Download Along the Coast to Labrador - Labrador

August - October, 2008
Along the Coast
to Labrador
Corporate Headquarters: Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A0P 1C0
Nunatsiavut Government and Labrador-Grenfell Health
Collaborate to Recruit and Retain Social Workers in Labrador
The Nunatsiavut Government and
the Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health
Authority have joined forces with St.
Thomas University in Fredericton, NB
to bring a Bachelor of Social Work
(BSW) Post Degree Program to
Labrador.
For several years, both the Nunatsiavut Government and LabradorGrenfell Health have recognized the
difficulty in recruiting and retaining
qualified social workers to work in
aboriginal communities. With funding
from the Nunatsiavut Government and
the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador, St. Thomas University has
been contracted to deliver the
program
in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Some of the students participating in the Social Work Program are (clockwise l-r): Gillian Michelin, Nicole
Burton, Kristin Blake, Julia Whelan, Stephanie Barney, Mildred Montague, Jacqui Dibbon-Brockerville, MaryThe program is designed with a focus
Anne Spearing and Petrina Beals. Missing from photo are: Lynne Gregory, Lisa Shaw, Lindsay Mercer, April
on the practice of social work in aborigAndersen, Jenny Lyall, Cory Freake, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Connie Dyson, Rebecca Rennison, Subhadra Patra,
inal communities and is offered to
Melvie Colbourne, Hilary Blake, Cathey Earles and Josie Mcneill.
employees of both agencies who have
Photo by Jenny McCarthy, The Labradorian
completed post-secondary education
and have an interest in entering the social work field. Seats have also been made available
to other Labrador residents who have social work experience. All students have agreed to
Satellite Dialysis Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
provide a three-year return-in-service with an agency within the Labrador-Grenfell Health
Physicians Receive Awards . . . . . . . . . .3
region that provides services to an aboriginal population.
Professional Development . . . . . . . . . .4
The program will be completed in modules, with twenty-three students attending classes
Patient Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
for
one week a month during the fall and winter semesters and for five weeks in each
From the Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
spring
semester. Students will also complete a work placement at a social work agency.
Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
On September 15, 2008, the enthusiastic students began classes with University Professor
Foundation Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
and Program Director, Sandra DeVink. Remaining courses will be taught by other faculty
World Breastfeeding Week . . . . . . . . .14
members and/or qualified individuals from within the region. It is expected that students
Focus on Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
will graduate in the summer of 2010.
Around the Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
On October 1, 2008, program participants and instructors were invited to a meet-andFriends of ATCL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
greet
breakfast held in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with their instructors, representatives of
FASD Awareness Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Labrador-Grenfell
Health, the Hon. Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community SerRetirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
vices
and
Michelle
Kinney, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut
Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Government.
Minister
Wiseman acknowledged the commitment of the participants to this
Comings and Goings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
very
unique
program
and
praised their dedication to remaining in Labrador, to provide
From the Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Social Work Services, upon completion of their studies.
What’s Inside?
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR - AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 2
SATELLITE DIALYSIS UNIT OFFICIALLY OPENS IN HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY
Dialysis patients in Labrador are now availing of treatment
closer to home through the new satellite dialysis unit at the
Labrador Health Centre. This unit is one of two newly established satellite dialysis units in the Labrador-Grenfell Health
region, with the other in St. Anthony (official opening to be
planned for a later date).
The Honorable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services, was joined by the Honorable John Hickey,
Minister of Labrador Affairs; the Honorable Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; Boyd Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of
Labrador-Grenfell Health; and Mayor Leo Abbass, Town of
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, for the official opening of the satellite
dialysis unit at the Labrador Health Centre on October 1, 2008.
In addition, clients and their families, along with dialysis staff,
and other representatives of Labrador-Grenfell Health were
pleased to welcome the following special guests: Chief Anastasia Qupee and Grand Chief Peter Penashue, Innu Nation; Minister Greg Flowers and Deputy Minister Michelle Kinney, Depart- Cutting the official ribbon at the Labrador Health Centre Satellite Dialysis Unit
ment of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Govern- were (l-r): Edward Sheppard (client); Hon. Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and
Community Services; Hon. John Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Hon.
ment; and long time dialysis services advocate, Kirk Lethbridge Patty Pottle, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
of the Labrador Métis Nation.
"We realize there are unique challenges facing dialysis patients in this region, including having to travel to the island portion of
the province to receive treatment," said Minister Wiseman. "We are delighted to open this satellite dialysis unit in Labrador and are
so pleased that we were able to address the concerns of the residents of this region, who have been looking forward to having this
service in their community."
"The primary concern of the Provincial Government is the health and well-being of every person living in this province," said Minister Hickey. "This is a service that will greatly improve the quality of life for dialysis patients. The Provincial Government recognized
this need and again has committed to improved health care in Labrador."
"Until recently, Aboriginal people in Labrador who required dialysis, had to travel to unfamiliar places to receive treatment," said
Minister Pottle. "This dialysis unit not only provides a state-of-the-art facility, it enables families to be closer to loved ones."
"In line with our mission to improve accessibility to services, we are very pleased to be able to offer dialysis in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region," said Mr. Rowe. "It has been especially gratifying, since implementing this service here at the Labrador Health
Centre, to have seen four individuals who had to move from the region to access dialysis services elsewhere on the island, return
to Labrador, to receive dialysis closer to their families."
"This is a great day for health care in Labrador," said Mayor Abbass. "Thanks to the opening of a satellite dialysis unit here at the
Labrador Health Centre, we now have the ability to care for our loved ones at home. Patients requiring dialysis and their families
truly appreciate the ability to have their treatments here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay."
What is a satellite unit?
For many years people who needed hemodialysis were treated in hospital-based units or at home. Satellite units allow people who meet the medical criteria, and who would otherwise be required to travel or relocate to the nearest hospital-based
hemodialysis unit, to receive their treatments closer to home. The satellite units are staffed by specially trained Registered
Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Biomedical Technologists who, if needed, can access clinical support from nephrologists
(physicians specializing in kidney disease) in St. John’s.
Who might best avail of satellite dialysis services?
People who meet certain medical criteria will be able to access hemodialysis services in satellite sites. An assessment must be
completed by a nephrologist to determine if a person is an appropriate candidate (medically stable) to avail of this service.
People who are assessed by a nephrologist and are considered medically unstable will have to travel to a site where appropriate dialysis services can be safely administered.
What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is a treatment for people who choose this form of dialysis. It cleans the blood by using an artificial kidney and
a hemodialysis machine. The treatment requires the creation of a fistula (the surgical joining of an artery and a vein in the arm)
or an intravenous line in the neck. The hemodialysis treatments are usually scheduled three times a week for three to five
hours each time.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 3
LOCAL PHYSICIANS RECEIVE AWARDS
Labrador-Grenfell Health congratulates two of its Family Physicians who accepted awards of provincial and national distinction
at a recent meeting of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, held in Corner
Brook, NL in September. Dr. Judy Ophel received a Canadian Family Physician of the Year - Reg L. Perkin Award (awarded by the
College of Family Physicians) and Dr. Yordan Karaivanov received the Dr. Yong Kee Jeon Award for 2007-2008 (awarded by Memorial University). Both physicians are currently practicing at the Labrador Health Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Dr. Judy Ophel has spent all of her career as a Family Physician in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. She attended
Queen’s University Medical School and first came to this
province to complete an elective with Dr. Hugh Twomey in
Botwood. She returned to practice Family Medicine in Botwood in 1981 at Botwood Cottage Hospital and practiced in
that community until 1994. Dr. Ophel and her family moved
to Happy Valley-Goose Bay that same year, where she continues to serve as a Family Physician. Her work has included full
service Family Medicine including coverage in emergency,
inpatient care, obstetrics, palliative care and regular medical
clinics on the coast of Labrador. For many years, she was
Makkovik’s visiting Family Physician. Since the fall of 2006,
she has been making regular clinic visits to the Innu community of Sheshatshiu. She has been a teacher and clinical lecturer to medical students and residents and has held positions of
significant responsibility with the NorFam Program in Goose
Bay - a teaching program of the Family Medicine Residency at
Memorial University.
Dr. Yordan Karaivanov addresses his colleagues after accepting the Dr. Yong Kee
Dr. Ophel is now honored as a Canadian Family Physician Jeon Award (Memorial University) at a recent meeting of the College of Family
of the Year, which recognizes outstanding CFPC members Physicians of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter), held in Corner
who exemplify the best of what being a Family Physician is all Brook, NL.
about, including exceptional care of patients, combined with
a significant contribution to the health and well being of communities and/or society in general.
