Providence Health Care - What's New Archive

Join Dr. Rhonda Low, CTV Health Specialist, and leading cardiac experts from the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital for an interactive discussion about women's heart health in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's The Heart Truth campaign.

Saturday, November 28, 2009
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (doors open at 9:00 a.m.)
Health Fair: 11:30am - 1:30pm
New Lecture Theatre, Level 1
St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Presentations include:

The journey from symptoms to treatment
Martha Mackay, Clinical Nurse Specialist & Dr. Eve Aymong, Interventional Cardiologist

Pregnancy & heart health
Dr. Marla Kiess, Medical Director, Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic

Coping with the risk factors of heart disease: a woman's perspective
Dr. Sarah Cockell, Clinical Psychologist, Heart Centre, St. Paul’s Hospital

What is a woman to do? Preventing cardiovascular disease in women
Dr. Ali Zentner, General Internist, Metabolic Syndrome Program, Heart Centre, St. Paul’s Hospital

For more information on the speakers click here.

Visit the Health Fair
After the forum, have your risk factors assessed & speak with experts from our Heart Centre. Ask your questions to our dietitians, exercise therapists, psychologists and other experts. Learn about different risk factors and how you can improve your heart health!

The forum is free to the public but space is limited. Registration is advised.
RSVP to nordano@providencehealth.bc.ca or call 604-806-9139.

Official Spectator Hospital Participates in Lower Mainland Olympic Preparedness Exercise

On Thursday, November 5, Providence Health Care (PHC) staff, volunteers and doctors participated in the organization’s largest and most in-depth functional emergency exercise ever in preparation for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.

PHC’s St. Paul’s Hospital was the site of a mock mass casualty emergency scene in a two-part exercise that began at nearby Via Rail train station early in the morning with a staged hazmat incident. From there, forty-eight volunteers acting as injured victims arrived at St. Paul’s Hospital for triage, with twenty of them requiring decontamination. Luckily the mock incident resulted in only minor injuries, with “patients” being treated for shock and artificial wounds.

While participating Emergency Room staff readied themselves for a worst-case scenario rehearsal, no “patients” were admitted to the hospital and no major “injuries” were sustained. Members of St. Paul’s Hospital psychosocial team were activated to support staff and volunteers to deal with what would be a traumatic event in the case of a real-life incident.

The hospital portion of the activity occurred in an outside courtyard behind the real emergency department, minimizing the impact of the exercise on real emergency patient care and staffing.

Learnings included the need to improve communication flow between staff in the emergency department and staff in the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the need for additional decontamination training for staff and the need for an enhanced overhead paging system.

Located in downtown Vancouver, St. Paul’s Hospital will be the official spectator hospital during the Games. The exercise was an opportunity to validate the hospital’s current response plans to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE) event at all levels.

In conjunction with VANOC, municipal, provincial and federal levels of government developed a three-part exercise program designed to test and validate integrated response within the Lower Mainland in the event of an emergency during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. This three-part program was broken down into Exercise Bronze (Nov 2008), Exercise Silver (Feb 2009) and Exercise Gold (Nov 2-6, 2009).

Over 100 agencies participated in Exercise Gold during the first week of November including health authorities, police, fire and ambulance, military and all levels of government.

To view photos from the exercise, please click here.

PHC Named One of BC's Top 55 Employers For the Second Year in a Row

Providence Health Care has once again been selected from hundreds of organizations in the province as one of BC's Top 55 Employers for 2010. PHC was selected on the basis of information contained in this year's application to the Canada's Top 100 Employers competition.

The BC's Top 55 Employers competition acknowledges British Columbia employers that lead their industries in recruitment and retention, offering exceptional places to work. The selection of employers is based on high employment standards and performance in several areas, including: physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

PHC was one of five BC health care organizations, along with Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health Authority, Vancouver Island Health Authority and Provincial Health Services Authority that was recognized as offering employees progressive work policies, opportunities for growth, competitive compensation and excellent benefits.

The health care industry is one of the BC's most exciting and fastest-growing industries. Health care careers are varied, ranging from highly specialized positions to those that involve basic personal care. Through their work, health care professionals can positively impact individuals, their families and whole communities.

"It is truly an honour for Providence Health Care to be chosen two years in a row as a leading employer in this province," said Dianne Doyle, President and CEO. "This is a testament to our unique culture here at PHC, and because of that we have been able to attract and retain some of the best health care professionals from BC, Canada and around the world."

The sixth annual BC's Top 55 Employers competition is organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc (the organizers of the Canada's Top 100 Employers competition). The winners of the 2010 BC's Top 55 Employers competition were profiled in special editorial features in The Province, The Vancouver Sun and the Times Colonist this past weekend and online at www.canadastop100.com.

If you are interested in applying for a job at Providence Health Care, please check out our Careers page.

Providence Health Care Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Patient Care

Providence Health Care was the only health care organization to be recognized in two categories at the annual 2009 BC Patient Quality and Safety Awards for advancing patient safety and quality of care. Providence's Dr. Marsden was the sole recipient of the provincial Leadership in Patient Quality and Safety award and Providence Health Care's John Ruedy Immunodeficiency Clinic was a recipient in the Excellence in Quality and Patient Safety category.

The 2009 BC Patient Quality and Safety Awards recognize the dedication of those in the health field who have managed to implement new best practices in patient safety and quality improvement in addition to the daily demands of their profession. Awards for Excellence in Quality and Patient Safety were given to leading quality and patient safety initiatives in each of British Columbia's health authorities. The Leadership in Quality and Patient Safety Award recipient was selected from nominations received from across the province.

"By working together, we can improve patient outcomes," said Dr. Marsden. "And, ultimately, create a community of health-care professionals spanning different disciplines and geographical areas." Sponsored by the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council, the awards support the council's objective to support health authorities and other service delivery partners in their continuous effort to improve the safety and quality of care.

Dr. Marsden, an Emergency Department physician at SPH, was recognized for his integral role in launching the provincial Evidence to Excellence (E2E) project, aiming to accelerate improvements in clinical and operational practices in emergency departments across the province. With colleagues at UBC and SPH, and funding provided by the Ministry of Health Services, he developed a plan for how to share knowledge and expertise across the province. Dr. Marsden's vision, passion and leadership have enabled him to link this broad community, the university and the ministry in such a successful partnership.

