Sister Rosalia Cobey Award 2016

SISTER ROSALIA COBEY AWARD

Congratulations to Kim Gillet (Director of Care, Long-Term Care), recipient of the Sister Rosalia Cobey Award for 2016; and to Amanda Lavigne (Adjuvant, Long-Term Care), the runner-up! Father Dumoulin presented the awards to Kim and Amanda at the ceremony held yesterday at 1400 hours in Jeanne Mance Hall. Both recipients are invited to attend the Annual Conference of the Catholic Health Association of Ontario which will be held in Toronto in October 2016. In addition, Kim has received a tablet and one year of free parking.

Father Raymond Dumoulin opened the afternoon with an inspirational prayer. Bonnie Ruest, Executive Director, was Master of Ceremonies.

During the ceremony, the nomination for each was read. These have been printed below. Each nominee was then presented with a pin by their nominators and Bonnie Ruest.

We are blessed to have such wonderful people in our Centre who emulate Sister Cobey while providing compassionate care to so many. Thank you to the staff who made the nominations. Your recognition and efforts are greatly appreciated.

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– Kim Gillet, Director of Care, Long-Term Care –

It is with great admiration that we nominate Kim Gillet for the Sister Rosalia Cobey Award.

Over Kim’s almost 30-year career, it cannot be overlooked that she is a true product of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph. Kim started her career as an RN on the floors of “St. Joe’s Villa” and evolved to the role of Director of Care with guidance and much influence from “the Sisters”.

Today’s ever-changing world in health care has brought rules and regulations to Long-Term Care that did not exist in its infancy. The demands of Kim’s role are unseen by many. SJCCC can always be confident that first and foremost, Kim has the best interest of the residents, staff and organization in mind as she is faced with the demands of things like legislation and accreditation and the quality of our work.

As a dedicated wife, mother of four, and grandmother of four, Kim has a very busy family life. Her youngest son has ongoing health concerns – she is passionate and determined to find answers all while making life as “normal as possible”. Despite this, Kim comes to work every day and is always there to offer help to others, listen and provide wise advice.

Kim has developed a style and compassion for her work and family life that strongly emulates that of Sister Rosalia Cobey.

As mentioned about Sister Cobey, when she was recipient of the Catholic Health Association of Canada Citation Award, in 1991, “still water runs deep and beneath the surface lies the unexpected”. Kim also is “a woman who few realize has been a guiding force”.

Kim’s experiences over the years have provided her with prophetic abilities: she remains determined, is forward-thinking, versatile, and thorough all while remaining empathetic, resident-focussed and humble to her true abilities.

Sister Cobey was also praised for her “quick mind, her keen analytical and problem-solving skills”. The same can be said of Kim.

Please accept this nomination for Ms. Kim Gillet to receive the Sister Rosalia Cobey Award.

Nominated by: Wendy MacInnis, Shivon Konink, Lynn Theriault,
Patricia Denis, Charlene Andrews, Karen Dewar and Amélie Gove

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– Amanda Lavigne, Adjuvant, Long-Term Care –

We have nominated Amanda Lavigne for the Sister Rosalia Cobey Award.

Amanda is a dedicated mother, wife and valued team member who demonstrates on a daily basis the qualities that Sister Rosalia Cobey exemplified. She balances a busy worklife schedule with laughter and joy and demonstrates daily her caring nature to both residents/families/volunteers and co-workers.

Amanda has been an employee at SJCCC since 2007 and has worked in several different capacities. This has proven to be an asset because it allows her to bring many dimensions and innovation to her delivery of care. She has spent the years getting to know the residents and staff and finds great importance in nurturing those relationships.

Amanda is a new member to the Therapies Department and took on the role of Adjuvant in May of 2015. It has been a pleasure getting to know Amanda. She comes in to work each morning with a smile on her face and a witty sense of humour. Amanda has a special and unique relationship with each resident she works with. She is kind, compassionate and caring. She puts the needs of the residents first and truly believes in resident-centred care. Amanda prides herself in providing quality care programmes to our residents and delivering them with dignity and with a true desire to meet each person’s individual care needs.

We feel that Amanda goes above and beyond on a daily basis. She is always striving to make sure that her residents get the therapy they need and the genuine listening ear that they deserve. Amanda is empathetic, and demonstrates her passion and commitment to the values of the organization and that of hard work. We feel that she understands and adds extreme value to the “culture” at SJCCC.

