Hello, Boozhou, Bonjour,
I wanted to reconnect with everyone and provide an update as the summer months wind down. I truly hope you were able to find moments of rest, relaxation and reconnection with friends and family. Here’s a quick update on what’s been happening.
Health Care System Changes
Across the globe and closer to home our health care systems are facing challenges resulting from the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term health impacts of the pandemic, fewer health care workers and demographic and economic pressures. As you are likely aware, the Province says it has a five-point plan to address some of these areas that will positively affect our operations for our Hospital. You can read it in detail here. The government says its plan includes hiring “…up to 6,000 additional health care workers, frees up 2,500 more hospital beds and temporarily covers cost of examination, application and registration fees for retired and internationally trained nurses”. As well, the potential implementation of a “first available bed” policy as in Bill 7 has the potential to improve system flow while supporting patients waiting for LTC placement in available LTC beds. We know many of these issues are not new to our system, but we feel optimistic that the plan could provide the opportunity to work with our health care partners to make some leeway with patient flow and capacity. As well, it will provide some creative approaches to address health human resource shortages.
We know we have lots of work to do and we will continue to focus on those strategies from our Strategic Plan 2026, which also ties in nicely to the Province’s plan – found here in its entirety.
Operational Update
Looking to the immediate future, we are developing our proposal to increase surgical capacity to respond to our 27% increase (1000 patients) in cases waiting since the pandemic began. The ED has seen a 30% increase in volumes and has returned to pre-pandemic volumes with escalations in ambulance volumes and complexity of care presentations
At the same time as our volumes have been increasing, there have been notable shortages in staffing across the organization and we are working on recruitment and retention strategies while we adapt with model of care changes, the addition of externs, Internationally Educated Nurses, Unit Care Aides, Physician assistants, NPs etc.. These are not challenges unique to us here at TBRHSC. These are systemic, industry-wide challenges that we are facing. There is much work to do regarding these challenges. Incentives from government are a small step to assisting and we look forward to continuing our conversations with you to innovate change models to support this difficult situation.
Research & Clinical Care
Research that directly impacts patient care is so important to our Hospital and the care we provide. I am happy to inform, that over the last two years Dr. Elmansy, has been working in collaboration with others in our Hospital and NOSM University to propel us as a leader in surgical management and clinical research in the field of urology.
This leading research is not the only work being done in the field of urology. Both Dr. Elmansy and Dr. Shahrour have been working hard to advance care for the urology patients we serve throughout our region and bringing the latest treatments to our hospital. Together with many of our staff we are working towards building a world-class hub for urology care.
There is a lot of great work going on with research and clinical care – hopefully this sample of greatness entices you to learn more about clinical research or take part in any research opportunities as they become available.
Not So Random Acts of Kindness
I continue to be amazed by the kindness and generosity of our staff. Recently I was made aware of the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Department “Paying it Forward” by donating funds to the Patient Clothing Cupboard. This donation was done in honour of one of their Physician colleagues, Dr. Midia, who frequently provides coffee and treats to his DI team. Dr. Midia’s acts of kindness was obviously contagious as the DI Team showed their generosity by donating to the Patient Clothing Cupboard.
This example of kindness is so meaningful and can be uplifting to so many, whether you are the recipient of clothes from the Patient Clothing Cupboard, the staff member donating to the cupboard or the one attempting to find clothing for your patient. Overall, their thoughtfulness brings joy to many and translates into a better workplace, which benefits us all – you can never underestimate the power of kindness, especially in the workplace.
Celebrating you!
Accreditation celebratory events and activities are taking place next week and in early September. Please take the time to attend one of the celebration dates in honour of all you do and our success with accreditation. We appreciate your work in making this milestone happen for our Hospital. Details can be found in the memo circulated on August 23rd or in Daily Informed. Thank you to all of you.
Final Thoughts
I know for most of you, this summer of all summers was not long enough. After 2.5 years of this pandemic, you are rightfully physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Again – and it can’t be said enough – thank you for all that you do and all you have done for our communities.
Please look to the upcoming fall season and the sense of revitalization that comes with the start of a new school year and Fall in Northern Ontario – a truly magical time of year. I look forward to seeing many of you in the halls. We have many amazing opportunities ahead of us to continue to build on our successes and make our Hospital a great place to work and provide exceptional care. Despite the ongoing challenges we face, collectively I know we can make that happen.
You are always welcome to comment on this blog or connect with me for any other matter. You can reach me at: rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net.