Since 2003, the Immunodeficiency Clinic (IDC) team within the HIV/AIDS Program at St. Paul's Hospital has focused on clinic redesign to provide accessible, flexible and quality patient-centered HIV/AIDS care. In 2005, data became available that showed that only 30 per cent of patients were being screened and actually receiving optimal immunization as described in current HIV clinical guidelines. The interdisciplinary IDC team therefore identified a need to shift the focus of their improvement work from service redesign to improving clinical quality. Six key process changes were introduced in order to achieve success in increasing uptake of screening and immunization to greater than 95 per cent. While this target remains a stretch goal, significant improvements have been made. Through their dedication and Commitment to Excellence the IDC team have improved care processes and achieved sustainable system improvement.

To read more about the accomplishments of Dr. Marsden or of the John Ruedy Clinic, please visit the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council at www.bcpsqc.ca.

Beyond Barriers: Photographs from the Frontlines of Health Coming to St. Paul's Hospital

A picture can truly tell a thousand words. Captured by award-winning Canadian photojournalists (including BC's Christopher Grabowski), the Beyond Barriers: Photographs from the Frontlines of Health exhibition is a series of powerful images and captivating stories about the contributions and challenges experienced by Canada's health practitioners who choose to address the needs of patients with limited or no access to our health care system.

These patients include people living in remote and rural communities, new immigrants, the homeless, the elderly, Aboriginal people, street youth, and those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.

"The proximity of the display at St. Paul's Hospital speaks to the populations we serve at Providence Health Care on a daily basis," says Dianne Doyle, President and CEO, PHC. "Our operations are guided by our traditions of social justice and respect for cultural, linguistic and religious differences. We take pride in serving people who have been marginalized for any reason."

Experience firsthand the frontlines of health by visiting the exhibition Beyond Barriers: Photographs from the Frontlines of Health displaying images and stories of Canada's unsung heroes of health care. The exhibit runs from Wednesday, September 30 to Friday, October 16 and is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m on the rooftop garden - 4th floor, St. Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street.

For more information, visit www.frontlinehealth.ca.

Former EnCana Corp. CEO and Wife Donate $1.375M to Honour

Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon Who Saved His Sight

St. Paul's Hospital Foundation and the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine are pleased to announce the creation of the William H. Ross Fellowship in Vitreo-Retinal Excellence.

This fellowship was established with a visionary $1.375-million commitment from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation in honour of Dr. William H. Ross, whose extraordinary expertise recently saved the vision in Morgan's only seeing eye, after he lost the sight in his other eye several years ago.
Each year for the next 25 years, this prestigious new fellowship will allow Dr. Ross, one of Canada's most experienced retinal surgeons, to select one post-graduate retinal fellow from among the world's best to train with the retinal staff at UBC.

"Dr. Ross is one of North America's most respected vitreo-retinal specialists," says Gwyn Morgan, former president & CEO of EnCana Corp. "Over a career spanning 36 years, he has saved the vision of thousands of patients, including my own. Patricia and I are pleased to recognize his outstanding expertise and contributions and to provide an opportunity for other promising young doctors to follow in his footsteps."

The annual contribution from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation will be commensurate with the salary of a second-year ophthalmology resident at UBC to accommodate any possible inflation over the next 25 years.

"Dr. Ross has advanced the knowledge and skills of medical students, ophthalmology residents, and fellows now caring for patients in hospitals around the world," says Dr. Frederick Mikelberg, Professor and Head, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.

Dr. Ross has pioneered the development of surgical materials used in the management of different types of retinal detachments. His many publications have provided insight into the management of retinal detachments, the timing of surgery, and the prognosis for good visual recovery.

"I am awed by the generosity of Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier and humbled to have this fellowship named in my honour," says Dr. William H. Ross, a vitreo-retinal surgeon at St. Paul's Hospital and chair of the UBC Vitreo-Retinal Fellowship Program. "It has been my pleasure to train some of the world's leading vitreo-retinal specialists at St. Paul's Hospital and UBC over the past 24 years. This new fellowship ensures the next generation of specialists will continue to advance the medical education, clinical research and care of patients with retinal diseases in B.C. and around the world."

"This exceptional contribution from the Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation is a sincere and generous expression of support to St. Paul's Hospital's centre of excellence in vitreo-retinal diseases," says Stephen Shapiro, president & CEO of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. "On behalf of the board of St. Paul's Hospital Foundation, I extend my deepest thanks to Gwyn and Patricia for their generosity to St. Paul's."

"This fellowship in Dr. Ross' name recognizes the global contribution that he has made in educating medical students, ophthalmology residents and fellows throughout a long and distinguished career and on behalf of the entire Faculty I congratulate him on this outstanding achievement, and admire Mr. Morgan and Ms. Trottier for their generosity," says Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of the UBC Faculty of Medicine.

BC Clinics Fast-Track Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Women across the Lower Mainland are now able to visit one of four rapid- access breast cancer diagnosis pilot clinics to quickly catch potential cases of breast cancer, thanks to a $5-million investment from the Province’s Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund (LMIIF), announced Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon today. "Every one of us is touched in some way by breast cancer and we now know that catching it quickly dramatically improves health outcomes," said Falcon. "By investing in innovative new models of care – like these rapid access clinics – we are building on our comprehensive network of cancer services, and further enhancing BC’s reputation as a leader in cancer care."

Falcon made the announcement at the rapid access breast clinic at Providence Health Care’s Mount Saint Joseph Hospital (MSJ), which opened to patients in May. The clinic is based on the European best-practice model, serving as a single point of intake where diagnostic testing for breast cancer is co-ordinated and organized.

The other rapid-access breast cancer diagnosis clinics are operating at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Royal Columbian Hospital in Fraser Health, with plans to extend to a fourth clinic at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre in conjunction with the BC Cancer Agency, both agencies of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), and X-Ray 505, an accredited diagnostic imaging facility, in early August.

So far, the results of MSJ’s clinic are extremely promising. They have set a target of providing all patients with a diagnosis within 21 calendar days (the European standard), and have been able to meet that target 98 per cent of the time. In fact, the average wait time has been reduced from about 45 days down to just six.

"Providence Health Care is very proud to be the first to pilot this new best practice model and to expand the services of our well established Breast Care Program at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital," said Dianne Doyle, Providence Health Care President and CEO. "By offering patients their screening, exams, diagnoses and surgery in an integrated and timely manner all under one roof, we’re treating patients how they want to be treated."

