Welcome to the Monthly Check-In - A newsletter giving you an inside look at all things Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

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Appreciating Our Employees


This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the heart and soul of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare—our amazing team! From the fun and laughter of the Hot Wing Challenge to the heartfelt service recognitions, Employee Appreciation Week was a true celebration of the spirit of collaboration, kindness, and excellence that defines us.


It’s a time to reflect on how every individual’s contributions make a lasting impact on our community. Whether it's through patient care, behind-the-scenes work, or simply lending a helping hand, our team members embody the values that keep us strong and unified.


Here’s to the teamwork, dedication, and joy that make our workplace such a special place. We are proud to celebrate the incredible people who make Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare a place of warmth, compassion, and excellence.


Together, we shine brighter!

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Happening at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare

Employee Appreciation Week


Employee Appreciation Week at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare was a huge success, filled with gratitude and celebration. Employees received new HDGH t-shirts as a token of appreciation, and we held our annual Service Recognition event at the Ciociaro Club. The event honoured employees for their service milestones, celebrated retirees, and presented the President’s Awards to those who went above and beyond.


A big thank you to the Employee Appreciation Week Committee for their hard work in organizing this wonderful celebration. We also launched the WorkLife Pulse Survey, giving employees a chance to share feedback on our organizational successes and areas for growth.


Our core values—Teamwork, Kindness, Social Responsibility, and Expertise—guided every aspect of the week, reminding us all of the collaborative spirit that makes our team so exceptional. This week not only highlighted individual contributions but also the collective strength of our amazing team. Here’s to continuing this tradition of appreciation year-round!



HDGH Service Awards


The Employee Service Awards, held on October 9th, were nothing short of a resounding success! It was a memorable evening filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt recognition, as colleagues came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of their teams and peers. The atmosphere was electric as everyone enjoyed delicious food and shared in the camaraderie of the evening.


A heartfelt congratulations to all of the award winners, nominees, pin recipients, and retirees! Your unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence are truly deserving of this recognition. This evening was a reminder of the incredible contributions each of you has made to our organization and the bright future that lies ahead for all of us.



Here’s to the continued success and growth of our exceptional team!



REGIONAL HEALTH CARE PARTNERS WORKING TOGETHER TO PREPARE FOR HIGH SEASONAL VOLUMES


Windsor, ON - In anticipation of increased hospital volumes as we head into the winter, local health care partners – Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC), Essex-Windsor EMS (EMS), Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH) and Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) - are collaborating on capacity and resource management and spreading the word about what our community should expect in the season ahead.


On an annual basis, hospitals anticipate high emergency department visits and admission volumes – often times running over 100% capacity – when viruses spread through our community every winter. This year, however, we are already operating at surge-season levels, running at 120% capacity even before winter begins. As a result, we expect the strain to be even greater in the coming months.


To manage this increased demand, we continue to implement methods to address patient overflow where required, including opening additional beds and redeploying resources where needed to help reduce the burden on patients and the staff who care for them. High volumes can lead to longer than expected wait times for both emergency services as well as admissions to hospital, including patients who have completed their acute care stay at WRH or ESHC and require transfer to limited complex medical/rehabilitation beds at HDGH or to a local long-term care facility. These patients are often referred to as “ALC,” or “Alternate Level of Care” to describe individuals who remain in a hospital bed waiting for the next stage of their health care journey.


The public has an important role to play in helping us reduce hospital and ambulance wait times. For non-emergency situations, the public can phone 811, go to a walk-in clinic or make an appointment with their family doctor. Essex-Windsor EMS works closely with the Central Ambulance Communications Centre, local hospitals and other responders to ensure ambulances are available when emergencies happen. When ambulances are tied up with non-emergency calls and hospitals are at capacity, this becomes more challenging, leading to the “Code Blacks” often referred to in media stories. How can you help ensure paramedics will be available to attend to the most seriously ill and injured? Essex-Windsor EMS is encouraging residents to Make The Right Call by following the advice of health-care professionals and taking appropriate actions when they experience health-care crises. More information on EMS advice can be found here: Make The Right Call - County of Essex. There is also a short EMS video on YouTube (EMS Make The Right Call - YouTube) that may help inform patients about their options in non-emergency situations.


Patients and families can also access resources through WRH and ESHC regarding alternatives to an Emergency Room visit when the patient issue is not an emergency. Visit the Windsor Essex Ontario Health Team Guide to the Cough, Cold & Flu Season for links to online medical assistance as well as primary care and clinic options in our region and beyond.


We appreciate the public’s understanding of the impact seasonal viruses can have on our health care system and recognize that while high volumes can lead to longer than normal wait times for non-emergency cases, our clinicians are working hard every day and night to provide the best possible care for your loved ones.



Multi-Faith Service


On October 9th, we were honored to hold our Multi-Faith Prayer Service for Thanksgiving, a beautiful opportunity to unite people of diverse faiths in a spirit of gratitude and reflection. The event brought together speakers from various traditions, who shared powerful prayers, uplifting messages, and inspiration to help us all reflect on the blessings of the season.



A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed their voices, songs, and thoughtful words. Your presence and shared messages of thankfulness made the service a truly special and meaningful experience for all.



The Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective


"The Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective”, hosted by The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County and the Inter-Faith Group of Windsor and Essex County is an event brought together faith leaders from various traditions to explore the spiritual aspect of end-of-life care, with the aim of fostering understanding and compassion across different belief systems. Through presentations and open discussions, perspectives were shared on how to best support patients and families during one of life’s most pivotal moments.