Dr. Yordan Karaivanov is a member of the NorFam staff in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, who has been practicing in Labrador for
seven years. During that time, he has become very involved with teaching medical students and residents and is a very well liked
Family Physician in the area. He teaches and practices in a very culturally sensitive manner and in doing so, exposes residents to
many important cultural issues affecting the aboriginal population in the region. His teaching style is very effective, as he has an
incredible knowledge base and his practice
exemplifies comprehensive care, while maintaining a well balanced lifestyle.
Dr. Karaivanov is the most recent recipient of
the Dr. Yong Kee Jeon Award from Memorial
University of Newfoundland. The award is chosen by the full-time faculty of Family Medicine,
Memorial University and reflects excellence in
teaching Family Medicine residents; contribution
to the Discipline of Family Medicine, and participation in teaching activities of the Discipline of
Family Medicine.
Dr. Judy Ophel (right) accepts her Canadian Family Physician of the Year award from Dr.
Pauline Duke, a former colleague in Botwood for many years.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 4
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Operating Room Nurses Association
Provincial Conference Hosted in St. Anthony
From September 18-20, 2008, the 29th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Operating Room Nurses Association (N&LORNA) Provincial Conference was hosted in St.
Anthony, NL, for the first time. The hosting committee was comprised of Operating
Room (OR) Nurses at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, co-chaired by Kerry Decker and Gaye Colbourne. The conference was a huge success, with positive feedback
from all delegates.
A total of 53 Nurses attended, with representation from ten different ORs/hospitals
around the province (St. John’s (3), Carbonear, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner
Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City and St. Anthony). Educational sessions
and sales exhibits were held at the Grenfell Interpretation Center. The keynote address
was provided by Dr. William Fitzgerald, who spoke on the history of surgical services in
the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, reflecting on changes from “sled to microsatellite
surgery”. Other key presenters included Dr. Massey Beveridge (Trauma and Violence);
Sherry Rumbolt (Embracing Change), Dr. Robert Farrell (Surgical Site Infections), Beverly Pittman (Infection Control During OR Renovations), Margaret Linstead (RN First Assist in a Rural Setting) and Rev. Jean Brenton-Hickman (Rural Practice from a Clergy Perspective). Evening social events were hosted at the St. Anthony Haven Inn, and on the final night of the conference, participants
attended a Viking Feast at the Liefsburdir, Fishing Point.
Nine medical sales companies also registered for the conference. Their delegates provided valuable information and displays of
their equipment, including: Tyco/Coviden (Rick Webber), Olympus (AnneMarie Woodworth and Greg Doody), Stryker (Todd
Groves), TB Clift (Todd Taylor), Ethicon/Johnson and Johnson (Jill Vardy), SouthMedic (Sherry Rumbolt), Cardinal Health (Elizabeth
Squires), Can-Med (Craig Smith) and Ansell (Scott Frail). Contributions were also received from Synthes (Kurt Misik), 3M (Larry
Corscadden), COOK (Greg Sansford) and Trudell Medical (Ulf Teschendorff).
I would like to thank everyone involved with helping to make this conference a huge success. It was a memorable conference
that was enjoyed by all who attended. Great job, everyone!
Kerry Decker, RN
Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services
Dr. William Fitzgerald delivers the keynote address at the
N&LORNA Provincial Conference in St. Anthony.
Members of the organizing team celebrate a job well done (back, l-r): Tammy Burden,
Claudine Rose, Gaye Colbourne, Daphne Savoury, Gina Elliott and Kerry Decker. Front (l-r):
Marie Hillier, Lisa Richards, Marlene Applin, Danette Rose and Margaret Linstead. Missing
from photo are Betty Murrin and Carol Colbourne.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR –AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 5
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fall Symposium held
at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital
The annual fall symposium was held at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital on October 2 and 3, 2008. This year’s
event, entitled Specialist Savvy for General Practice, featured
a good mix of local and guest speakers.
This annual CME event is open to all doctors, nurses and
other allied health care professionals working with LabradorGrenfell Health. The aim of the symposium is to widen the
scope of understanding on a broad range of medical issues,
with particular emphasis on rural practice.
Local speakers from the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital and Labrador Health Centre provided presentations, in
addition to guest faculty from Comer Brook, St John’s, Halifax
and Ottawa. The very resourceful and knowledgeable local
speakers covered topics on Congestive Heart Failure, Psychosis, ATLS guidelines, Diabetes and Insulin, Health Protection and Pain Management in the Elderly. Guest speakers
presented on Neuropathic Pain, Pediatric Allergies, Cardiac
Arrhythmias, PSA and ADHD. A distinguished speaker from
CMPA also spoke on Medico-legal Aspects of Medicine.
There was also an interesting and informative workshop on
Arthritis from a Patient’s Point of View, which I personally
thought was an eye opener for many of us.
This conference was accredited for a maximum of 14 CME
points. The symposium evaluations were very encouraging.
I would like to thank all the local speakers, as well as our
guest faculty, for taking the time and effort to participate in
this conference. I would also like to extend our appreciation
to all the attendees, especially our colleagues in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I extend deepest gratitude to the members of
symposium committee, namely Dr. Dankwa and Dr. Sarada,
and especially to Ms. Cora Snow for organizing the details. I
would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions
of my colleagues who were very actively involved in arranging speakers for the symposium, especially Dr. Aravind.
Finally, our sincere appreciation to the sponsors of the
symposium — AstraZeneca; Consumer’s PharmaChoice,
Flower’s Cove; Consumer’s PharmaChoice, St. Anthony;
Janssen-Ortho; Labrador-Grenfell Health, Merck Frosst;
Nycomed Canada Inc.; Pfizer Canada Inc. and Shopper’s
Choice Pharmacy, St. Anthony.
Dr. Harleen Singh, General Practitioner
Members of the Fall Symposium organizing committee (l-r): Cora Snow, Dr.
Sarada Padalugu and Dr. Harleen Singh. Missing from photo is Dr. Kweku
Dankwa.
Dr. Michael Jong captures the interest of participants with his
presentation on Making Sense of Psychosis.
Guest speakers and attendees take a few moments to chat (l-r): Dr. Catherine
Penney (Family Physician), Dr. Paul Woolfrey (Guest Speaker), Dr. Michael Page
(Guest Speaker) and Blenda Dredge (Regional Director, Therapeutic Intervention and Rehabilitation Services).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 6
PATIENT SAFETY
SAFER HEALTHCARE NOW! UPDATE, CSCMH
An innovative approach to monitoring 30-day post-op Surgical Site Infection Rates
Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St.
Anthony, performs a wide variety of surgeries including: orthopaedics, general
surgery, gynaecology-obstetrics, ophthalmology, dental, ENT and urology. From
May 2007 to March 2008, a total of 2756
surgical cases (1923 outpatient surgeries
and 833 inpatient surgeries) were performed.
In January 2008, a Safer Healthcare
Now! team developed its Surgical Site
Infection (SSI) Improvement Charter. Core
team members represent nursing unit
coordinators, a day surgery nurse, infection control/risk management coordinator
and a community homecare nurse. Ad-hoc
members include the nursing site manager, a pharmacist, a surgeon and an anaesthetist.
Like many surgical teams across the Members of the Surgical Site Infection Prevention Team at Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital include (lcountry, one of the SSI Team’s main chal- r): Mary Jane Warren, RN, Day Surgery Unit; Kerry Decker, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services;
lenges was to obtain good 30-day post-op Glenda Patey, RN, Intensive Care Unit; Marcella Simmonds, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Ambulatory
Care/Emergency and Rita Reardon, RN, Nursing Unit Coordinator, Maternal/Child Health. Missing from
infection rate data. The Team randomly photo are the following team members: Beverly Pittman, Infection Control/Risk Management; Madonna
selects 10 surgical patients and enters Coates, Nursing Unit Coordinator, General Nursing Unit; Kelly Penney, Home Care Nurse; Sharon Penney,
their data on a tally sheet which includes Nursing Site Manager; Amanda Ropson, Pharmacist; Dr. Mahesh Guntamukkala, Chief of Anesthesiology
and Dr. Massey Beveridge, Surgeon.
the patient’s hospital number as a unique
identifier.