Amanda is willing to take on new challenges and strives for excellence. She has continued to develop her skill set and is always looking for new opportunities to take new courses and grow both personally and professionally.

Amanda is a self-described “SJCCC lifer” and is dedicated to the organization and all those we serve. She is a champion for our residents and shares her experiences and successes with positivity, making sure that each important message is passed onto the entire team!

We proudly nominate Amanda for this honour.

Nominated by: Trudy Riviere, Melanie Plourde and Leesa McNally

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Summary of the March 2016 Board of Directors Meeting

REPORT FROM THE BOARD
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors was held on 01 March 2016.

CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from President of Corporation re Resignation of Mr. Naugler; and Audit Engagement Letter – In this letter, Dr. Stewart acknowledges both of the above.

In Appreciation – Thank you cards were received from the family of Pat and Anne Vincelli (former of Public Relations) for the donation made by the Centre in memory of Maria Rosa Vincelli.

Thank You Card – This card was received from Mrs. Yollande Laperle and family for funeral flowers sent re Ronald St-Germain.

Thank You Card – In this card, Jocelyn Begg sends her appreciation for the retirement bouquet sent to her.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Executive Director Search – Ms. MacLennan explained that this process is ongoing.

Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) Seeking Board Members – The OHA Board of Directors is seeking applications from qualified persons for election to the OHA’s Board of Directors. Principal areas of focus for this year’s recruiting are expertise in investment management, accredited financial experts with experience in corporate finance, and hospital Trustees. Pertinent information will be forwarded to Board Members.

Annual Meeting – The Annual Meeting will be held in May, with the appropriate reporting to Catholic Health International (CHI) to follow. Preparation for this process is underway, starting with a Governance Committee meeting on March 9th.

REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION
Mrs. Ruest’s report included Respiratory Outbreak on Quinn House (concluded), Good News Items (upcoming Service Awards and Sister Rosalia Cobey Award), French Language Services Designation of Four Additional Services (approved), Resident Quality Inspection (excellent results), and Census data. Also discussed were:

Ontario Budget – The recent Ontario Budget was favourable. It included an increase of two percent per diem in nursing and personal care for Long-Term Care and an increase in base funding for Complex Continuing Care of one percent which equates to approximately $46,000.

Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals – Mrs. Ruest was pleased to announce that the Centre has achieved Bronze Status within the Healthy Foods in Champlain Hospitals Programme which promotes healthy food environments as a preventative endeavour for stemming the burden of chronic illness. Changes made to our retail foods demonstrate our Centre’s commitment to a healthy work environment and foster health, promoting principles among staff, visitors and patients alike.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, FINANCE AND PERSONNEL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (CPFPRC)
Management Fiduciary Statement – The Management Fiduciary Statement for the month of January 2016 was approved by the Board of Directors.

KPMG Audit Planning Report – This was noted by the Board of Directors.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Audit Services – The Centre will issue an RFP for Audit Services on 05 March 2016. A classified advertisement will appear in the Standard-Freeholder on that date to coincide with the posting of the RFP on MERX. The term for the Audit Services has been changed from five years to three years.

Financial Statements – Mrs. Ruest referred to the January 2016 statements and provided comments. Both operations forecast a surplus at year end.

AUXILIARY REPORT
Genie Wish – The Genie Wish Draw was held February 12th. The lucky winner was Cobey House and they will purchase a towel warmer with the donation from the Auxiliary.

Spring Conference – Smiths Falls Auxiliary is hosting the Spring Conference which will be on April 27th.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (PAC) REPORT
eConsult – In response to a question, Dr. Foley explained that this technology facilitates doctor-to-doctor consultation.

Cornwall and Area “Patch for Patch” Policy – This policy has been adopted locally. It addresses the return of used medication patches which contained narcotic drugs.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – The Centre’s Education Calendar for March 2016 and Governance Educational Opportunities were circulated to the Board of Directors for information.

The next regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, 05 April 2016 at noon in the Boardroom.

Summary of the February 2016 Board of Directors Meeting

REPORT FROM THE BOARD
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors was held on 09 February 2016.

