATIENTS. Compliments to his supervisor, Dr. Colette Seifer, as well. Very well done, Dr. McIntyre!

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Monday 13 April 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 13/04/15


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 number of SBH Cardiology Technologists have volunteered their time to assist the four students who are taking the Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists Registration exam on April 24th, 2015 at SBH, by organizing workshops and review sessions. Way to pay it forward and invest in your profession’s future!

2. A big Winnipeg welcome to Ashley Winker, Cardiac Sonographer! Ashley, who is a recent grad of Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, joined the SBH Echo team on April 7th. Ashley is helping to boost our echo capacity while gaining valuable work experience here in Winnipeg before moving to Niagara in the summer.

3. Welcome also to Debbie Specht and Leslie Pare, who will be joining the Cardiac Surgery Access office staff shortly. Both have taken term positions as Access Coordinators: Debbie will be working 0.5 EFT and Leslie 0.7 EFT.

4. Farewell, thanks and good luck wishes are extended to Larissa Nimchonok, who will be leaving ICCS and taking a new position as the Manager of the SBH Staffing Office. Her last day with CSP will be May 12. You will be greatly missed, Larissa, and you’re wished nothing but the best!

5. The Dept. of Internal Medicine’s Resident Research Day will be held on April 21, 2015. Cardiology will have 13 presentations that day: 8 oral presentations and 5 poster presentations. See the attached listing for details!

6. Something to think about: • “Team effort goes vain when individual effort is in the wrong direction.” ― Ram Mohan • "The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime." –Babe Ruth

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743


INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENT RESEARCH DAY
CARDIOLOGY PRESENTATIONS


ORAL PRESENTATIONS

THE CARDIOPROECTIVE ROLE OF NACA IN THE PREVENTION OF DOXORUBICIN AND TRASTUZUMAB MEDIATED CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION PRESENTED BY: Dr. Rahul Bhindi, PGY2 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Jassal

AMIODARONE MONITORING IN PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATORS PRESENTED BY: Dr. Mahwash Saeed, PGY5 Cardiology SUPERVISOR: Dr. Colette Seifer

TWO PE OR NOT TWO PE: PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN TWO PATIENTS WITH PERICARDIAL EFFUSIONS AND CARDIAC TAMPONADE PRESENTED BY: Dr. Christopher Lee, PGY2 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. James Tam

EARLY DETECTION OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION IN COLORECTAL AND RENAL CELL CANCER: BEVACIZUMAB AND SUNITINIB MEDIATED CARDIOTOXICITY PRESENTED BY: Dr. Tamara Glavinovic, PGY2 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. Davinder Jassal

DELAYED EXTRAVASATION: DIAGNOSIS OF SUBACUTE MYOCARDIAL RUPTURE USING CONTRAST ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY PRESENTED BY: Dr. Tamara Glavinovic, PGY2 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. James Tam

THE EFFECTS OF EARLY PALLIATIVE CARE IN HEART FAILURE PRESENTED BY: Dr. Christopher Hayes, PGY1 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. James Tam

PREDICTORS OF APPROPRIATE SHOCKS FOLLOWING DEVICE REPLACEMENT IN PRIMARY PREVENTION IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR PATIENTS PRESENTED BY: Dr. William McIntyre, PGY5 Cardiology SUPERVISOR: Dr. Colette Seifer

DEVICE INTERROGATION PARAMETERS THAT SHOULD RAISE SUSPICION FOR RIGHT VENTRICULAR LEAD PERFORATION PRESENTED BY: Dr. Merdad Golian, PGY6 Cardiology SUPERVISOR: Dr. Aliasghar Khadem

POSTER PRESENTATIONS 

PARTIAL PFO CLOSURE FOR PERSISTENT HYPOXEMIA IN A PATIENT WITH EBSTEIN’S ANOMALY PRESENTED BY: Dr. Sobia Zuberi, PGY3 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. Malek Kass