The infection control nurse and a community home care
Safer Healthcare Now! (SHN) is a patient safety camnurse partnered to develop a process and questionnaire for a
paign aimed at reducing preventable complications and
30-day follow-up. After 30 days have elapsed, the community
deaths in Canadian hospitals through learning, sharing and
implementing interventions that are known to reduce
home care nurse contacts the patient and completes the
avoidable adverse events.
screening questionnaire. Patients are very welcoming and
appreciate that we take the time to follow-up on their surgery.
SSI - Prevention of Surgical Site Infection: one of six
If there is an indication of infection, the infection control nurse
targeted interventions in the Safer Healthcare Now!
pulls the chart and begins an in-depth review of the client’s
Campaign. The goal is to prevent surgical site infection
record and determines if there is a probable SSI.
(SSI) and deaths from SSI by implementing a set of
evidence-based interventions in all surgical patients.
The SSI Team is progressing well at improving the care components of timely initiation and discontinuation of antibiotics
A review of the medical literature shows that the following
and maintaining normothermia. In-servicing staff, talking it up
care components reduce the incidence of surgical site
in the clinical areas, and posting our data on SSI prevention has
infection:
gained the attention and commitment of staff to improve SSI
•
appropriate use of antibiotics
care.
•
appropriate hair removal
The Team is pleased with its work to date and is open to
•
maintenance of post operative glucose control for
major cardiac surgery; and
learning from and sharing with colleagues across the region
•
post-operative normothermia for colorectal and open
and the country. Please check the SSI Community of Practice
abdominal surgery.
for copies of Curtis Hospital’s forms at www.saferhealthcarenow.ca.
These components, if implemented reliably, can drastically
reduce the incidence of surgical site infection.
Kerry Decker, RN
Nursing Unit Coordinator, Surgical Services
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 7
PATIENT SAFETY
PATIENT SAFETY WEEK 2008
The fourth annual Canadian Patient Safety week was celebrated
from September 29 to October 4, 2008. This event is coordinated
nationally through the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI). The
theme this year was Medication Reconciliation (Med Rec): “Knowledge is the Best Medicine. Ask. Talk. Listen.”
Medication Reconciliation, which is one of the initiatives of the
national Safer Healthcare Now! campaign, has been established at
the Labrador Health Center, the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital
and the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital. It is making a
difference in identifying discrepancies with medications before
patient treatment, resulting in safer healthcare for patients.
Labrador-Grenfell Health recognizes the commitment of all
healthcare providers in working toward improving patient safety
and developing a culture of patient safety within the organization.
Poster boards with information about Med Rec, as well as Canadian
Patient Safety Week promotional items, were on display during the
week and the Patient Safety and Quality department hosted coffee
breaks in each of the three hospital sites.
Boyd Rowe, CEO (right) presents Iric Fahim, Manager – Outpatient Department,
with a Patient Safety Week Prize pack, which he won in a prize draw, held during the awareness events at the Labrador Health Centre.
Curtis Hospital Staff cut the cake at the Patient Safety Week tea in St.
Anthony (l-r): Beverly Pittman, Risk Management/Infection Control
Coordinator; Julie Nicholas, COO (South) and Philomena Ricks, CSR
Technician.
A Patient Safety Week coffee break was held at Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital. Participants included (back, l-r): Karen Andrews, Wanda Young,
Corina Parsons, Norma Boozan and Lori-Lynn Drover; (front, l-r): Amanda Guy,
Karen Evely and Patti Gover.
PHOTO TRIVIA
This issue:
Last issue:
Q: What is the make of this early Grenfell vehicle?
Q: Name the children shown in this photograph.
A: This is a Model T Ford, and the two men on board are said to be
the “Graham Brothers”, who came to St. Anthony as “Wops”, to train
local Mission workers on the operation of this truck.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 8
FROM THE HOMES
John M. Gray Centre
St. Anthony, NL
Wood Working - Resident Llewellyn Taylor and friend Lucy Smith, along
with other residents, enjoyed an afternoon of painting their newly constructed birdhouses and boats during the Fun & Fitness program.
Antique Road Show - (L-R): Residents Bruce Martin, Flossie Cassell, Ethel Penney, Rosana
Kinsella and Recreation Therapy Student Mona Hoyles reminisced about a variety of
antiques and handmade tools used years ago to engage in activities of daily living. The
residents were familiar with the various antiques, which brought back memories and
allowed them to share stories of home remedies, boat building and hunting.
Sing-Along with Musical Instruments - (L-R): Residents Clayton Simms, Lucy Smith, Llewellyn Taylor and Jesse Elliott enjoyed playing various musical instruments during an afternoon of traditional Newfoundland singing and dancing. A special thanks to local performers for volunteering their
time and talents during this event.
Up at the Cabin - Warm sunny summer days are best enjoyed at the cabin! John
M. Gray residents took several day trips to the cabin at Pistolet Bay this summer,
where they enjoyed relaxing by the ocean and were treated to a barbecued lunch.
(Clockwise L-R): Boyd Pilgrim, Clayton Simms, Dinah Hedderson (Nursing Student), Eileen McCarthy (LPN), Chrisoula Budgell (Nursing Student), Flossie Cassell
and Gordon Alyward; in center of photo Ethel Penney (back) and Ada Pynn (front).
Annual Family BBQ - A large circle of family and friends gathered with residents to participate in the annual family barbecue on August 12, 2008. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal
and delighted in spending a fun-filled afternoon with family
and friends. Thanks to everyone for making this special occasion a great success.
Arts and Crafts - Residents recently enjoyed an afternoon of arts and crafts,
creating a variety of colorful sun catchers to decorate and display in their room
windows. Front row (l-r): Rebecca Gaulton and Beatrice Simms; back row (l-r):
Flossie Cassell, Teena Patey (PT/OT Assistant), Edna Pilgrim, Charlene Kinsella
(summer student) and Cecil Burt.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 9
FROM THE HOMES
Harry L. Paddon Memorial Home
Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Thank Goodness It’s Friday (TGIF) - Each month, residents at the Paddon
Home enjoy a different TGIF theme. During a Christmas in Summer TGIF,
the festivities were complete with Christmas music, Christmas cookies
and a full array of holiday décor.
In Photo: Recreation Specialist Steven Janes serves a tray of cookies as
residents eagerly await their Christmas treats.
Summer Outings - The residents of the Paddon Home regularly enjoy outings to
various locations around Goose Bay, including Tim Horton’s. (L-R): Horace Blake, Eliza
Edmunds, Rhoda Voisey, Myrtle White, Abel Lidd and Juliana Lidd.
A Visit from LabQuest Students - LabQuest students dropped by the Paddon Home in
August for a night of entertainment and story telling. LabQuest is a long-term recruitment
initiative whereby students participate in presentations with health care professionals and
have an opportunity to job shadow various disciplines. Shown here, the students listen
attentively to tales by Mary Heard and Margaret Davis (seated with students on sofa).
Baking Program a Success - Residents at the Paddon
Home enjoy baking every other week. They play a part in
all elements of the baking program, from what they’re
baking, to mixing, to enjoying the final product! The
excitement generated by the program is wonderful to see
and hear, as residents reminiscence about olden days.
In Photo: Residents Mary Ann Noah (front) and Harriet
Dicker (back) prepare ingredients for the baking program.
Alzheimer’s Coffee Hut - On September 19, 2008 residents and staff of the Paddon
Memorial Home gathered in the solarium for the annual Alzheimer’s Coffee Hut.
Many people came in to support this worthwhile cause and enjoyed the treats prepared by staff. A total of $207 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is always an enjoyable fundraiser and staff look forward to
it each year. Many thanks to all participants for making this a huge success.
Among those participating in the Alzheimer’s Coffee Hut were (l-r): Kim White, Lil
Bromley, Wanda Saunders, Cindy Barrett and Tina Combden.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR –AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 10
FROM THE HOMES
Labrador South Health Centre - Long Term Care Unit
Forteau, NL
Summer Outings - Labrador South Long Term Care residents especially
enjoy their outings during the spring and summer months.
Among those enjoying the bus rides were: (front, l-r): Elizabeth Letto and
Genista Pike, Nursing Student and Wilhemina Buckle (back) and Violet Pye
(right).
Family Barbecue - The annual family barbecue was held on September 23, 2008 with
every resident in attendance. A special thank-you to all staff and families who helped
make this year’s annual barbecue a success.
Attending the family barbecue (l-r): Deb Barney, LPN;
Richard Barney, Rhonda Linstead and resident Laura Barney.
