Miramichi Blog

Kidney Foundation Miramichi Chapter launches Kidney Month

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Local Miramichi Chapter will officially launch Kidney Month and its March Drive at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on March 1, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in the level 5 View Point Dining Room. Their official partnership with Northumberland Dairy in promoting kidney health will also be launched. An information display will be available in the lobby of the Miramichi Regional Hospital from March1-7.

In attendance will be John McKay, Mayor of the City of Miramichi, Jennifer Dobbelsteyn, executive director of the Kidney Foundation, New Brunswick Branch, Karen Buchanan, fundraising coordinator for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, New Brunswick Branch, Marilyn Underhill, vice-president for professional services at the Miramichi Regional Health Authority, Frank Gallivan, Northumberland Dairy Sales Representative, local Miramichi chapter members, March Drive volunteers and special guest speaker, Jack Fracker, future kidney transplant recipient and Kidney Foundation Miramichi Chapter Board member.

“This will be an opportunity to inform the community about the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the work it does as well as provide information about the prevention of kidney disease,” says Elizabeth Chute, Miramichi Chapter President. She says Mr. Fracker will also offer his perspective as a kidney patient. Fracker is scheduled to have his kidney transplant in March.

“Northumberland Dairy is proud to team up with the Kidney Foundation to assist in creating awareness about kidney disease by providing information on its Northumberland 2L milk cartons,” said Jack Christie, General Manager of the New Brunswick owned dairy. “Northumberland Dairy has been involved in supporting non-profit organizations with its milk carton side panel advertising program for many years. This is a unique and effective way Northumberland can help share this important message to people across the province, ” continued Christie. The program runs for approximately four weeks in stores and remains in the consumers’ homes for over six weeks.

According to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, New Brunswick Chapter there is currently 1,100 New Brunswickers being served by dialysis units. There is also a need for kidney transplants. “The need for kidney transplants far exceeds the availability or organs,” says Kathryn Keith-Irving, RN and organ and tissue procurement coordinator for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority. “We value and appreciate the work the Kidney Foundation of Canada does in relation to the promotion of organ and tissue donation in their annual campaigns.” She says their campaigns have heightened awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation in the community.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. The Kidney Foundation of Canada has provided $70 million for medical research in Canada since 1964 when it was founded. It now focuses on both the 33,000 people in Canada with end stage renal failure (kidney disease) and the 1.9 million people whose kidney health is at risk.

For more information about the Kidney Foundation of Canada, please call Elizabeth Chute at 622-8251 or www.kidney.ca

Lesson Of The Day

And the lesson of the day kids... NO SPEEDING!!
Yes, yes...that's me in the car...being ticketed by one of Miramichi's finest. Right in front of my office I might add.

It kinda ruined my day.

My co-workers had fun though...running around the parking lot waving at me, and taking pictures.

Who knew speeding tickets are now $186??!! Who knew the speed limit on General Manson Way is only 50km? Who knew my little Sunfire had that much giddy-up?? (Just kidding, I really wasn't going very fast).

One good thing... I learned my lesson... and will not be speeding to work again. Believe me, I didn't come by this lightly...it took me ALL day to lose the bitter attitude.

Women’s Wellness Conference slated for March 8

Women are encouraged to circle March 8th on their calendars to attend “A Day for Women” being held in celebration of International Women’s Day 2006.

The Women’s Wellness Program committee at the Miramichi Regional Health Authority wanted to celebrate the upcoming day by giving women the opportunity to obtain education on female health issues and listen to informative presentations that will enable them to address their everyday concerns. Because of this, the International Women’s Day committee was formed with several MRHA employees and volunteers from the communities which the health authority serves.

March 8 will feature three enlightening speakers, two of which will look at the non-medicinal ways of helping females cope in their busy lives. The third will be a presentation about bone health, a very important topic to the women of the region.
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with nurse Peggy Porter who is also a writer, mentor, wellness coach and president of Seeking Balance. She is passionate about wellness and personal growth. A wife of 13 years, and mother to two children, by putting herself first, she has achieved a happily balanced lifestyle that allows her to do all the things she loves.

Porter says women often place too much stress on themselves by trying to do everything at once. In order to achieve happiness and a sense of balance, she believes women have to put their own needs first. Her keynote presentation will allow the females in attendance to determine where their life is out of balance and then design a plan to get them where they want to be.

The first afternoon session begins at 1pm and the second presentation at 2:30pm. Speaking at 1pm will be Mary Magnus who delivers educational sessions on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association. This lively and interactive presentation looks at the many ways people can lighten up, laugh, and recognize that life is not just to be endured but enjoyed intensely. Women are invited to learn how laughter can overcome some of their own roadblocks to a balanced, peaceful, and fun-filled life. They will learn that laughter is a vital, dynamic tool that can be used to increase productivity, retain information and relieve stress and tension.

