November-December, 2006 Along the Coast to Labrador Nov-Dec 06.pdfwere invited to attend an "OT Tea and Talk" on October 19, 2006. The teleconference talk, entitled Healthy Aging for

On November 10, 2006, I was very pleased to have attended a

meeting in New York City with members of the Grenfell Associa-

tion of America on behalf of Labrador-Grenfell Health. It was won-

derful to renew old friendships and meet with those who contin-

ue to offer their support to Labrador-Grenfell Health and many

other organizations who do work to improve the health and social

well-being of the residents of the “Grenfell” region.

I was given the opportunity to present about the continuing

challenges of providing health and community services in North-

ern Newfoundland and Labrador. I also spoke about our Strategic

Plan and focused on a number of proposals currently being con-

sidered for funding by the International Grenfell Association.

Along the Coast

Corporate Headquarters: Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada A0P 1C0

CEO Attends Meeting of

the Grenfell Association of America

Dr. Elliott Miller, New England Grenfell Association Board (far left); Dr. Robert Potter, Grenfell

Association of America Board; Dr. Norman Pinder, Chair of the International Grenfell Associ-

ation and Keating Hagmann, Grenfell Association of America Board (far right)

What’s Inside?

Friends of Along the Coast to Labrador . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Photo Trivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Addictions Awareness Week 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Around The Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Canadian Patient Safety Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

From the “Homes” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Special Feature: Christmas in Forteau . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Christmas Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Professional Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Trivia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Focus on Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Health Promotion Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Comings and Goings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Long Term Surgeon Departs After 20 Years of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

From the Past . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

to Labrador

November-December, 2006

Keating Hagmann, President of the GAA Board, with his wife Ann.

continued on next page

CEO ATTENDS MEETING OF THE GRENFELL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

PAGE 2, ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2006

The Potter family (l-r): Eliza Marks (grand daughter, far left), Belle P. Marks (daugh-

ter and member of the GAA Board), Anna and Phoebe Marks (grand daughters),

Dr. Robert Potter (GAA Board) and his wife, Barbara Potter (far right).

While attending the dinner, I took a number of photos

and thought I would share a couple with our readers, who

will no doubt recognize some of the faces. I thank the

GAA for their hospitality. We look forward to their contin-

ued support of and interest in the work we do to improve

the lives of the people of our region.

Boyd Rowe

Chief Executive Officer

continued from previous page

PHOTO TRIVIA

This issue:

Q: Name the ship in this picture. Last issue:

Q: Name the building

shown in this photo-

graph.

A: The photo shown in

our last issue is of the

Hamilton River Nurs-

ing Station, the first

hospital in Happy Val-

ley - Goose Bay. Thank

you to Mr. Alwyn Sans-

ford of Bridgewater,

NS, for submitting the

correct response.

FRIENDS OF ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR

“I receive your publication, Along the Coast to Labrador and enjoy each issue”.

Lincoln Brown, Jr.

ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2006, PAGE 3

ADDICTIONS AWARENESS

Many people were wowed by our efforts this year, and this can be attributed

to a very committed, hardworking committee which was co-chaired by Laurie

Tretina, Addictions Coordinator, LHC and Keith Mckinnon, RCMP, Labrador Drug

Awareness Coordinator. We had 24 individuals on the committee, with a core

group of about 12, who came to most meetings and represented many different

organizations. The committee also had representatives from Metis, Innu and

Inuit organizations, as well as many other groups. Several organizations were

very generous in providing prizes and literature. New this year was participation

throughout Upper Lake Melville, including the three high schools and three pri-

mary schools. Our message focused on alcohol abuse. Publicity ranged from

educational placemats in local restaurants to participation in the Creative Arts

Festival coffee house, and also included radio interviews, parent pamphlets,

school displays, impaired goggle relays in high schools and other presentations. This year’s Addictions Awareness Week was

launched with a free public skate at the arena and was brought to a close at Nunatsaivut’s Open House.

Laurie Tretina, Addictions Coordinator

Upper Lake Melville

Laurie Tretina, Addictions Coordinator, cuts the cake at the

closing event.

Addictions Awareness Week: November 19-25, 2006

This year, for the first time, AAW activities were organized by the local Wellness Coalition. As well, two other local committees,

the Community Based Policing Committee and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, partnered with the core group to carry out a cou-

ple of activities. The committee was chaired by Sandy Penney, Addictions Coordinator with Mental Health and Addictions Services.

The official opening for the week took place at the Labrador City Arena, with a free family skate, hot chocolate, cake and face

painting. At the end of the skate, Ticker Tom gave out loot bags with treats and educa-

tional literature. During the week, the committee also sponsored a family bonfire and

provided free hot chocolate and timbits.

Throughout the week, presentations were delivered in all three schools in the area.

As well, all parents of Grade 7 and senior high students received a parent information

brochure which contained information and facts on alcohol and other drugs in relation to

teens. At AP Low School, a coloring contest was sponsored and a student from each grade

level was selected. At JRRS Middle School, all students drew messages on liquor store

bags, depicting the dangers of drinking / drugging while driving. These bags were distrib-

uted by the NL Liquor Corporation during AAW.

There were various displays set up in the area and placemats were distributed to most

restaurants, depicting information rele-

vant to the week. Coffee breaks were

held at Curves / Status of Women,

CWJM Hospital and the Seniors Place.

Last, but not least, Sandy Penney part-

nered with Jackie Mayo, Wellness Coor-

dinator from the Youth Center, to begin

a four-week smoking cessation program

at the Youth Center. The week ended at

the Labrador West Young People’s Asso-

ciation with a pool tournament and the

‘Driving While Impaired’ stimulator gog-

gles.

Sandy Penney, Addictions Coordinator

Labrador West

Sandy Penney (left) poses with some of the participants

in the coloring contest at AP Low School in Labrador City.

Tina Coombs, Addictions Coordinator at

the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital,

cuts the cake at one of the many addic-

tions awareness activities that she held

throughout the area during the week of

November 19 – 25, 2006.

St. Anthony

AROUND THE REGION


In recognition of Occupational Therapy month, staff at CWJ

were invited to attend an "OT Tea and Talk" on October 19, 2006.

The teleconference talk, entitled Healthy Aging for All in the 21st

Century, was sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador

Association of Occupational Therapists. Suzanne Brake, Director

of Aging, Health and Community Services, provided a summary

of the Provincial Healthy Aging Framework and Plan which is

scheduled for release in February 2007.

Occupational Therapy “Tea and Talk”

In attendance at the OT Tea and Talk were (front row; l-r): Molly Hynes, Patti

Moores (OT), Claudine Kean Dobbin and Lorraine Mitchell; (back row, l-r):

Melissa Sullivan, Beverly Russell and Ozette Simpson.