This year’s entertainment
was provided by Roy Pye
from Lodge Bay (son of
Violet Pye, resident).
PASTORAL CARE WEEK
PASTORAL CARE WEEK 2008
Pastoral Care Week was celebrated from
October 20-26, 2008. This year’s theme was
Pastoral Care: Listening Presence. Pastoral
Care Week presents opportunities for
organizations and institutions of all kinds
and types to recognize the spiritual caregivers in their midst and the ministry which
they provide.
Celebrating at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital (l-r): Captain
Raymond Janes, Julie Nicholas, Heather Bromley, Rev. Jean
Brenton-Hickman and Rev. Bruce Graham and Nadine Calloway.
On hand for the Pastoral Care Week Tea at the Captain William Jackman Memoiral
Hospital on October 21, 2008 were (l-r): Rev. B. Parrell, Rev. J. Hiscock, Rowena
Payne (Chair), Captain C. Mitchell and Father N. Haight.
Attending the Pastoral Care Week Tea at the Labrador Health Centre (l-r):
Major Debbie Higdon, Rev. Jean Shears, Ragula Shule, Major Stan Higdon,
Padre Tracey Andrews, Rev. Charlene Taylor and Boyd Rowe.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 11
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Labrador-Grenfell Health is pleased to announce its scholarship awards for 2008-09. Charley-Ann Moss of Port Hope Simpson
is the recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Gordon W. Thomas Scholarship of $3,000 and Christopher Greene of Raleigh and Jennifer
Goulding of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are the recipients of the Grimes-Weld Scholarships of $2,000 each. Charley-Ann graduated
from D. C. Young School in Port Hope Simpson in June, 2004. She continued her studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s and graduated in May, 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. She is currently working
towards her Bachelor of Nursing at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Jennifer graduated from Goose High School in Happy
Valley-Goose Bay in June, 2003. She is enrolled in the Pharmacy Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland and will graduate in 2009 with her Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy). Christopher graduated from Harriot Curtis Collegiate in St. Anthony in
June, 2003. Following two years of study at Memorial University of Newfoundland, he enrolled in the Medical Radiography Program at the College of the North Atlantic in St. John’s. He plans to further his education in Diagnostic Ultrasonography and will
complete his studies at the College in 2009. He is also working towards a Bachelor of Technology from Memorial University of
Newfoundland. The Dr. and Mrs. Gordon W. Thomas Scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is studying nursing, medicine or dentistry. Grimes-Weld Scholarships are awarded annually in memory of Nurse Joy Grimes and Dr. Elizabeth Weld, who
died tragically in 1984 while serving the people of Northern Newfoundland and Labrador.
Charley-Ann Moss
Christopher Greene
Jennifer Goulding
THANK YOU
Labrador-Grenfell Health thanks Ruby Johnson of St.
Anthony for her recent donation of a leather chair for the Palliative Care Room, Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. The
donation was made in memory of her late husband, Norman
Johnson.
Sincere thanks are extended to the Advent Quilting Ministry
of Plum Point, for a recent donation of quilted and knitted turbans for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at the Charles
S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony. This is one of several activities that have been spearheaded by the Ministry in
support of cancer clients in their neighboring communities.
Madonna Coates BNRNNP, Nursing Unit Coordinator, General Unit,
accepts the donation from Ruby Johnson (right).
Ann Marie Cunard (left), presents Bonnie Decker, OncologyAmbulatory Treatment Nurse, with an assortment of hand-made turbans, on behalf of the Advent Quilting Ministry.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR –AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 12
SERVICE AWARDS
Nain
Congratulations to Sarah Nochasak on recently receiving a
35-year service award from Labrador-Grenfell Health, at a tea
held in her honor at Nain Community Clinic. Sarah works as a
Personal Care Attendant at the Clinic.
Sarah Nochasak accepts a 35-year service award
from Pat Crotty, Regional Nurse II.
North West River and Sheshatshiu
On September 12, 2008 staff gathered to recognize the
services provided by the staff of Mani Ashini Community Clinic.
Their hard work and dedication to the people of North West
River and Sheshatshiu is outstanding. Recipients of the service
awards this year were: Alban Bruce (5 years), Pat Kelsall (15
years), Paul Michelin (35 years) and Carole Michelin (10 years).
(L-R): Alban Bruce, Paramedic II; Pat Kelsall, Regional
Nurse II and Paul Michelin, Paramedic II. Missing from
photo is Carole Michelin, Regional Nurse.
Roddickton
Earlier this fall, Rosarii Patey, Acting COO
(South) visited the White Bay Central Health Centre
in Roddickton to present the annual service
awards. Recipients of this year’s awards were
Donald Decker (30 years), Victoria Reardon-Kearney (5 years), Melanie Humby (15 years) and Diane
Porter (25 years).
(L-R): Rosarii Patey Acting COO (South); Donald
Decker, Maintenance/EMR (Retired); Victoria
Reardon-Kearney, CYFS Clinical Information
Coordinator; Melanie Humby, Public Health Nurse
and Diane Porter, Community Clinical Coordinator,
Community Health and Wellness.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 13
FOUNDATION UPDATE - LABRADOR EAST
Gala Dinner - A “Gastronomical Delight”
and Financial Success
The Grenfell Foundation (Labrador East Chapter)
raised more than $17,000 at a sold-out Gala Dinner that
was attended by 100 guests. St. John’s culinary wizard
Brian Abbott served up a six course meal and award winning vocalists, Shelly Neville and Peter Halley, entertained the group with a variety of musical and popular
ballads. The event was held at the Canuck Club (International Room) in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. “We were
extremely pleased to organize an event that was not
only fun, but also did so
well in raising funds”,
said Rex Goudie, Chair of
the Foundation chapter.
“We were also pleased
to receive a generous L-R: Paul Snelgrove, Mary Snelgrove, Mrs. Sybil Snelgrove, Rex Goudie, Chair and Boyd
Rowe, CEO of Labrador-Grenfell Health.
donation of $10,000
from Mrs. Sybil Snelgrove, in memory of her late husband, Reginald, who was a successful businessman in the community for many years.
The Labrador East Chapter hopes to raise $150,000 over the next three years, to assist with the
cost of a new CT Scanner. The success realized at the Gala Dinner will go a long way in meeting
this objective.
“The response to the event from the community was incredible”, said event organizer and Foundation Coordinator for Labrador East, Mary Snelgrove. “We want to thank all participants and the
Red Seal Chef Brian Abbott prepared volunteers who helped make the first Annual Gala Dinner a tremendous success”. Plans are
a delicious meal for gala attendees.
already in the making for a second Annual Gala Dinner for 2009.
Car Seat Safety
The Injury Prevention Sub-committee, in partnership with St. John Ambulance, the Western Injury Prevention Coalition and
the Community Action Committee for Southwestern Newfoundland organized a three-day Child Restraint Systems Technician
course, held in Labrador City in October.
The Child Restraint Systems (CRS) Technician training as offered by St. John Ambulance provided participants with the
knowledge and skills to understand vehicle restraint systems and to properly install a child car seat and safely secure a child in
a vehicle. Eight participants obtained national certification from St. John Ambulance to inspect children’s restraint systems.
“This is an excellent training opportunity that will benefit children and families in Labrador West”, says Claudine Kean Dobbin. “With new booster seat legislation now in effect, this training is very timely, so that those who volunteer to receive the
training will have the most recent knowledge and information to share with parents and caregivers in our area”. Car crashes
kill more children than any other injury. Every year almost 70 children die in car crashes - that is equal to approximately three
classrooms of children. Every day, another two children are hospitalized because they were badly hurt in a crash.
“Statistics show that less than 5% of car seats are properly installed”, notes Claudine Kean Dobbin, Parent and Child
Health Coordinator and Chairperson of the Injury Prevention Sub-committee. “Training individuals in our community to inspect car seats to ensure they are properly installed
is one thing we can do to help protect our children and
keep them safe.”
Josephine O’Dell (Child Restraint Systems Trainer, Labrador Straits Family
Resource Centre), Sam Coombs (Paramedic), Mercy Muyanga (Healthy Baby
Club Resource Mother), Denise Alyward (Child Restraint Systems Trainer,
Northern Peninsula Family Resource Centre ), Claudine Kean Dobbin (Parent
and Child Health Coordinator); Heather Blackmore (Community Health Nurse),
Constable Bill Fitzgerald, Pam Coombs (Social Worker, CYFS) and Joe Power
(Labrador City Fire Department).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 14
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK: OCTOBER 1-7, 2008
“Mother Support: Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture” was the theme for this year’s World Breastfeeding Week. This theme
promoted the idea that a mother needs circles of support in order for her to breastfeed successfully. Breastfeeding mothers
deserve accurate and timely information, encouragement, skilled and practical help and empathy from those around them.