The goal of each of the clinics is to reduce the wait time from referral to diagnosis, and increase patient access to care by streamlining the diagnosis process. Patients at risk of breast cancer currently require many separately scheduled visits to different health care providers at physically different settings at each stage of the diagnostic and treatment pathway, often creating unnecessary gaps and delays in care. All of the clinics are working towards implementing the European Society of Mastology (EUSOMA) standards of best practice. "This innovative approach is already paying dividends," said Dr. Urve Kuusk, medical director of the Mount Saint Joseph clinic and breast surgeon. "With our streamlined process, all tests and exams are done on site, with a core team of multidisciplinary staff working together to carefully follow the patient. Everyone wins – the patients don’t fall through the cracks, we eliminate duplication of services and multiple visits and we can ensure all aspects of the patient’s diagnostic journey are addressed."

"Waiting is one of the worst parts of hearing that you may have breast cancer," said Lynda Cho, a breast cancer patient at the clinic. "At Mount Saint Joseph’s rapid access clinic, by shortening the time to diagnosis, much of that stress was alleviated during what was a very nerve-wracking experience. And, as a busy mom of two kids, it was especially convenient having everything done in one place, from my mammogram to receiving my diagnosis to surgery, and very comforting to deal with only one health-care team."

In Fraser Health, Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial Hospitals are working together on their rapid access breast clinics. Their project has received approximately $1.4 million in LMIIF funding, and is working to decrease wait times for diagnostic procedures, and increase the imaging capacity. Their clinics were up and running in April 2009 and they have so far performed nearly 600 diagnostic procedures.

"Fraser Health is actively working at developing an integrated breast health program, and these clinics are a critical component," said Marc Pelletier, VP Clinical Support and Strategic Planning, Fraser Health. "We are also hoping to adapt the learnings gained from these clinics to the new Surrey Outpatient Hospital, which will be opening in 2011."

The BC Cancer Agency rapid access breast clinic at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre will integrate three busy and experienced breast imaging centres in Vancouver with central nurse navigation, booking, and access to GP oncologists.

"As the provincial body for co-ordinating cancer care, the BC Cancer Agency is working with BC Women’s and X-Ray 505 to offer this rapid-access breast cancer diagnosis clinic that is scheduled to open in early August," said Dr. Stephen Chia, medical oncologist and chair of the BC Cancer Agency Breast Tumour Group. "As part of our clinic, we are also offering access within four working days to breast medical oncologists for locally advanced breast cancer cases for timely investigation and initiation of pre-operative chemotherapy, if necessary."

Assuming the breast cancer incidence rate remains constant, 7.4 per cent or 140,600 B.C. women receiving a breast screening exam in 2010 will have a suspicion of breast cancer. Multiple diagnostic tests are required in order to rule out or confirm a cancer diagnosis. According to the Canadian Cancer Society’s 2009 Canadian Cancer Statistics report, B.C. women have the lowest overall mortality rate for all cancers in Canada. The BC Cancer Agency provides a comprehensive screening mammography program, free for all B.C. women aged 40 to 79.

Mount Saint Joseph Rapid-Access Breast Diagnosis Clinic
B.C.’s first comprehensive one-stop rapid-access breast cancer diagnostic clinic at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital (MSJ) is receiving $1.25 million in pilot funding through the Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund (LMIIF) to streamline diagnostic services.

The Rapid Access Breast Clinic is based on the European best-practice model, serving as a single point of intake where diagnostic testing for breast cancer is co-ordinated and organized. Its goal is to provide a diagnosis to patients within 21 calendar days, following the European standard target. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team is composed of a clinical director, breast surgeons, breast radiologists, a breast pathologist, nurse navigator, nurse practitioner and general practitioner. For all patients, a "triple assessment" is conducted, starting with a diagnostic mammogram and/or diagnostic ultrasound, followed by a physical examination by a breast specialist, and then an ultrasound-guided or stereotactic core biopsy.

If a patient receives a positive diagnosis, the clinic prepares a co-ordinated care plan, organizing direct referrals for surgery and other breast services (radiation and chemotherapy), avoiding the need for the patient to go back to their family physician for the referral. The clinic also co-ordinates further diagnostics (such as breast MRI), surgical bookings, medical oncology consults, radiation oncology consults, and BC Cancer Agency consults and provides direct referrals to MSJ’s breast reconstruction program, providing immediate or post-surgical breast reconstruction by a plastic surgeon.

Patients awaiting diagnosis appreciate the unique role played by the nurse navigator, who helps patients navigate the system, and acts as their one point of contact for questions and emotional support. The MSJ nurse navigator is a registered nurse and a 14-year breast cancer survivor who is able to relate and connect with patients very well.

About the MSJ Rapid Access Breast Clinic:

• Total patients treated since opening - 244
• Total patients seen within target (21 days to diagnosis) - 239 or 98 per cent
• Average time from referral to diagnosis - 6 days
• Average number of patients seen per day - 6 (will expand to 20 patients/day as clinic
becomes more established)
• Total positive diagnoses - 7
• Total diagnostic tests performed - 385
• Diagnostic mammography - 171
• Breast ultrasound - 170
• Core biopsies - 25
• Fine needle aspirations - 19
• Patients are accepted into the clinic either a) as a result of an abnormal screen found
through MSJ’s Screening Mammography Program OR b) upon referral by a Vancouver-
based general practitioner, where the patient has not had previous diagnostic work-ups at
any other diagnostic centre within the last two calendar years.

The LMIIF funding will allow the MSJ Clinic to diagnose up to 3,000 patients annually, once fully operational.

About the Mount Saint Joseph Breast Program
The MSJ Rapid Access Breast Clinic is part of the Mount Saint Joseph Hospital Breast Program, a comprehensive program that offers services from screening through surgery. Home to one of the province’s screening mammography sites, the program offers a seamless transition to diagnostics, including the latest technology in the form of a digital mammography machine with tomosynthesis capabilities. If a positive diagnosis is suspected or confirmed, there is a transition to three dedicated breast cancer surgeons. MSJ is the largest mastectomy centre in the Lower Mainland, performing more than 400 mastectomies a year. Breast reconstruction is also co-ordinated and offered at MSJ through skilled plastic surgeons. About Providence Health Care: Providence Health Care is one of Canada’s largest faith-based health-care organizations, operating 14 health-care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC’s 1,000 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence’s programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six "populations of emphasis": cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health. Visit www.providencehealthcare.org to learn more.

The Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund
The Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund was announced as a key health initiative of the 2008 provincial throne speech. It provides Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health with $75 million to move beyond block funding toward a new provincewide, patient-centred funding model. The new model ties funding to performance and increased service levels in specific areas, such as addressing surgical waitlists. The model also rewards integration, standardization and consolidation.

The fund is encouraging process improvements that will focus on activity levels by using existing people and resources more effectively to improve outcomes. The two health authorities are working toward greater co-operation and to further integrate programs to operate more effectively. The regional authorities also work closely with agencies of the Provincial Health Services Authority, such as the BC Cancer Agency, which helps ensure access to a co-ordinated network of high-quality specialized health care services.

Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health received $50 million for use in 2008/09 to fund proposals from within the two health authorities, with the remaining $25 million available for access in 2009/10.

The fund is governed by a committee chaired by the VCHA board chair, and supported by the CEOs of VCHA and FHA, a senior physician, and a Ministry of Health Services representative. The committee is accountable for the stewardship of the fund and is responsible for establishing criteria and approval processes, reviewing and approving applications and reporting on the disposition of funds. As of spring 2009, the entire $75-million fund has been allocated towards more than 25 pilot projects that will provide greater support and increase access to health services in the Lower Mainland. As British Columbia’s two largest regional health authorities, Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health provide community, hospital and residential care services to more than 60 per cent of the province’s population, as well as many specialized services to the entire province.

Providence Health Care is Now On Twitter

For those who don't know Twitter, it is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

Although we set up the site just two weeks ago, we are already being followed by close to 200 people or groups. Sign up for this informative and entertaining window into:

• As-it-happens PHC announcements
• Links to health articles by the best sources out there
• Links to PHC web site content, newsletters, videos, etc.
• PHC recent media coverage
• New research findings and overviews of topics from PHC researchers
• Important health reminders (i.e. get those flu shots).
• Dates, times, and fees for healthcare-related classes, events and conferences
• Recruitment opportunities

To follow Providence Health Care's Twitter updates, please visit our Twitter profile page at:

http://twitter.com/Providence_Hlth

2008/09 Annual Report

Providence Health Care's 2008-09 Annual Report Now Available
“Building Partnerships for Life” Tells the Providence Story

At Providence Health Care, the source behind every patient’s treatment, every resident’s care and every research initiative is the power of collaboration and partnerships. Partnerships between physicians, nurses and medical staff. Collaborations between researchers, clinicians and educators. Communications between caregivers, patients and residents. Cooperation between health authorities, governments and universities.

Through generations of effort, we have continually integrated all aspects of our resources and programs to enable the best care for our diverse populations. Our uniqueness comes from how we do our work and how we serve British Columbians.

Our 2008-2009 annual report includes the numbers and balance sheets we use to report to our community, but it also features the special people at Providence who understand that health care is not about numbers — it’s about building partnerships.

As you read, you will meet just a few of the dedicated individuals who are the heart and soul of Providence Health Care. Their stories of commitment — above and beyond their job description — are worth reading.

Click on the link below to download a printable PDF file of PHC's 2008-2009 Annual Report, titled “Building Partnerships for Life”. On July 4, the annual report will be distributed as an insert in the print edition of the Vancouver Sun across Greater Vancouver as well as appear online on the Vancouver Sun and Province’s websites.

Dianne Doyle
President and CEO

Kip Woodward
PHC Board Chair

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2008/09 (pdf)

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2007/08 (pdf)

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2006/07 (pdf)

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2005/06 (pdf)

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2004/05 (pdf)

Providence Health Care's Annual Report for 2003/04 (pdf)

25,000th Visit to Kidney Clinic Celebrated

Jim Dunsmore believes he would be on dialysis today were it not for the Kidney Function Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, part of Providence Health Care (PHC). The Vancouver architect, whose health challenges include kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and heart disease, has attended the clinic since 1997. His appointment on Wednesday, June 17th will mark the 25,000th patient visit to the clinic, which has served as a model for early kidney care intervention across the province.

"The clinic has changed my life in an extremely positive way," says Dunsmore. "I know for certain that without the support and guidance I've received from the kidney specialists, nurses, dietitians and social workers, I wouldn't have been able to maintain my health to the degree that I have."

"The success of the BC Renal Agency, Providence Health Care and the health authority renal programs means better health outcomes for British Columbians such as Jim Dunsmore," says Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. "In fact, the findings of a Canadian Institute for Health Information report shows that British Columbians with kidney disease benefit from the most integrated and effective system of renal care in the country."

In 2001, the BC Provincial Renal Agency (BCPRA) began funding kidney care clinics, and today there are 12 across the province that collectively treat over 6,500 patients per year. The positive health outcomes are clear: patients feel more independent, experience a better quality of life and have a much better chance of slowing progression of their condition, which means the need for lifesaving dialysis or a kidney transplant can be delayed or even avoided.

"Kidney disease is a 24/7 condition that requires patients to make frequent decisions about medication, pain, fatigue, diet and exercise," says Lee Clark, PHC's Renal Program Director. "But back in the mid ‘90s when the St. Paul's clinic opened, support for patients in the early stages of kidney disease was quite limited."

"In addition to kidney care clinics, in recent years, the province has put into place strategies to support family physicians in diagnosing and treating patients with kidney disease," says Dr. Adeera Levin, a nephrologist at the clinic and Executive Director of BCPRA. "As a result, we are now diagnosing people at earlier stages of kidney disease, allowing more time for treatment aimed at reducing or even stopping progression."

The combined early identification and intervention strategies appear to be making a significant difference in the growth rate for kidney dialysis in BC, which has dropped from a high of about 16 percent in the late ‘90s to 3 percent per year – the lowest growth rate in the country.

The benefits include significant financial savings – in the last year alone, the reduction in the dialysis growth rate saved the provincial health care system $2.5 million, which was invested in other areas to improve patient care.

Kidney disease is a silent, incurable chronic illness closely tied to diabetes and heart disease. In BC, regional health authorities are responsible for dialysis care to patients. The BC Provincial Renal Agency plans and co-ordinates kidney care throughout the province for those affected by kidney disease.