Labrador West

Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital’s Recovery

Room has a new Vital Signs Monitor, thanks to a donation of

$5000 by Dr. Willie Arsenault from the proceeds of his CD sales,

in addition to $8000 from the Hospital Auxiliary’s ongoing

fundraisers. The new monitor tracks pulse, blood pressure and

dissolved oxygen levels. It has an audio as well as visual com-

ponent, so that staff may hear any changes in heart rate, in

addition to viewing it on the monitor.

On hand for the presentation were (l-r): Janet Parsons, Bernadette Power, Karen

Andrews, Ozette Simpson, Carol Valcourt, Eleanor Fowler, Sharon Kean and Dr.

Willie Arsenault.

A New Vital signs Monitor for CWJ

Thanks are extended to the United Church

Women’s Knitting Group for their generous

donation of quilts to the long term care residents

at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospi-

tal. Pictured here are members of the Knitting

Group with CWJMH Nursing staff and residents

(front, l-r): Mrs. Sheppard, Mary Williams, Mrs.

Ford and Bob Beasley (back). Missing from

photo is Mrs. Dove.

UCW Donates Quilts


The Black Tickle Community Clinic recently received a much needed facelift, complete with new siding, windows, shingles and

new oil tank. The clinic staff note that they are very pleased with the changes.

Black Tickle Clinic Gets a Facelift

A view of the Black Tickle Community Clinic after its recent renovations.

Black Tickle

AROUND THE REGION

On November 23, 2006, Donnie Sampson, Clinical Coordinator,

Community Clinics (South), and Rufina O’Dell, Regional Director of

Community Clinics, were pleased to have the opportunity to visit with

staff at the Black Tickle Community Clinic. The visit provided an oppor-

tunity to meet and discuss updates in the area of nursing services, and

to view recent renovations at the clinic. Donnie notes that the staff at

the clinic are a delight to visit. “Black Tickle has a very well organized

clinic”, she says. “The staff there are extremely efficient”.

Site Visit Held in November

Pictured outside the Black Tickle Community Clinic are (l-r): Donnie

Sampson, Clinical Coordinator, Community Clinics (South); Charles

Ash, Regional Nurse II; Rufina O’Dell, Regional Director of Communi-

ty Clinics and Donna Mathews, relief Public Health Nurse.

In early December, staff at the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau

gathered for a potluck lunch, in recognition of Dr. Azhar Toma, Family Physi-

cian, who was about to move to Buchan’s, NL. Dr. Toma worked in Forteau

from April to December, 2006, and was a valued member of the health care

team. The staff at the health centre wish him all the best in his future endeav-

ors.

Staff Gather for Potluck

Among those participating in the potluck were (l-r): Debbie Barney (Licensed Practical Nurse),

Levi Snook (Lab/X-ray Tech), Sheila Fitzgerald (Program Manager - Child Youth and Family Ser-

vices, visiting from Roddickton), Ron Griffin (Maintenance Repairer), Dr. Prabhu Benjamin,

Antoinette Cabot (Nurse Practitioner), Sarah Hancock (Team Leader), Freda Hancock (Clerk II), Dr.

Azhar Toma, Norman Cutler (Mental Health Nurse) and Betty Flynn (Public Health Nurse).

Forteau


AROUND THE REGION

On Wednesday November 1, 2006, grade nine students from across the country experienced a day at work through a program

called Take Our Kids to Work, a national program which allows students to job shadow a parent, relative or volunteer host and to

experience career options first hand. In St. Anthony, grade nine students from Harriott Curtis Collegiate were delighted to spend

a day with several Curtis Hospital staff who volunteered to provide them with a glimpse of a day at work in the health and com-

munity services fields.

Thank you to the following staff who participated: Mary Green, Eddie Woodford, Michelle Shears Rumbolt, Bart Gilbert, Aman-

da Ropson, Sheila Hillier, Elaine Hillier, Allen Loder, David Cull, Veronica Cull, Rita Reardon, Randy Howell, Lee Payne, Dr. Kweku

Dankwa, Durwin Jacque, Ben Farrell and Anthony Davis.

To learn more about the Take Our Kids to Work program, visit www.takeourkidstowork.ca.

Curtis Hospital Staff Participate in Take Our Kids to Work

Allen Loder, Electronic Technician, provided Nicholas Patey (right) with an

introduction to a typical day at the Biomedical Services Department.

St. Anthony

Veronica Cull, Licensed Practical Nurse, was pleased to host her daughter,

Kathy (left), as she gained insight into her Mom’s role in the Ambulatory Care

/ Emergency Department.

The staff at the Strait of Belle Isle Health Centre extend their best

wishes to Gorvin Myers, Social Worker, who will be leaving the organization

in January to begin a full-time position in Port Saunders with HRDE. Shown

here, Gorvin cuts a cake that was prepared for him on one of his last days of

work in Flower’s Cove.

Staff Gather to Wish Colleague

“Good Luck”

Flower’s Cove

AROUND THE REGION


October 20 – 27 marked Canadian Patient Safety Week. This year, the national cam-

paign served to raise awareness of hand hygiene and the role it plays in reducing health-

care-acquired infections. Throughout the region, Infection Control professionals held

workplace activities and events to promote the message of the 2006 theme: Patient

Safety: It’s in Your Hands. Clean them well. Clean them often.

Each day that week, a different activity was held for staff, each promoting the follow-

ing hand hygiene messages:

• Patient safety is our first priority and you play an important role in this process.

• Washing your hands is the single most important factor in reducing the spread of infection.

• It takes less than 60 seconds to wash your hands properly.

National Patient Safety week was celebrated at Paddon Home with a cake and many

other treats. Contests were held, posters were placed around the Home and a basket of

goodies was won by Esther Walsh, LPN. Shown here at the events are (l-r): Kim White, Lil

Bromley, Wavey Spence, Catriona Horwood, Melissa Dyson and Pam Bursey.

Jackie Mullaly (left) and Wanda Powell (right) proudly display their Patient

Safety Week prize packs, won during the awareness activities that were

held at the Labrador Health Centre.

Among those visiting the informative display and coffee break at the

Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital were (l-r): Shirley Best, Beverly

Pittman, Agnes McCarthy and Gaye Adams.

Canadian Patient Safety Week


FROM THE “HOMES”

John M. Gray Centre, St. Anthony

Residents at the John M. Gray Centre enjoyed a variety of seasonal activities this fall. On October 30, residents visited Shirley’s

Haven Personal Care Home to celebrate with them in a fun-filled Halloween Party. The following day, they were delighted to

receive a visit from the children at the Family Resource Centre. The sights of little children in such cute Halloween costumes

brought smiles to the faces of residents and staff alike. During this event, residents from Shirley’s Haven also visited the John M.

Gray, and joined in the singing and dancing while enjoying delicious Halloween treats.

During October, residents also participated in the annual Senior’s Day Social at the Royal Canadian Legion. The residents

enjoyed an afternoon of activities, including Bingo, a Cake Walk, music and dancing, followed by a delicious Jig’s Dinner. In Novem-

ber, various local community groups visited to perform hymns and traditional Newfoundland music. Residents sang along to the

fine tunes while enjoying it to the fullest. The residents and staff thank the many local performers, who so generously volunteered

their time. The residents also had an opportunity to enjoy a hearty meal of fish and brewis, a traditional Newfoundland favorite.