Support for mothers from their communities and health care systems is essential for initiating and continuing breastfeeding.
QUINTESSENCE
BREASTFEEDING CHALLENGE 2008
On October 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m., mothers and babies at sites across Canada and
the United States competed to set the
record for the most babies breastfeeding
at one time. For Challenge results and
more information, visit the Quintessence
Foundation website at www.babyfriendly.ca
Two mothers and
two babies attended
the Challenge in
Flower's Cove.
At St. Anthony,
11 moms and 12 babies
were breastfeeding at 11:00 a.m.
In Labrador West, 12 moms
and 13 babies participated in
the Breastfeeding Challenge.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 15
WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK
Breastfeeding Week Proclaimed
In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week
(Canada), both the Town of Labrador City and the
Town of Wabush joined Labrador-Grenfell Health
staff in signing a Breastfeeding Week Proclamation
on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at the Wabush
Town Hall.
On hand for the official signing were (front, l-r): Mayor Jim Farrell (Wabush) and Mayor Graham
Letto (Labrador City); (back, l-r): Claudine Kean Dobbin, Parent and Child Health Coordinator; Karla
Richards, Community Health Nurse; Mercy Muyanga, Healthy Baby Club Resource Mother;
Annette Parsons, Community Clinical Coordinator and Sheila Oates, Community Health Nurse.
Setting a golden example…
With this year’s World Breastfeeding Week being celebrated in some countries in early August, just prior to the 2008 summer
Olympics, these countries followed a theme “Mother Support: Going for the Gold”. Here in Canada and a few other countries, World
Breastfeeding Week was celebrated in early October, with a theme of “Mother Support: Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture”.
After learning that Labrador West’s very own 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist (curling), Mike Adam, was breastfed as a baby for 10
months, the Community Health Nurses decided, along with the support of Mr. Adam and his mom, Bev Adam, to combine both
themes and do a little breastfeeding promotion through articles in the local papers. The extended theme then became “Mother
Support: Going for the Gold and Reclaiming our Breastfeeding Culture”.
In these articles, Mike and his mom reinforced the importance of the mother being completely supported in order for her breastfeeding experience to be successful. In fact, it is the responsibility of the whole community to provide a supportive environment
for breastfeeding moms and babes. Mrs. Adam
shared some of her very positive experiences as a
young new mother breastfeeding in the early 80’s,
during a time when there were minimal supports
available in the community. Thankfully, she did have
the support of her husband, family and friends. Mike
explained that in his past travels overseas, for the
Olympics, breastfeeding was a cultural norm in most
countries and that it was not an unusual sight to see
a mother breastfeeding in public.
Community Health Nurses called on the general
public to offer their support in helping breastfeeding
mothers achieve the “gold standard” in feeding their
children and encouraged local businesses to become
‘Breastfeeding Friendly Premises’. Steps such as this
will help achieve the goal of bringing back breastfeeding as a cultural norm in Labrador West.
Karla Richards and Heather Blackmore
Community Health Nurses
Supporting a breastfeeding culture in Labrador West (l-r): Heather Blackmore, Karla Richards,
Bev Adam and Mike Adam.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 16
FOCUS ON STAFF
Agatha Ryland
Danyelle Lawless
Agatha previously worked at Earle’s Groceries/Sears Canada in L’anse au Loup where she was a Member Service Representative. She has accepted a temporary Clerk II position at
the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau where she will
be responsible for general office duties.
Welcome Agatha, and best wishes in your position.
Danyelle has been appointed to the position of Primary
Health Care Facilitator for the Labrador West area. She brings
previous experience in community development, program
administration, and health promotion along with an educational background in Psychology.
In this position, Danyelle will work with community partners and Labrador-Grenfell Health staff to enhance health
promotion. Her first priority is to become familiar with community groups, agencies, and health professionals in the
area. Danyelle notes she is looking forward to working with
Labrador-Grenfell Health staff.
Good luck in your new position, Danyelle.
Miriam Rumbolt
Miriam Rumbolt was born in Mary’s
Harbour, NL and spent most of her
adult life in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
She graduated from Medical Laboratory Technology in 1979 and worked in
several roles at the Laboratory in
Happy Valley-Goose Bay for 25 years.
She then worked with the Government
of Nova Scotia as a Laboratory Implementation Team member on the NSHIS project for one year.
Most recently, she worked with DND in the Clinic Laboratory at CFB Trenton, Ontario.
Miriam now re-joins Labrador-Grenfell Health as a Transfusion Safety Officer, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Her
role is to improve the safety and quality of transfusion for the
Labrador-Grenfell Health region.
Welcome back, Miriam. We hope that you will enjoy
working with us.
Emergency Nurses Week
The week of October 6 -10, 2008 celebrated Emergency Nurses Week. The Emergency Nurse is a specialist with expertise in Maternal/Child, Medical/Surgical
and Mental Health, Critical Care, Ambulatory, Gerontology and Community Health. This nurse can provide
care and treatment that can range from life sustaining
measures to the management of common and longterm problems.
Today, the hospital Emergency Department, perhaps more than any other setting, reflects the health
care problems of a community. Emergency visits are
increasing dramatically as patients use emergency
departments for primary care and access to services
provided by hospitals.
Emergency Nurses are there to provide you with the
care you need.
Cathy Fewer RNENCc, Provincial Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Emergency Nurses
Association
Dr. Ernest Buitendag
Dr. Buitendag comes to Labrador-Grenfell Health from
South Africa. He completed his MBChB (undergraduate) at
the University of Pretoria and his FCA (SA) (postgraduate) at
the University of Natal/CMSA. He also holds diplomas in Family Medicine and Anesthesia.
Dr. Buitendag has worked in Saudi Arabia, Antarctica,
Lesotho, UK and the Netherlands. He has accepted a full-time
Anesthetist position with Labrador-Grenfell Health and will
be working at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St.
Anthony.
Welcome, Dr. Buitendag. We hope you enjoy living and
working in St. Anthony.
Trauma Nursing Core Course
A Trauma Nursing Core Course was held in Port Hope Simpson from
September 26-28, 2008.
Participants attending from throughout the region included (front row,
l-r): Madonna Coates, Victoria Paul, Lana Fillier, Donnie Sampson,
Michael Noble, Nancy Carroll and Cindy Parrill, RN, PHC-NP (Instructor).
Back row (l-r): Karen Oldford, RN, PHC-NP (Instructor), Brenda Ash, Margaret Spracklin, Pamela Cronhelm and Debbie Ropson.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 17
AROUND THE REGION
Big Bike Ride
Once again this year, Labrador-Grenfell Health staff partnered with
local community members and business representatives in the Heart and
Stroke Foundation’s annual Big Bike Ride, in aid of research. With music
blaring and arms waving, they peddled their collective best to travel from
the St. Anthony Olympia parking lot to the parking lot of the John M.
Gray Center, and back again. This year, the team raised $1576 for Heart
and Stroke. A special thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s
event!
Getting ready for the Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke (front, l-r): Alison White (Manager,
Human Resources), Amanda Ropson (Pharmacist), Felix Simmonds (RT Operator), Agnes
McCarthy (Clerk), Sue Pilgrim (LPN). Back row (l-r): Leaton Johnson (Regional Occupational
Health and Safety Officer), Katrina Noel (community), Anne (the Clown) Quinlan, Noelle
Johnson, Craig Ball(Shears), Tommy Mugford (CO-OP), Cliff Powell (community), Andrew
Hussey (Materials Management) Trina Simms (CO-OP), Keith Woodford (CO-OP), Beverly
Pittman (Risk Management and Infection Control Coordinator), Monica Sinyard (Registered
Nurse), Winnie Richards (CO-OP) and Krista Hewitt (Registered Nurse). Missing from photo
is Jason Hynes (Town of St. Anthony).
Go Blue Day held in Support of the
Arthritis Society
On September 10, 2008, the Physiotherapy and
Occupational Therapy departments at the Charles S.
