Every weekday morning at 7:00 a.m. the Lab at the Dartmouth General Hospital opens to serve the hundreds of people who will come through the doors. The DGH’s Lab provides extensive testing for thousands of people. Known as a core lab, (offering chemistry, hematology and blood transfusion testing), the lab is a very busy operation. Twenty medical technologists rotate through each area in order to retain their competency in each area. Two pathologists, and a team of four medical laboratory technologists, a laboratory assistant and a pathology assistant work in the anatomical pathology department (testing biopsies, tissue samples, moles, etc). Thirteen medical lab assistants take blood and process specimens (including morning collections at Nova Scotia Hospital and Belmont Mental Health) and four clerks provide service at registration. Additionally, the lab maintains a blood bank, which stores blood from the Canadian Blood Service. When the need arises in the hospital for a transfusion, technologists check the blood to ensure the proper match before it is sent to the Emergency Department, Inpatients or the Operating Room. This service is also provided for Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, and Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. “In most cases, patients have their blood taken and are able to return home, however Busy Days in the DGH Laboratory The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation Newsletter • Summer 2010 Lynn MacNeil, Jessica Foote and Michelle Knight are shown accessioning specimens and performing urinalysis tests. ( Continued on page 3 ) IN THIS ISSUE New Members.................... 2 Lab Story Cont’d.................. 3 DOME-Osteoporosis............ 5 Lobster Dinner 25th........... 6 Volunteer Week................... 7
Transcript
Every weekday morning at 7:00 a.m. the Lab at the Dartmouth General Hospital opens to serve the hundreds of people who will come through the doors. The DGH’s Lab provides extensive testing for thousands of people. Known as a core lab, (offering chemistry, hematology and blood transfusion testing), the lab is a very busy operation. Twenty medical technologists rotate through each area in order to retain their competency in each area. Two pathologists, and a team of four medical laboratory technologists, a laboratory assistant and a pathology assistant work in the anatomical pathology department (testing biopsies, tissue samples, moles, etc). Thirteen medical lab assistants take blood and process specimens (including morning collections at Nova Scotia Hospital and
Belmont Mental Health) and four clerks provide service at registration.
Additionally, the lab maintains a blood bank, which stores blood from the Canadian Blood Service. When the need arises in the hospital for a transfusion, technologists check the blood to ensure the proper match before it is sent to the Emergency Department, Inpatients or the Operating Room. This service is also provided for Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital, Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, and Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital.
“In most cases, patients have their blood taken and are able to return home, however
Busy Days in the DGH Laboratory
The Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation Newsletter • Summer 2010
Lynn MacNeil, Jessica Foote and Michelle Knight are shown accessioning specimens and performing urinalysis tests.
(Continued on page 3)
IN THIS ISSUENew Members.................... 2Lab Story Cont’d.................. 3DOME-Osteoporosis............ 5Lobster Dinner 25th........... 6Volunteer Week................... 7
Year 2010 marks significant milestones for many of our hospital special events - the 25th anniversary of the Charity
Lobster Dinner & Auction, the 10th anniversary of the J. D. Mitchell Kilted Classic, the 21st anniversary of the Golf Scramble and the completion of the Revolution Mission. The funds from these events have purchased vital medical equipment, helped fund expansion projects and supported patient needs at the DGH. Support through events is absolutely necessary so that we can continue to fund priority equipment.
Earlier this year we welcomed Mrs. Diane Burns and Mr. Kevin Tomlinson to our Board of Directors.
Mrs. Burns is well acquainted with the DGH, having established the Dr. Gerry Burns Education Series in memory of her late husband. Mr. Tomlinson is the Regional Manager with Investors Group in Dartmouth.
As we move forward this year new opportunities await us. We have begun work on a new project that could take us to new heights, maybe quite literally, and plans are underway for a new project with Investors Group. Details will be noted on our website as they are finalized.
Additionally, we hope to talk to many of you in the coming months to determine community perceptions of the hospital and the Foundation. This initiative will provide better insight for the Foundation as we continue our work to raise money for much needed projects.
Executive Director’s Message
InTouch is published semi-annually
for friends and donors of theDartmouth General Hospital.
The DGH Foundation welcomes Mrs. Diane Burns and Mr. Kevin Tomlinson as members of the Board of Directors.
Mrs. Diane Burns is a community leader and volunteer. A long time resident of Dartmouth, Mrs. Burns is a member of a number of non profit organizations including, Feed Others of Dartmouth; Phoenix Youth Program and the IWK Auxiliary. She previously served as a member of the Central Regional Health Board and she is past president of the Oakfield Golf & Country Club Ladies Division.
Mr. Kevin Tomlinson is the Regional Manager of Investors Group, Dartmouth. He is a certified General Accountant and a certified Financial Planner. He has been actively involved with CGA for over 20 years and participates as a committee member with CGA Nova Scotia Provincial Association. Mr. Tomlinson’s community involvement includes Scouts Canada and Easter Seals Nova Scotia.
