1. No category

HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
January 6, 2015
On December 29th the Ministry of Health announced that it is ending its contract with John Black and
Associates to implement Lean management within Saskatchewan healthcare. See the news release on
the government website at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/. The contract is expected to conclude within
90 days of the date of notice. It was determined that we are ready to act on the opportunity to take
ownership of and customize Lean management to better suit the Saskatchewan context.
The
commitment to Lean management quality improvement is unwavering and will continue. The Ministry
of Health and the Health Quality Council will provide guidance in the coming weeks on the transition
to self-sufficiency in Lean management. There are likely to be many questions and we will make every effort to ensure
additional updates are shared with you, and that staff are well-informed as we continue to make plans.
The Saskatchewan Health system’s Lean journey so far has been an interesting initiative for people across the country and
one that we can all be proud of. For me, the most important thing is that we have been given the opportunity to learn how
to use a set of tools for quality improvement and to take bold steps to be a part of a major system transformation. Over
the years I have been involved in many quality improvement approaches. The problem with them has been that they
ended up feeling more like a “philosophy” than a real commitment to look at how we do things and actually take steps to
make them better. In Saskatchewan there has actually been a significant investment of time, money, and people power to
teach techniques and include people from all parts of the organization in improvement initiatives so that eventually those
improvements simply become the way we do business instead of isolated activities.
Why should we be interested in transforming this system? Why is change a good thing? Well, it is no secret that we are
all getting older and that there will be a period of time in the near future where demands on the health care system will be
higher than usual simply because there are so many people needing to be looked after. It makes sense to me that looking
at innovative approaches to care delivery makes a lot more sense than building a whole lot more hospital and long term
care beds that may not be needed on the other side of the baby boom. A continuous focus on quality improvement is also
important because we work in a system where the workload is heavy and communication is far more complex than in
most workplaces. These factors lead to people getting hurt. Staff injury rates are high and patients are at high risk of
harm when infection control procedures break down, fall risks are not mitigated, and people experience the complications
that come with aging and being immobile – to name a few. We have a responsibility to step back on a regular basis and
look at ways to improve our systems so that people do not get hurt. It is also worth mentioning again that healthcare takes
up a high percentage of the dollars the government has available to fund public programs. If that percentage keeps
increasing think about the impact on other programs that factor into the determinants of health; things like education,
roads, and recreation programs. And of course here in our region we have recently received some strong messages from
the public and from the provincial auditor about items that we must improve on in our long term care facilities.
Our experience with the Saskatchewan health system transformation agenda and Lean tools in Heartland to date has been
quite positive. We are a smaller region (phase 2) so the level of activity has not been as high as it has been in the larger
“phase 1” regions but the things that we have worked on have received very positive feedback from the staff and patient
representatives involved. I will complete my Lean Leader Certification in early February and we have about 25 staff and
physicians somewhere in the process. Our quality improvement leaders, Jeannie Munro and Mike Morrill have
completed their certification. We have made progress by aligning Heartland Health with the provincial strategic
deployment process. We have conducted three Rapid Improvement Process Improvement Workshops in Emergency,
Lab, and Long Term Care in Kindersley. Many staff have been involved in Kanban activities that have dramatically
reduced the inventory we keep on hand and the amount of inventory that gets wasted when things pass their expiry dates
or become obsolete. We are becoming more proficient at using visual management tools to ensure that progress toward
our strategic objectives is being monitored by looking at quantifiable results on a regular basis so that we can take
corrective actions when objectives are not being met.
As many of us get closer to the time when we will pass the health system over to another generation, learning and
working with these tools that support quality improvement is our responsibility and an opportunity to ensure a sustainable
and accountable system in the future. Maybe it’s a bit like the way we learn how to use new technologies. In many cases
we ask for help from the people who don’t know any other way – the younger generation. I hope that a new generation of
health care workers just look at things through a Lean lens and use the tools automatically because they don’t know any
other way.
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 2
Immunize or Mask for Fall Flu Season
January 6, 2015—Message from Dr. Torr
Consulting MHO for Heartland
Get Immunized!