In December, the Christmas spirit was alive at the John M. Gray Centre, with glistening lights, traditional Christmas music and

holiday decorations. Local church organizations visited for Christmas carol celebrations. On December 19, residents joined in

prayer during the Annual Candlelight Service. On December 21, there was a visit from Santa Claus, the mummers, and the Pumper

Boys, as residents, families and staff celebrated together at the annual Christmas Party.

A special thank you is extended to everyone for their continued interest, support, dedication and kind acts of service to our

residents at the John M. Gray Centre. On behalf of residents and staff, I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a

happy, healthy New Year.

Heather Bromley, Recreation Specialist

Enjoying a beautiful autumn day outside are (l-r): Silas Eddison, Abram

Richards, Ambrose Curl (volunteer) and Albert Rumbolt.

Pictured at the Halloween party are (l-r): Lavinia Fillier, Dora Way and Mary

Jane Taylor.

Santa poses with residents at the John M. Gray Centre (l-r): Stella Compton,

Henry Genge, Santa (Felix Simmonds), Susan Fowler, Albert Rumbolt and

Boyd Pilgrim.Heather Bromley, Recreation Specialist and Mary Jane Taylor light the candles

at the Annual Candlelight Service.

Harry L. Paddon Memorial Home, Happy Valley – Goose Bay

In October, Paddon Home celebrated another great Hal-

loween party, with many staff and residents dressing up in cos-

tumes for this event. Music was provided by Flossie Oliver, Ray

Garnier and Lloyd Mansfield. Everyone danced up a storm, and

the residents who could not dance, joined in with warm smiles

and the clapping of hands. Games were played, pumpkins were

carved and decorated, and a delicious lunch was enjoyed by all.

On November 21, Happy Valley – Goose Bay had its first

snowfall, which brought out the child in Anne Wells, Head Nurse

at the Paddon Home. She was very eager to build a snowman for

the residents and rushed outside in her uniform and bare hands.

Quickly, you could tell this was not her first snowman, and with

the aid of a family visitor, George Way, she had it built in no time.

The attractive snowman sat proudly in front of the solarium and

was thoroughly enjoyed by the residents.

December was quite busy with our Christmas events. As in

other years, the Hospital Auxiliary hosted a special memorial

Carol sing fundraiser at Paddon Home. Community residents

made donations to hear a special Carol in memory of their loved

ones. This event tends to draw out many local performers and

people, making this event a huge success. The local talents per-

form exuberantly, and we would like to thank the Auxiliary and

performers for putting off

such a spectacular event

again this year. We look for-

ward to seeing you next year!

Sally Penney and Kim White,

Paddon Home

Residents Dorothy Fequet (left) and Flora Michelin donned costumes for the

Paddon Home Halloween Party.

Staff at the Paddon Home joined in the Halloween spirit, wearing brightly

decorated costumes to work on the day of the party.

Carolers perform at the Annual Memorial Carol Sing fundraiser at Paddon Memorial Home.

Paddon Home residents enjoyed the festivities of the holiday season.

FROM THE “HOMES”


George Way and Anne Wells build a fine

snowman to mark the beginning of winter.


SPECIAL FEATURE: CHRISTMAS IN FORTEAU

Nothing much out of the ordinary happens at the

Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau, except on December

15, 2006, when it was discovered that the Christmas tree in the

staff lounge in the basement was missing.

Early in the week of December 11, several staff were talk-

ing about the lack of Christmas decorations in the newly paint-

ed staff lounge. By Wednesday, with staff still remarking about

the lack of holiday décor, Dr. Francis Tompkins, Locum Dentist

and Sabrina Hancock, Dental Assistant, decided to go get a

tree. After dark, they trekked up through the woods behind

the health centre and found a beautiful tree about two and one

half feet tall.

They worked very hard cutting this tree, with Dr. Tompkins

falling down on her behind at one point during the process.

She recovered and they delivered this Charlie Brown – like tree

to the health centre and placed it in the staff lounge. With help

from Brandon, Sabrina’s son, they decorated the tree with dec-

orations they had obtained themselves. They were all so proud

of the tree and just couldn’t wait for all the staff to see it the

next day.

Thursday arrived and as the staff were arriving for work,

they discovered that the Charlie Brown tree was place outside

the entrance, and that a very extravagant seven-foot fiber-

optic tree was in its place. To make matters worse, the tree was

decorated with ornaments from the other little tree! This was

very much a mystery and staff pondered about it throughout

the day. The day passed and nothing was resolved.

Friday morning arrived and again, as staff were coming in

to work, they noticed, to their surprise, that the beautiful fiber-

optic tree was missing! The scene was as follows: the Charlie

Brown tree was put back in place and decorations could not be

found. Two plush Christmas Elves were gagged and tied up

near the scene with a picture of the culprits, along with a note,

placed above the tree. The note read “We have your tree”. The

picture illustrated two masked people in the process of taking

the tree.

The Case of the Missing Christmas Tree

Culprits make off with the artificial Christmas tree.

Two plush elves are all that remain.

The culprits and the missing tree are found (l-r): Dr. Francis Tompkins, Locum

Dentist; Doug Flynn, Carpenter; Sabrina Hancock, Dental Assistant, Constable

Phil Cyr and Ron Griffin, Maintenance Repairer.


SPECIAL FEATURE: CHRISTMAS IN FORTEAU

Beatrice Hancock, Laundry Worker, then called upon Constable

Phil Cyr, who is a good friend of the staff. Upon his swift arrival, the

RCMP officer proceeded to join in this holiday mystery, and in the spir-

it of good fun, put his mystery-solving skills to practice. Constable Cyr

looked very closely at the picture of the masked robbers and carefully

inspected the staff members present. He immediately noticed with his

highly sophisticated, intelligent and observant eyes that the shoes of

Francis matched those on the picture. Also, the watch of the other

masked robbers matches Sabrina’s. He had found the culprits!

There was many a good laugh exchanged as the events of the past

two days unfolded. On the night that Dr. Tompkins and Sabrina cut

and decorated the tree, their colleagues in the Maintenance depart-

ment discovered it, and immediately realized the fire hazard this fresh-

ly cut tree posed. As it was against facility regulations, they removed

it, but kindly replaced it with an artificial tree. Not knowing what had

happened, and to add to the fun of finding out

the real story, Dr. Tompkins and Sabrina decid-

ed to “kidnap” the new artificial tree.

As the details unfolded, Bonnie Davis,

Clerical, also discovered that the fibre-optic

tree was standing in a nearby room! The tree

was immediately placed in the staff lounge!