Curtis Memorial Hospital joined to celebrate Go Blue
Day. This event is spearheaded by the Arthritis Society
each September to help increase arthritis awareness
and raise funds for arthritis research. This year, all staff
were encouraged to dress in blue and offer a donation.
During the morning, an information table was set up
outside the cafeteria, with cake and refreshments provided to all who participated. The Physiotherapy and
Occupational Therapy departments would like to thank
all those who took part and helped raise $140 for arthritis research.
Organizers of the Go Blue Day event at Charles S. Curtis Memorial
Hospital (l-r): Catherine Pilgrim, Physiotherapist; Brenda Hedderson,
Rehab Clerical Support; Teena Patey, Rehab Assistant and Jessica
Pike, Occupational Therapist.
Infant Hearing Program Launched at Labrador Health Centre
On Monday, October 20, 2008 Labrador-Grenfell Health launched its Infant Hearing Program at the Labrador Health Centre, with
the official presentation of a Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE), donated by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.
On hand for the presentation were members of a dedicated group of parents with hearing-impaired children,
called “Listening for Labrador”, who came together in 2006
and lobbied the provincial government for Audiology services in the area. Dr. K. Aravind, a pediatrician at the Charles
S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, spearheaded the infant screening program in St. Anthony, launched in 2007. This is also
an extension of his tireless work in early identification of
hearing loss in children.
Labrador-Grenfell Health is very thankful to the CHHA for
donating this new piece of equipment which enables us to
offer this exciting new program. The Infant Hearing Program was created to find the approximately four to six in
1000 infants that are born deaf or hard of hearing , as early
as possible, and to give them the help they need so they The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CHHA-NL)
donates an Otoacoustic Screening Device to test the hearing of newborns at the
can have the best possible start in life. Newborns are Labrador Health Centre. Present for the donation were members of “Listening for
screened at birth by a staff person trained to use the Labrador” with representatives from Labrador-Grenfell Health and the Canadian Hard
DPOAE, a safe and reliable piece of equipment. The entire of Hearing Association (l-r): Fred Loxton, David Massie, Alison Day, Coordinator of
test takes just a few minutes and the results are immediate, Rural Outreach Services (CHHA-NL); Elizabeth Oguntuase, Nursing Site Manager;
Michelle Pitcher, Registered Nurse; Kathleen Cabot; Dr. Joan Harron, Regional Audiolwith no harmful risk to the infant.
ogist; Darren Buckle; Cyril Peach and Betty Parsons.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008 PAGE 18
FRIENDS OF ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR
Keeping the Volunteer Spirit Alive
In the April-July 2008 edition of Along the Coast to Labrador, long-time John M.
Gray Centre volunteer Ambrose Curl was extended thanks and well wishes as he
embarked on his move to Harbourview Manor, Mary’s Harbour, Labrador.
Recently, Jennifer Rumbolt, Detachment Assistant with the Mary's Harbour
RCMP, dropped a line to let our readers know that Ambrose is keeping the
volunteer spirit alive in his new home. She writes “Ambrose has been a wonderful asset to our senior’s home. Here he is taking Jeff Pardy, one of the residents
from the home, for a walk around the community’s gravel roads. He does this
most every day, rain or shine”.
Hello,
I received my newest copy of Along the Coast to Labrador and
pounced on it with interest as I usually do to catch up with the latest and catch up with many names and acquaintances from the
past. Having grown up in St. Anthony and worked at the old hospital and the new as well, I acquired a large circle of friends which I
have contact with to this day from all over the world. I was saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Dunk as I knew her fairly well
and had worked with her during that time. On another note I was
most intrigued by the reprinted article from Among the Deep Sea
Fishers 1965.
Mervin Patey
Dear Madam/Sir:
I am very pleased to have received the quarterly
Along the Coast to Labrador. It made me remember,
yet again, the splendid year my husband, Wim, and I
spent in St Anthony in 1964/1965. I am sad to hear
about the death of Pat Dunk - we knew her very well
that year.
Yours sincerely,
Wilhelmina Reinking-Jonxis
Dear Madam:
Ever since I read Along the Coast to Labrador and what was written by the late Dr. Curtis I’ve been wanting to write my family
experience with the Forteau Nursing Station…as he said, the only one on the Labrador…….I am always interested in the mission. My father was a watchman for Dr. Grenfell’s boat, The Albert…..If God spares me, in one month I will be 96 years old. I
enjoy Along the Coast to Labrador and thank you very much.
Yours truly,
Marjorie George
Trivia
This issue:
Last issue:
Q: Name the house that the Rev. Henry Gordon once
lived in. It was given to the IGA for the Industrial
Department by the Hudson Bay Company in
Cartwright in 1934.
Q: What was the name of the house and town where Dr. Grenfell
retired?
A: Dr. Grenfell retired to Charlotte, Vermont and built Kenloch
House. Thank you to Mr. Alwyn Sansford of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
for submitting the correct response.
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 19
FASD AWARENESS DAY
Each year, September 9 is designated as International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. The goal of the
day is to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy, promote prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies,
and encourage support for individuals and families affected by FASD. The first FASD Awareness Day was first celebrated on 9/9/99.
The ninth day of the ninth month of 1999 was selected to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy.
Please remember, NO amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe. For further information, please contact your nearest health
center.
At White Bay Central Health Centre, Community Mental Health Nurse
Tammy White distributed Smarties and Snickers bars, with attached messaging to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The
slogan on the candy bars read "Don't snicker at FASD. This candy bar will
only last a moment, but FASD lasts a lifetime."
Among those staff who participated in the activity were (l-r): Paula
Clements (Clerk), Joan Richards (Administrative Officer) and Tammy
White (Community Mental Health Nurse).
Promoting FASD awareness at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital (l-r):
Community Health Nurses Sheila Oates and Heather Blackmore with Kim Blake, Addictions Counselor.
RETIREMENTS
Shirley Best
Shirley Best, Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions Services
at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, retired on July 31, 2008,
after a long career that started with the International Grenfell Association in 1974. Shirley worked in a variety of departments over the
years, including Accounting, Medical Records, Psychiatry, Pathology, Ophthamology and the Medical Director’s office. She spent the
last several years in the Social Work and Psychiatry Departments
(which became Mental Health/Addictions and Social Work), and
provided clerical support to a number of staff in St. Anthony, Flower’s Cove, Roddickton, Forteau and Port Hope Simpson.
Shirley’s colleagues and friends at Curtis Hospital joined her for a
retirement/farewell supper on September 12, 2008. She left St.
Anthony on September 26, and is headed west to Alberta to join her
family. I thank Shirley for her years of service and wish her well in
her retirement.
Deanne Costello
Regional Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services
Shirley Best (left) accepts a retirement gift from Rosarii Patey, Acting
COO (South).
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR –AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 20
RETIREMENTS
Ursula Loder
Ursula started work with the International
Grenfell Association in September 1963, in the
Diet Kitchen, providing meals for the in-patients,
and also working in the cafeteria. She continued
in that position for a couple of years, and then
transferred to the laundry department where
she remained until her retirement on July 31,
2008.
Ursula as seen many changes during her 45
years of service but through it all she was always
a loyal employee who came to work faithfully
and did her work, always with a smile. Ursula will
be missed greatly by her fellow workers in the
laundry department, and the organization is
always saddened to lose a truly faithful employee. We wish Ursula the very best, and a long,
healthy and well deserved rest.
Arthur Kinsella
Manager EVS/Laundry, Curtis Hospital
Ursula Loder (right) accepts a retirement gift from Rosarii Patey, Acting COO (South).
Janet Patey
A large group of co-workers and friends gathered at an Open House in the Rotunda at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony, on September 30, 2008 to
wish Janet Patey, Executive Secretary, best wishes as she began her retirement.
Janet (“Jan” to most of us) started work with the International Grenfell Association
in 1972 upon her graduation from the Shorthand-Typing Program at the District
Vocational School, Corner Brook. Other than a short period of time spent following
her husband Paul to Wabush in the early 1970s and a couple of temporary placements in the organization, Jan has worked with the Executive Office in St. Anthony.
Over the years she has been the constant and quiet force behind the Executive
Directors and Board of Directors of Grenfell Regional Health Services and most
recently as an invaluable support to the Senior Team at Labrador-Grenfell Health.
Jan was the first Newfoundland-born secretary to the senior IGA administrative staff
in St. Anthony. She has also been the continued link with the IGA over the years,
coordinating the Health Authority’s submissions to their Grant Program and also
serving on their Scholarship Committee.
