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News Releases 2007
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Announces New Board Of DirectorsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, announced today the appointment of 12 new Directors to the SMH Board. The new Board members are Scott Anderson, Justice Jon-Jo Douglas, Alan Dresser, Hart Holmstrom, Debbie Hudson, Marilyn Lawrence, Gilles Madore, Catherine Morden, Pat Morrison, John Swinden, Ted Vandevis and John Ytsma. "I am very pleased to announce the appointment of these talented individuals to Stevenson Memorial's Board of Directors," said Rochon. "Collectively, they reflect the diverse and complementary mix of skills and experience required to govern a complex health care facility. In addition to strong leadership qualities, they bring a deep sense of caring about SMH and commitment to excellence in community health care." "I would like to thank the Advisory Committee members - Elizabeth Kirley, Dana Stehr, Larry Keogh and Peter Gordon - for their wisdom and thoughtfulness throughout the recruitment process," said Rochon. "They were tireless in their commitment to ensure that the best possible candidates for the job were selected." "We were impressed by the many expressions of interest from the community and the caliber of individuals who came forward," said Rochon. "It's inspiring to know that so many residents care passionately about Stevenson Memorial." The Board governs the affairs of the hospital and provides strategic leadership and oversight of operations subject to the Public Hospitals Act, hospital by-laws and other requirements. Oversight of SMH operations will be transitioned from the Hospital Supervisor to the Board in the New Year. Board members will first participate in an orientation program, beginning in January 2008. More information about the Board Directors follows: Scott Anderson He has a variety of Board experiences over a 20-year period. Currently, he is a member of the Sleep Country Canada Board (Chair of the Audit Committee) and of ListenUP Canada, the Ontario market leader in hearing health care. Scott lives with his family outside of Tottenham. Justice Jon-Jo Douglas Justice Douglas was previously the volunteer President of the York Region Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. Justice Douglas moved to Simcoe County with his family in 1992 to enjoy rural life. Alan Dresser Alan is a recent graduate of the Schulich School of Business at York University, specializing in Organizational Behaviour and Health Industries Management. Alan and his family relocated to the Tottenham area in March of 1996 Hart Holmstrom Hart serves on several local Boards in Alliston; notably as the Executive Director of NT Temps and as a Director for the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation, the Veterans' and Seniors' Villa of Alliston, and the South Simcoe Concert Band. He is Past President of the Alliston Lions Club. Hart is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and St. John's United Church. Debbie Hudson Marilyn Lawrence Gilles Madore Catherine Morden Pat Morrison John Swinden Recently, his experience includes being a Director and Audit Committee Chair of an Ontario automobile parts manufacturing company with a number of factories in three countries. Ted Vandevis John Ytsma Stevenson Memorial Hospital is a fully accredited facility located in the community of Alliston, Ontario, within the Town of New Tecumseth. The Hospital offers a wide scope of medical and surgical services to a catchment area including Adjala-Tosorontio, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Essa, Innisfil and New Tecumseth. - 30 - For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij Stevenson Memorial Hospital Completes X-Ray Room Investigation Final report confirms no health risks to patients or staffFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) has completed its investigation into X-ray Room #2, after concerns were expressed that the door of the room might not have been lined with lead. The final report confirms that although three walls within the room, as well as its door, do not contain lead, the existing materials are at a sufficient level to protect against excessive radiation scatter and, therefore, do not pose any health risks to patients and staff. "Receiving final confirmation that the existing room does not pose any potential health risks to patients or staff is very reassuring news for our entire healthcare team," stated Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO. During the month long investigation, SMH worked closely with the Ministry of Health's X-ray Inspection Branch, the Ontario Ministry of Labour Radiation Protection Services, and a specialist in radiation physics. A series of detailed tests were conducted in the diagnostic imaging department to identify and analyze construction materials and to test whether the radiation scatter that results from X-Ray procedures were at an acceptable level. The final report has confirmed that levels of barium are present in the plaster that was used during the construction of the room. The barium, together with the thickness of the walls, indicate that the room's energy response is strong enough to provide sufficient absorption of radiation scatter. Although the investigation verifies that X-ray Room #2 has not posed any health