The mystery was solved and everybody

was happy. The staff proceeded to enjoy an

evening of Christmas caroling, complete with

a visit from Santa and a tasty lunch. Then

things were back to normal at the Labrador

South Health Centre. Everyone, including

Constable Cyr, had a great chuckle and a fun

filled day.

Trimming the tree (l-r): Kay Buckle (Licensed Practical Nurse), Rosetta Flynn

(Licensed Practical Nurse), Beryl Belbin (Regional Nurse), Freda Hancock (Clerk

II) and Bonnie Davis (Typist II).Decorating the Health Centre (l-r): Bonnie Davis (Typist II) and Rosetta Flynn

(Licensed Practical Nurse).

During the holidays, employees at the Labrador South Health Centre

took some time to share in a staff breakfast. Pictured here are (l-r):

Bonnie Davis (Typist II), Loretta Hancock (Cook), Debbie Barney

(Licenced Practical Nurse), and Glenda Normore (Cook).

During the staff breakfast, Frosty the Snowman

(a.k.a., Gaye Barney, Relief Clerical/Domestic),

made a surprise visit.

Santa poses with Cornelia Linstead, District

Health Coordinator, at the Staff Children's

Christmas Party, held at the Labrador South

Health Centre in Forteau.

Christmas M

Paul (P. G.) Genge of Forrester’s Point (right) joined St.

Anthony Deputy Mayor Doug Mills in lighting this

year’s Christmas Tree at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial

Hospital, on December 6, 2006.

Employees at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital participated in a Christmas Tea,

sponsored by the Mental Health Staff on December 18, 2006.

On December 5, 2006, Paddon Home staff and their spouses held the annual Christmas

Carol sing-along, with music provided by John Neville, Dave Dyson and Lorenzo Webber.

This was one of the first events to mark the busy festive season. It was well attended by

many residents and staff. Among those who participated were (back, l-r): Esther Walsh,

Rowena Hayden, Lil Marshall, Wavey Montague, Wayne Sheppard, Jody Burry, Vivian

Davis and Vena Goudie; (front, l-r): Dave Dyson, Lorenzo Webber, Hazel Michelin and

Mary Pottle.

The children of employees in Happy Valley – Goose Bay enjoyed

an opportunity to chat with Santa Claus at the annual Chil-

dren’s Christmas party, held at the at the Kinsmen Centre, on

December 10.

Staff at the Nain Community Clinic were pleased to have Safety Bear stop by during

their Christmas party, to wish them a safe and happy holiday season.

Ray Norman of the Board of Directors (left) joined Deanne

Costello, Acting Regional Director of Mental Health and Addic-

tions (centre) and Blenda Dredge, Regional Director of Rehabil-

itation and Therapeutic Intervention Services (right) as they

partnered with Aramark staff to serve a delicious turkey dinner

to employees at the all staff Christmas luncheon at Curtis

Hospital on December 14.

Memories 2006

Staff at Flower’s Cove gather for their annual Christmas dinner at the Strait of Belle Isle Health

Centre.

Enjoying the staff children’s Christmas party at the

Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital are Patti

Moores, Occupational Therapist, and her sons Daniel

(left), Sean (right), and Patrick Henderson (on Santa’s

knee).

The Mental Health and Addictions Team (south) celebrated the Christmas season with

lunch, dessert party and gift exchange on December 13. Pictured here, with bellies full

of Orange/Pineapple Snowball and Chocolate Cheesecake are: front row (seated): Dan-

nette Darrigan, Tina Coombs, Tanya Dredge and Sheila Genge; back row (standing): Karla

Loder, Cassie Patey, Joyce Pilgrim, Shane Bridle, Shirley Best, Deanne Costello, Janice

Genge and Rhonda Green. Missing from the photo are Wayne Alyward and Norman Cut-

ler.

On December 6, 2006, staff at Health Records Department,

Labrador Health Centre, were among those who held a

potluck lunch and brought gifts to donate to the “happy

tree”. These gifts were brought to a local church for distribu-

tion to families in need. Shown here are (l-r): Fran Lawrence,

Wanda Powell, Brent Bussey and Barb Wolfrey.

Kindergarten students in Labrador City were pleased to perform Christmas carols at the Chapel service at the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital.

Staff and their families in Port Hope Simpson gathered to celebrate in a Christmas dinner together.

Maintenance staff Ted Rumbolt (Mary’s Harbour), Gerald Chubbs (St. Lewis) and Carl

Kippenhuck (Charlottetown met in Port Hope Simpson on November 3, 2006, to receive

training on FIT Testing for respiratory precautions. In addition, the new CPR guidelines

were reviewed and the staff were in-serviced on the operation of laptop computers and

LCD projectors in delivering presentations.

Maintenance Staff Gather in Port

Hope Simpson for Professional Development

Community Clinics

Maintenance staff Ted Rumbolt demonstrates the proper FIT Testing technique with Donnie Sampson, Clinical

Coordinator, Southern Clinics.


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

On November 4, the four PCAs from the southern com-

munity clinics met in Port Hope Simpson for an inservice on

proper sterilization techniques and to review a self learning

package, write an exam and receive some practical experi-

ence with the autoclave. Everyone learned a lot from this

experience and used the opportunity to set standards for

future quality assurance activities.

Sterilization Techniques

Participating in the in-service proper sterilization techniques were PCAs (l-r)

Annie Poole (St. Lewis), Beverly Russell (Port Hope Simpson), Ella Marshall

(Charlottetown) and Olive Rumbolt (Mary’s Harbour).

PCAs recently received an in-service on the new Nortel

telephone system which is now installed in some of the com-

munity clinics. Alliant Facilitator, Linda Sutton visited Port

Hope Simpson for the in-service and PCAs from the surround-

ing communities traveled to join in this educational opportu-

nity.

New Nortel Telephone System

Learning about the new Nortel system were (front, l-r): Elizabeth Hicks (Port

Hope Simpson) and Violet Strugnell (Port Hope Simpson); (back, l-r): Olive

Rumbolt (Mary’s Harbour), Ella Marshall (Charlottetown), Annie Poole (St.

Lewis) and Dora Poole (St. Lewis).

PCAs from Southern Community Clinics Together for In-Servicing

Congratulations are extended to Goldie White, Regional

Nurse II, Makkovik Community Clinic, and Janet Dumaresque,

Regional Nurse I, Labrador South Health Centre, Forteau, on

their graduation from the Centre for Nursing Studies PHC-NP

program November 16, 2006. This 16-month program pre-

pares Nurses for the role and responsibilities as a Nurse Prac-

titioner. It includes teleconferences, labs, exams, clinical

experience and such courses as Community Health Promo-

tion, Pharmacology and Advanced Clinical Decision Making.

Janet received the Clinical Excellence Award. Goldie received

a standing ovation from her colleagues at graduation. Goldie

and Janet, we wish you well in your future endeavors.

Nursing Management and Co-workers

Labrador-Grenfell Health

Nurse Practitioners Graduate

St. Anthony

Janet Dumaresque (left) and Goldie White pose together at their graduation

in November.