HOLTER MONITOR TRIAGE PRESENTED BY: Dr. Gregory Schmidt, PGY1 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. James Tam and Dr. Nasir Shaikh

VENTRICULOGRAPHY TO IDENTIFY VENTRICULAR FRE-WALL RUPTURE IN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PRESENTED BY: Dr. Scott Donald, PGY2 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. Malek Kass

OUTCOMES OF ULTRAFILTRATION IN ADVANCED HEART FAILURE PATIENTS RESISTANT TO DIURETIC THERAPY PRESENTED BY: Dr. Motaz Moussa, PGY6 Cardiology SUPERVISOR: Dr. Shelley Zieroth

HYPEREOSINOPHILIC SYNDROME OF THE HEART – AN UNUSUAL PRESENTATION PRESENTED BY: Dr. Anas Merdad, PGY1 Internal Medicine SUPERVISOR: Dr. Francisco Cordova

Monday 30 March 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 30/03/15


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. Seven students from the Stenberg College Cardiology Technology will be starting their 12 week clinical placements at all hospitals across the WRHA, starting April 6th. They will be in EKG, Stress and Holter areas with Cardiology Technologists as their preceptors. We look forward to helping them achieve their goals and wish them success on the national exam in the fall. Join us in welcoming these students!

2. The 6th Harold Buchwald Heart Health Luncheon will be held on May 4, 2015 at the RBC Convention Centre from 11:45am – 1:30pm. The featured speaker will be Dr. Noel Bairey Merz, who will be speaking on New Approaches to Personal Heart Health. For tickets or more details, please contact Ivan Berkowitz (204-228-3193) or visit www.heartacademy.org .

3. Early data from the NP Transition Clinic show some promising results! This clinic is a 6 month pilot project to determine if a rapid post hospital discharge follow-up for patients admitted with heart failure improves patient outcomes. Patients referred to this clinic are seen by the Heart Failure Clinic NP within 1-2 weeks after hospital discharge and they receive regular follow-up for optimization of their medications. The preliminary results from November 2014 to February 2015 of 18 patients referred showed that there were no readmissions and/ or emergency room visits within 30 days post hospital discharge. Future plans for this clinic will be determined once the pilot has been completed.

4. The Manitoba Association of Cardiology Technologists will be holding their AGM at St. Boniface Hospital on April 18th, 2015.

5. Congratulations are in order to Dr. Minh Vo! He has been awarded the 2015 Ronald Duhamel Innovation Fund Award for his work in Interventional Cardiology. Each year, this award is presented to a person at SBH who has consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership in the advancement of healthcare for Manitobans. Well done, Dr. Vo!

6. Special Recognitions

Brett Hiebert: Great work on the online scheduling project for clinic rooms--it’s very much appreciated!

Charlene White: You’re a star for continuing your excellent work from a wheelchair while you’re healing. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

If you have any news or items of interest or information that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or if you have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca
Monday 16 March 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 16/03/15


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. Welcome to Steve Drawbridge, Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Section of Nuclear Medicine and recently appointed Manager of Cardiac Stress Lab at Health Sciences Centre. Stephen can be reached at Ph. #: 204 787-3838 or at Pager#: 204 932-0261. We are happy to have you join our Cardiac Sciences Program family.

2. At the February 25, 2015 College of Medicine Teacher Recognition and MMSA Teaching Awards Dinner, the Manitoba Medical Students Association presented Dr. Davinder Jassal with the Med 1 Innovation Award. Congratulations also go to Dr. Anita Soni, Dr. Clarence Khoo, Dr. James Tam, and Dr. Olga Toleva for their nominations for a MMSA Teaching Award. The awards give U of M medical students the opportunity to recognize the outstanding teachers who have made important contributions to their education.

3. Congratulations to Dr. Amir Ravandi and his team who secured a Research Manitoba Collaborative Research Team Grant for “The Manitoba Personalized Lifestyle Research” (TMPLR) program. This four year grant is effective April 1, 2015 for a total funding award of $954,390 !!