It was no surprise that Jan received many written best wishes on her retirement
day from former colleagues, friends and family who couldn’t be present at the Open
House. All of them remarked on the same exceptional qualities that I have had the
fortune to benefit from since 2005. The late Dr. Peter Roberts, with whom Jan
worked for an incredible and very rewarding 18 years, often said that staff working
with Grenfell, including Jan, were simply “good people doing good work”. His wife,
Betty, repeated these words in a note sent to Jan for her retirement.
I know that Jan is now looking forward to spending more time with Paul, their
children Chris and Carole Ann, who now have children of their own, and doing all the
things that we never seem to have time to do during a regular work week.
I congratulate Jan on a well deserved and happy retirement.
Barbara Molgaard Blake
VP, People and Information
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR –AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 21
RETIREMENTS
Linda Coffin
Pricilla Mitchelmore
Linda began working at
the Charles S. Curtis
Memorial Hospital in 1973
as a Nursing Assistant.
During her career she
worked in several areas
including Pediatrics, Surgical Unit, Ambulatory
Care/Emergency, Maternal/Child Health and the
Medical/Surgical Unit. Her
latest position was on the
Surgical Day Surgery Unit,
where she continued to
be a valuable and dedicated member of the nursing team until her retirement on
March 31, 2008.
Linda has lived by the motto “if it is worth doing - it is
worth doing well” and this was evident in her work ethic. We
thank Linda for her years of service to Curtis Hospital and to
the residents of the region. We wish her a long, healthy,
happy retirement.
Priscilla started working at
the Charles S. Curtis Memorial
Hospital in October 1969 as
Staff Nurse. During her career
she worked as a Staff Nurse,
Nursing Supervisor, Head
Nurse – Pediatrics II and Head
Nurse of the Outpatient
Department. In 1996, she
began working as a Staff
Nurse with Surgical Services in
the Operating/ Recovery
Room, until she retired on May
31, 2008.
On behalf of LabradorGrenfell Health, I thank Priscilla for her commitment to quality and dedication to patient care over the years. She will
now be able to relax and enjoy more time traveling with her
husband, with her children and grandchildren and with her
leisure activities. She will be missed by all those who had the
privilege to work with her. We wish her all the best in her
retirement.
Sharon Penney
Nursing Site Manager
Sharon Penney
Nursing Site Manager
Diane Pilgrim
Diane started work with
Versa Services in 1971 as a
Food Services Worker. In
1972, she moved to Grand
Falls to complete Nursing
Assistant training for one
year. Upon completing this
course, she returned to Curtis
Hospital and commenced
work with Nursing Services
and worked in various areas Surgical Unit, Intensive Care
Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit
and Day Surgery/Minor Procedures. She started work on the
Obstetrical Unit in November 2003 and remained there until
her retirement on July 31, 2008. Diane has proven to be very
dedicated and caring to her patients and was a valuable
member of the Nursing Department. During her career,
Diane was also a very active member of the CUPE union in
this region.
She will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her
retirement.
Sharon Penney
Nursing Site Manager
Lillian Larkin
Lillian started working
with Curtis Hospital
in the Housekeeping
Department in 1971. She
left home in October
1972 to pursue her career
as a Nursing Assistant.
She returned the following year to work with
Curtis Hospital and
remained a dedicated
employee until her retirement in June of this year.
She initially worked on
the Maternal Child Health
and
Medical/Surgical
Units and in 2000, moved to the Ambulatory Care/Emergency Department where she remained until her retirement
on June 30, 2008. We wish her a healthy, happy retirement.
Sharon Penney
Nursing Site Manager
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 22
OBITUARIES
James Henry Biles
(“Uncle Jim”)
Rose Cottrell
April 1, 1951 – September 21, 2008
Remembering a Friend and Co-Worker
It is with sadness that Labrador-Grenfell Health notes the
passing of former International Grenfell Association/Grenfell
Regional Health Services employee James Henry Biles, on June
23, 2008, at the age of 88.
Uncle Jim’s career with the International Grenfell Association started in March, 1953 as a Power Engineer at the Power
Plant in St. Anthony. He became Supervisor of the Power Plant
in 1959 and assumed responsibility as Maintenance Supervisor
in 1977. He retired in July 1982 after 29 years of service.
Uncle Jim dedicated his life to the hospital and his work. He
was good to his employees, very pleasant, never a complainer
and always liked a job well done. Former co-workers have
commented that they were like a “close-knit family”.
Uncle Jim was very much an outdoorsman and enjoyed
many days on the salmon rivers. He loved the fall of the year,
so that he could take part in moose hunting and berry picking.
He always kept up on world events and read many journals
from cover to cover. He was very intelligent, kind hearted and
generous. He gave from his heart to financially help educate
many professionals in his family circle. He was very much an
advocate of education.
Uncle Jim was never married and had no children, but he
was a “father” and a “grandfather” figure to many. He is very
sadly missed by his nieces and nephews, cousins, and their
extended families and several close friends.
Sheila Biles-Holloway BNRN (Great Niece)
It is with great sadness that Labrador-Grenfell Health
announces the passing of Rose Cottrell after a short battle with
cancer.
Rose started working at the Paddon Memorial Home as an
LPN in February 2001 after returning from England where she
married her husband, Brian Cottrell on June 14, 1997. Before
going to England Rose worked at the hospital in Goose Bay for
many years.
Rose will be remembered for her caring personality and
her great sense of humor. No matter how busy you were or if
you were having a bad day she always brightened up the place
with her positive attitude and her joking around. She sure
could make you laugh despite the trials she had to face in her
own life.
The residents at the Paddon Home all loved her very
much. One resident, a 92 year old lady always called her Aunt
Rosie. After Rose would finish tucking the residents in at night
she would always say, “Bless your heart”, before leaving their
rooms.
As each season comes and goes we will all think of Rose
for her colorful uniforms; she always wore a uniform to fit the
occasion (Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.). We all
remember her favorite saying, “Yes, hey.” She certainly will be
missed at this year’s Halloween Party as she liked to dress up in
costume and leave everyone guessing.
Rose made a lasting impression on all those who were fortunate enough to meet and know her. She loved life and
always knew how precious life was. She took on her recent illness with dignity and grace, with some humor mixed in, even
to her last days.
Rose will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers and all the residents at the Paddon Home. She is survived
by her husband Brian, daughter Valerie Webb, grandchildren
Angel Rose and Margaret Ann, and many family members and
good friends.