December 5-8, 2006, marked the first time in 16 years

that the Regional Nurse IIs from the community clinics were

able to get together for a three-day workshop. This event

allowed an opportunity to meet each other face to face,

which is always a challenge when working in remote commu-

nities.

The teaching sessions were very informative, providing

the latest guidelines on Diabetes, Hypertension and Clinical

Breast Exams. The workshop also provided an excellent plat-

form to present the new guidelines for SOAP charting and

securing the chart. The Regional Nurses were certainly up for

the challenge. A review of Labor and Delivery and Sexual

Assault kits was also covered, just a few advanced skills a

Regional Nurse must have knowledge of for their practice.

The last day provided a chance for the Regional Nurses to

share in their stress management and team building tech-

niques. The life they lead is very unique and teamwork is very

important. The workshop was very successful in making con-

nections and bridging the gaps of distance.

Kathy Elson, Clinical Coordinator

Regional Nurse II Workshop Held

Pictured here together at the Regional Nurse II workshop are: back row, l-r:

Maggie Angnatok (Nain), Helen Michelin (Rigolet), Joan Paul-Kent (Churchill

Falls), Bob Wiscombe (Mary’s Harbour), Delrose Gordon (Natuashish), Julie

MacIsaac (Hopedale) and Kathy Elson (Happy Valley – Goose Bay); middle

row, l-r: Donnie Sampson (Port Hope Simpson) Marilyn Kippenhuck (Char-

lottetown), Joy Barrett (Makkovik); front row, l-r: Pat Kelsall (North West

River), Victoria Paul (St. Lewis ) and Margaret Spracklin (Cartwright).

An ACLS Instructors’ Update course was held in the Boardroom at Curtis Memor-

ial Hospital on October 30, 2006. Paula Mullins-Richards, Director of Health Pro-

motion and Resuscitation Programs of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NL

provided the ACLS Instructors with the new ACLS course information. Also, on

behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Paula presented a new Automatic

External Defibrillator (AED) trainer machine for use with the BCLS and ACLS

courses.

The Employee Development Department would like to express sincere apprecia-

tion to the Heart and Stroke Foundation for providing this valuable piece of

equipment to aid in providing quality life support training to our employees.

Muriel Budgell, Employee Development Coordinator

ACLS Instructors’ Update Course Held

Accepting the AED from Paula Mullins-Richards (second

from right) are ACLS trainers (l-r) Beverly Pittman, Paula

Gould, Dr. Vivien Pealing, Dr. Jeremy Hillyard and Dr.

Mahesh Guntamukkala.



Labrador City

Karen Olford and Cavell Bolger have been teaching the TNCC course

to nurses in Labrador since 1997. Throughout this time, they have taught

the course together and with other TNCC Instructors in Nain, Churchill

Falls, Labrador City, Happy Valley – Goose Bay and St John's.

“It is my belief that every nurse working in an emergency Depart-

ment - or who has to respond to help during a trauma - should have the

practical hands on knowledge this course offers” says Karen. “While

teaching this 20-hour course is a lot of work, I have continued to teach

TNCC, as I know it gives the patients in the communities in which we live

and serve a better chance of surviving a trauma event”.

Nurses who take the course find it extremely valuable, due to the

practical theory and the hands on scenarios which allow them to feel

more confident in their role in a trauma situation. According to Karen,

this makes all the time spend preparing and teaching this course worth-

while!

Trauma Nursing Core Course Offered

TNCC participants included, front row (l-r): Melanie Stagg, Amanda

Guy, Lois Carroll, Cavel Bolger, Karen Oldford and Dawn Mills; back

row: Shaun Boozan.

Roddickton

On Tuesday, October 17, 2006, a special workshop on Pandemic Influenza and the importance of emergency planning in

the White Bay Central Region was held at the Roddickton Arena Conference Room. Sponsored by the White Bay Central Health

Centre, the workshop was facilitated by Carol Brice-Bennett, Coordinator for Health Emergency Planning with Labrador-Gren-

fell Health.

The very informative and enlightening session was fairly well attended by both staff from the Health Centre and the dif-

ferent communities in the region. It provided some very useful information to move ahead with formulating an action plan.

Special thanks to Carol Brice-Bennett and all who attended the workshop.

Pandemic Influenza Workshop held at Roddickton

Gertie Bromley, District Health Coordinator (left), chats with Carol

Brice-Bennett, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.

Community representatives (l-r) Michael Ivany, Gerry Bromley and

Alice Flynn, attended the workshop.



During 2005 and 2006, the Task Group Inukshuk on Volun-

teer Standards and Best Practices, with the support of the

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) and its

Volunteer Issues Committee, has been holding regional Con-

sultation Workshops to give practitioners a chance to identify

areas of practice that need attention.

Volunteer support is one of the significant issues that is

raised in all parts of the country. Volunteer Managers want to

know how best to make volunteers’ working conditions sup-

portive and nourishing. Volunteers want to know why their

needs for support are sometimes overlooked, leaving them to

sort things out themselves.

Using its Emerging Model, the Task Group has begun to

look at these questions in the following Framework:

1. What are the goals of care established for patient, family

and team?

• Continuity of care

• Understanding the roles of each team member

• Clear, honest and timely communication. Notice that

patient/family goals are often similar to those of the care

team members themselves.

2. What are the outcomes desired for the volunteers?

• An understanding of their roles and those of other team

members

• An understanding of the care system

• To be active and informed

• To have on-going educational opportunities

• To feel and are part of the larger team.

3. What are the barriers to achieving desired outcomes?

• Lack of funding

• Lack of support from the Board

• Lack of understanding by other team members with regard

to volunteer roles and competencies.

• Lack of clear, direct communication.

• A common understanding among Board members, volun-

teers and paid staff is required. This takes direction, time and

commitment.

4. What processes may help move through the barriers?

• All-round team education starting with hospice palliative

care values and principles.

• A culture of sharing and learning: this requires leadership

commitment.

• Assure support when support is needed, not when it is con-

venient for the organization.

• Timely and continuous support, learning, debriefing and

appreciation. When volunteers experience the need for sup-

port as a result of their work with patients and family mem-

bers, they need that support without delay. Staff and other

volunteers must be available at those times in an easy way.

This is a much abbreviated summary of the material the

Task Group is working on in the area of support. For updates

and to become more involved, please contact taskgroupinuk-

[email protected].

Jerry Rothstein

Chair, Task Group Inukshuk

Chair, National Volunteer Interest Group

Member, CHPCA Volunteer Issues Committee

Note: The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association

(CHPCA) is the national association which provides leadership

in hospice palliative care in Canada. CHPCA offers leadership in

the pursuit of excellence in care for persons approaching death

so that the burdens of suffering, loneliness and grief are less-

ened.

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association’s Volunteer Connection

TRIVIAThis issue:

Q: In 1883, Dr. Grenfell went on his first lecture tour. Who sponsored him, and who accompanied Dr. Grenfell on this journey?

