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Hamilton Health Sciences&

Foundation

H e A l t H i n F o r m A t i o n F o r A l l t H e S e A S o n S o F y o u r l i F e

A Q u A r t e r l y P u B l i C A t i o n F r o m H A m i l t o n H e A l t H S C i e n C e S

It is my pleasure to join Hamilton Health sciences Foundation as President & CeO. as you have read in the previous edition of seasons, the Foundation and the Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation have come together to raise philanthropic gifts to support research, patient care, education and the unprecedented capital redevelopment initiatives

to better serve our communities.

Building on more than 30 years of experience in health care, I bring the perspective of fundraising, health care administration, orthopaedic nursing and patient representation to advance the mission and vision of our hospitals and the Juravinski Cancer Centre. Committed to professional education, I became a Fellow of the association for Healthcare Philanthropy (aHP) in 2004. I have been most fortunate to serve in volunteer leadership positions within my professional association and currently, as Chair of the aHP Board. Most recently, I held the position as Vice President, advancement for the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation.

I feel privileged and honoured to join Hamilton Health sciences at this time in the life of the organization. The community has invested heart, soul and personal gifts to support two recent campaigns. The Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Hope Can’t Wait Campaign raised $16 million to expand the Cancer Centre in 2005. and last year’s Cornerstone of Care Campaign raised more than $102 million for redevelopment across the sites. Thank you for each and every gift you made. The generous contributions of the community have, and will continue to make, a significant and meaningful impact on our facilities, research, programs and services.

The future will see a number of redevelopment projects at McMaster University Medical Centre and McMaster Children’s Hospital including the construction of a Child & adolescent Mental Health Unit and a Pediatric ambulatory Care Clinic. at the General site, the construction of both the Regional Rehabilitation Centre, and the David Braley Cardiac, Vascular & stroke Research Institute will advance health care in our region, nationally and globally. at the Henderson site, a new patient tower will be built and a Breast assessment Centre will greatly benefit patients.

With the leadership and support of our Board and Foundation colleagues, we all look forward to learning about your interests as donors and the opportunity to connect those dreams with the Foundation’s mission.

Thank you for your ongoing generosity. Our health care specialists, researchers, administration and all who care for patients and their families are committed to excellence and innovation. We have accomplished much but there is still more to be done. I look forward to your continued support of Hamilton Health sciences Foundation.

Warmest thanks, Pearl Veenema

Active retirement is key to seniors’ health

After spending 44 years in a bustling telecommunications job, Desmond Bishop’s employer offered him the opportunity to retire earlier than expected.

He had little time to plan activities for his retirement, but he wasn’t worried. He simply expanded upon his roster of extra-curricular activities to get the maximum enjoyment out of retired life.

“With two boys, I’d always been involved in sports,” says Desmond, who has been ballroom dancing for more than 40 years. He is also a 25-year veteran of the Bruce Trail hiking club in St. Catharines and has participated on a recreational rowing team for the past eight years.

“There are activities that I can do year round, and I keep very busy. I curl during the winter and also hike. We’re even out hiking on New Year’s Day.”

Since retiring a year and a half ago, Desmond has found that he’s maintained his active lifestyle and has met many people through various clubs in the Niagara region. He even volunteers by helping out older seniors who live on their own.

Candice Coe, Occupational Therapist in Specialized Outpatient Rehabilitation Services for Seniors at Hamilton Health Sciences, says it is important for seniors to maintain emotional and psychological health. “Depression is an issue for many senior citizens and is most often found in those who become socially isolated,” said Candice.

This isn’t the case for 83-year-old Ken Macdonald, another active retiree. Ken is the oldest member of the St. Catharines Rowing Club’s recreational rowing league. His retirement from teaching high school in 1983 opened up a new chapter in his life. That same year he purchased a farm in Wainfleet and welcomed his first-born son into the world. Physical and mental activities keep Ken stimulated. His love of travel has given him the opportunity to nearly fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing every animal in its natural habitat. He opts to collect

rainwater instead of having the luxury of indoor plumbing, and spends his free time just being young at heart.

“Fitness isn’t just about being active, it’s a spiritual love of life,” said Ken.

Candice agrees that maintaining both physical and mental activity is important in old age. “Maintaining cognitive status decreases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia,” she said.

“Family members can play an important role in seeking out preventative information regarding seniors’ health needs. It’s not acceptable to make excuses for a parent’s declining mental and physical health by assuming that’s how it’s supposed to be when you are older. That’s not how it has to be. Many seniors can have fulfilling and active lives with the support and encouragement of family members.”

Fit in retirement – Ken Macdonald, 83 (left), and Desmond Bishop, 63, prepare to forge ahead on the Henley Rowing course, where they are both members of the St. Catharines Recreational Rowing League.