Welcome New Members
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of 2010, 25,506 patients were processed. A medical lab assistant ensures the identity of all samples, time stamps and prioritizes the specimens for further processing.
In addition, the laboratory is responsible for the majority of the inpatient blood collections. An average of 2,000 specimens are collected and processed monthly. There are also approximately 2,500 blood specimens received and processed monthly from our emergency department.
Blood collection is open until 3:00 p.m. and specimens may be dropped off until 5:00 p.m. each day. Approximately 70% of samples collected or received are processed at the DGH with the remaining
samples processed at the QEII Lab in Halifax. The laboratory service however, is open 24/7 in order to maintain service to the Emergency Department and hospital inpatients.
(Continued from cover)
LEFT: Colleen Acker is shown embedding surgical specimens.BELOW: Bonnie Wilcox is performing adifferential in hematology.
SUMMER 2010 • InTouch
testing for other patients requires them to wait an additional time period. For example, patients having a glucose tolerance test usually stay 2-3 hours in order for the testing to be completed. The staff helps patients as much as they can by posting wait times in the waiting room”, says Kathy Roy, Supervisor.
Line ups at the lab are not unusual. On average 4,400 patients come to the Lab every month to have their blood drawn and in the first five months of 2010, 22,339 patients were seen. A wide variety of testing is provided at the DGH, for example
- Glucose (diabetes) testing - Cholesterol - Electrolytes (high potassium levels) - Kidney/liver functions test - Urine samples - Complete blood counts (CBC) for anemia or infections
The DGH Lab also maintains a specimen receiving room. Samples taken by private phlebotomists at outside non capital health facilities are dropped off at the Lab. On average 5,100 patient specimens are processed every month in this drop off area, and in the first five months
Monday, September 13th, 2010Brightwood Golf & Country ClubREGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Early Bird $280 prior to August 13, 2010.To register, or for further information,
call Lisa at 465-8531
InTouch • SUMMER 2010
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Six years ago, our family had a vision. We believed we could harness the incredible energy of our vibrant community to give back to the Dartmouth General Hospital.
I am thrilled to confirm that we exceeded our 5-year objective and raised $555,000 for the CT Scanner Campaign, and this year also made a significant donation to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.
There are so many people to thank, including the many volunteers and committee members who have donated their time and wisdom, our generous corporate sponsors who provided financial and product support, and, most notably, our participants who gave of their energy by spinning and raising money.
The energy and spirit of Revolution has made a difference in our great community.
Dean Hartman Chairman Revolution 2006-2010
SUMMER 2010 • InTouch
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The Dartmouth Osteoporosis Multidisciplinary Education (DOME) Program provides education about osteoporosis for people who have, are at risk for, or are interested in learning more about osteoporosis. The program held its first session in September 1996 and continues to run monthly.
Osteoporosis is a thinning or weakening of the bones so they are more likely to fracture. Osteoporosis is a “silent disease”; this means there are no symptoms until a bone is broken. Osteoporosis often goes unrecognized and untreated even after a patient has a fracture. It affects not just post-menopausal women, but younger women and men as well. In fact men break the bones in their back as often as women do from osteoporosis.
The goal of the DOME program is to prevent fractures, the most important clinical outcome of osteoporosis, by providing education about diet, exercise and medical management of the disease.
DOME is a four hour program offered over two days. It is delivered at the Dartmouth General Hospital, but through the wonders of technology,
DOME- Dartmouth Osteoporosis Multidisciplinary Education Program
it is also broadcast via the Telehealth Network to hospitals throughout Nova Scotia. This link allows the presenter to be virtually in the room with someone in another hospital. Participants have the opportunity to comment and ask questions in real time as if they were in the room with the presenter.
A Nurse Educator delivers the first hour of the program and covers the normal function of the bones and how osteoporosis changes that function and makes bones more likely to break. Risk factors are discussed and the bone density test results are explained. The participants who have had a bone density test will have their risk of fracture calculated, based on Osteoporosis Canada Guidelines.
The second hour is delivered by a Physiotherapist. Participants will learn safe movement based on whether they are at low, moderate or high risk of breaking a bone. They will also learn about posture, body mechanics and fall prevention. Participants are offered a follow-up exercise class in the physiotherapy department at DGH if they are interested.
The third hour is covered by the Dietitian. Participants learn about calcium, both from diet and from supplements, and how to get enough to support bone health. They also learn about the importance of Vitamin D and its role in normal bone function. All nutrients are important for bone health and the dietitian reviews a health diet for healthy bones.
A Rheumatologist who specializes in osteoporosis covers the last hour of the DOME program. Participants learn about the medications that are available to treat osteoporosis and their side effects. The focus during this session is on ensuring that if someone is prescribed a medication for this disease that he or she needs to keep taking it to make it work.
The DOME team is comprised of dedicated professionals who share their expertise with not only patients but with other professionals as well. They are frequently called upon to speak to others in their professions about osteoporosis and its treatment. The team has a mandate to make sure they have the most up to date information on the disease and its best treatment. They also work hard to make sure that the best screening and treatment options are available at all patients in Nova Scotia.