risks to date, it will remain closed until such time as it has been renovated to meet today's legislated lead shielding standards. "Our goal at Stevenson Memorial is to provide the highest standards of care for our community and so we won't be reopening X-ray Room #2 until we can meet that commitment. Patients continue to receive care using our other X-ray room to provide service," said Ryan. A special hotline set up at (705) 434-5161 will remain active until Friday, December 21, 2007. Thereafter, questions or comments can be directed to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Administration. Additional information is available on the SMH website at www.smhosp.on.ca - 30 - For more information, please contact: Stevenson Memorial Hospital Takes Action to Ensure X-Ray Room Meets Current Protective Standards Reports Confirm That There Are No Health Risks For PatientsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is in the process of completing an extensive investigation into the materials used in the construction of its X-ray rooms after concerns were expressed that a door in one of the rooms (X-ray Room #2) may not be lined with lead. "The results we have received to date are reassuring because they confirm that our patients have not been exposed to excess radiation," said Gary Ryan, SMH's interim President and CEO. "Safety is the first priority at Stevenson," Ryan stated. "As soon as concerns were raised that the door may not contain lead, we immediately began our investigations and closed the room. The room will remain closed until all testing and investigation is completed. In the interim, we have moved all of our X-ray procedures into another room that meets the required standards." X-ray room #2, which is located in the Hospital's diagnostic imaging department, was commissioned for X-ray use in 1978. Ryan emphasized that immediate steps were taken to investigate the materials used in its construction when concerns were first expressed earlier this month. According to Ontario's Healing Arts Radiation Protection (HARP) Act, high standards of design, construction, operation, and performance are prescribed for X-ray use in a hospital environment. The HARP Act requires that hospital X-ray rooms be lined with materials such as lead, concrete, steel and glass. These high standards help to contain the ionizing radiation that pass through a body during an X-ray procedure. Working closely with the Ministry of Health's X-Ray Inspection Branch, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Labour Radiation Protection Services, a series of detailed tests have been conducted in the diagnostic imaging department. Results received to date have confirmed that appropriate amounts of lead are present in all the X-ray rooms with the exception of X-ray Room #2, which contains lead in only one wall. As the walls in the department are thick and well-built, testing to date has also confirmed that majority of radiation scatter that may have occurred in X-Ray #2 was being absorbed by the existing walls. To reduce the amount of radiation to which radiology professionals are exposed, hospitals, including SMH, are required by law to provide staff with regulated protective garments and a dosimeter or gauge to wear, that continuously monitors radiation levels within their work environment. No abnormal dosimeter readings have ever been reported at SMH. As an added precaution, however, SMH has secured the services of a radiation physicist to analyze further, whether the amount of primary radiation and scatter that could have left the room during X-ray procedures was below the regulated limits for the general workforce. Particular focus has been placed on staff who work in the area but are not required by law to wear protective clothing or a dosimeter. "Our focus now is to determine that our staff was not exposed to any health risks," Ryan said. "Since the X-ray staff first brought their concerns to our attention, we have been meeting with them on a regular basis and updating them on the situation. They have been extremely supportive, and we are moving as fast as we can to get them the information they need to answer any questions or concerns that they may have." Although it has been ruled out that any health risks exists for the general community, SMH is sharing information with the community to keep them apprised of the actions that are being taken to address the situation. "Alliston is a small community with a large interest in its hospital," said Mr. Ryan. "We are committed to being as transparent with local residents as we have been with our staff regarding this issue." Once final test results have been received, SMH will provide an update to staff via internal meetings and memos. The general public may access general information on the SMH website at www.smhosp.on.ca and through local media releases. In the interim, X-ray room #2 at SMH will remain closed and will not reopen until there is a plan in place to bring X-ray Room #2 up to the legislated lead shielding standards. Patients requiring X-ray services can be assured that their X-ray needs can still be met at SMH, as all X-ray patient care services will now be directed to X-ray Room #1. A special hotline has been set up for local residents to call should they have any questions. It can be accessed by calling (705) 434-5161. All calls will be returned within 24-hours.