British Columbians can learn more about kidney disease and renal care through HealthLink BC at www.healthlinkbc.ca or by calling the HealthLink BC at 811.

Vancouver Team Wins International Infection Prevention and Control Award

In the wake of the recent global H1N1 Influenza A (human swine flu) outbreak, Providence Health Care is especially pleased to announce that its Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPAC) has won the Oxoid Judges’ Special Award for excellence in hospital infection prevention. It is the first time such an award has been bestowed upon an infection control team in North America.

“The Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards are open to infection prevention and control teams worldwide,” says Fiona Macrae, Oxoid awards manager. “We are delighted to make a Judges’ Special Award to the infection control team at Providence Health Care for the work they have undertaken, not only reducing levels of hospital acquired infections, including VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci), which does not commonly feature in awards entries, but also reducing infections in intravenous drug users and homeless persons in the local community.”

"It is a real honour to receive this award,” said Dr. Marc Romney, PHC’s Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control. “The IPAC Team would like to share the Judges’ Special Award with all PHC staff, physicians and leaders who have helped reduce our rates of hospital-acquired infections over the past five years.”

At St. Paul’s Hospital (PHC’s flagship hospital), 15 percent of patient admissions are attributable to injection drug use. This group has high prevalence rates of antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs), including MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE. Providing IPAC services for those with substance abuse issues – as well as the remainder of the population – has presented unique challenges for the IPAC Team as well as the hospital’s other staff and physicians.

“We’ve tackled these challenges by instituting a broad infection prevention and control program, based on best available evidence and using local data to support innovative practice,” said Romney. “These strategies include an extensive hand hygiene campaign with a mandatory hand hygiene module for physicians, sophisticated laboratory detection methods, refined surveillance systems, and enhanced infection control awareness and practices among health care professionals.”

Although challenges and barriers remain, PHC’s dedicated IPAC strategies are having positive impacts, as evidenced by decreases in hospital acquired infections and improvements in hand hygiene compliance.

“Canada has long been seen as a leader in infection control and prevention practices,” said Suhail Khan, Oxoid Canadian Clinical Market Manager. “The award submission made by the Infection Prevention and Control Team at Providence Health Care is an excellent example of the level of expertise within Canada. The Infection Control Practitioners at Providence Health Care should be proud of their world class efforts.”

Members of PHC’s IPAC Team will attend an awards ceremony in Birmingham, UK, on June 2, 2009, where they will be presented with their Judges’ Special Award.
The following media resources are available:

Interviews with Dr. Marc Romney, PHC’s Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control

High-resolution photo of PHC’s award-winning Infection Prevention and Control Team, can be found at:

http://www.providencehealthcare.org/images/IPACDSC2481Med.jpg

PHC’s Infection Prevention and Control Annual Report, can be found at:

http://www.providencehealthcare.org/documents/Accountability_IPAC.pdf

About the Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards
The Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards were launched in 2003 and are designed to recognize those who are making a real difference to improved standards of infection control within hospitals worldwide. Oxoid, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a world leading microbiology brand with products used within hospital laboratories to aid clinicians in their diagnosis of MRSA, Clostridium difficile and many other infections and diseases. The Oxoid Infection Control Team of the Year Awards are supported by the Hospital Infection Society, the Infection Prevention Society, the Association of Medical Microbiologists, and the International Federation of Infection Control.

About Providence Health Care
Providence Health Care is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,000 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence’s programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis”: cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health.

Providence Health Care Nurses Honoured with British Columbia Nursing Awards

During National Nursing Week (May 11-17), Providence Health Care (PHC) is recognizing and celebrating the dedication of our nurses in providing exceptional care, teaching, service and research within the organization.

PHC employs 2,300 nurses including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. As a truly diverse group of health care professionals, PHC's nurses work as caregivers for the frail and elderly, as nurse practitioners on the cutting edge of practice, as leaders with management responsibilities, as researchers for the Providence Heart + Lung Institute, and as educators - both in PHC's hospitals and at colleges and universities.

"Our nurses care for hundreds of thousands of British Columbians and their families each year," says Dianne Doyle, PHC's President and CEO, and a Registered Nurse who began her career in health care as a staff nurse at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. "They spend more face-to-face time with patients than any other health care professional. Nurses provide the knowledgeable, caring presence at the bedside that our patients and residents need every day, and at Providence Health Care, we are genuinely appreciative of their contributions."

Recently, seven of PHC's nurses (listed below) were honoured with awards from the College of Registered Nurses of B.C. (CRNBC).

"The individual nurses being recognized have done an exceptional job supporting patients, families and their own colleagues," says Doyle. "They are representative of all of the nurses at Providence that continually set high standards that others aspire to match."

Numerous activities and special events are taking place across PHC's sites to celebrate Nursing Week.

Each year, the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) recognizes registered nurses in British Columbia who have made outstanding contributions to the profession, and demonstrated excellence in relation to CRNBC's Professional Standards for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in British Columbia. This year, seven of the CRNBC Awards of Excellence winners are PHC nurses:

• Sandra Barr, Award of Excellence in Nursing Administration
• Candy Garossino, CRNBC Award of Distinction in Nursing
• Janice Muir, CRNBC Award of Advocacy
• Bonita Elliott, CRNBC Award of Excellence in Nursing Administration
• Howard McCarthy, CRNBC Award of Excellence in Nursing Practice
• Katherine Gerry, CRNBC Rising Star Award
• Faith Forster, CRNBC Award of Distinction in Nursing

Providence Health Care (PHC) is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver that provide acute, residential, rehabilitation and community kidney dialysis services. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,000 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to more than 450,000 patients and residents each year. Teaching and research are conducted in affiliation with the University of British Columbia and other institutions of higher education. PHC's facilities include: St. Paul's Hospital, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospitals (Brock Fahrni Pavilion and Langara), Youville Residence, Marion Hospice and community dialysis clinics in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Sechelt, Squamish and Powell River.

St. Paul’s Hospital Surgeon Awarded Top 40 Under 40

Providence Health Care is pleased to announce that Dr. Sam Wiseman, a general surgeon with St. Paul's Hospital and a research scientist with the Genetic Pathology Evaluation Centre, is a recipient of a Canada's Top 40 Under 40 TM Award for 2009.