Page 2 • Introducing Hamilton’s new Regional Joint assessment Centre

• Helping seniors keep medication on track

Page 3 • Hospital volunteer keeps active while helping patients

• Geriatric Clinic supports dementia patients and caregivers

Page 4 • Creating elder-friendly environments

• Why seniors and caregivers should get the flu shot

Page 5 • new unit at Henderson helps terminally ill cancer patients

Page 6 • Lincoln alexander continues to inspire at age 85

Page 7 • Fall prevention tips for seniors

Page 8 • Patient’s family raises money for specialized equipment

Feature topic: Seniors’ Healthinside this edition:

Pearl Veenema

New Foundation President delighted to join Hamilton Health Sciences – a message from Pearl Veenema, President & CeO, Hamilton Health sciences Foundation

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2 Help make something great even greater

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The end game is no pain - announcing Hamilton’s Regional Joint Assessment Centre

Each year, thousands of Canadians who suffer from arthritis or joint-related pain undergo total joint replacement surgery. Patients often wait a long time for surgery and those who suffer from a loss of mobility understand the need for better access to care. The Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have made a commitment to reduce wait times for total joint replacement. Hamilton Health Sciences, together with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, are helping to put the government’s plan into action by bringing the Regional Joint Assessment Centre to the Hamilton area.

Improving our Patients’ Quality of Life and Reducing Wait TimesThe Regional Joint Assessment Centre is a centre of excellence designed to shorten wait times for total hip and knee replacement surgery by providing patients with an early consultation and choice of surgery date options. The ultimate goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and promote a better model of care for patients who suffer from joint-related pain.

Putting Patients First “The Regional Joint Assessment Centre is an innovative project that brings together a group of medical professionals under one roof, providing a one-stop shop for joint replacement candidates,”

said Dr. Rick Ogilvie, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery, Hamilton Health Sciences. “The centre puts patients first, providing a comprehensive assessment by well-trained professionals, which ultimately improves a patient’s condition prior to surgery, and helps with a successful recovery.”

A patient should receive an appointment for the Regional Joint Assessment Centre within two weeks of the referral. On the first visit a patient will be assessed by a clinician, who is an experienced orthopedic nurse, advanced practice nurse or advanced practice physiotherapist. A comprehensive assessment includes physical, social and lifestyle status. Two or three weeks later, patients identified as surgical candidates will move on to see an orthopedic surgeon at a second visit.

If the assessment determines a patient is not ready or willing to consider surgery, a plan of care will be developed to help the patient and primary care physician manage the patient’s condition. This plan of care could include pain control, weight management, or improvement in the level of mobility, in order to maintain or improve the patient’s overall health status.

The Assessment Centre TeamThe centre is staffed with three advanced practice physiotherapists, one advanced practice nurse,

one registered practice nurse and clerical staff. The advanced practice physiotherapist is a relatively new position in the medical industry. Under the new model of care, the extent of the physiotherapist role has grown, which signifies a shift in conventional roles in order to meet the high demand for hip and knee replacement surgery. In training for their new role, physiotherapists are mentored by surgeons and receive expert guidance. “Following surgery, patients have a lot of questions but are hesitant to ask them during follow-up visits because they know the surgeons are very busy. The advanced practice physiotherapists can answer any questions or concerns patients may have,” said Gail Johnson, Director of the Orthopedic and Medicine Program. LocationThe Regional Joint Assessment Centre is now ready to accept referrals from family physicians in the region. The Centre is located in the Wilcox building of the Chedoke Hospital in Hamilton.

To learn more about the Regional Joint Assessment Centre and the services it provides, please contact 1-888-868-5568 or visit www.replacemyjoint.ca.

Healing joints in Hamilton – Helen Black is seen by advanced practice physiotherapist Stephen Patton, at Hamilton’s new Regional Joint Assessment Centre.

Q: I’m 85 years old and I take multiple medications. I’m worried that I’m taking too many and that I might forget to take them all at the right time. How can I keep this straight?

A: First you should ask yourself why you’re concerned. What makes you

think there’s a right number? Why do you think you’re taking too many? Are you experiencing some kind of adverse effect?

Sometimes people become concerned that they’re taking too much medication because they aren’t educated about their condition or the drugs prescribed to them. Your doctor or pharmacist should tell you why you’re taking the drug, what the medication will do for you, and the goal of

the treatment. There should also be follow-up to monitor the progress of your treatment. Once you understand why you’re taking these medications, you won’t be as concerned about how much you’re taking, but about whether they’re doing what they should be doing.

Regardless of how much medication you are taking, you should never make the decision to stop taking any of your prescriptions without consulting your doctor. If all your medications are necessary and you can’t eliminate any pills, your doctor may be able to change the dosage so you’re getting the same medication, but taking fewer pills.

Pharmacists can also make recommendations to your doctor about your dosage schedule. Perhaps instead of taking a pill at each meal, you can just take one a day. This can ease the burden, especially if you’re taking multiple types of medication. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

If you are having any trouble with your medications or experiencing undesirable side effects, you should also talk to your doctor. There may be other treatment options that will work better for you.

Your anxiety about keeping track of all your medications can be fairly simple to fix with medication compliance aids. Daily or weekly pill containers allow you to distribute medications into individual compartments based on the time of day the pills are to be taken. You can get these from your pharmacist or even a dollar store.

If you are unable to refill the pill container yourself, a family member or pharmacist can assist you. For a small fee, many pharmacies will offer to package your medications in compliance packaging to help you take your drugs on time.