Staff, Paddon Memorial Home
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 23
COMINGS AND GOINGS
WELCOME TO:
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Gerald Asivak
Social Worker I, CYFS
Marlene Brown
Domestic Worker (Temporary)
Aimee Cabot
Pharmacy Tech (Temporary)
Cavell Clarke
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Tracey Foss
Registered Nurse (Casual)
Dane Gosse
Computer Support Specialist (Temporary)
Renee Hanrahan
Switchboard Operator (Temporary)
Melisa Learning
Pharmacy Technician
Dr. Alison Morris
Assistant Medical Officer
Vickie Musseau
Social Worker I
Funmilayo Owolabi
Registered Nurse
Kaye Pardy
Food Service Worker (Temporary)
Judy Quehe
Switchboard Operator (Temporary)
Christine Rowe
Dental Assistant (Temporary)
Miriam Rumbolt
Laboratory Technologist
Laura Simms
Clerk Typist III (Temporary)
Leon Simms
Security (Temporary)
Tammy Simms
Domestic Worker (Temporary)
Allison Strong
Speech Language Pathologist
Roxanne Williams
Switchboard Operator
Dr. Gabe Woollam
Physician
Cartwright
Anneliese Curack
Registered Nurse (Casual)
Labrador City
Maureen Beresford
Amanda Keats
Catherine Kennedy
Erin Laidley
Lisa Shaw
Carolyn Withers
Makkovik
Marilyn Faulkner
Natuashish
Alberta Toma
Nurse Instructor (Casual)
Domestic Worker (Temporary)
Admitting Clerk (Temporary)
Registered Nurse
Social Worker (Temporary)
Licensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)
Personal Care Attendant (Casual)
Community Service Worker, CYFS
(Temporary)
North West River/Sheshatshiu
Annette Bartman
Community Service Worker, CYFS
(Temporary)
Deborah Nuna
Community Service Worker, CYFS
(Temporary)
Heather Smith
Community Health Nurse (Temporary)
Postville
Rose Webb
St. Anthony
Jackie Adey
Vianne Bridger
Edward Bromley
Personal Care Attendant (Casual)
Domestic/Utility/Laundry Worker (Casual)
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Utility/Domestic/Laundry Worker (Temporary)
St. Anthony (continued)
Dr. Ernest Buitendag
Anesthesiologist
Juanita Campbell
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Deana Diamond
Laboratory Technologist (Temporary)
Jeannie Fowler
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Angel Hedderson
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Karen Lawless
Administrative Assistant, Grenfell Foundation
(Temporary)
Dr. Hoi Kwan Lee
Anesthesiologist
Marilyn Macgillivary
Public Health Nurse (Casual)
Julie Nicholas
Chief Operating Officer (South)
Lydia Van Niekerk
Psychologist
Diane Snow
Domestic/Utility/Laundry Worker (Casual)
Ruby Osmond
Domestic Worker (Temporary)
Jocelyn Uy
Registered Nurse
GOOD-BYE & GOOD LUCK TO:
St. Anthony
Shirley Best
Elaine Langdon
Adrienne Lavallee
Ursula Loder
Janet Patey
Secretary, Mental Health and Addictions
Services (Retired)
Licensed Practical Nurse (Retired)
Registered Nurse
Laundry Worker (Retired)
Executive Assistant (Retired)
Mary’s Harbour
Karen Daigle
Regional Nurse I
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Wanda Andersen
Clerk II (Temporary)
Amanda Bennett
Social Worker
Jennifer Colbourne
Typist I (Temporary)
Suzanne Denty
Mental Health Program Coordinator
Joyce Furlotte
Licensed Practical Nurse (Retired)
Gail Gallagher
Switchboard Operator (Temporary)
Renee Hynes
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Darlene Morris
Utility Worker I (Temporary)
Dr. Ihsan Musa
Physician
Brent Ogden
Domestic Worker (Temporary)
Sister Eileen Penney
Registed Nurse
Corina Simmonds
Secretary I
Natasha Stagg
Pharmacy Technician
Sueanne Thistle
Personal Care Attendant (Temporary)
Lacey Traverse
Social Worker
Brenda Woodward
Cook
Labrador City-Wabush
Christa Hunt
Jamie Stagg
Clerical (Temporary)
Paramedic II
Natuashish
Kimberley Mercer-Dicker
Nurse I (Casual)
North West River/Sheshatshiu
Jack Penashue
Gabriel Rich
Program Supervisor, CYFS
Community Service Worker
ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – AUGUST - OCTOBER, 2008, PAGE 24
FROM THE PAST
Bazen De Soum
By Anna Kivimaki - Among the Deep Sea Fishers, 1936
Because he was one of the better known alumni; because so many who
saw him took an interest in him; but mostly because his life was as colorful
as he himself was beautiful, I feel that the story of Bazen de Soum is worthy
of space in this magazine.
Bazen was a Great Pyrenees, one of the oldest breeds known. These
majestic white dogs came originally from Tibet and it is thought that
Phoenician traders brought a few to Spain, and thus they are named. Bred
for the past four centuries to defend sheep flocks against wolves and bears,
they grew powerful of jaw, long and sturdy of limb, and well protected by
coat.
Bazen de Soum was born at Lourdes, France, in 1930, and it was there
that Miss Catherine Hedge of Brookline, Massachusetts, was so charmed by
him that she brought him back as a gangling six month old pup to the United States.
By the time Bazen was two years old, Miss Hedge had married Franklin
Hammond and they had settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bazen had
grown to his full size approximately that of a young calf, and the Hammonds were forced to decide that they should send him to a place more
suitable for him than the city.
Mr. Hammond had served as a wop on the coast in 1920. Twelve years
later when the Cluett sailed north with that year’s crew of wops, Bazen was
on board for his next long journey; this time to St. Anthony - the handsome
gift of the Hammonds to Dr. Curtis. Three hundred years before that, the
first Great Pyrenees dogs had been brought to Newfoundland. They had
been crossed with black English retrievers; to originate the present day
Newfoundland breed of dogs.
Bazen was at St. Anthony for four years, during which time he was a well
known figure at the station. Dr. Curtis’s big Doberman Pinscher, Bill, would
not tolerate a rival in his household, so Bazen was gleefully adopted by the
tenants of Blackburn Cottage. And here I introduce myself into Bazen’s
story for I was fortunate to be one of the Blackburn tenants during three
years of his stay.
Looking at Baz, it was easy to understand why the Dauphin, who later
became Louis the Sixth, had proclaimed the Great Pyrenees the royal dog
of France. We all felt that his beauty added prestige to our household; and
as soon as snow fell, we made a harness for him and discovered that he
could be useful as well as ornamental. With Bazen to haul the provisions,
outings became doubly enjoyable. Then in the fall and spring, he shed his
long wool in great handfuls and Mrs. Adam Slade spun it into yarn like the
finest angora. Kathleen Young and I even have heavy sweaters of pure dog
wool.
But it was on our long winter trips that Bazen proved to have the kind of
qualities which in the north are the real measure of a dog.
During my second winter in St. Anthony, I developed an irresistible
desire to walk across country to Flower’s Cove - about sixty miles each way.
With Bazen hauling all the equipment on a small komatik, I was able to
make the trip on snowshoes. I could never have gotten there without him.
Stormbound for a day-and-a-half on the way out, it took us four days to
go across and three to come back. On the return trip, leaving Green Woods
tilt, I thought we’d save time by heading straight across the White Hills
instead of following the trail to Lock’s Cove. After we’d been going for a
couple of hours, a haze came up which gradually narrowed our horizon so
that after a while the misty whiteness was like a bowl over us. Unable to see
the White Hills, I lost my way, and in my fear that a storm was coming on, I
pushed on as hard as I could. Only when it seemed as if I couldn’t possibly
take another step did I stop at all, and always the increasingly threatening
feel in the air would spur me on. Every now and then I’d look back, and Baz
was never far behind, patiently plodding along; the heavy komatik sinking
down to the slats. It wasn’t until after almost nine hours of steady walking
that we came out at Billy’s Harbour; just ahead of the storm.
When I took off Bazen’s harness, it was wet with blood. The blanket
bound rope had slipped out of place and I had no idea for how long it had
been sawing away under one of his forelegs with every step he took. He
hadn’t even limped, let alone whimpered.
Our longest trip was to Canada Bay and back; perhaps eighty miles each
way over the route we took. On that trip, I took two young huskies as well
as Baz.
On the second day out, a blizzard suddenly sprang up when we were at
the bottom of the “arm” beyond Lock’s Cove. I decided to head for a sealing shack on the island - which meant heading right into the storm. The
dogs wouldn’t face the command, so, head bent, I walked ahead of them.
Suddenly above the howling of the storm, I heard Bazen barking savagely, I turned and the team was milling around in a knot. As I rushed towards
them, I could see that Bazen had one of the black dogs by the back of the
neck. My heart sank. Every minute the storm was growing thicker and the
island fast becoming a blur. Of all times to start a fight.
I flew to get the dog whip; and then I saw the holes in the bag of seal
meat which was tied on top of the komatik box; the tell-tale shreds of
burlap on the huskies mouths, and the whole story was all too clear. They
had turned in their traces and had gone for the dog food. Bazen had the situation under control by the time I got there. When I got the traces straightened out and started off again, he kept the team right at my heels, and we
made the island all right.
Nights when I stayed in tilts, I kept my team inside. Bazen always
crowded the huskies in a corner and stretched out in front of them. If they
so much as stirred, a growl like an approaching thunderstorm made them
settle back into place. He wasn’t gifted with the born leader’s ability to find
the way, but on each of our trips, he seemed to shoulder his share of the
responsibility and to take it very seriously.
When I left St. Anthony in 1936, Dr. Curtis let me bring Bazen back to the
United States again. We shared almost as many adventures in this country
as we did on the coast, but at last for his comfort, I left him for longer and
longer intervals in the care of Mrs. Frank Butcher at the Cote de Neige kennels in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Last year, Mrs. Butcher entered
him in several dog shows, and he soon acquired championship.
In May of this year, at the age of nine, Champion Bazen De Soum suddenly died, apparently of heart failure.
Along the Coast to Labrador
is a quarterly publication from the Regional Newsletter Committee
Labrador-Grenfell Health, St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0
Phone (709) 454-0128 Fax: (709) 454-4952
Email: [email protected] Website: www.lghealth.ca
Printed by Transcontinental, 1-800-563-7889