On October 27th, our very own Olfat Sakr was blessed with the opportunity to participate at Spirituality at the End of Life – An Inter-Faith Perspective. Initially invited to present the Muslim perspective on end of life, her visit ended up coming with many other positives.


She enjoyed, and benefitted from, listening to other faith leaders share their perspective on end of life and how to care for patients and their families. However, what she appreciated the most was listening to attendees’ reflections after we were done presenting. An imam weaved a thread that connected each faith tradition to his own based on what each speaker shared, beautifully summarizing the presentations and drawing our attention to what the different faith traditions have in common. Another attendee, a retired nurse, expressed appreciation for the open discussions that we had during the symposium “there is so much division right now, I am very grateful to be in a space where there is openness to learn from one another in order to support each other and to celebrate our common humanity.” May we always see, and honor, each other’s humanity.



Substance Use Disorder Treatment Group


The Addiction Assessment and Referral (AAR) Substance Use Disorder Treatment Group is a free, co-ed, 8-session program designed for individuals ready to make positive changes in their substance use, particularly those in the action or maintenance stages with mild to moderate substance use challenges.

 

The next session takes place October 22, 24, 29, 31 and November 5, 7, 12, 14, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Call 519-257-5224 to join the group.


Click on the poster for full details.



Hockey Meets Healthcare


Hockey meets Healthcare as The Windsor Spitfires have selected Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare for the 50-50 raffle on November 10th (Remembrance Day Night) vs. Peterborough and November 21st (Fight Night) vs. Barrie!


Join us for discounted tickets starting at just $20.50 with promo code 5050CHARITY5 at wfcu-centre.com. Can’t attend? Buy 50-50 tickets online at spits5050.com.


The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Foundation and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare thank the Spitfires for their ongoing support and commitment to the betterment of healthcare in YQG.


Let’s fill the WFCU Centre and support our team and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare! GO SPITS GO!



Celebrating Our Team

Bariatric 15 Year Anniversary


WINDSOR, ON – In 2009, the Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare opened its doors with a mission to support individuals struggling with obesity. Fifteen years later, the Centre has become a beacon of hope, empowering thousands of patients through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that promotes lasting health changes.


Among the many success stories emerging from the Centre are those of patients like Bethany Marcuz, Mike Gyuricza, and Kevin Bruner. Each has undergone remarkable transformations that highlight the significant impact of the Centre’s Bariatric program on their quality of life. Their journeys serve as powerful testimonials to the effectiveness of the comprehensive care provided by the Centre's dedicated medical team.


Since opening, the Bariatric Centre has served over 3,500 surgical patients and approximately 1,500 individuals through its medical non-surgical program. This extensive outreach has led to substantial health improvements within the community, significantly reducing obesity-related conditions and helping create a healthier population.


Over the past 15 years, the Centre has consistently implemented cutting-edge techniques and evidence-based practices. These innovations have not only enhanced patient outcomes but also improved overall care experiences. The commitment to evolving treatment options ensures that patients receive the best possible support throughout their journeys.


The Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare has transformed the lives of many, offering hope and health to those on their journey to better living. As we reflect on 15 years of dedicated service, we look forward to continuing this vital work and making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals struggling with obesity.


To view our testimonials, follow these links:



Spiritual Health Week


With Spiritual Health Week wrapping up in October, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Spiritual Health Team for their dedication to spreading positivity and fostering a sense of community throughout the week.


From delivering blessings to creating a community prayer board and even hosting a beautiful mass service, your efforts made a meaningful impact and truly helped to uplift the spirits of all who participated. Your work is deeply appreciated and has not gone unnoticed.


Thank you for your unwavering commitment to nurturing the spiritual well-being of our community. Your kindness, compassion, and thoughtfulness continue to inspire us all.



Haunting For A Cause


Throughout the month of October, the East Wing was transformed into a spooky haunted house, offering employees a thrilling experience for a great cause – the donation of a non-perishable food item.


This fantastic initiative was brought to life by our dedicated Environmental Services team, and it turned out to be a resounding success! Not only did the haunted house provide plenty of laughs, scares, and memorable moments for our team members, but it also helped gather much-needed food to support those in need.



A special thank you to everyone who contributed their time, creativity, and food donations. Your efforts made this event a wonderful blend of fun, community spirit, and giving.



MHAUCC Services


If you or someone you know are facing a mental health or addictions crisis, don't wait to seek help!


You can visit the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Crisis Centre (MHAUCC) at 1030 Ouellette (right next door to the WRH Emergency department). This centre offers walk-in services from 8AM to 8PM daily, providing immediate assessment and support.

For 24/7 assistance, you can call the HDGH Community Crisis telephone line by calling 519-973-4435 or visit your nearest emergency department.


Remember your well-being is the ultimate priority! Find out more at www.hdgh.org/mhaucc



Patient & Client Resource

Palliative Care Unit Virtual Tour


If you or a loved one is struggling to find their way to our Palliative Care Unit on the HDGH campus, please click the play button above for a virtual tour.


Testimonials

Bethany Marcuz


To view Bethany Marcuz's Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre testimonial, click the play icon.



Mike Gyuricza


To view Mike Gyuricza's Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre testimonial, click the play icon.



Kevin Bruner


To view Kevin Bruner's Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre testimonial, click the play icon.



If you have any media inquiries about any articles, please contact Nicole Crozier at nicole.crozier@hdgh.org or by cell at 226-345-9710.

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