Peter thornley

Keeping medication on track: advice from Peter Thornley, Pharmacy Drug Utilization Coordinator, Hamilton Health Sciences

H e A l t H i n F o r m A t i o n F o r A l l t H e S e A S o n S o F y o u r l i F e H A m i l t o n H e A l t H S C i e n C e S A n d H A m i l t o n H e A l t H S C i e n C e S F o u n d A t i o n

Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER 3

Loretta Taylor, an 85-year-old volunteer at McMaster University Medical Centre, didn’t attend McMaster University to get an academic education, but she uncovered some of life’s most valuable skills by volunteering under the same roof.

“I was very shy before I started volunteering at the hospital,” she explained. “This job taught me so many things, especially how to overcome my shyness and converse with strangers. It was the best education I could have asked for and I didn’t have to pay anything for it, except to give my time.”

Thirty-one years later, Loretta has completely come out of her shell. She’s logged more than 9,300 hours at Hamilton Health Sciences doing various duties such as office work, patient transfers, delivering charts to Health Records, and assisting outpatients and those with chronic illness. The once shy and timid housewife has credited her life as a volunteer with teaching her so much in many ways.

“I am at ease and at peace when assisting patients. It is very rewarding to be able to help people who are unable to help themselves,” said Loretta.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Loretta comes from a family of nine children. In young adulthood she helped care for her siblings after spending six months in a convent.

Years later, she married, gave birth to two children at Henderson General Hospital, and now has two grandchildren. A sports enthusiast who enjoys golfing and bowling, she admits candidly that as a housewife, housekeeping wasn’t high on her list of preferred activities. When her children were in their 20s and Loretta began volunteering at McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC) – her first work experience outside of the home.

And she keeps coming back. After a recent eight-week absence, she confessed that she missed her job at the hospital. “As long as I have good health, and I’m able to do my share, I like to keep going.”

She credits the patients and her fellow volunteer colleagues for contributing to her enjoyment. Working at the service desk in MUMC’s bustling front lobby has not only given her the expertise to navigate patients and visitors through the hallways, but has also kept her active with hours of walking.

Finding fulfillment in volunteering – Loretta Taylor, an 85-year-old volunteer at McMaster University Medical Centre, assists outpatient Gerry Bausman.

Volunteer keeps active and learns life lessons while helping patients

Geriatric Clinic at Hamilton Health Sciences supports dementia patients and caregivers

As people age, they often become forgetful. They forget names, they misplace things, or they forget what they were supposed to be doing. This forgetfulness happens to almost everyone and may be nothing to worry about, but it could also be an early sign of dementia – a very common occurrence in seniors. One in 50 Canadians between ages 65 and 74 have dementia. As people reach age 85 and older, one in three will have dementia.

Dementia is a group of chronic neurodegenerative diseases where memory, function, and behaviour can all be adversely affected. It is a growing problem in Canada as baby boomers age. According to Statistics Canada, there are currently 450,000 Canadians over age 65 with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. By 2011, an estimated 111,430 new cases of dementia are expected per year. “Dementia is common, costly and kills,” said Dr. Brian Misiaszek, Geriatrician, Hamilton Health Sciences.

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, it is just one of many types under the dementia tree. Other types include Mixed Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia and Vascular Dementia. Signs and symptoms of dementia include memory loss, impaired judgment, problems with language, disorientation of time and place, difficulty with abstract thinking, misplacing things, change in mood or behaviour and change in personality.

“A clinical diagnosis of dementia is made when acquired cognitive deficits that interfere with normal functioning occur in a person without depression or delirium,” said Dr. Misiaszek. Most family doctors can diagnose and manage dementia, but if there is uncertainty or complications, they will refer patients to the Geriatric Clinic at Chedoke Hospital, where Dr. Misiaszek assesses them.

He listens to patients and caregivers to try to make a diagnosis. He looks at their past medical history, looks for the common signs and symptoms of dementia and does blood work

to see if the symptoms could be from an ailment other than dementia.

Once Dr. Misiaszek makes a diagnosis, he tells the family and starts the patient on a management plan.

“The management plan could mean taking patients off certain drugs that act as sedatives, discussing other medication options that can slow the progression of dementia, and trying to get other aspects of patients’ health, like blood pressure and cholesterol, under control so they don’t contribute to further decline,” said Dr. Misiaszek.

Adult day programs are beneficial to patients with dementia because they provide recreation, exercise, socialization and a hot meal. “These programs seem to slow down cognitive decline as much as medication. It’s a high-touch instead of high-tech approach to care,” said Dr. Misiaszek.

He also suggests families connect with community resources like the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, the Community Care Access Centre, social workers, Meals on Wheels, DARTS, caregiver support or any other service that can make dealing with dementia easier on the patients and caregivers. He also encourages families to enroll the patients on a wandering registry, get a Medic Alert bracelet, notify the Ministry of Transportation if the patients are drivers, and ensure there is a power of attorney appointed.

“We want to provide a plan to give patients and families a soft landing,” he said. “We give them education and advice and navigate them through the jungle of agencies and community services available.”

Dr. Misiaszek is also involved in Hamilton Health Sciences’ Psychiatry and Medicine for the Aged in the Community Outreach Team. He and two psychiatrists go to patients’ homes to make a diagnosis and provide support. They bring their own equipment and do a complete assessment on patients who are housebound or bedbound. The objective is to stabilize patients and keep them in their own homes as long as possible because they

are vulnerable to delirium and deconditioning (losing muscle strength and mobility) when in hospital.