For more information, please contact: Gary Ryan Interim Chief Of Staff Announced For Stevenson Memorial HospitalFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Trevor Hunt as Interim Chief of Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Hunt is a local Paediatrician who has been associated with the hospital for over 30 years. He also held the SMH Chief of Staff position for seven years. Dr. Hunt takes over from Dr. Alex Riddell. "The job of a Chief of Staff is a complex and demanding one, which requires many hours of time over and above a physician's practice. We thank Dr. Riddell for his service to the hospital and look forward to his continued involvement as Chief of Surgery and as our ear, nose and throat specialist," said Mark Rochon, Supervisor at Stevenson Memorial. The Chief of Staff organizes the medical, dental and midwifery staff to ensure that the quality of medical care provided to all patients is in accordance with policies established by the Board. The Chief of Staff is also Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee and works closely with, and is accountable to, the Board of Directors. " Dr. Hunt is a well known and respected physician in the area. His dedication, knowledge and past expertise in the role of Chief of Staff made him an ideal candidate. We are grateful that Dr. Hunt has agreed to fill the position until a new Board of Directors can appoint a new Chief of Staff," said Mark Rochon. Dr. Hunt will assume Chief of Staff duties on October 13, 2007. -30-
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
SMH to bid farewell to Chief Financial and Information OfficerFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - On Friday, September 28, Gary Ryan, Interim President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial Hospital told staff that, with mixed emotions, he was announcing that Steve Miller, Chief Finance and Information Officer, had accepted the position of Chief Financial Officer at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. "This is a great career move for Steve and a well-earned promotion. He is moving to a larger hospital and is also getting to experience firsthand, a teaching hospital environment. So I am delighted for Steve and wish him all the best in his new position. However we are disappointed that we will be losing him here at SMH," Mr. Ryan said. Steve Miller was described as forthright, dedicated, positive and always focused on finding solutions to problems. "Steve has been a crucial member of this organization since joining Stevenson Memorial in July of 2003. Since assuming the interim President & CEO duties here, I have been able to work on a daily basis with Steve and have appreciated even more the professionalism that he brings to his work. Mr. Miller's last day at Stevenson Memorial Hospital will be November 2, 2007 and a farewell is being planned.
Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Stevenson Memorial Hospital recruiting 12 new Board membersSeptember 26, 2007, Alliston, Ontario - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, with assistance from a community Advisory Committee, is actively recruiting candidates for 12 positions for a new Board of Directors to be appointed during the fall of 2007. Following the resignation of the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial on June 8, 2007, Rochon was appointed Supervisor by the Minister of Health & Long-Term Care with a mandate that includes the oversight of operations, establishment of a new Board of Directors and review of governance issues. "We are proactively canvassing the community and seeking expressions of interest from candidates through advertising in local media, direct approaches to potential candidates and communication with the membership of the Hospital Corporation. We are taking this multifaceted approach to attract talented individuals to the Board. In addition to expertise and skills, we want people who care deeply about Stevenson Memorial Hospital and health care in the community," said Rochon. "It is also important for Board members to reflect strong ethics, be able to work in a team environment and be prepared to devote adequate time," said Rochon. "It is estimated that Board membership involves approximately ten hours of time each month and there will be a greater time commitment during the orientation phase." The deadline for submissions from possible candidates is Friday, October 19, 2007. The Supervisor and the Advisory Committee will evaluate submissions and conduct interviews with suitable candidates. The Advisory Committee members are Peter Gordon, Larry Keogh, Elizabeth Kirley and Dana Stehr. More information about the responsibilities and duties of Board members can be found on the Stevenson Memorial Hospital website at http://www.smhosp.on.ca. - 30 - For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
Chief of Staff Resigns at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Continues as Chief of SurgeryFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Dr. Alex Riddell has tendered his resignation as Chief of Staff at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. He will remain in his role as Chief of Surgery. Dr. Riddell will continue to act as Chief of Staff until Friday, October 12. "My thanks to Dr. Riddell for his many contributions to SMH during his tenure as Chief of Staff over the past two years," said Mark Rochon, Supervisor of the hospital. "He advanced the hospital in a number of clinical areas, including general surgery and anaesthetic resources, quality standards and working relations with Southlake Regional. Dr. Riddell has also worked tirelessly with the Chief of the Emergency Department, to ensure uninterrupted ER service for the community. I am confident Dr. Riddell will continue to play an important role in delivering the best possible care to residents of the area." The Supervisor and the management team will work with medical staff to ensure continuity and will advise when an interim appointment can be named. - 30 - For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2007 Two Management Resignations At Stevenson Memorial HospitalALLISTON, ONTARIO – Mr. Edward