Canada's Top 40 Under 40 TM is a prestigious national award program, which annually honours 40 Canadians in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors under the age of 40. Designed to promote professional development, mentorship, and awareness, Canada's Top 40 Under 40 TM introduces leaders to the business community and the general public, and promotes them as role models for other aspiring young Canadians.

"It is an honor and a privilege to receive this award and I am especially proud to be representing Providence Health Care and the University of British Columbia," said Dr. Wiseman.

Dr. Wiseman joined the staff at St. Paul's Hospital in 2003 and is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia.

“Dr. Wiseman's recognition is no surprise to anyone who has had the pleasure of working with him at Providence," said Dianne Doyle, President & CEO, Providence Health Care. “His passion and drive for research, and his collaborative spirit, epitomize the values and knowledge generation culture at our organization."

While his clinical and basic research are focused on thyroid and parathyroid disease, Dr. Wiseman continues to study other human cancer types in the laboratory including breast, colon, rectal and lung cancers. His research has taken a translational approach, or applied new knowledge/discoveries learned in the laboratory, to address important clinical diagnostic, prognostic and treatment questions.

In 2005, Dr. Wiseman was the first surgeon in the history of British Columbia to receive the prestigious Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar Award. In 2007, Dr. Wiseman was selected from surgeons worldwide to receive the prestigious American College of Surgeons Travelling Fellowship to Japan.

Dr. Wiseman and his peers were selected from more than 1,100 nominees by an independent advisory board, comprised of 25 business leaders from across Canada. Honourees were chosen on five key criteria: vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; community involvement and contribution; and strategy for growth.

Canada's Top 40 Under 40 TM program is managed by founding sponsor, The Caldwell Partners International. In addition to The Caldwell Partners, national sponsors include Deloitte, National Bank Financial, The Globe and Mail, and Air Canada.

The 2009 award winners were featured in The Globe and Mail on May 1. Honourees will attend an Awards Ceremony to be held at Arcadian Court in Toronto on Tuesday, May 5, where they will be presented with their Top 40 Crystal Cube.

Providence Health Care is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,200 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence's programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis": cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health.

Dr. Mark Tyndall Honoured at AccolAIDS Gala

Dr. Mark Tyndall, Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Providence Health Care, was presented with an AccolAIDS Award last night at the 8th Annual AccolAIDS Awards Gala.

Presented by the British Columbia Person’s With AIDS (BCPWA) Society, the AccolAIDS Awards honour the extraordinary achievements and dedication of organizations, businesses, groups and individuals responding to the AIDS epidemic in British Columbia, and the thousands of people living in B.C. who are affected.

Over the past 10 years, Dr. Tyndall has led a number of prospective cohort studies in the Downtown Eastside including the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS), the Community Health and Safety Evaluation (CHASE), the Evaluation of the Supervised Injection Site, the MAKA Project - a study of women who work in the sex trade, and the STEP study that was part of an international preventative HIV vaccine trial. He has also led a number of clinical studies through clinic work at the Vancouver Native Health and the Downtown Community Health Clinic (DCHC).

"I am very happy to receive this AccolAIDS award that recognizes the research programs around HIV transmission and prevention focused on marginalized men and women living in Vancouver. The research has only been possible through the efforts of many academic colleagues and community partners that I have had the privilege to work with over the years,” said Dr. Tyndall. “Although ongoing research is key to determining the best ways to reduce HIV transmission and optimize care for those already infected, translating what we know into better programs and policy is critical."

Dr. Tyndall was recognized in the category of Science, Research & Technology, a class that recognizes achievements in the areas of research, technology, traditional or complementary treatments and/or the application of such advances in clinical practice that have improved the lives or circumstances of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Providence Health Care is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,200 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence’s programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis”: cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health.

Providence Health Care Again Named a Best Employer for New Canadians

For the second year in a row Providence Health Care (PHC) has been selected as one of the 20 Best Employers for New Canadians for 2009, a designation that recognizes the nation's best employers for recent immigrants.

PHC was recognized in 2009 for its progressive work policies, educational and training opportunities and competitive compensation that assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.

"Providence Health Care’s recognition as a Best Employer for New Canadians for the second year running demonstrates that British Columbia is the destination of choice for many internationally educated health care professionals,” said Health Services Minister George Abbott. “Using the skills of new Canadians in the health system can ensure we continue to meet patient, resident, community and provincial needs.”

The 20 finalists in the Best Employers for New Canadians competition represent employers from across Canada that lead their peers in creating workplaces that welcome new Canadians and allow them to make the most of their skills, education and talents.

“It is a great honour for Providence to be recognized once again as an organization that leads the way in recruiting foreign workers, and offers a welcoming and productive environment for those employees who are recent immigrants,” said Dianne Doyle, PHC’s President and CEO. “We will continue to enhance our support programs and services to remain an employer of choice for leading health care professionals from around the world, by working with our health partners, Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority and the Ministry of Health.”

Every year, Mediacorp reviews information from thousands of Canadian organizations to identify what it takes to be one of Canada's best employers. The winners of the Best Employers for New Canadians competition will be profiled in special editorial features published Mediacorp’s media partners early in 2009. Employers selected for this list will also be featured in the paperback edition of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2009.

About Providence Health Care
Providence Health Care (PHC) is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,200 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence’s programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis”: cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health. For more information, or to learn about career opportunities, please visit http://www.providencehealthcare.org

PHC’s mission, vision and values respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons, which are reflected in the organization’s initiatives and programs that assist employees who are transitioning to life in Canada.

Background on PHC’s Initiatives and Services for Foreign Staff and New Immigrants

PHC notifies new applicants of the steps required to have their foreign qualifications evaluated by a provincially recognized evaluation service.

PHC’s “onboarding” program consists of an organization-wide New Employee Orientation as well as unit-specific and job-specific orientation sessions (up to a week long). When training specifically for their roles, new employees are given “buddy” or “shadow” shifts, where they follow and are mentored by a senior staff member. If necessary, new employees who are recent immigrants are supported with extended shadow shifts and mentoring to gain confidence and better understand the Canadian workplace.

PHC offers settlement services to help ease the transition for internationally recruited staff coming to work at PHC. These staff receive a relocation allowance and are paired up with a relocation agent who will help them with housing, community services and schools upon their arrival to Canada.