The participants in our program learn how to have some control over their disease. If you would like to know more about DOME please call860-3719 (Metro Halifax) or1-888- 675-DOME (3663). - Carla Purcell, Nurse Educator DGH DOME Program
Normal Bone Osteoporosis
InTouch • SUMMER 2010
DGH Lobster Dinner& Auction 25th Anniversary
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In 1985 a committee comprised of Bill Kelly (Chairman), Dr. Wylie Verge, Dr. George Ibsen, Mrs. Shirley Morash, the late Fraser Conrad, Austin Kerr, Cal Craig, Bob Greek, Ainsley Hart, Gordon Stevens, Betty Travers, John Young, Charles Baxter, Neil Astle, Bruce Webb and Ken Conrad put together a ‘down east feast’ that continues to be a signature special event in support of the Dartmouth General. In June of this year, the Lobster Dinner & Auction celebrated its 25th anniversary with many of the same folks coming out in support of their community hospital.
Dr. Verge remains a significant force on the committee, selling tickets and securing auction items with tenacity, as is Shirley Morash who secures the many volunteers needed to make the event run smoothly. Kim Conrad continues the Conrad Brothers tradition in his role as Presenting Sponsor and committee
member. Bob Greek and Mark Greek of Atlantic Electronics continue their support.
Some things have changed in 25 years but the essence of the event remains. The “boys” cooked the lobster in the early years and the lobster dinner was held at the community college. Later it moved to the Dartmouth Sportsplex to accommodate the large number of people attending. The Dartmouth Shriners played an important part selling tickets for many years. The dinner quickly became the ‘kick off’ to the summer season.
Held the first Saturday in June, the Lobster Dinner & Auction is truly a community event with support coming from individuals, businesses, physicians, staff, and Capital Health. It is truly a ‘special’ event.
Lobster Dinner photos from the early years!
Canadians have a rich history of volunteering and community involvement. Volunteers are on the front lines of all of our community services - community health care, heritage and arts, maintenance of green space, disaster relief, volunteer firefighting, minor sports - the list is endless. The work of the volunteer is essential. National Volunteer Week (NVW) pays tribute to the millions of Canadian volunteers who donate their time and energy.
Investors Group is leading the way to recognize the work of volunteers by making funds available throughout Canada. Within HRM, Investors Group and the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation are honouring volunteers with the gift of a painting for a public waiting area. Commenting on the volunteer week theme, Volunteers - from compassion to action, Kevin Tomlinson, Regional Director Investors Group, remarked that this theme is particularly relevant to hospital volunteers whose passion and caring are so evident in their work at the hospital.
Expressing his gratitude to Investors Group for this meaningful gift, Chair Michael Wild acknowledged all those who work so hard on a volunteer basis on behalf of the hospital - board colleagues; special events committee members; auxiliary members who contribute substantial time, energy and resources to improve healthcare in our community.
SUMMER 2010 • InTouch
VolunteerWeek
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Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why,when I am in special need of help,
the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim. ~William Feather
Are you looking for a fulfilling opportunity to contribute to your community? Please consider the DGH Auxiliary.
The Auxiliary is a not for profit organization whose membership is dedicated to enriching the level of patient care and comfort within the Dartmouth General Hospital community. The Auxiliary endeavours to do this by providing resources not available through the provincial health care system.
The Auxiliary has been raising funds for the benefit of the Dartmouth General Hospital since 1973, raising more than 1.75 million dollars through various events organized by the membership. This is a way of enriching their lives by giving their time to the service of others in the community.
The Auxiliary serves the Hospital in many ways, all of which could benefit from your support. They operate a variety of programs including the Corner Shoppe Gift Shop; patient night lunches; palliative care volunteers; transitional care support; newsletter; library; office administration and information services at the main information desk, the emergency department and blood clinic desks.
If you have an interest in learning more about the Auxiliary, please contact the Office at 465-8534 or see the DGH Foundation website at www.dghfoundation.ca and click on the Auxiliary tab.
The DGH AuxiliaryNeeds You
Joan Haggett and Shirley Conrad volunteer in the Corner Shoppe.
Agreement No.40028771
Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation 325 Pleasant Street Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4G8Tel. (902) 465.8560/8531
Thank You very much for your support! Helping us today could meansaving the life of a loved onein our community.
Enclosed is my cheque or money order for $_______ payable to: DGH Foundation.
Please charge $_______ to my credit card. Visa Mastercard AMEXCard Number:__________________________________________________ Expiry:_________________________________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE (TO PERMIT TRANSACTION)
I’d prefer to pay in monthly installments. Please deduct $__________ from my bank account on the 1 or 15 of each month for _______ months or until further notice.I’ve attached a ‘voided’ cheque.
Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. OtherName (please print) ____________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Postal Code___________________ email (optional)________________
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
“Yes, I want to support the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation for priority medical equipment”
A TAX RECEIPT WILL BE ISSUED PROMPTLY. CHARITABLE REGISTRATION #BN 12245 5611 RR00011