Takacs, President and Chief Executive Officer, has tendered his resignation to the Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital effective September 11, 2007. As well, Ms. Susan Plewes, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, has also tendered her resignation. Ms. Plewes’ resignation is effective September 11, 2007. The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, will oversee operations and management of the hospital until interim appointments to these positions are announced. “My thanks to Mr. Takacs for his important contribution as CEO,” said Rochon. “Over the years, he has guided the organization and advised the Board on many complicated challenges facing health care service providers in small communities. He was dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care.” “My thanks to Ms. Plewes as well for her contributions to Stevenson Memorial,” said Rochon. “Her depth of experience was pivotal to the development of a broad range of programs to address health needs for the community. I wish them each success in their future endeavors.” “Interim appointments to these positions will be announced as soon as possible,” said Rochon. “I am confident the dedicated staff will ensure Stevenson Memorial Hospital continues to operate effectively, in delivering the best possible care to residents of the community.” “My objective is to ensure local governance by a strong Board and a renewed management team that can resume functioning at Stevenson Memorial as soon as possible,” added Rochon. -30- For more information contact: Kathryn (Kate) Mooij Community Relations Coordinator Stevenson Memorial Hospital (705) 435-3377 ext # 3254
Hospital Report Provides Valuable Information to SMHFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - The Hospital Report 2007, released on Friday, has provided Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) with a wealth of information that is being analyzed as part of the continuous quality improvement process at the hospital. Hospital Report is produced annually by an independent research group, for the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, as well as the Ontario Hospital Association. The Report is a comprehensive document that examines several areas of hospital operation and shows where progress is being made in patient care services. It also pinpoints areas for improvement. Hospital Report is designed for health care providers and managers and can be used by senior managers and Boards for strategic planning and the setting of priorities within hospitals. "Hospital Report is another tool, like Accreditation, that we use to assess our performance. Results of the Accreditation process were made public in January of this year and now, a thorough analysis of this Report will take place so that we can once again evaluate our strengths and find opportunities where we can improve to better serve our community," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. "Medical and non-medical staff at SMH work on a daily basis to provide excellence in the care of patients. It is to their credit that we have maintained a high rate of overall patient satisfaction. Effective partnerships with larger centres have also contributed to some of our successes." Stevenson Memorial's performance was in the range of other small hospitals and in many cases meets or exceeds the Provincial average. Inpatient satisfaction at SMH is high, in spite of workloads, the increasing level of acuity, (seriousness of condition) and the system wide shortage of human resources. "Unlike a school report where subjects are completed and performance grades are finite, Hospital Report is used to adjust the curriculum or processes to build on our strengths and address our weaknesses. The hospital's quality committees will review the findings and make recommendations for advancement. The challenge is to do so within the evolving health care system," said Dr. Alex Riddell, Chief of Staff at SMH. Patients are the priority at Stevenson Memorial and the hospital will continue to utilize every opportunity for improvement. -30- For further information contact:
Local Advisory Committee Established To Advise On Recruiting New Board For Stevenson Memorial HospitalFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - The Supervisor of Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Mark Rochon, has announced a four member Advisory Committee of community representatives to assist in recruiting a new Board of Directors. The committee members are Peter Gordon, Larry Keogh, Elizabeth Kirley and Dana Stehr. The Committee will assist the Supervisor in developing criteria for the board positions, interviewing candidates and selecting directors for the Hospital Board. "I am looking forward to working with this experienced and dedicated group of community leaders," said SMH Supervisor, Mark Rochon. "They are people who care passionately about Stevenson Memorial and share a common goal of having a healthy, vibrant health care facility that delivers the best possible care to residents." Peter Gordon - Mr. Gordon was the senior vice president at Honda of Canada Manufacturing from May 2004 until his recent retirement in April of this year. He is currently a director and treasurer of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation and has lived in the community for more than 30 years. Larry Keogh - Mr. Keogh served as Mayor of New Tecumseth and Simcoe County Councillor for six years. His community experience includes a five year term on the Simcoe York District Health Council where he was involved in a number of local and regional health care initiatives. He is Board chair of the Gibson Cultural Centre, and currently chairs the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee for Stevenson Memorial Hospital. Elizabeth Kirley - Ms. Kirley has practised criminal, family and children's law for over 15 years, as both a defence lawyer and Assistant Crown Attorney. She also served as representative of the Office of the Children's Lawyer in Dufferin County for more than five years. She is a founding director of the New Tecumseth and Area Arts Council and the Gibson Cultural Centre.