Last issue:

Q: The first Grenfell Hospital was built in Battle Harbour in 1893. On what date was it totally destroyed by fire?

A: The Battle Harbour Hospital was destroyed by fire on November 5, 1930 (Guy Fawkes Night). Thank you to Mr. Alwyn Sans-

ford of Bridgewater, NS, for submitting the correct response.


SERVICE AWARDS

Service Awards 2005

Five YearsKimberley Blake

Kenneth Brinston

Eleanor Fowler

Crystal Hickey

Cyrilla Hillier

Michelle Piercey

Dr. Johannes Van Schalkwyk

Pauline winter

Ten YearsGlenda Murphy

Wanda Young

Fifteen Years Marina Brett

Jackie Whelan

Twenty Years Susan Bourgeois

Joanne Lundrigan

Emma Stirling

Twenty-Five Years Michelle Boland

Harold Butt

Kathleen Canning

Madonna Matienzo

Helen Picco

Yvonne Tiller Edwards

Tammy Turpin

Thirty Years Marie Froude

Labrador West

Five YearsJoy Barrett

Josie Benuen-Pone

Dorothy Bragg

Christine Broomfield

Brent Bussey

Mohammad Iqbal Chaudhary

Tim Gear

Denise Gould

Vivian House

Heather Hynes

Michelle Jacobs

Jodean M.A. Jefford

Martin Kalleo

Karla D. Lambert

Anne Martin

Arlene M. Michelin

Helen Michelin

Edward Morgan

Tara Ralph

Keith R. Russell

Margaret Spracklin

Anne Marie Tobin

Tracey Ward

Brenda Woodward

Ten YearsDoreen Brown

Alban Bruce

Jacqueline Dyson

Lester Kippenhuck

Lillian Marshall

Roslyn Roche

Corina Simmonds

Labrador East

Fifteen Years Sheila Broomfield

Pamela Browne

Lauree Edison

Peggy Hann

Donald Newman

Gladys Peach

Robert Shiwak

Mary Smith

Lorenzo Webber

Twenty Years Kathy Decker

Michael Fleming

Paula Hynes

Debbie Pelley

Mary Snelgrove

Antonio Valdes

Twenty-Five Years Ann Maidment

Elva Martin

Donna Michelin

Kevin Montague

Iris O’Leary

Anthony Russell

Thirty Years Theresa Blake

SERVICE AWARDS


Chief Executive Officer Boyd Rowe presents Anne Martin, Laboratory

Assistant, with a token of recognition for her five years of service with

the organization.

Mary Smith, Clerk Typist in Churchill Falls (left) receives her fif-

teen year pen from Donnie Sampson, Clinical Coordinator, Com-

munity Clinics.

Ann Maidment, Stockhandler at the Labrador Health Centre, accepts

her twenty-five year watch from CEO, Boyd Rowe.

In attendance at the Service Awards (2005) event in Labrador City on November 28, 2006 were (l-r): Ken Brinston, Michelle Boland, Harold Butt,

Emma Stirling, Helen Picco, Joanne Lundrigan, Pauline Winter, Eleanor Fowler, Tammy Turpin, Wanda Young, Jackie Whelan, Yvonne Tiller-Edwards

and Dr. J. Van Schalkwyk. Missing from photo is Susan Bourgeois.

Corina Simmonds accepts a gift from Boyd

Rowe in recognition of her ten years of service.

FOCUS ON STAFF


Rod Simmons

Born in Greens Harbour, Trinity

Bay and raised in St. John’s, Rod

changed careers in 2001 after 14

years in sales. He graduated

from Memorial University with a

Bachelor of Science degree in

2005. He had worked with Com-

munity Living Toronto as a Resident Counsellor in

2004 and during the past year worked as a Job

Coach with Vera Perlin, as well as a Behavioural Aide

through Eastern Health.

As a Behavioural/Child Management Specialist with

Labrador-Grenfell Health based in St. Anthony, Rod

will develop and implement home-based interven-

tion programs designed to decrease maladaptive

behaviours and increase more appropriate behav-

iours. Additionally, he will design and implement

strategies to increase childhood outcomes.

Welcome to St. Anthony, Rod. We hope you enjoy

living and working here.

Linda Hillier (photo unavailable)

Linda Hillier has been appointed to the position of

Community Dietitian. The position, based in St.

Anthony, will focus on health promotion in normal

nutrition and client and staff education needs

regarding prevention, assessment and manage-

ment of various diseases. Travel to the surrounding

communities will be determined upon needs, in

consultation with clinic and public health staff.

Linda has held a variety of positions throughout her

career, working as inpatient dietitian, community

diabetes educator, Food , Housekeeping and Laun-

dry Manager and Regional Food and Nutrition

Management positions. Her most recent position

was as Food Service Manager, with ARAMARK Cana-

da Ltd, at Curtis Memorial Hospital. Congratula-

tions, Linda. We wish you all the best in your new

role.

Shirley Harris (photo unavailable)

Shirley has accepted the Word Processing Equip-

ment Operator I position with Child, Youth and

Family Services in Nain. She will be responsible for

carrying out office duties. Congratulations and

good luck in your new position, Shirley.

Melissa Harris

Melissa comes from Lower

Sackville, Nova Scotia. She grad-

uated with a Bachelor of Science

in Nursing from Dalhousie

University in October, 2006.

Melissa has accepted a full-time

float nurse position and will be working between

the Labrador Health Centre and the Paddon Home

in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Welcome to Labrador,

Melissa and all the best as you begin your career in

nursing.

Steve Halley

Steve is from Mount Pearl. He completed a Bachelor of Social Work degree through the Univer-

sity of Calgary, in Edmonton in 2002 and returned to Newfoundland and Labrador to look for

work. He worked initially in the hotel industry, until September 2006 when he accepted a posi-

tion as Social Worker with Labrador-Grenfell Health.

Steve will be working with Child, Youth and Family Services in Sheshatshui in the area of Child

Protection. He says he’s excited about being in Labrador and looks forward to the unique chal-

lenges he expects to find working there. All the best as you live and work in Labrador, Steve.


FOCUS ON STAFF

Christine Ponniuk

Originally from Goose Bay, Chris-

tine recently completed a Bache-

lor of Social Work at Dalhousie

University in Halifax, graduating

in October 2006. She has

accepted a Social Work position

working with Child, Youth and

Family Services in Nain. Welcome back to Labrador,

Christine and good luck in your new position.

Michelle Merkuratsuk

Michelle comes from Burgeo, NL.

She now lives in Nain and has

accepted a Personal Care Atten-

dant position with Labrador-

Grenfell Health. She will be

responsible for a variety of

duties including housekeeping,

specimen collection, administrative work, etc.

Michelle says she is looking forward to working in

the health care field. Welcome, Michelle and con-

gratulations on your new position.