Here is an update on Influenza activity across the health region as of today. There currently is a respiratory
illness outbreak (Influenza A virus) in the Outlook and District Health Centre Long Term Care, which was
declared January 1, 2015. Visitor restrictions are in place. We need to remain vigilant in preventing infections
in our facilities and communities. Over the holiday season we also had respiratory illness outbreaks in Biggar
and Dinsmore facilities and in the Outlook Health Centre Acute Care that have since been lifted. The influenza
virus activity is affecting a number of people across the rest of the province, country as well as many US
states.
To date we have achieved a rate of 73% of Heartland Health Region staff immunized and approximately 31%
of the public. The immunize or mask policy is in effect, and a big thank you goes out to all who are working
hard to protect the safety of our clients.
Remember, the Influenza season will last a few months with a number of strains of influenza circulating, and
specific strains will predominate at any particular time. Most of the strains so far circulating are covered in the
vaccine.
What can you do?
Get Immunized
If you have not received your annual Influenza immunization, you still have time! Influenza vaccine is
available each year until the end of March! This is the easiest way to prevent illness!
Wash Your Hands!
Your 4 Moments of Hand Hygiene will go a long way to curbing the transmission of many infections, including
Influenza!
Cover Your Cough!
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and use tissues only once.
Stay Home if you are Sick!
Take the time to get well and take care of yourself. Report your illness to your facility as process, and then
stay home and deal with your symptoms.
Hand hygiene remains a key practice in the prevention of illness and outbreaks. Wash your hands
frequently and thoroughly, particularly before and after patient/client care, washroom use, blowing your
nose, and after touching surfaces.
For more information on Ebola click on the Ebola link on the right
hand side of the home page on Sharepoint or click on the link below:
https://qs.sharepoint.hrha.hin.sk.ca/communications/Ebola/Forms/
AllItems.aspx
1) The risk of Ebola in Canada is still considered low but not zero.
2) Protocols are being continuously refined but the basic principle in the event of a potential suspect presenting
in region with travel from affected ebola area with symptoms are:
 Isolation and minimal contact to minimize potential spread of infection as well as optimal infection
control including appropriate PPE use
 Assessment by primary care provider in conjunction with the MHO and ID physician
 If deemed requiring transportation to designated Ebola treatment Centre (Saskatoon or Regina),
then transportation is arranged as soon as possible, using the provincially designated EMS transport
3) Regional staff training for appropriate donning and doffing of PPE started in mid December.
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 3
A New Year and a New You
For most Canadians, the New Year is the perfect time to make a fresh start and make
some changes. In fact, 77 percent of us are resolving to change something about
ourselves in 2015. Unfortunately, 8 in 10 of us will fail in our resolutions. Why are
resolutions so hard to keep? They’re hard to keep because habits can be extremely difficult
to break, and we often set unrealistic goals. However, by using a SMART approach and
following a few common sense tips, your resolutions will last beyond February and you’ll be
closer to achieving your New Year’s goals.
Setting SMART goals
The first step to reaching any goal is to use the SMART approach. SMART goals refer to those that are Specific,
Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Let’s apply the SMART approach to one of the most popular New Year’s
resolutions – losing weight.
Specific – It’s not enough to say you want to lose weight this year. You need to give it a number. For example, “I will lose 25
pounds this year.” That’s a specific goal.
Measurable – Now you’ve set a specific goal, you need to establish a way to measure your progress. For example, “I will weigh
myself once a week, every week.” Being able to measure your progress helps you move toward the larger goal.
Attainable – Can you achieve this goal? Setting a goal of losing 10 pounds a month is not only unhealthy, but it’s also
unrealistic. It may result in you giving in up frustration when the scale does not cooperate. Aim for an attainable goal of 2 to 5
pounds a month for 12 months.
Relevant – Why are you setting this goal? How is this goal relevant to your life? Your answer should be something like, “Type 2
diabetes runs in my family. Losing 25 pounds will reduce my risks of developing this disease.”