Although there is no cure for dementia, there are things people can do to ward off its onset. Dr. Misiaszek suggests seniors stay active by walking and playing with their grandchildren, rather than remaining sedentary. Getting other chronic disorders under control, eating healthy, pursuing hobbies and socialization are also key. “It’s important to make regular visits to your family doctor, even when you’re not sick, so he or she can get to know you and can spot changes in your condition,” he said.

Going the extra mile – As a member of Hamilton Health Sciences’ innovative Psychiatry and Medicine for the Aged in the Community Outreach Team, Dr. Brian Misiaszek, Geriatrician, visits a patient with dementia at home.

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Creating elder-friendly environments in hospitals – a message from Dr. Christopher Patterson, Chief, Geriatric services, Hamilton Health sciences

Flu Facts for seniors with Jennifer Blue, Infection Control Practitioner

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What’s all the fuss about the flu?According to Health Canada, every year, 10 to 25 per cent of all Canadians will contract the influenza virus and between 4,000 and 8,000 will die from it. Most people who die from the flu are elderly or may have a serious underlying illness. They don’t necessarily die from the flu itself, but from other complications. Bacterial pneumonia is one of the most common complications from influenza, especially in the elderly.

Why do so many people get the flu each year?So many people contract the flu because it’s difficult to avoid the germs and because people often neglect to protect themselves. Influenza is spread from person to person primarily from droplets that are released when someone sneezes, coughs or talks. The virus gets into other peoples’ mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth) and they contract the illness. The secondary way influenza is spread is through touching contaminated hands, objects or surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to 48 hours, where unsuspecting people may touch.

What are the symptoms of the flu?Fever, body aches, tiredness and a dry non-productive cough are the most common signs that you may have the flu. However, seniors often don’t get a fever when they have the flu.

Why is it important for seniors to get the flu shot?Seniors are a high-risk group for further complications from the flu because they often have underlying medical issues. But when they have an influenza vaccination, they reduce the chance of serious complications or death by 70 to 85 per cent. Although the flu shot isn’t 100 per cent guaranteed to prevent the flu, if seniors get the flu, it is far less severe than it would be without the vaccination. It reduces the rate of hospitalization by about 60 per cent.

When should seniors get the flu shot?Seniors should get the flu shot every year at the onset of flu season. October or November are ideal to best prevent influenza, or as soon as the Flu Clinics are available in your community.

Who else should get the flu shot?It is the absolute responsibility of caregivers of seniors to get the flu shot and they should be encouraged to do so. This means caregivers in the hospital, caregivers in the home, or any other people who have close contact with the elderly or persons with underlying illness. People with the flu virus can be contagious a whole day before getting any symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. Children are also likely to have complications from the flu, so should receive an annual vaccination. Although they may be less likely to have serious complications, getting the flu shot helps prevent even mild flu illness.

How else can people prevent the spread of flu?While vaccination is the key to preventing influenza, one-third of all healthcare-acquired infection can be prevented by proper hand hygiene - it’s the number one way to prevent any kind of infection. Hand washing with soap and water or using an alcohol sanitizer are both effective at removing germs from hands. Respiratory etiquette like covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing, and sneezing into your sleeve instead of your hand so you don’t get germs on your hands and on surfaces that you touch, help stop the spread as well. It’s also important to stay at home when you’re sick, especially if you are in contact with children, the elderly and people with serious underlying illness.

More than 50 per cent of patients seen at Hamilton Health sciences are seniors. This number will continue to grow as baby boomers age. With that in mind, it is important to create a hospital environment that is elder-friendly.

Unfortunately, seniors tend to be treated poorly in society. When people hear the words “elder abuse” they often think of physical abuse, but research has shown that seniors perceive abuse differently. neglect, inappropriate treatment, belittlement and deprivation top the list for seniors. This type of behaviour must change.

I am co-chair of a regional group called the Committee for enhancement of elder-Friendly environments (CeeFe). We strive to develop and implement programs to enhance the care of older adults and foster an elder-friendly hospital environment.

There are three principles of CeeFe:

1. Physical environment - the physical environments of hospitals need to be accessible for elderly patients. For example, this means creating signage that has large fonts and is at eye-level; patient rooms and washrooms should have enough space for patients to manoeuver their wheelchairs or walkers; parking lots should be bright so patients can navigate their way.

2. staff education - all hospital staff should be educated about aging. For example, not many people know that older people become easily dehydrated because they don’t feel thirst the same way they used to, and because their kidneys work differently. It is also important for staff to know that each day someone is in a hospital bed, they lose 2 to 5 per cent of their muscle strength. While this doesn’t impact younger people too much, it can cause a problem called “deconditioning” if the elderly are not kept mobile. With this type of knowledge, staff can prevent patient conditions from needlessly declining.

3. specialized programs such as the Hospital elder Life Program (HeLP) and Fracture Think Osteoporosis (FTOP) improve care and advance recovery for elderly patients. It is necessary to support these and other such programs to foster the elder-friendly principles.