PHC’s Diversity Services department facilitates and supports health care delivery in a diverse workplace and multicultural environment by providing education, developing resource and training materials and conducting workshops and lectures on cultural competence in health care. New Canadians coming to work in a multicultural environment for the first time especially benefit by learning about the needs of the diverse patient population that PHC serves.

PHC’s Mission Services department and Pastoral Care Services regularly organize special events around different cultural and religious holidays throughout PHC sites to create awareness and appreciation for the different cultures represented among PHC staff.

PHC participates in an International Nurse Recruitment Campaign branded under the title “Nurse Vancouver”. This campaign is a collaborative initiative with PHC and the three Health Authorities in Metro Vancouver and is supported by the Ministry of Health. The focus is to actively recruit foreign-trained nurses to help alleviate the nursing shortage in Metro Vancouver. Since its inception in 2006, more than 500 international nurses have been hired including 100 nurses to PHC.

PHC participates in the Internationally Educated (IEN) Registered Nurses (RN) Post-Licensure Program, a four-month, intensive orientation and training program that provides internationally educated registered nurses already living in Canada (for whom English is a second language) an opportunity to update their skills in order to work in Canada while earning full wages. The fully subsidized program is 16 weeks in length consisting of language and orientation courses, classroom work and preceptorship in a hospital unit at PHC. Following this, nurses assume permanent full-time positions on the unit where they completed their preceptorship.

About the Best Employers for New Canadians Award
The third annual Best Employers for New Canadians project is managed by Mediacorp Canada Inc., in partnership with the Maytree and J.W. McConnell Foundation. The Maytree Foundation is the main funding sponsor of TRIEC and is actively involved in projects across Canada that reduce poverty and build strong communities and the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is one of Canada's oldest foundations dedicated to strengthening communities and building citizenship.

Innovation Fast-Tracks Specialty Surgical Care

Thanks to a recent investment of $5.6 million in surgical innovation at St. Paul's Hospital, referral wait times are down, surgeries are up, and recovery times are shorter than ever for Lower Mainland patients in need of lower extremity (foot and ankle) and upper extremity (hand and wrist) surgeries (also known as distal extremity surgeries).

The improvements come as part of the Distal Extremities Surgical Project, announced in October 2008 as one of the first initiatives to receive support under the Province's Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund.

"The Distal Extremities Surgical Project is an outstanding example of how patients can benefit from innovation in our health-care system," said Health Services Minister George Abbott. "In projects right across the province, innovation in health-care delivery is shortening wait times, expanding service and improving access to care."

In just six months, St. Paul's Hospital has launched a centralized intake, assessment and surgical referral process for two high-volume clinics for patients with distal extremity orthopedic conditions, allowing physicians to see an additional 5,000 new referral patients per year. This has been paired with an innovative operating room using a swing room concept that will generate 450 new distal extremity surgeries by March 2010. Already, these innovations have allowed surgeons to nearly double their number of surgical cases (from 3.3 per day in September 2008 to 5.6 per day in December 2008).

The reductions in wait times for consultations are even more dramatic:

• The average wait time for a Foot and Ankle Screening and Triage (FAST) Clinic appointment from GP referral is two to 14 days;

• The subsequent wait to see an orthopedic surgeon after being assessed at the FAST Clinic now averages two weeks compared to previous waits of months;

• The number of patients waiting for foot and ankle surgery has dropped from 352 to 297;

• Since opening, the FAST Clinic has seen 494 new patient referrals;

• With expanded clinic space, the volume of hand and wrist patients seen at the Pacific Hand and Upper Extremity (Hand and Wrist) Clinic has significantly increased, and patients with acute injuries receive same or next day service; and

• Since expansion, the Hand and Wrist Clinic has seen 269 incremental new patient referrals.

The Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund investment builds on a prior provincial commitment of $2.1 million that supported renovation of the hospital's Outpatient Department and included the opening of two new satellite operating rooms. The rooms, which opened February 2009, also employ the swing room concept and are expected to allow the hospital to handle an additional 1,000 surgical cases per year. When combined with the 450 new distal cases in the main operating swing rooms, that's 1,500 new surgical cases per year.

Patients are also benefiting from the use of innovation once inside the operating rooms: St. Paul's Hospital is the only facility in British Columbia running two operating rooms that rely exclusively on a cutting-edge technique called a regional anaesthetic block. This highly localized anesthetic technique avoids the need for general anesthetic. It allows for a speedier, less stressful and less painful recovery, leaving patients fully alert during and after their surgeries.

"The benefits of the project are already apparent," said Dr. Thomas Goetz, head of the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at St. Paul's Hospital. "This innovative approach to funding has given way to a series of improvements that will lower wait lists for consultations and surgery. It allows doctors to concentrate on seeing patients and performing surgeries, as opposed to putting them on wait lists."

The impact of the Distal Extremity Surgical Project is being felt beyond St. Paul's Hospital. By increasing capacity for distal extremity surgeries and reducing the time it takes to access care, the project is lessening demand on other VCH hospitals, such as Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), which can now focus on more timely care of orthopedic trauma cases. Emergency department physicians at VGH and St. Paul's can also refer patients directly to the distal clinics for assessment.

"While this project is a Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care initiative, it is benefiting patients and care providers right across the Lower Mainland, with better integration of services for all," said David Thompson, chair of the Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund. "We can expect to see more projects like this being implemented over the coming months."

The Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund was announced as a key health initiative of the 2008 provincial throne speech. It provides Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health with $75 million to move beyond block funding toward a new provincewide, patient-centred funding model. The new model ties funding to performance and increased service levels in specific areas such as addressing surgical waitlists. The model also rewards integration, standardization and consolidation.

New Partnership Good for the Hearts of BC Women

A powerful new Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital is bringing early diagnosis of cardiac disease to a whole new level.

The only organization in Western Canada with this leading-edge technology, St. Paul's Hospital is the first in Canada to scan patients with the world's first high-definition CT scanner. The $2.2 million scanner delivers unprecedented high-quality diagnostic images while using significantly less radiation than previous technology. Thanks to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation's commitment to raise funds for this equipment, doctors at St. Paul's Hospital now have access to technology that enables them to identify disease at an earlier stage and intervene sooner.

"We can now look at the coronary arteries using this non-invasive technology and make faster, more accurate diagnoses of heart disease," says Dr. Brett Heilbron, a cardiologist with the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital. "This technology also provides a valuable alternative to the traditional angiogram for some patients, because it is less invasive, safer, and less expensive."