 4. Congratulations to Karen Throndson, Cardiac CNS at Health sciences Centre and her co-authors Christine Johnson and Tricia Carta for their peer-reviewed feature article ”Communicate with Me: Information Exchanges between Nurses” in the Canadian Nurse Journal , March 2015 Volume 10, Number 2.

5. RL6 Application RL6 is a new software application allowing event/incident reporting by staff with the goal of making the hospital safer. The application is now available on the Web Applications page of the SBH INTRAnet. A reminder that any technical issues related to RL 6 are to be reported to rl6_support@wrha.mb.ca or 204-926-8077

 If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Kelly Lukaszewski at klukaszewski@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
Tuesday 3 March 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 02/03/15


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. Accreditation Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) portal is now closed and we are happy to report that the Program’s response rate was over 40%. A huge THANK-YOU again to all the staff and physicians across our program who took the time to complete the SAQ. Once the results of the SAQ become available they will be shared throughout the program. Way to go team!

2. For heart month, The Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses, MB Division in partnership with the Cardiac Sciences Program hosted a ‘Know Your Cardiovascular Risk Day’ on February 20, 2015 at St. Boniface Hospital. Approximately thirty-five individuals had their cardiovascular risk assessed. Thank you to the following volunteers: Barb Payne, Eva Stephens, Nancy Doern-White, Rose Grant, Fiona McCarthy, Irene Nazarevich, Bernie Brys, Lisa Banman, Estrellita Estrella-Holder and Lorraine Avery. Thank you also to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada ( MB) and The Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses MB Division for providing the door prizes.

3. CSP & MB eHealth Technology Collaboration Manitoba eHealth and the Cardiac Sciences Program discussions for managing existing and future technology requirements for the Program have resulted in the formation of the Digital Information Systems Planning group. Ms. Elaine Bouchard will be the day to day Solutions Information Manager responsible for coordinating the vision for Cardiac Sciences Information Systems. Manitoba eHealth and Cardiac Sciences will soon be creating the Provincial Cardiac Sciences Information System Advisory Committee in the near future. We anticipate the partnership will add to our efforts to enhance the clinical and research environments to improve patient outcomes.

4. Welcome to Ms. Kelly Lukaszewski, our new Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Communications. Kelly will be located on CR1048 and can be reached at 204-237-2743

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Gladys Cadieux gcadieux@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.3391
Tuesday 17 February 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 17/02/15


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 huge THANK-YOU to all the staff across our program who took the time to complete the Accreditation Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) during the past two weeks. Portal is still open till February 20th.Your input will be invaluable in guiding us as we prepare for our Accreditation Survey visit in April, 2016. Once the results of the SAQ become available they will be shared throughout the program. Way to go team!

2. Congratulations go out to Linda McLean, Charge Cardiology Technologist at SBH. Linda was awarded a Certificate with Honours in Health Services Leadership & Management from Red River College. Your achievement is commended Linda!

3. It is a pleasure to announce that Dr. Nitin Ghorpade, currently a Locum Tenens in Cardiac Surgery, has accepted a GFT position with our Cardiac Sciences Program. Dr. Ghorpade came to us from the University of British Columbia, Department of Surgery in Vancouver. This became effective February 11, 2015.

4. CONGRATULATIONS to Carly L. Lodewyks MD, Christopher W. White MD, Graham Bay MD, Brett Hiebert MSc, Bella Wu MD, Mark Barker MD, Iain Kirkpatrick MD, Rakesh C. Arora MD, PhD, Michael Moon MD, Edward Pascoe MD whose manuscript “ Vocal cord paralysis following thoracic aortic surgery: incidence and impact on clinical outcomes” was accepted for publication in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery

5. Construction is just getting underway for the new 10 bed Acute Cardiac Care Unit (ACCU) which will be located on A5W. Rosanne Labossiere-Gee has elected to take on the PTM role and Chris Kuttnig, the Clinical Education Instructor (CEI) role for ACCU. Posting for replacement of these two positions for A5 Cardiology is currently underway. A start date for Rosanne and Chris will be determined in the coming weeks.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Gladys Cadieux gcadieux@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.3391
Tuesday 3 February 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 02/02/15


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. Accreditation Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) – GET INVOLVED / HAVE YOUR SAY! February 1—16, 2015 - Staff and physician input is important to help CSP understand what we do well and where we could do better. Invitations have gone out for individuals to participate in this important component of accreditation preparation. Let’s all be part of this step towards making improvements so CSP is the best we can be for our patients!