Presenter Mary Magnus is a Regional Community Worker for Sussex and Saint John with the Canadian Mental Health Association. She facilitates numerous workshops, programs and presentations on mental health. She also provides private practice counselling, specializing in grief and depression.Bone health is on the agenda for the third presentation in this women’s wellness conference. Registered dieticians from the Dairy Farmers of Canada will be conducting this informative presentation on women’s bone health. Their presentation will discuss nutrition, osteoporosis, and preventive measures females can take to ensure their bones stay healthy later in life. They will also have available a portable ultrasound bone densitometer that will provide a bone quality screening test that can be used for detection of individuals at risk of osteoporosis. The results of this test are by no means a diagnosis nor a screening to identify people who should seek treatment of osteoporosis.

Registration for this conference ends February 28. The seating is limited. “A Day for Women” will be held in the Highland Theatre at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. For more information or to register (beginning Feb. 13) please call 623-6136 or visit www.region7@health.nb.ca and choose A Day for Women on the side menu.

CELEBRATE YOUR IRISH - DINNER/ CONCERT

SUNDAY, MARCH 12, 2006
BEAVERBROOK KIN CENTRE

Dinner 6:30pm / Concert 8:00pm

Prizes for those who wear the most green.

Tickets $25.00 each by reservations only
Call Susan Butler 622 – 1780 0n or before 9th

Featuring – singers , dancers and fiddler

Sponsored by the 49th Miramichi Folksong Festival &
The Miramichi Association for Community Living

CARROLL BAKER
Queen of Country Music
In Concert

Friday, March 31st, 2006, 7:00PM

Only NB STOP - JAMES M. HILL THEATER

Advance tickets $ 25.00 / Door $30.00
On sale at Books Inn , Bill Kwik Mart
Stitching Post Bathurst
Hosted by 49th Miramichi Folksong Festival Inc.

This is the only concert Baker is doing in New Brunswick so get your tickets in advance...this one will sell-out early!

With more than 20 number one records to her credit, plan on hearing several of them including--I've never been this far before-- One is one too many and a thousand's not enough-- It's my party--and many other favorites such as One day at a time and her signature song --Why me lord. Baker's concert always includes several gospel songs and she was the first canadian to receive a gold and platinum record for her gospel album and the first country performer as well.

Summary of January 26, 2006 Miramichi Regional Health Authority Board of Directors Meeting

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority Board of Directors held its monthly regular meeting January 26, 2006 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. The following are highlights of that meeting:

1. Financial Report

The Finance Committee reported that for the period ending October and November 2005; the Miramichi Regional Health Authority had an operating deficit of $541,240 and $611,448 respectfully. Some of the variance is the result of costs associated with physician locum replacements for internal medicine and surgery.

VP of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Jean-Guy Richard noted that the deficit is comparative to last year. He anticipates the deficit to increase over the next few months as a result of supplies and procedures associated with the region’s additional orthopedic surgeon.

2. Physicians and pharmacists recruited

In their reports to the Board, President and CEO Gary Foley and VP of Medical Services, Dr. Carl Hudson were pleased to announce that a psychiatrist and internal medicine specialist had been successfully recruited to the region. The physicians will be joining the MRHA in the next six months subject to the approval of privileges. The psychiatrist will be relocating from Switzerland and the internal medicine specialist from the United States. Dr. Hudson advised the Board that family physician Dr. Luc Arsenault had opened his practice in January. He said that four internal medicine specialists and two general surgeons have been recruited to provide locum coverage in the region during the winter and spring months. “We are currently assessing a number of internal medicine resumes and will be making arrangements to conduct interviews,” said Dr. Hudson. The MRHA continues to actively recruit internal medicine specialists, family practitioners, and a surgeon.

VP of Professional Services, Marilyn Underhill was also very pleased to announce that two pharmacists had been recruited. “By July of 2006, the MRHA will have its full compliment of pharmacists,” said Underhill. The Board congratulated the efforts of the human resources and pharmacy department on this accomplishment. Mr. Foley also extended a thank you to members of the MRHA and Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation Boards for their assistance in the recruitment process. “Our recruitment efforts are successful in large part due to the support we have received from our community members who have been willing to share their time and hospitality with potential recruits.”

3. Board prepares for Accreditation

Linda Morris, VP of Patient Services reviewed information pertaining to the upcoming accreditation visit with the MRHA. The organization will participate in the accreditation process with the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation in April. During this time the accreditation surveyors will be visiting with various departments and quality improvement teams to discuss quality initiatives they have adopted in striving to achieve improvement measurements (AIM).

4. Education sessions targeting women are to be provided

A number of educational opportunities targeting women’s health issues will be provided to the public in the coming months. VP of Patient Care, Linda Morris reported that February is Heart Month and to celebrate, a number of MRHA programs and community groups have partnered to offer a Women and Heart Disease Information evening on Thursday, February 16, 7-9 p.m. in the Highland Theatre. The evening will have Cardiac Wellness, CCU and emergency department nurses speak about regional statistical information about women and heart disease, identifying signs and symptoms and assessing risk factors of heart disease. A physiotherapist will review the benefits of exercise, and a clinical dietitian will give information about healthy eating. Booths will be placed in the lobby during the break, and participants will have an opportunity to have their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checked as well as obtain information on their Body Mass Index (BMI) and nutrition. This evening is a partnership between MRHA’s Cardiac Wellness Program, Women’s Wellness Program, Staff Health Department, Workplace Wellness Program, MANGO, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, a free one-day women’s wellness conference will be held on March 8 in the Highland Theatre at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. The “Day for Women” conference will feature presentations about seeking balance in your life, using laughter to overcome roadblocks, and women’s bone health. The conference is being hosted by the MRHA Women’s Wellness Program. Further information about this conference will be communicated through the media in the coming weeks.