Timely – Give yourself a time frame for your goal. If you want to lose 25 pounds – in how long? Six months? A year?
So your SMART New Year’s resolution will be, “Because I want to be healthier, I will lose two pounds a month for the next 12
months. I will weigh myself once a week to measure my progress. By December 31, 2015, I will weigh 130 pounds.”
Sticking to it
Setting goals - no matter how specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely - are easy. Sticking to them isn’t. Here are
some tips to help you stay the course in the weeks and months to come, using the example of losing weight, mentioned above.
Focus on one resolution at a time, rather than several. You have the rest of the year to pursue other goals. Set yourself up
for success, and start with one resolution on January 1.
Take small steps. Don’t be overwhelmed by wanting to lose 100 pounds …take it five pounds at a time. Reward yourself when
you reach the 5, 10, 15 and 20 pound marks. By accomplishing and celebrating small steps, you’ll stay on track, focused,
and positive.
Have a buddy for support. It’s easier to get to the gym on a regular basis if you have someone waiting there for you. If you
can’t find a buddy, enlist your family and friends in helping you reach your goal. Either way, you’ll have support,
encouragement and more importantly, accountability.
Enjoy the process. Psychologists have found that it takes at least 30 days to establish a new habit. Focus on the activity or
process that will take you toward your goal, rather than the goal itself. For example, if your goal is to participate in a 10K run
by the end of the year, focus on being able to go a little bit further, and a little bit faster every time you go out for a jog.
Don’t be discouraged. If you slip up don’t abandon your resolution. Eating a gallon of ice cream in one evening is not the end
of your weight loss journey. It’s just a temporary setback. Learn from the slip, and get back to your new healthy eating habits.
Be kind to yourself. You’re more likely to abandon your resolution when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, so set some time
every day for yourself. Try meditation, yoga, reading a book, or just going for a walk. The more practice you have being still
and calm, the more present you’ll be for each step of achieving your goals.
Making SMART resolutions, staying focused, and enjoying the process will not only get 2015 off to a great start, but will also
help make the coming year the best yet.
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 4
Top 10 Ways to beat the post Christmas Blues and Stay happy After Christmas
The post Christmas period can leave many of us feeling down. Back to work blues, an empty social calendar, festive weight
gain, miserable weather and a dwindling bank account balance can all contribute to a general feeling of melancholy.
Thankfully, there are many ways to get your spirits back up after the festive period. Here are 10 tips for beating the postChristmas blues.
1. Make a Plan—After the excitement of Christmas, going back to a regular mundane routine is enough to lower
anybody’s spirits. Create something to look forward to. Depending on your budget and lifestyle this could be anything
from a night out to a trip away. Whatever your plan, make sure it is something to really look forward to, then start
counting down the days.
2. Exercise your funny bone—Laughter has been proven to be an extremely effective mood booster releasing endorphins
which instantly raise spirits and give a feeling of wellbeing. Grab a funny DVD or book and spend a few hours exercising
your laughing muscles.
3. Brave your fears—If you are feeling listless and uninspired following the Christmas period, there is nothing guaranteed
to energize you as much as stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a few risks. Make a commitment to do one
thing a week (or day) that makes you feel scared and takes you out of your comfort zone. Conquering your fears is
guaranteed to put you in a positive mood.
4. Get active—Getting up and active is actually one of the best things you can do for yourself. Exercise not only releases
mood boosting endorphins, but if weight gain is one of the things getting you down following Christmas it will help you
to quickly shift those excess pounds. Get out in the fresh air for a run, or try a spot of yoga or Tai Chi to help put you in
a better frame of mind.
5. Watch what you eat—While it may be tempting to bury your sorrows under piles of junk food, a healthy diet is actually
more effective at helping you feel good. Some mood boosting foods to stock up on are those containing B vitamins
(which help the brain produce serotonin) such as whole grains, nuts and marmite, and those containing Omega-3 fatty
acids which can help lift depression such as oily fish or flaxseeds.