2. University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) Consultation – NEXT STEPS Since the release of the consultation report in early January there has been much work done to fulfill the recommendations made in the report. The governance structure of the CSP is being re-designed with modifications to some existing elements and the addition of some new entities. A new Cardiac Sciences Program Management Council has been established with leadership representations from all components of the program as well as from SBH, HSC and WRHA. Work is also underway to establish a Cardiac Academic Council in conjunction with the WRHA and the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine.

3. Congratulations to A5 Cardiology on two major achievements. Firstly, staff on the unit had a significant increase in their Hewitt Staff Satisfaction scores demonstrating their commitment to work life improvement. Secondly, the staff achieved a successful move of their 10 procedure beds from A5W to A6S. Well done everyone!!

4. Manitoba Health requires WRHA to achieve 0.5 percent savings next year as part of the annual funding. The Cardiac Sciences Program has been targeted to save $340,000. Who better to ask than those at the front line. Where do "you" think we might save. We are going on the "take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves" premise. Help us out. Ideas that project and achieve savings by March 31/16 will be eligible for a prize draw.

If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Gladys Cadieux gcadieux@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.3391
Friday 16 January 2015

Cardiac Staff Matters 16/01/15



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. University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) Consultation Report The UOHI report was released on January 13th 2015. Among the many positive things said by the team, they provided their expert opinion on the areas where some investment could yield an enormous impact on the care we provide to patients. The report is online and available on the CBC website.

You are strongly encouraged to read the feedback with an analytical eye as opposed to a critical one. We are at a crossroads in the development of cardiovascular care for the people of Manitoba. Consider this a golden opportunity to roll-up our sleeves and do the heavy lifting that our deserving patients expect. I am confident in our ability to congeal as a team and improve the Program. Our challenge will be to filter out the noise of hearing some of the challenging messages and focus on what is important now – namely, creating the most integrated care environment focused on successful outcomes for our patients. They deserve nothing less than our best effort.

From the consultation report:

“The mission of the WRHA Cardiac Sciences Program is to be recognized as a national cardiac centre of excellence for patients in Manitoba. In the last decade, the Program has demonstrated excellent values for compassionate care and helping the community. It has grown considerably, recruited a high number of cardiovascular specialists, achieved excellent results, and demonstrated a spirit for innovation. We hope that the recommendations included in this report will take the CSP to a new governance model, help them reconsider some of the clinical management and practices so the Cardiac Program gets into the next phase of development with the right tools and the right strategy, getting increased recognition in the Province and beyond”.

2. Accreditation Information for Staff - Accreditation 2016

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is the process of evaluating the services we provide against national standards of excellence. These standards cover all aspects of health care, from patient safety and ethics to staff training and partnering with the community. Patient safety is a key focus.

The accreditation process supports our efforts to reduce risk and improve care and organizational performance. Accreditation is a concrete way to demonstrate WRHA’s commitment to accountability, quality improvement, and safety. The process is an ongoing one. It helps us identify what we do well and where we could do better, and make improvements based on the results. What are the key steps in the process?

Step 1 Accreditation Planning

Programs, with input from sites and community areas, develop self-assessment plans based on the services they provide.

Step 2 Respond to Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) 

Invitations are sent out to staff to provide feedback by completing an SAQ, usually on-line. You may be asked to complete more than one SAQ, depending on your role.

