Hospital Happenings : Integrated Care, Medical Clinic Changes & More

Written by Manitouwadge General Hospital on 02 October 2015

This will be the final column featured on OntarioNewsNorth.com under the title of Hospital Happenings, as the column is going through a transformation to better reflect healthcare services in the community, watch for the new column in the coming weeks, it will be titled Health Happenings. The Hospital Board has announced it will pursue the creation of a Local Health Hub to ensure all health care services in the community are delivered in an integrated fashion. As the role of small rural and northern hospitals transitions to Integrated Health Care Organizations, it is important the focus be on all health care services as a whole.

Since the construction of the new facility, the image of the Manitouwadge Community Health Care Centre (MCHCC) was always visible on signs or letterhead. Going forward, it will take precedence in branding over the Family Health Team, The hospital and clinic. As one organization, the time has come to emphasize our integrated services instead of our individualities. Evidence shows that integrated service delivery models of care result in higher client satisfaction scores and improved outcomes. The Manitouwadge Community Health Care Centre team looks forward to improving services in our community.

Courtney Libbey, Lee Kriniski and Amy Gray at the clinic

Clinic Operations

The new physician’s group has requested MCHCC provide practice management services to the clinic. It was decided to leverage the Family Health Team department and integrate staff within the two structures. Effective October 1^st, joint staff will work at both locations and the full support of the rest of the MCHCC team will ensure that coordinated care becomes the priority of all care service delivered at MCHCC. Action teams are reviewing procedures and processes to minimize duplication, streamline access to services and provide a team approach to primary care. The first priority is to ensure that the clinic continues to operate smoothly on October 1^st. The team continues to recruit for a third physician. In the interim, locums will be brought in whenever possible to provide services and learn more about what Manitouwadge has to offer a permanent physician.

Staff recognition

On Sept 26^th, the Board recognized staff for their years of service at a dinner gala. It was noted that many employees have made their career at MGH. Mrs. Harris, as Chair of the Board thanked attendees for their dedication to Manitouwadge’s health care needs. Staff with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years of service were recognized with service pins. Four employees received their 30 year pin which came with a special gift of recognition.

Debbie Hardy, Simone Legendre and Fatima Dubreuil each have 30 years of service! Photo MGH

Mrs. Harris was also pleased to present the Jean Kittner Award to two individuals. This award is presented to individuals who best examplify the dedication and committement to the delivery of health care in Manitouwadge. Mrs. Kitnner was an RPN who came to Manitouwadge while it was still just a base camp with tents and nursed everything and everyone until she retired from the hospital after many hears of dedicated service. The first recipient Jacquie Jung recently retired after many years of nursing in the community as the diabetes educator . She was known for always being there for her patients regardless of time of day or location.

Jacquie Jung receiving her Jean Kittner Award from Judi Harris. Photo MGH

The second recipient was Lee Kriniski. Lee started at the hospital in Health Records, became Director of the Family Health Team and is known for her innovative projects to promote health and wellness in Manitouwadge. Lee continues to serve residents and oversees the FHT, myCare, myRide, Diabetes Education, Public Health and as of October 1^st, the Manitouwadge Medical Clinic.

Staff enjoyed the evening and took the opportunity to exchange many “old” stories about the staff that have been there over the years. Some of the hardships of days gone by are now known as the “good old days”, but those going through them likely didn’t think they were so good back then.