CeeFe is encouraging hospitals across the region to make changes that adhere to these three principles. We just have to think about how we’d want our aging parents or grandparents to be treated to realize how important it is to create elder-friendly environments in our hospitals.

dr. Christopher Patterson

Taylor DeCoste, age 8, is a patient at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Last year, Taylor proved to this region that great things come in small packages! In 2007, Taylor single-handedly became the ultimate Change Bandit when he collected $1,500 for McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Change Bandit is a fundraising program that runs in conjunction with the McMaster Children’s Hospital Radiothon. Individuals and businesses are asked to fill their canvas Change Bandit bags with donations to McMaster Children’s Hospital and return their bag to the Change Bandit Bash.

The Change Bandits will be looking for your support in February 2008. Call Sarah at 905-522-3863, ext. 43728 to sign up now. For further details, go to www.mackids.ca and click on the Change Bandit logo.

Creating change – Taylor DeCoste, the 2007 ultimate Change Bandit meets Dr. Peter Steer, President of McMaster Children’s Hospital at Radiothon.

Change Bandit helps McMaster Children’s Hospital

Fighting the flu – Jennifer Blue, Infection Control Practitioner, Hamilton Health Sciences, uses an alcohol hand sanitizer to kill germs that could lead to influenza.

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Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER 5

For more than 60 years, Ronald Ralph ran a family business in Hamilton with his father, called Ralph and Son Fuels. Growing up, Ron was taught the importance of giving back to the community, which is why he recently gave a gift of stock to the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. He has also been a member of the Rotary Club of Dundas for 49 years, where he served as President. For his dedication, Ron was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow - an award recognizing advocacy of world peace and international understanding.

His late wife, Joyce, was very involved in the community as well. Joyce served as the first President of the McMaster University Medical Centre Volunteer Association (now Hamilton Health Sciences Volunteer Association) from 1970 to 1973. “I recall the architects coming to our home with blue prints of the hospital so Joyce could have input as to where the gift and flower shops should be located,” said Ron.

Joyce remained involved with the Volunteer Association until her passing in the early 1990s. In memory of Joyce’s long-time commitment, the Volunteer Association established the Joyce Ralph Memorial Fund, which provided bursaries for students studying nursing.

Ron’s father and mother, Charles and Catherine Ralph, were influenced by Joyce’s involvement and were also avid supporters of Hamilton Health Sciences. They were so pleased with the

excellent care they received at the hospitals that they decided to give a gift-of-a-lifetime to Hamilton Health Sciences by leaving a bequest in their will. After Catherine’s passing at age 102, a gift was made from their estate to both the Henderson and the General hospitals.

Even though Ron had heard about the elimination of capital gains tax on gifts of securities and had read about the redevelopment needs at Hamilton Health Sciences, these were not his primary reasons for making his gift. He was inspired by

the years of dedication his wife had made to the hospital and the gift-of-a-lifetime made by his parents. Ron’s decision to give was born out of his desire to continue in his family’s footsteps by supporting a cause that was so near and dear to him and the people he loved.

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about donating stock or leaving a bequest in a will to Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, please contact Lisa Gonnering, Senior Legacy Giving Officer, 905-521-2100, ext. 44244.

Helping patients with terminal cancer through tough times

Providing access to acute care in an environment that supports the needs of patients with terminal cancer is the goal of a new unit at the Henderson General Hospital. Earlier this year, the hospital opened eight beds on an oncology ward dedicated to caring for patients who may require acute and even palliative care as a result of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

“What’s very important about this new unit is to understand what it is and what it is not,” said Bunny Ruiz, Clinical Manager, Ward 395. “Unlike other palliative facilities, it is not a hospice, nor is it end-of life care. This is a short-stay unit that provides care to Henderson and Juravinski Cancer Centre patients with acute care needs, who have run into trouble.”

Patients who are in their last year of life will be referred to the unit when they have a crisis that requires symptom management or consultation regarding their medication. Once the crisis is resolved, they can move on to a more appropriate level of care, which could be back to a ward, home, hospice or long-term care facility.

The Henderson unit is the first step in a longer term strategy to develop Hamilton’s first-ever Tertiary Acute Palliative Care Unit (TPCU). When the redevelopment of the Henderson General Hospital is complete, the unit will expand to a separate ward with 15 beds. Expanding and improving the quality of palliative care is a priority for both Hamilton Health Sciences and Cancer Care Ontario.

Palliative care addresses physical pain and symptom management, as well as psychological, spiritual and social issues of patients with terminal illness. The focus of care is comfort and quality of life.

Dr. Marissa Slaven is the primary palliative care physician with the TPCU. Marissa supervises clinical care for all patients, educates staff, and is developing the research agenda for the TPCU. “Our vision is for the TPCU to be a centre of clinical excellence, interdisciplinary education and research. Our purpose is to reduce the suffering of patients and families faced with a life-threatening illness,” she said.

As the TPCU pilot moves forward, there will be a great deal of focus on both patient and staff education.

“Making sure patients and their families are well informed about what is happening to them will help them participate fully in their care planning,” said Mary Ruth Crabb, Advanced Practice Nurse, Oncology.

“And over time, the already skilled nursing and allied health team will receive specialized training and knowledge to help them provide an excellent standard of palliative care.”