"This new technology and its patient-care benefits greatly enhance our capabilities as a provincial resource and centre of excellence in cardio-pulmonary and radiology research, teaching and care," says Dianne Doyle, president & CEO, Providence Health Care. "British Columbians can continue to expect the highest levels of care for which St. Paul's is internationally renowned."

The new scanner - GE Healthcare's Discovery CT750 HD - features the first new detector material in 20 years, providing unmatched high quality and detailed images a hundred times faster than previous technology. This is a radical change for the industry where no longer do higher-quality images come with higher radiation dose. With up to half the radiation for body scans, and up to 83 per cent less radiation for cardiac scans, the technology dramatically reduces exposure for patients.

Dr. Heilbron and Dr. Jonathon Leipsic, a radiologist at St. Paul's Hospital, co-direct the Heart + Lung Institute's Advanced Cardiac Imaging Program. The program is a unique collaboration between radiology and cardiology that was established with the support of the Healthy Heart Society of British Columbia. With specialized training in cardiac imaging, Drs. Leipsic and Heilbron are experts in a relatively new field.

Their leadership and expertise, combined with the hospital's longstanding reputation for cardiac excellence and research, made St. Paul's Hospital an ideal choice as a major research site for the new scanner. This designation means that the Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital is involved in international research focusing on areas such as the potential role of CT imaging in measuring the narrowing of the coronary arteries, including for patients with coronary stents.

"This is a very exciting step forward for the Providence Heart + Lung Institute," says Dr. Leipsic. "Being selected as a research site affords us the opportunity for international multi-centered research collaborations and places St. Paul's Hospital at the forefront of noninvasive coronary imaging - all the while maintaining and enhancing our commitment to low radiation dose imaging strategies." The new scanner will not only benefit cardiac patients, but will also be used to help diagnose diseases throughout the body, including early stroke detection. With the ability to differentiate between different types of soft tissue, the scanner allows more accurate diagnoses of lesions, making it useful in diagnosing diseases of the lung, liver, kidney and other organs.

Although the scanner has started up to ensure patient care and research activities begin as soon as possible, the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation is still raising the remaining funds. "St. Paul's Hospital Foundation committed an initial contribution of $200,000 from various donors to bring a scanner to St. Paul's Hospital and provide access to this new technology for patient care and research," says Stephen Shapiro, president & CEO of the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation. "The foundation continues to actively raise the additional $2 million needed from the community at large to complete the purchase." Potential donors can visit www.helpstpauls.com or call 604-682-8206.

Providence Health Care (PHC) is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,000 physicians and 6,000 staff deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. As a renowned academic health science leader, PHC operates one of two teaching hospitals in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six "populations of emphasis": cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health.

The Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital merges and integrates all of Providence's heart and lung research, education and care programs, making it the only one of its kind in Canada. The Institute is home of the provincial heart centre, which is internationally renowned for cardiac excellence and pioneering new advances in cardiac care.

St. Paul's Hospital is First in Canada to Scan Patients with Groundbreaking Technology

A powerful new Computed Tomography (CT) scanner at the Providence Heart + Lung Institute at St. Paul's Hospital is bringing early diagnosis of cardiac disease to a whole new level.

Lower Mainland Health Authorities Aim to Improve Medically Stable Patient Transfers

Fraser Health (FH), Providence Health Care (PHC) and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) have awarded two-year contracts to Medi-Van Canada Inc. (Medi-Van) and SN Transport Canada Limited (SN Transport) to provide transfers for medically stable patients between health facilities, residential care facilities and community locations. The contracts are part of a province-wide initiative to address the growing demand for this patient transfer service.

"Introducing this service will most certainly benefit patients," said Minister of Health Services George Abbott. "Much like in other areas of the province where this has already been implemented, it will allow for improved patient flow and more timely service for FH, PHC and VCH patients."

Currently, BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) is the primary provider of inter-facility patient transfers, transferring over 89,000 patients in the areas served by FH, PHC and VCH each year. Many of these patients, such as those being routinely transferred from a residential care home to hospital for tests or dialysis treatment, do not require an ambulance and would be better suited to an alternate service provider (ASP).

"FH, VCH and PHC are working closely together to improve services and reduce duplication in costs to benefit patients across the Lower Mainland," said David Handley, executive director, Business Initiatives and Support Services, for the three organizations. "This collaborative initiative will result in over $2 million in savings annually that can be re-directed into patient care."

BC Ambulance Service will remain the provider of emergency medical services in the Lower Mainland. Patients who require medical monitoring or intervention will continue to be transferred by BCAS under the supervision of qualified paramedics. Using alternate service providers will permit BCAS to focus on patients who need their skills the most.

The service will be introduced in March. Both Medi-Van and SN Transport have the capabilities of providing ambulatory, wheelchair and stretcher transfers for patients who do not require medical care during transport. Service will be available Monday to Friday during peak hours and for scheduled after-hours appointments and on week-ends. Both vendors will be servicing the Lower Mainland area.

Fees charged for transfer will be less than what is currently charged by the BC Ambulance Service and will be consistent with those charged in other areas of BC. Patients who are currently excluded from charges by the BC Ambulance Service will also be exempt under this initiative. These include patients on income assistance or premium assistance or who are being transported between acute care facilities. During the ramp up phase of this initiative, no new patient fees will be introduced by SN Transport or Medi-Van. This will give our patients time to understand the service and to be more informed about their transfer options.

Medi-Van originated in Manitoba and has been providing non-emergency stretcher and wheelchair service in Canada for over 30 years. They service personal care homes, hospital wards, emergency departments and doctors' offices, and have been working with hospitals and health facilities in southern Vancouver Island for 10 years. They were recently contracted with Interior Health to provide ASP service.

SN Transport, based in the Lower Mainland, has been operating since 2003. Its management team based its business on a successful UK model that provided service to health authorities, social services and local government. SN Transport has been providing some alternate provider service to VCH for five years.

Both companies use stretcher and wheelchair vehicles that are equipped with basic patient care equipment. All employees have a minimum qualification of Occupational First Aid and CPR for Healthcare Professionals. In their nearly 40 years of combined customer service, neither Medi-Van nor SN Transport has ever had any patient safety incidents.