5. New equipment being purchased

Marilyn Underhill, VP Professional Services reported that new diagnostic imaging equipment had been purchased for the diagnostic imaging department. This includes two new ultrasound machines, a CT Scanner and a new mobile MRI. The ultrasound machines have been operational since December 2005. The 64 slice CT Scanner will be installed at the beginning of March and the new mobile MRI will be operational by mid-March. “We are very excited to have this new state-of-the-art equipment as it will provide increased diagnostic opportunities for the communities of our Health Authority,” said Underhill.

6. Health Authority moving towards a smoke free property policy

Dr. Stuart MacMillan, Chairman of the Professional Advisory Committee informed the Board that MRHA’s plans to introduce a smoke free property policy have begun. The environmental quality services team has met and is in the process of developing an action plan to create and implement this policy by April 2007. During the month of January, the MRHA closed its staff and visitor smoking gazebos as they were in violation of the Smoke Free Places Act. Staff and visitors are still able to smoke in a designated area located behind the hospital. As this policy develops, all stakeholders will be informed.

Miramichi White Gold Festival

Family Fun Night at the Miramichi Civic Center featuring Carried Away!

For a complete schedule, visit the LifeRadio website www.liferadio.ca/family_fun_night.html

Health Authority to recognize National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Week

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority will be celebrating National Therapeutic Recreation Week from February 5-11, 2006. To commemorate the week, the MRHA will be holding a yoga demonstration for staff and informational displays for the public. This will include an art display by students from Ian Baille Primary School and an information display focusing on being active during the winter months.

Students from the Ian Baille Primary School created art work depicting their favorite winter activities. The art display can be seen in the Rehabilitation Department of the Miramichi Regional Hospital during the week of February 5-11. The public are also invited to stop by the lobby of the Miramichi Regional Hospital and receive information about being active in the winter months. Informational handouts about various winter activities will be available.

“In celebrating this week, we acknowledge the role of leisure, recreation and play as integral components of quality of life,” says Melissa Firth, recreational therapist at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Within the hospital setting, therapeutic recreation service is provided to patients who have physical, mental, social or emotional limitations which impact their ability to engage in meaningful leisure experiences. “Our services support the goal of assisting the individual to maximize independence in leisure, optimal health and the highest possible quality of life,” says Firth.

The purpose of National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Week is to promote awareness of Therapeutic Recreation programs and services, and expand leisure opportunities for the disadvantaged in health care settings and in the community.

For more information about National Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Week, please contact Melissa Firth, recreational therapist at 623-3112.

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La Régie de santé souligne la Semaine nationale de loisir thérapeutique

Du 5 au 11 février 2006, la Régie régionale de la santé de Miramichi soulignera la Semaine nationale de loisir thérapeutique. Pour souligner l’événement, la RRSM organisera des démonstrations de yoga pour le personnel, des présentations informationnelles pour le public, une exposition des œuvres d’art des élèves de l’école élémentaire Ian Baille ainsi que de l’information qui portera sur les activités disponibles durant les mois d’hiver.

Les œuvres d’art des élèves de l’école élémentaire Ian Baille illustrent les activités hivernales préférées des enfants. Elles seront exposées du 5 au 11 février au Service de réadaptation de l’Hôpital régional de Miramichi. Le public est aussi invité à visiter le hall d’entrée de l’Hôpital régional de Miramichi pour de l’information et des dépliants au sujet des activités offertes durant les mois d’hiver.

« Cette semaine, nous reconnaissons l’importance des activités de loisirs, récréatives et de plaisir et de la leur contribution à notre qualité de vie. » affirme Mélissa Firth, récréologue à l’Hôpital régional de Miramichi

Un service de réadaptation par le loisir est offert aux patients qui ont des limitations physiques, mentales, sociales ou émotionnelles qui affectent leurs habilités de profiter pleinement de d’activités récréatives. « Notre but est d’aider l’individu à être le plus indépendant que possible dans ses activités, à atteindre la santé optimale et avoir la meilleure qualité de vie possible. », ajoute Mme Firth.

Le but de la Semaine nationale de loisir thérapeutique est de sensibiliser les gens aux programmes et aux services de réadaptation par les loisirs, et de développer davantage des activités récréatives pour les personnes défavorisées dans le domaine des soins de santé et dans la communauté.

Pour plus de renseignements au sujet de la Semaine nationale de loisir thérapeutique, communiqué avec Mélissa Firth, récréologue au 623-3112.