Inspiration of family leads to special gift for Hamilton Health Sciences

Inspired to give – Ronald Ralph, donor, proudly displays one of the scales used to weigh coal at his family business Ralph and Son Fuels.

A new kind of care – Tertiary Acute Palliative Care Unit staff members stand outside the entrance of the new unit. From left: Esther Obidi, Registered Nurse; Maureen Nichol, Registered Nurse; Sylvia Fung, Pharmacist; Dr. Marissa Slaven, Palliative Care Physician; Alysan Rouble, Social Worker; Bunny Ruiz, Clinical Manager.

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Hamilton’s own Lincoln Alexander on life, politics and spirituality

New Grateful Patient Program posters and brochures with some familiar faces will soon appear at our family of hospitals and cancer centre. The theme of the program “Ask Me… I’ll tell you how your support will make difference” is intended to help patients and their families express their gratitude for the care and treatment received from their health care team.

When asked to participate in the program, Dr. Bindi Dhesy, Medical Oncologist at Juravinski Cancer Centre, agreed wholeheartedly. “I know from a medical standpoint the impact financial support has on our capacity for patient care,” she said. “Someone close to me was recently diagnosed with cancer and requires treatment, so now I’m on the other side of the fence. It’s a very emotional time and giving back is important to us as a family. I try to make a difference with each of my patients, but this program gives patients and their families the opportunity to feel like they can do something too. In fact, it makes a

big difference and we need to let them know the impact their gifts have.”

Donations received through the Grateful Patient Program directly benefit the hundreds of thousands of patients who are diagnosed and cared for at Hamilton Health Sciences. Financial gifts may be directed to specific areas of need such as medical equipment, new technology and specialized facilities. Gifts may also be made to honour a caregiver or someone special. Posters and brochures will soon appear at all sites. For more information about this program call the Foundation at (905) 522-3863, ext. 47007.

Familiar faces help with Grateful Patient Program at Hamilton Health Sciences

After having a congestive heart attack earlier this year, Lincoln Alexander, the former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, spent some time at McMaster University Medical Centre recovering. Now, he is back to his active lifestyle and is living at a retirement facility, leaving his home of 47 years.

At 85, Lincoln Alexander is still the same man he always was, dabbling in just about everything. His age doesn’t stop him from keeping active, as he regularly makes public appearances and sits on a number of boards and committees. He is also still keenly astute in his political predictions for the upcoming October election, professing to have the inside scoop on the winners.

“This is going to be an interesting election coming up. I know who’s going to win, but I’m not going to tell you,” he says.

During his successful career he wore many hats, such as Colonel in the Air Force, lawyer, the first black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Member of Provincial Parliament, and Companion of the Order of Canada.

He has also played the role of loving husband, father and grandfather. One of his greatest life-

changing events occurred after the death of his wife, who suffered a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Shortly after his wife’s passing he met sister Theresa Cartwell who encouraged him to talk to God about his feelings of anger and confusion surrounding his wife’s condition and her death.

“So I went home and I gave God hell. I went head-to-head and fought him tooth and nail. And the next day I noticed there was a change in me,” said Lincoln. “I accepted the fact she was gone and was at peace with the whole thing. I told many a man and many a woman who have been hurt or lost in life: talk to God.”

To this day, his spiritual outlook helps him stay young. And his family support system keeps him happy. “When you are young, you have to have friendship. Now, I live around a tight circle of family, plus my companion, and that’s what is important. It’s all I need.” He also has a 25-pound tabby cat named Pokey that he snuggles up with at night.

The advice Lincoln lives by: “Be your own, be proud of yourself, help others, look after your family.”

Among greatness – At age 85, Lincoln Alexander is an inspiration. He continues to achieve great things in his life, but remains humble. In 2006, Hamilton named Linc the “Greatest Hamiltonian” in a contest sponsored by The Hamilton Spectator.

Gifts of gratitude – This is one of many Grateful Patient Program posters that patients, staff and visitors will soon see throughout Hamilton Health Sciences.

This year marked the 5th annual Mac Kids Invitational, the signature golf event for McMaster Children’s Hospital. sixty golfers fundraised to attend this weekend getaway at Taboo Resort, held august 19 to 20th. each golfer was invited to have a guest join them at Taboo. all participants were treated to a golf experience unlike any other. Proceeds from this event over the next few years will purchase a climactic chamber for the McMaster Children’s Hospital Children’s exercise and nutrition Clinic. This year’s event raised over $180,000.

Great golf – Mac Kids Invitational participants had a great time this year at the 5th annual tournament. From left: David Ippolito, Dr. Peter Steer, Kim and Makalya Collis, Jeff Collis, Tim Hogarth, John Mathioudakis, Rob West.

Mac Kids Invitational – an incredible golf experience

H e A l t H i n F o r m A t i o n F o r A l l t H e S e A S o n S o F y o u r l i F e H A m i l t o n H e A l t H S C i e n C e S A n d H A m i l t o n H e A l t H S C i e n C e S F o u n d A t i o n

Our Family of Hospitals • CHEDOKE • CHILDREN’S • GENERAL • HENDERSON • JURAVINSKI • McMASTER 7

There are many ways to take a tumble – Don’t fall for it!