Bill Griffiths (photo unavailable)

Bill grew up in Chapel Arm, Trinity Bay, NL. He has also lived in Long Harbour, Placentia Bay and spent a few years

in Ontario. He graduated from the college of the North Atlantic’s Biomedical Engineering Technology Program in

June 2006.

Bill accepted a position with Labrador-Grenfell Health working in the Maintenance Department of the Biomedical

Shop in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He says he enjoys the outdoors and looks forward to the fishing. Welcome to

Labrador, Bill.

RETIREMENT

Rosemary Fillier joined the Inter-

national Grenfell Association at Curtis

Hospital, St. Anthony, in late 1973. At

the time, Rosemary was already an

experienced nurse, having graduated

nursing school in her native New

Brunswick in 1968. In 1976, Rose-

mary transferred to the St. Anthony

Interfaith Home, but then moved

back up the street again to Curtis

Hospital in 1983.

Rosemary has held several staff

nurse and supervisory positions, but

since 1985 until her retirement on

November 30, 2006, held the post of Infection Control/Staff

Health Nurse. As part of these responsibilities, she completed

the Occupational Health Nursing Diploma Program through St.

Lawrence College, Brockville, in 1997.

Always willing to help in her quiet, but dependable way,

Rosemary often assisted in the Pharmacy department when

the Pharmacist was away and participated in a variety of com-

mittees, most notably the Employee

Assistance Program, Infection Con-

trol and Occupational Health and

Safety. Probably the most well-

known of Rosemary’s extra duties

was her willingness to be the escort

on countless Medevac trips.

As happens to many staff from

away, Rosemary caught the eye of a

local guy (or maybe it was the other

way around?!) and married Wil-

bourne Fillier, former long-time R/T

(radio-telephone) Dispatch Operator

at Curtis Hospital, and they have

raised two daughters. Both Rosemary and Wilb have had some

serious health issues in recent years and I know that they will

both now be able to take the time to enjoy their cabin at North-

west Arm and their grandchildren in Western Canada.

All the best for a Happy and Healthy Retirement, Rose-

mary!

Barbara Molgaard-Blake, Chief Operating Officer (South)

Rosemary Fillier

HEALTH PROMOTION FEATURE


On December 7, 2006,

the Labrador Breastfeeding

Coalition hosted coffee

breaks at the Labrador

Health Centre and the Cap-

tain William Jackman

Memorial Hospital. The

event, entitled “Do you

know WHO?” focused on

the promotion of the World

Health Organization’s Code

on Breastfeeding and

Labrador-Grenfell Health’s

policy on breastfeeding.

Coffee, tea and treats were enjoyed by staff as they visited an information

booth and listened to a short talk on the code and policy. Soon, a letter

explaining the breastfeeding policy will be sent to all staff, with the hopes

that we can become an environment that truly supports breastfeeding.

Thanks to the Coalition members who made this event possible and also

to the helpful food service staff for all their support.

Kelly Janes

Health Promotion and Wellness Coordinator

Promoting Breastfeeding in Labrador

Heather Watkins, Licensed Practical Nurse (left) and

Claudine Kean Dobbin, Public Health Nurse at the

Breastfeeding Coffee Break at the Captain William

Jackman Memorial Hospital in Labrador City.

On October 26, 2006, adminis-

trators from the Labrador School

Board spent a day with representa-

tives from the Department of Edu-

cation, Labrador-Grenfell Health,

and Andrew Battcock, the School

Health Promotion Liaison Consul-

tant for the Labrador School

District. The day gave the principals

a better look at Living Healthy at

the provincial level and ongoing

developments and initiatives.

Administrators were provided

with a presentation on the School

Food Guidelines and the applica-

tion to their individual schools.

Much discussion and questions

pursued with many good things happening in schools, regard-

ing healthy choices and active living initiatives.

The administrators were also introduced to Labrador-

Grenfell Health staff, namely, Theresa Dyson, Regional Director

of Community Health and Wellness; Kelly Janes, Health and

Wellness Coordinator; Bonnie Han-

cock-Moore, Mental Health Case

Manager and Dee Dee Voisey,

Public Health Nurse. Discussion

ensued around Tobacco Free

Schools and the new Physical Activ-

ity Initiative, with new projects

beginning very soon, and others

already moving forward.

The school administrators also

had an opportunity to try out a cou-

ple of activities which make up the

“Treasure Chest” project already in

schools.

The day proved very successful,

with administrators totally support-

ive of the Living Healthy movement and all wanting to increase

awareness, providing the best opportunity for their students.

Andrew Battcock, School Health Promotion Liaison Consultant

Labrador School District

“Living Healthy” with School District Administrators

School administrators enjoy activities at the “Living Healthy”

workshop.

A community education session was held at

the community center in St. Lewis on Wednesday,

November 21, 2006. Together with Ethel Byrne,

Regional Diabetes Nurse Educator, participants

discussed healthy lifestyle, diabetes prevention

and control and the challenges they experience.

As identified in the sessions, getting fresh milk,

fruit and vegetables is definitely a challenge at

times! Victoria Paul, Regional Nurse, also attend-

ed the sessions to help in the discussions and

offer support to the participants. A healthy lunch

was served, sponsored by Northern Regional Well-

ness Coalition and educational materials were

also available.

Community groups interested in having simi-

lar Lunch and Learns in their area are encouraged

to contact Ethel Byrne, Regional Diabetes Nurse

Educator at (709) 454-3333, extension 280.

Ethel Byrne

Regional Diabetes Nurse Educator

Wellness Lunch and Learn

Session Held in St. Lewis

COMINGS AND GOINGS

ALONG THE COAST TO LABRADOR – APRIL-JULY, 2006, PAGE 23

Dr. Jeremy Hillyard first arrived in St. Anthony from the

United Kingdom in the summer of 1986 to do a surgical

locum for about six weeks. St. Anthony

must have made a good impression on both

Dr. Hillyard and his wife, Gill, as they

returned in January, 1987, and have spent

almost 20 years with us; raising two children

here and becoming part of the community.

I know it is with very mixed feelings that

they have decided to move on to new

opportunities and two little granddaugh-

ters in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Hillyard completed his medical school training in

Liverpool in 1974 and went on to complete further surgical

training. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Sur-

geons in 1981. As is well known, Dr. Hillyard’s interest and

expertise lies in urology. He has always been an essential

part of the general surgical team and has provided an amaz-

ing amount of support in other clinical, professional devel-

opment and administrative areas.

In addition to his surgical responsibilities, Dr. Hillyard

served in the difficult and demanding post of Medical Direc-

tor from 1993 to 1999. From 2001 to today, he has been

Labrador-Grenfell Health‘s Medical Officer

of Health (South).

These have been just his official roles!

In times when we have been short of med-

ical staff in other areas, Dr. Hillyard has cov-

ered for long periods of times, particularly

in obstetrics. Dr. Hillyard and Gill have both

been very active members of the local com-

munity, through groups such as the Lion’s

Club, the Amateur Radio Club, and very notably, the Hospital

Auxiliary and Grenfell Historical Society.