Step 3 Analyze SAQ results, develop & implement Quality Improvement Roadmaps 

Programs, sites and community areas analyze SAQ results, identify priorities, develop and implement improvement plans to address them.

Step 4 On-site survey 

Programs, sites and community areas prepare for the on-site survey which will take place from April 17-22, 2016.

How is Accreditation different from previous years? 

The WRHA has moved to a 4-year accreditation cycle with one region-wide on-site survey visit every four years. Assessing the region as a whole provides an opportunity to assess the quality, safety and continuity of services from a patient perspective, and identify successes and challenges at different points in the continuum of care. It gives us a regional perspective as well as an understanding of where gaps/challenges exist.

What do I need to know about Accreditation? 

The accreditation process supports ongoing improvement.

When will the self-assessment questionnaires be sent out? 

SAQs will be sent out by just over 30 programs/services areas. To manage this, a phased approach will be used and self-assessment questionnaires will be sent out from early February to June 2015. The first phase begins with Cardiac Sciences and Critical Care.

 • Identified staff and physicians in these areas will be asked to respond to self-assessment questionnaires in early February, 2015. Second phase includes Emergency, Home Care Primary Care

 • Identified staff and physicians in these areas will be asked to respond to self-assessment questionnaires in mid-February, 2015.

Self-Assessment Questionnaires – Frequently Asked Questions 

Q – How will I be informed that I need to respond to a self-assessment questionnaire?
A – Invitations/requests to complete self-assessment questionnaires will be sent out by the Program and site Quality representatives.

Q – Will I be asked to answer more than one self-assessment questionnaire?
A –Depending upon your role, you may be asked to respond to multiple questionnaires. These may run at the same time or separately.

Q – How long will it take me to answer the self-assessment questionnaire?
A –The average questionnaire should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Q – What if I don’t know the answer to one of the questions?
A – For all questions, there is the option to choose “I don’t know”. If you don’t know the answer to the question being asked, please choose this option.

Q – What happens with the results of the self-assessment questionnaire?
A – Each site/ program will get a summary report that highlights areas of strength and suggested areas for improvement. The sites/programs can use the results to identify areas for quality improvement efforts that they will work on leading to the 2016 Accreditation visit.

Q – Is my response confidential?
A – Yes, absolutely! No one can be personally identified. You are an important part of Accreditation! If you have additional questions on the accreditation process, please speak to your Manager or site Quality lead.

3. 5A taking the first step in TeamSTEPPS

The staff on 5A are poised to embark on Team STEPPS training. All staff on 5A including nurses, HCA, SWC, housekeeping and allied health partners will be scheduled to participate.

What is TeamSTEPPS, you ask?

TeamSTEPPS is a teamwork system designed for health care professionals that is:

• A powerful solution to improving patient safety within your organization.
• An evidence-based teamwork system to improve communication and teamwork skills among health care professionals.
• A source for ready-to-use materials and a training curriculum to successfully integrate teamwork principles into all areas of your health care system.
• Scientifically rooted in more than 20 years of research and lessons from the application of teamwork principles.
• Developed by Department of Defense's Patient Safety Program in collaboration with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

TeamSTEPPS provides higher quality, safer patient care by:

• Producing highly effective medical teams that optimize the use of information, people, and resources to achieve the best clinical outcomes for patients.
• Increasing team awareness and clarifying team roles and responsibilities.
• Resolving conflicts and improving information sharing.
• Eliminating barriers to quality and safety.

TeamSTEPPS has a three-phased process aimed at creating and sustaining a culture of safety with:

• A pre-training assessment for site readiness.
• Training for onsite trainers and health care staff.
• Implementation and sustainment.

The TeamSTEPPS curriculum is an easy-to-use comprehensive multimedia kit that contains:

• Fundamentals modules in text and presentation format.
• A pocket guide that corresponds with the essentials version of the course.
• Video vignettes to illustrate key concepts.
• Workshop materials, including a supporting CD and DVD, on change management, coaching, and implementation.


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