EDUCATION SESSION
Palliative Care at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre – Mrs. McNally indicated that much rewarding work by the Palliative Care Advisory Team has taken place at the Centre in the last few months. The interest and contribution of staff in the provision of quality Palliative Care speaks to their commitment to the Mission. Mrs. McNally explained the focus of the committee’s work, the palliative project, the palliative trajectory, end-of-life care, the indicator tool for palliative care screening, the Changes in Health, End-stage, Disease, Signs and Symptoms (CHESS) Score, and Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative and End-of-life Care (LEAP) training and components. A Room Blessing has been initiated whereby new residents/patients are greeted with a welcoming card, explaining that their room has previously been blessed – a reminder of God’s care and protection.

Mrs. McNally was congratulated by the Board of Directors and asked that its appreciation be extended to the Palliative Care Advisory Team members for their accomplishments, carrying on the Mission in the spirit of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph.

CORRESPONDENCE
Resignation of Mr. Naugler – Due to a change in employment, Mr. Naugler will no longer be able to attend Board meetings. The Board of Directors accepted Mr. Naugler’s resignation, with regret.

In Appreciation – Thank you cards were received from the families of Mr. Richard Bray and Mrs. Margaret Cox for funeral flowers sent.

Thank You Cards – Three retirees have sent Thank you cards for flowers sent to them on their first day of retirement: Anne Bethune, Lucie Allaire and Sherry O’Keefe.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
Executive Director Search – Ms. MacLennan explained that the Executive Director Search Committee will meet on February 10th.

Parking at Hospitals – The directive received from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care regarding parking at hospitals is not applicable to our Centre because we are under the rate threshold charged.

REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATION
Mrs. Ruest’s report included Auditor General Report, Health System Restructuring, Physician-assisted Death (four-month extension), Sub-acute Capacity Planning, Pre-budget Advocacy (invitation to Mr. Jim McDonell), Good News Items (donations from the Fund of $14,500 from Lights of Hope Campaign; plus $25,000 in support of 2015-16 capital equipment needs and committed to a further $25,000 in capital funding for 2016-17. Also, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 donated $4,000 to help fund an overhead lift in Long-Term Care), and Census data. Also reviewed was the Corporate Policy #3-a-30 – Health and Safety Policy which was approved as presented.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (QI) / SAFETY COMMITTEE
Employee Satisfaction Survey – The results of the survey were very favourable. The threshold for developing an Action Plan was any question that scored below 80 percent. There are no areas with scores below 80 percent. Ninety-six percent of staff reported being proud to work here and 99 percent reported they know, understand and contribute to the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre. There was a 48 percent response rate.

ETHICS AND MISSION COMMITTEE
Room Blessings – The Board was appreciative of the new Room Blessing programme.

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, FINANCE AND PERSONNEL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (CPFPRC)
Management Fiduciary Statement – The Management Fiduciary Statement for the months of November and December 2015 was approved by the Board of Directors.

Financial Statements – Mr. Desnoyers referred to the December statements and provided comments. The Financial Statements for the periods ended 30 November 2015 and 31 December 2015 were approved by the Board as presented.

Purchases re NuStep Bicycle and Telephone System Upgrade – The Board of Directors approved a motion that a NuStep bicycle and an upgrade to the telephone system be purchased for a total estimated cost of $21,000 in fiscal year 2015-16.
 
Operating and Capital Budget 2015-17 – Mrs. Ruest presented the Operating and Capital Plan for 2016-17. She noted that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) applied a re-indexing clawback to all homes of 0.9639, resulting in a decrease of approximately $120,000 to our Long-Term Care (LTC) funding. Due to this change, the LTC Budget and the Capital Budget for the Centre were deferred.

Mrs. Ruest reviewed the Complex Continuing Care (CCC) Budget in detail and noted that the inpatient cost per day continues to be very low. The Board of Directors recommended to the Members of the Corporation approval of the CCC Operating Budget for 2016-17 of $9,278,037 with a surplus of $57,110.

Hospital Annual Planning Submission (HAPS) for 2016-17 – This document is the detailed operating plan in prescribed MOHLTC format that will inform the Hospital Service Accountability Agreement (HSAA). The submission agrees with the 2016-17 Hotel Dieu Hospital (Complex Continuing Care) Operating Budget. The Board of Directors approved the HAPS for 2016-17 as presented.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Audit Services – This current year is the final year of a five-year contract with KPMG for Audit Services. The Committee agreed that the evaluation team for the RFP would include all members of the Audit Committee, and also agreed that the term for the provision of audit services would be three years.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – The Centre’s Education Calendar for February 2016 and Governance Educational Opportunities were circulated to the Board of Directors for information.

The next regular Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 01 March 2016 at noon in the Boardroom.