6. Don’t be sad—If you think that the darkness and cold weather surrounding the festive season might be contributing to
your blues, you may be one of many people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you find that you feel
more depressed or lethargic over the autumn or winter months, it may be worth investing in a SAD light box which can
help reduce the negative effects caused by the lack of natural light during the season.
7. Be selfless—If you find that you are fixated on your mood post Christmas, it is a good idea to distract yourself by
putting the focus on others. Take some time out to do some volunteer work, or if you are short of time make a
commitment to doing one small act of kindness a day such as listening to a friend’s problem or smiling at a stranger.
Not only will helping others distract you from your own feelings but it will help you put things into perspective. As an
added bonus, smiling is contagious and helping others feel happy will also put you in a better mood.
8. Perk up your social life—Spending time with others can be one of the greatest mood boosters, but you can’t always
rely on everybody else to make the plans. If your social life could do with a boost following Christmas, it’s time to get
proactive. Pick up the phone and give someone a call or arrange to visit someone who lives a long way away.
Alternatively, take up a hobby or join a club and start meeting some new people to spend time with.
9. Get your finances in order—One of the reasons many people feel blue after Christmas is because they have worries
over their finances—and the damage Christmas has wreaked on them-hanging over their head. Rather than worrying
about it, sit down and sort out your financial solution. See what shape you are in financially and, if necessary, set
yourself a budget for the next few months or so. This may make you feel even worse right now but going on in
ignorance means that your worries will only eat away at you. Face your finances, work out how to move forward, and
then you can move on happier.
10. Ring the changes—If the thought of going back to your regular routine is really depressing you, perhaps you should
see this as a sign you need to make some changes. Although everyone feels a bit down about returning to work, if the
thought is really making you blue then maybe it’s time to think about changing your job. Perhaps you need to ditch
another aspect of your life that is making you unhappy; your partner, those unwanted pounds in weight. Look at what
needs to be changed then make a plan to tackle it in small steps. Instead of despairing over the end of Christmas, go in
to the new year motivated and ready to kick-start your best year yet.
http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/top-10-ways-to-beat-the-post-christmas-blues/#pagination-top
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 5
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 6
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 7
Biggar Diamond Lodge Staff has some Fun with Christmas Season
Monica Watson (OT/PT Assistant), Cindy Gillespie (Assisted Daily Living Worker) and Karen Kammer
(Recreation Coordinator ) at Diamond Lodge Biggar taking part in being Reindeer!
HEARTLAND LINK…..
KEEPING US ALL WELL CONNECTED!!
Page 8
Saskatoon Health Region launches organ and tissue donation awareness campaign
More than 90 people in Saskatchewan are currently waiting for a kidney transplant. On average, they will wait 2.8 years for a kidney
– that’s 437 dialysis treatments. Many others are waiting for a cornea, heart, lung or liver transplant.
Saskatoon Health Region has launched an organ and tissue donation awareness campaign to encourage more support for donation and
to get people talking to their families about their decision to donate.
When Acacia died at the age of 18, her parents honoured her life by making it possible for other people to continue living. Acacia
successfully donated six organs to five people. Acacia’s parents say the decision to donate their daughter’s organs was based on what
their daughter would have wanted. Acacia was incredibly loving and joyful – someone who had a gift of connecting with people and
who would want to continue helping those in need.
When we support organ and tissue donation, we are given an opportunity to save or improve other people's lives. Sometimes this opportunity presents itself while we are still living, through the donation of a non-vital organ or tissue to a family member or another
person in need. Other times we are given an opportunity to continue offering hope even after our life has ended.
The Offer Hope, Talk to Your Family six-month campaign will include the release of a video-poster-story series focused on donors
and recipients each month, beginning in December with Acacia’s story. The campaign will also include a series of lunch and learn
sessions for staff in Saskatoon and Regina hospitals and the launch of a Talk to Your Family Toolkit, available in January at
saskatoonhealthregion.ca/transplant.
The campaign is being supported by the Government of Saskatchewan, Lions Eye Bank, Saskatchewan Transplant Program, Saskatoon Health Region and Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. For more information on organ and tissue donation and to hear about
Acacia’s story click on this link: https://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/transplant