A Farewell Tea was held in Dr. Hillyard’s honour on

December 1, 2006, with many speeches, messages and pre-

sentations from a variety of staff. On behalf of Labrador-

Grenfell Health, I wish Dr. Hillyard the very best in his new

position as Medical Director/Chief of Staff in Antigonish,

Nova Scotia.

Barbara Molgaard Blake

Chief Operating Officer (South)

Long Term Surgeon Departs After 20 Years of Service

CARTWRIGHT

Medina Foley Regional Nurse

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY

Mehrnza Asadollahi Pharmacy Student Charlotte Burden Utility worker Eileen Hillier Utility WorkerCavelle Clark Food Service Worker Suzanne Colbourne Food Service Worker Leo Drake Computer Support Specialist William (Bill) Griffiths Biomedical Engineer Melissa Harris Nurse I Kim Ward Nurse I

NAIN

Shirley Harris Word Processing Equipment Operator – CYFS Christine Ponniuk Social Worker II – CYFS

SHESHATSHUI

Jack Penashue District Manager – CYFS Stephanie Mercer Child Management Specialist – CFYS

ST. ANTHONY

Linda Hillier Community DietitianLori Bessey Registered NurseTerri Woodward Licensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Tara Elliott Licensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Tanya Simon Registered NurseMarcella Lavallee Dental Hygienist (Returned from LOA)

RIGOLET

Andrew Michelin Laborer

BLACK TICKLE

Albert Morris Laborer (Temporary)Albert Dyson Laborer (Temporary)

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY

Larry Hynes Food Service Worker Paula Hynes Lab Tech II Marjorie Johnston Nurse I

LABRADOR CITY

Margaret Kenny Licensed Practical Nurse Ada Strowbridge Clerk Typist II

MAKKOVIK

Todd Broomfield Maintenance Repairer I

NAIN

Sandra Dicker Community Service Worker – CYFS Carla Pamak Community Service Worker – CYFS

SHESHATSHUI

Germaine Riche Community Service Worker – CYFS

ST. ANTHONY

Kim McIvor Speech Language PathologistMike Petten Biomedical Engineering TechnologistRosemary Fillier Staff Health/Infection Control Nurse (Retired)Marlene Penney Registered NurseDr. J. Hillyard Surgeon (Leave of Absence)

RODDICKTON

Dr. T. G. Nadeem Family Physician

WELCOME TO: GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK TO:


FROM THE PAST

“Santy Claus, He’s Here”Constance 0. Furrer

From Among the Deep Sea Fishers, January 1948

Along the Coast to Labradoris a quarterly publication from the

Regional Newsletter Committee, Labrador-Grenfell Health

St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0

Phone (709) 454-0128 • Fax: (709) 454-2052

Email: [email protected] • Website: www.lghealth.ca

Printed by Transcontinental, 1-800-563-7889

From behind mounds of Christmas wrappings, toys and

oddly bulging stockings, Beanie and I straightened up to

watch as the office door opened expectantly. “Sauty Claus,

he’s ‘ere, Miss,” squeaked three-year-old Hayden, “cause me

seed ‘im tum h’in last night on dogs!” “Yes, Hayden, he certain-

ly did come! Now, suppose you close the door and take Belin-

da out to finish building that snow-house of yours.” “Yes, Miss,

O.K. Miss,” and off he ran. For Beanie and me, this was the last

week of four we had spent planning and preparing the chil-

dren’s Christmas. Through the generosity of friends in Canada

and the States, these children, some orphans, some partially

so, would have joyous festivities on Christmas. Sixty-four stock-

ings had been filled and were now well hidden. One hundred

and twenty—eight gifts appropriate for ages of from eighteen

months to eighteen years had been wrapped, tied and tagged

and also hidden!

Came the gala day when we took some of the youngsters

on dogs to cut our Christmas tree and to gather boughs for

trimming all things trimmable. We secured several dogteams,

put three youngsters on each komatik, and off we tore to the

woods about five miles distant. There we all donned racquets

(for if we hadn’t we would have sunk deeper than our waists in

snowdrifts), and clumsily waddled off to cut boughs. Between

them, our drivers chopped us a gorgeous tree. Then we lashed

piles of boughs and the tree to the komatiks and perched the

children on top of it! Naturally, there were some spills, but they

added to the fun and, of course, many were maneuvered on

purpose. We were about frozen when we arrived back at our

open fire, steaming cocoa, bread and molasses and stories.

The next day, Christmas Eve, we decorated the whole

Orphanage building inside and out. What shouts filled those

walls! We dug out colored paper, scrounged tinsel and made

wreaths for each window; table decorations and small sprigs

of green stood guard around the creche in the playroom. There

were popcorn balls and partridge berry strings for the tree.

Towards the end of that day came glowing vows from

Johnny, Garland and Wavey that they’d stay awake to watch for

and welcome Santa. Several plates of bread and molasses

were left at strategic points for his consumption.

Everyone knows the difficulty of getting two or three

youngsters of one family to bed the night before Christmas.

Imagine sixty plus! However, with much gaiety, piggyback

rides, a pillow fight or two, and carols to wind up, silence

reigned. Though not for long . . . because at four, on the crack-

ing cold Christmas morning, Beanie crawled out of bed to play

Santa in authentic costume. Three-score pairs of eyes were

wide open and had apparently been so for a long time. We

produced, along with the stockings, oranges and apples. The

day had indeed begun!

From there to breakfast, to church, then back to a whop-

ping dinner of roast pork with all the trimmings, and ice cream

too, finally, lest nobody would be able to move, we adjourned

to the playroom to stare in awe at the tree and to await the

momentous arrival of Santa.

Bright red trucks for some of the boys, candy, mitts, dolls

by the dozen, a sled or two, more candy, a sweater and caps for

the older boys; for the oldest girls enough material to make a

suit in sewing class at school. At length there was no more.

After a few more carols, with happy hearts and sticky hands,

the children ran out to play. Christmas at the Orphanage was

over.

OBITUARY

Mr. Hubert Colbourne

It is with sadness that Labrador-Grenfell Health notes the

passing of Mr. Hubert Colbourne on November 26, 2006. He

was 81 years old.

Mr. Colbourne joined the Housekeeping/Utility Depart-

ment at Curtis Memorial Hospital in 1968 and retired in 1990

after 32 years of service. Prior to commencing work at Curtis

Memorial Hospital, Mr. Colbourne was a fisherman in Little

Brehat and in St. Anthony.

He is predeceased by his fist wife Nina and survived by his

second wife Winnie, six sons, three daughters and their fami-

lies, as well as a large circle of relatives and friends.

Documents

November-December, 2006 Along the Coast to Labrador Nov-Dec 06.pdfwere invited to attend an "OT Tea and Talk" on October 19, 2006. The teleconference talk, entitled Healthy Aging for