Every year, one in three Canadian seniors will fall at least once. Falls can result in disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, lowered quality of life and/or death. In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidental death among older people. The Public Health Agency of Canada says falls are one of the most costly and complex injury issues facing seniors.

Hamilton Health Sciences, in partnership with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and in collaboration with St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, is working to reduce the number of falls and fall-related injuries through best practice guidelines. The RNAO Best Practice Guidelines on Fall Prevention provide research- based information to assist health care providers, patients and families to make decisions about appropriate health care. The guidelines give health care providers the knowledge, skills and abilities to identify adults at risk of falling and define interventions to prevent a fall.

Seniors can take precautions in their own homes to prevent falls as well. Hamilton Health Sciences’ ‘Fracture? Think Osteoporosis’ program offers the following tips to reduce falls:

Bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms• Ceramic and glossy hardwood floors can get very

slippery when wet. Wear non-slip footwear and wipe up spills.

• Take away any rugs or floor mats that slide easily.• Keep food and things that you use often in an

easy-to-reach area. Do not stand on chairs or bend down to pick things off the floor. Use a long-handled reacher to pick things up.

• Put grab bars in areas where you may have a hard time getting up from either a sitting or lying position (ie. by the bathtub, toilet or your bed).

• Do not use soap holders, towel racks, sinks or counter tops for support when getting in and out of the bathtub or getting on and off the toilet. They are not made to take your weight, and if your hands are wet they may be slippery.

• Keep a lamp near your bed and a night light on in case you need to get up at night. Make sure that the path to the bathroom is well lit and free of clutter.

Clothing and footwear• Wear clothing that fits well. Loose clothing such

as a long bathrobe or pants that fall below your ankle could cause you to trip.

• Attach a string to your glasses or keep your glasses by your bedside or chair. Put them on before you get up.

• Keep your glasses clean.• Wear shoes with rubber soles and flat heels. It is

important to wear shoes that will not fall off your feet, even indoors. You should not walk around in stocking feet.

Certain risk factors can lead to falls, such as changes in eyesight, balance, strength and

flexibility, drops in blood pressure and changes in medication. A previous fall is the greatest predictor of future falls. If you have any of these risk factors,

see a health professional.

The relocation of Hamilton General Hospital’s helicopter landing pad from street level to a larger, rooftop space will mean quicker, more direct access to care for trauma patients.

As the region’s trauma centre, Hamilton General Hospital provides critical care to the most serious neuroscience, burn, cardiac, and trauma patients from throughout south central and south west Ontario – a region with a population of 2.3 million people. Each year, more than 150 patients are airlifted to Hamilton General.

“In any trauma, time is of the essence,” said Dr. Frank Baillie, Director of Medical, Trauma Program, Hamilton Health Sciences. “By having a state-of-the-art heliport on the roof of our hospital, we’ll be able to save precious minutes and care for patients faster and more directly.”

In its previous ground location, the helipad posed many challenges for patients and pilots due to heavy road traffic, one-way streets, and trains on the nearby railroad tracks. In order to facilitate every landing, police had to close an intersection to traffic and the rail lines had to be cleared. Once the helicopter landed, a ground ambulance transferred patients around an entire city block to the emergency doors. This whole process added precious minutes to the overall trip time.

In addition, there was only one flight path for access to the street-level helipad and the helicopter had to land beside a six-storey concrete wall. Depending on wind conditions, the pilots sometimes had to divert to other trauma centres outside the region, taking more time and putting patients at greater risk.

In its new location, on the roof of the main building at Hamilton General Hospital, multiple flight paths are available to the pilots. Once safely on the roof, patients are transferred from the rooftop to a designated elevator and directly to the Emergency Department, and in some cases the Heart Investigation Unit, the Operating Room, or the Intensive Care Unit. The rooftop heliport is one of only three in Ontario and the only hospital heliport in our region.

“Our hospital is proud to serve as the region’s trauma centre,” said Murray Martin, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences, at an event to celebrate the opening of the heliport. “The

rooftop heliport provides our expert team of professionals with one more advantage as they work to save lives.”

The pre-fabricated heliport is a 60 square-foot octagonal aluminum deck platform with a seven-foot wide perimeter safety net. A buffer space between the landing pad and the roof reduces noise and vibration. The new heliport is outfitted with its own fire protection system and sophisticated lighting system, which allows the pilots to control the deck lighting, including the landing lights and the perimeter floodlights. The heliport also has a snowmelt system to ensure a safe landing and easy walking access.

Equipped to save lives – Trauma staff members get a close-up look of the new rooftop heliport at Hamilton General Hospital.

State-of-the-art heliport opens on rooftop at Hamilton General Hospital

8 Thank you to our sponsor Pegasus Direct Mail Worx

H e A l t H i n F o r m A t i o n F o r A l l t H e S e A S o n S o F y o u r l i F e

Donations in honour of mountain brow “Gentle Giant” will help other large patients

the 10th Annual day in Arthroplasty – Friday, october 12, 2007 Hamilton Health sciences and the Hamilton arthroplasty Group will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about hip and knee replacement surgery. The event will be held October 12 at Liuna station, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. admission is free, registration is not required, but seats are limited. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

For more information call 905-527-4322, ext. 42296, or visit www.hagrp.com

Pink in the rink– Sunday, october 21, 2007 The Hamilton Bulldogs have teamed up with the Juravinski Cancer Centre for ‘Pink in the Rink,’ a fun family event in support of the new Breast assessment Centre at Hamilton Health sciences. The Hamilton Bulldogs will play the Manitoba Moose at Copps Coliseum on October 21 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

Game tickets and special Pink in the Rink caps will be available for purchase in the front lobby of McMaster University Medical Centre, Hamilton General, Henderson and Juravinski Cancer Centre sites on October 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or through the JCC Foundation at (905) 521-2100 ext. 44814.