Dana Stehr - Ms. Stehr has owned and operated a senior-level executive search business for the past 19-years, specializing in the health care, social service and not-for-profit sectors. She has extensive volunteer leadership experience. Ms. Stehr has spent five years on the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial Hospital and two years on the Board of Directors of Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. The recruitment process for Hospital Board members will include newspaper ads, interviews and discussions. The Committee will be meeting by mid September to begin developing its recruitment plans. A new Board is expected to be announced later in the fall. -30- Media contact:
A MESSAGE TO OUR COMMUNITYWorking Together to Re-establish Local Maternity Care Services In March 2007, at the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, an Expert Panel was convened to give advice about maternity care services at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH). On May 2, 2007, the Panel presented its report, A Future Direction: A Regional Collaborative Model For Maternity Care at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, to SMH and to the Community Advisory Committee – a committee made up of New Tecumseth residents, community – based health care providers, and local government officials. The report (available at www.smhosp.on.ca ) made several recommendations for the re-establishment of maternity care services in the New Tecumseth area. The primary recommendation was that SMH and Southlake Regional Health Centre (Southlake) would work together to build a high quality Level 1 maternity care service in Alliston within a regional health care model. This means that SMH would provide services to women with healthy pregnancies and Southlake, as a Level 2 facility, would manage women with moderate to high-risk pregnancies. In an effort to keep the community informed about the progress being made on the recommendations in the report, SMH and Southlake are pleased to provide the following update: Lorrie Reynolds, RN, BScN, IBCLC, MHA (c), Director of Southlake’s Maternal Child Care Program recently joined SMH’s leadership team. Dividing her time between the two hospitals, Lorrie will lead a review of the maternal services at SMH to identify what is working well and where there are gaps or opportunities for improvement. Respected as a progressive leader and strong communicator, Lorrie has 20 years of health care experience and has successfully implemented and sustained best practice standards in maternal, paediatrics, and neonatal intensive care. "Although I have only been at SMH a short time, I am very impressed by the number of dedicated people I have met who are eager to implement the recommendations of the Expert Panel. I look forward to working with them to provide the highest standards of care to expectant mothers in the community," states Lorrie Reynolds. One of Lorrie’s immediate tasks is to oversee the recruitment of a full-time RN Clinical Coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations of maternal services at SMH. Interviews are currently under way and the goal is to have the position fi lled by the end of September. The SMH Obstetrics Committee, in partnership with Southlake’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Nancy Merrow, has developed a comprehensive plan to recruit qualifi ed obstetricians to SMH who meet the practice requirements of both hospitals and the recommendations of the Expert Panel. Several applications have been received and interviews are currently underway. The goal is to recruit at least one obstetrician during 2007, who has the leadership skills, vision and energy to nurture and develop a vibrant and sustainable program. On July 31, SMH received a report from the Alliston-based Good Birthing Group entitled Improving Our Birthing Unit. Currently being reviewed by the Obstetrics Committee at SMH, the report lists a number of recommendations to improve the esthetics and functionality of the maternal services unit. Appointed on June 11 by the provincial government as supervisor of SMH, Mark Rochon, is pleased by the progress that is being made regarding the recommendations of the Expert Panel’s report. "Implementing the Expert Panel Report and reopening the maternal services at Stevenson Memorial is a priority that is receiving the attention of teams at both hospitals. The community will benefi t from the combined expertise and experience of Southlake and Stevenson in the development of a successful maternal child program in Alliston," says Mark Rochon. "It is now crucial to fi nd qualifi ed obstetricians who will be dedicated to the community program and will work in the collaborative model to provide health care excellence to the New Tecumseth area." For further information on Mark Rochon’s appointment, please visit www.health.gov.on.ca - News Media section. "While it may take time to implement all of the recommendations for the rebuilding of our local maternal services, a well-designed plan with the right staff and support is necessary for the long term. It is encouraging to share with our community the progress that has been made to date," says Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial Hospital. "We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community and will continue to provide regular updates as further information becomes available".
Nurses Continue Shared Care at SMHFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Due to continuing staff shortages, obstetrical nurses at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) will continue their shared care deployment in other areas of the hospital for the next few weeks. Shared care is the term applied when nurses work in areas other than their preferred choice. SMH uses a Shared Care Service Delivery Model to ensure the best utilization of resources to deliver quality patient care. The premise of the model is cooperation between departments to meet the immediate needs of patients. "Health human resources are stretched right across the province," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of the hospital. "We recognize and appreciate the efforts of our staff in participating in the shared care model, in service to the community." Previous communications to staff and the community indicated that the redeployment would be for a four-week period. However, the continuing shortage has necessitated a continuation of the redeployment and staff have been made aware of the on-going situation. In a meeting of the obstetrical nurses held last week, the majority agreed that either it was the best option, or that for the good of the hospital and community, there was no choice but to continue with the current redeployment. After consultation with the obstetrical nursing staff, schedules will be posted every two weeks to replace the current summer schedule that was to end September 30, 2007. It reflects, where possible, the nurses preferred areas. Staff will continue to be involved in the scheduling options, with patients as the priority. "We look forward to the day when the Obstetrics Unit will reopen and nurses will be back in their chosen area of practice. We hope it will be as soon as possible and thank the staff and the community for their patience," Takacs said. For further information contact: | |
