The 2018 calendar year sure is flying by, but as today's E-Connect newsletter reflects, looking back at what has gotten you to this point is just as important as looking at where you are going in the future.
In a special story featured in Our Patients' section, we are reminded that though the days may pass quickly, life, ultimately, is short. Today's E-Connect is dedicated to the bright life of Matt; May 1989 - October 2018.
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Matt sat quietly in his room on Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s 20 bed palliative unit. He looked comfortable in his wheelchair, sitting across and starring at the proudly adorned Red Wing Logo that hung over his bedside. “We Love You Uncle Matt” the obviously hand drawn logo read underneath, in writing of what appeared to be that of a young child. Later, we would find out that it was made by his nieces – the daughters of his twin brother, Chris.
Matt, at 29 years old, will spend his final moments at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare dying from colon cancer. The disease very noticeably has taken a toll on his small frame, as his sits quietly speaking with us.
A Windsor resident, he was once a “dedicated worker” where he worked as a framer and roofer. Today, he moves his wheelchair slowly outside for the occasional cigarette and fresh air.
“I have dealt with the fact that there is nothing more I can do,” his voice shock quietly trying to express his feeling about death. “I’m not scared of much; I have dealt with everything. I am dealing with it (dying) myself.”
Matt’s experience at HDGH has so far been a very positive one. “My nurses are outgoing and nice,” he said softly. A quiet giggle could be heard when asked about Unit Manager, Mike Dame. Giggling slowly, he said “yah, I like him.”
While most 29-year-olds are out laughing with their friends, or just starting the adventure of their adults lives, Matt’s joys come from the visits by his uncle and rocket and caramel candies that lay next to him on his table.
It is hard not to notice Matt’s quiet pain. As he lifts his head the tattoo of a Dove can be seen on his neck. Something about the tattoo looks angelic, almost peaceful.
Honest, peaceful and loyal is how he wishes to be remembered.
Looking at Matt, we are reminded that death is unfortunately experienced by all ages. He teaches us of the quiet legacy that can be left by someone at the end stages of life. He teaches us of the strength that comes with dying. He teaches us that sometimes, doing nothing, is the bravest decision of all.
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Patient Safety without borders
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Mark your calendars for an informative event. The International Patient Safety Symposium crosses borders to bring you important resources and information on keeping patients safe and on the road to recovery.
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Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare receives Gord Smith Award
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We are proud to share that from the collective efforts lead by our Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety team, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare was a recipient of the Silver Level 2 Gord Smith Healthy Workplace Award this October.
As an award recipient, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare demonstrates outstanding leadership in providing environments and policies that create and support healthy lifestyles for Our People.
Each year, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the
Working Toward Wellness
Workplace Wellness Committee present the Gord Smith Healthy Workplace Award to workplaces that provide comprehensive wellness programs to their employees, retirees, and family members. It recognizes those organizations that provide healthy workplace policies, making healthier options the easier choice.
In our application this year, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare highlighted a number of safety and wellness initiatives including our first Bike to Work event in June, the grand reopening of our Employee Gym, our annual Sharps Program, and more.
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Bringing Our People together through creativity
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On Tuesday, October 23rd a small, but lively group of Hôtel-Diue Grace Healthcare staff and their family and friends gathered to take part in our first ever Paint Nite.
The fun evening was filled with laughter, testing artistic abilities, and comradery.
Thank you to all who attended!
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Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is improving patient care through Change Day Ontario
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What drew you to Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare? What ignites your passion? What step, big or small, could you take to make compassionate quality care better for our patients/clients?
We invite you to participate with us in
Change Day Ontario
, a movement launched in Ontario on September 13th and culminating in a day of celebration on November 22nd. We hope you’ll join us and make a pledge for your patients/clients, community, colleagues - or yourself!
“HDGH is proud to participate in Change Day Ontario – it’s time to get Windsor on the map and show our commitment to changing lives!” explained Alison Murray, Director of Quality, Health Information Management and Technology at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
Everyone at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, as well as our community partners are invited to participate by making a pledge. We have worked with our Patient and Family Engagement Council to create a group pledge.
Here's how you can get involved:
- Visit our pledge page on the Change Day Ontario website
- On the right hand side, click "+" to join our pledge
- You can also Like and Share our pledge to social media
- Leave a comment or print a pledge paper and write how you will finish our pledge sentence
- "We pledge to involve patients/clients and families in their care by...."
As we continue to change lives together, let's also make change!
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Celebrating 130 years of changing lives
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On the morning of Wednesday, October 17th, partners, guests, and staff of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare gathered for a special event that acknowledged not only the triumphs of the past year, but also the legacy created over the past 130.
The Report to the Community event, mimicking a birthday party style, payed tribute to our founders and heritage, while displaying preserved artifacts dating back to the 1880s.
“Today, 130 years later, our past continues to inspire our hospital’s story,” writes Janice Kaffer, President and CEO and Mike Horrobin, Chair of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare’s Board of Directors. “Physically, things have changed but the unwavering commitment to our values, mission and faith-based establishment remain constant. We still strive to cultivate a healthier Windsor-Essex. We recognize that we have a responsibility to our community and others – those of every faith, nationality, culture, age, and gender.”
Honoured guest, Dr. Robert Stewart, President and CEO of Catholic Health International, spoke of the important work both organizations do collaboratively.
“As the Sponsor of Hôtel-Dieu Grace we congratulate all those involved in carrying the torch of the founding Sisters in fulfilling the mission of CHI, 'Perpetuating the Health Ministry of Jesus In The Spirit of the Founding Sisters.' We are truly in awe of the Vision within the Leadership of this organization.”
Dr. Stewart closed out his speech as he announced an exciting new project: The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Heritage Wall. You can see a glimpse of what this wall will look like by watching the video above.
To wrap up the morning, guest received a tasty and branded birthday cupcake, signed our birthday banner, and were sent into their day with the beautiful, gospel sounds of “Amazing Grace” performed by members of the All National Gospel Church choir.
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Printing the future of healthcare
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Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is once again excited to partner with the University of Windsor's EPICentre for the 3D Print for Healthcare competition.
Participants will compete to create a tool or device through 3D printing that can be utilized and provide benefits in the healthcare setting.
This year, the competition is open to all students, alumni and all community members (including you!). If you’d like to help teams identify problems that you believe could be addressed by 3D printing, please complete the following
form
and consider registering for the
Kick-off
event.
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Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's Changing Lives Together Foundation presents:
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The Big Night Gala returns to the Ciociaro Club on Friday, November 9th for an evening of fine dining and fun.
Tickets to this enchanted evening are just $100 per person. Gather your coworkers, a group of friends or bring your significant other for a fun evening in support of a great cause.
All proceeds raised at The Big Night Gala significantly supports our mental health programs at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.
Get dressed up and enjoy hor d'oeuvres provided by Koolini Italian Eatery, dinner, silent auction, draws, and entertainment.
For more information on this event, or to purchase tickets, contact
Linda D'Aloisio
at 519-257-5111 ext. 76922.
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