Stroke Prevention Awareness evening – Wed., october 24, 2007 a free public forum about stroke prevention, medications and healthy nutrition will be held at Marquis Gardens, 1050 Rymal Road east in Hamilton on October 24, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Door prizes include an automatic blood pressure monitor, cookbooks, t-shirts and more. Parking is free and complimentary refreshments will be served.

If you have questions or comments about Seasons, please contact us at:

Hamilton Health Sciences Public relations & Communications mcmaster university medical Centre room 2e38, 1200 main Street West

Hamilton, ontario l8S 4J9 telephone (905) 521-2100, ext. 75387

email: publicrelations@hhsc.ca Web site: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca

Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation P.o. Box 739, lCd 1,

Hamilton, ontario l8n 3m8 telephone (905) 522-3863

email: info@hamiltonhealth.ca Web site: www.hamiltonhealth.ca

editor - Carly Baxter

Writers - Lisa Banning, Carly Black, Lisa Gonnering, Lynda Henriksen,

Jennifer Kramer, Melissa Macdonald

Photographers - Irma Longo

Graphics - nadia DiTraglia, Rand MacIvor

Pieter Passchier was a friendly and generous man. He worked at Stelco for more than 30 years and was dedicated to looking after his family. He enjoyed chatting with just about anyone and loved to venture along the mountain brow making small talk and joking with strangers. In June, 2007, at age 78, he experienced cardiac trouble and was rushed to Henderson General Hospital. He had some health struggles in recent years, and with a blood disorder, surgery was risky. Seven weeks later, after his dedicated health care team tried many treatments, he succumbed to his illnesses. However, the care he received at both the Henderson and later at McMaster University Medical Centre have left his family with treasured memories and a deep sense of appreciation.

In honour of Pieter’s memory, and to celebrate his life, his family is raising funds for patient equipment at Hamilton Health Sciences. His daughter, Ditte Van Aken, has been a nurse with Hamilton Health Sciences since 1979. She has

worked at Chedoke, McMaster University Medical Centre and the Henderson. Currently, she helps patients through surgery as a member of the Henderson Peri-Operative team.

“My dad was 6’ 7” and a very big man,” said Ditte. “Physically, he was probably difficult to look after once he wasn’t physically capable of transferring himself to a chair and helping with his care.” Once Pieter lost mobility, challenges presented themselves at every turn, due to his physical stature. The stretchers in the Emergency Department were too short, his feet dangled off the end. “He also had trouble with the wheelchairs because most are not high enough for a person who is that tall. Similarly, the commodes were not wide enough,” Ditte explains.

Before he became ill, one of Pieter’s favourite activities was to go to the moutain brow and ride his bike. “As he became less mobile, it became even more important to give him the opportunity

to do things he always loved to do,” said Ditte. He couldn’t visit the brow and ride his bike anymore, but Ditte borrowed an oversized wheelchair from another unit and took him to the brow. “Because I could take him out in that oversized wheelchair, his last few weeks were more enjoyable. It just made his day.”

Throughout Pieter’s hospital stay, the Passchier family felt they were full participants in his care. “We always felt fully informed about my father’s condition and we felt like we were being taken care of by the hospital staff too,” said Ditte. To show their appreciation, the Passchier family wanted to do something to help future patients. “If we can give something that a patient can use, then everybody benefits from it,” said Ditte. “If we can raise enough money for a commode that is more appropriate for a big person, we’re making life easier for that patient, we’re making it easier on the nurse who has to help the patient with the commode, and maybe even the cleaning staff might find it easier.”

Through her experience as a nurse, Ditte knows there’s always a better way to care for a patient with specialized needs. “I’ve worked at the bedside, I’ve worked in chronic care and I’ve worked with very disabled people, and there’s always an easier way to care for a person. If you have the resources needed to care for the person, you can do it,” said Ditte.

Over the next few weeks, the Passchier family will distribute “In-Memoriam” cards to family, friends and neighbours, who can then donate to Hamilton Health Sciences in memory of Pieter. “My Dad was a very generous person and I know that he would be very proud of us for giving to other patients,” said Ditte. “He’d also be happy to know that we’re doing something to acknowledge how much we appreciated all the care that the family received here.”

Tribute and In-Memoriam cards are available from the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation office for anyone who would like to pay tribute to caregivers or honour a loved one. Gifts may also be made online at www.hamiltonhealth.ca or through the Grateful Patient Program.

Coming Events

A big contribution – Pieter Passchier was a dedicated family man. He is seen here with his wife and his grandchildren Maria and Michael. His family is now raising money in his honour for equipment tailored to large patients.