We are happy to bring you the following news from the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation. You can read more about the activities of the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation in our annual report & newsletter publications.

A Passion for Nursing Education

Like many others, Paula’s decision to enter the nursing profession was influenced by a desire to help others. However, there is one experience that stands out in her memory. “My first job was a newspaper route. As I approached one of my customers homes, I noticed he was outside on his front lawn slumped next to a ladder sitting on the ground. He was an older gentleman, and I knew he lived alone. He was sweating and holding his chest – I went to a neighbour’s house for help, who I knew was a nurse.” Paula chuckled. “This was before the days of cellphones and 911.”

Paula describes how the nurse calmly took charge. “She called the ambulance and then directed us (myself and her son) in ways we could help – loosening clothing, placing a pillow, getting a blanket, those sorts of things. All the while, she also continued to reassure the gentleman and us kids that everything was going to be fine, and that help would soon be there.” She describes the moment as one that has left a lasting impression. “I think it was the first time I saw the power of nursing in action – compassion, leadership, and clinical skill all coming together to make a difference.”

As years passed, time spent with family members and friends who were nurses further sparked her interest in the profession. With such great examples of nursing surrounding Paula in her early years, it’s no surprise that she entered the healthcare field.

Nursing was a passion, but advancing her education quickly became just as important – and the Dalhousie School of Nursing played a huge part from the beginning. “I am a proud Dal grad – achieving my bachelor’s degree in 2000 and my master’s in nursing in 2016. I’m actually a graduate from the second class ever to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Yarmouth. Currently I am working toward the completion of a doctoral degree through the University of Toronto Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing.”

Paula began her career as a nurse educator at the Dalhousie School of Nursing, Yarmouth Campus, initially working from 2004 until 2017 as a part-time instructor (supporting students’ learning in both clinical practice and classroom settings). In 2018, she was awarded a full-time adjunct assistant professor position with the school – and now, in April of this year, she’s stepped in the role of site administrator.

Paula feels ready for the challenge. “At some point, you recognize that your knowledge, skills, and experiences have prepared you to step into a leadership role. In addition to my work in nursing education, my career has spanned a wide range of practice areas, including hospital-based settings such as maternity, pediatrics, and medical/surgical areas, as well as community nursing in Primary Care, Public Health Services, and Continuing Care. These roles have provided me with many opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities and have helped me develop a leadership style that I hope is viewed by others as one that is grounded in authenticity and mutual respect.”

“The Yarmouth School of Nursing’s strong reputation and over 100-year history of nursing excellence continues to inspire our faculty to embrace opportunities that enhance student learning. As educators and leaders, we understand the crucial role we play in preparing our future nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to continue to make meaningful contributions to the health of our communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a part in their journey and to help shape the next generation of nurses who will no doubt continue to go on to transform the future of healthcare.”

Here at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, we wish her the best as she begins her first full school year in her new position!

But Paula isn’t the only person whose career has been shaped by the Dalhousie School of Nursing, Yarmouth Campus. For the past three decades, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) graduates have been making positive impacts in Southwest Nova Scotia and beyond. As the campus is celebrating thirty years of this success this fall, they are looking to share stories that highlight this legacy!

Do you know a nursing graduate who has inspired you or made a difference in your life as a member of your care team, colleague, classmate or mentor? Nominate them today and help us share their story: https://surveys.novascotia.ca/Yarmouth30

Training Family Physicians in Yarmouth

Dalhousie University South West Nova Family Medicine Residency Program – Training Doctors to become Family Physicians in Yarmouth

When you’re needed, you step up to the plate! That’s what Dr. Kenny Yee believes, and he followed through when he was recently asked to accept the site director position with the Dalhousie University South West Nova Family Medicine Residency Program.

Dr. Kenny Yee (Site Director)

“Many of the residents that we trained in the 14 years of this residency program are actually serving our Tri-County communities as family physicians and are involved in the residency program now. I have been with this program from the start and felt it a real honor to serve as the site director in January 2025.”

Dr. Yee’s big smile and sense of humour is always evident, and they serve him well in a very busy position. But what exactly is the residency program? Dr. Yee tells us more.

“In the residency program, we train doctors to be family physicians. These family medicine residents are either Canadian Medical Graduates (CMGs) or International Medical Graduates (IMGs). In their first year, they spend about two days a week in the family medicine clinic with the preceptor. In the second year, they spend three days a week. We actually get to know the residents very well – they’re almost like family by the time we’re done.”

But those days aren’t the only time spent learning, not at all. “On the days when they’re not working directly in the family medicine clinic, the residents rotate through different services (such as doing deliveries, hospitalist care, emergency room care, etc.) so they can learn all the skills needed for family medicine.”

Programs like the Family Medicine Residency Program are vitally important to healthcare in our region, and we at the foundation are proud to offer annual support. And as a matter of fact, Dr. Yee himself was a member of our board for nine years! He remembers his time fondly. “I was amazed at the amount of talent in that group of people, and they were just volunteering their time. And the amount of money that was raised was amazing!”

We continue to recognize the importance of a thriving healthcare system in our region, and we know our wonderfully generous community will always have our back. If you want to help us in our mission, learn more about the many ways you can donate! Or, make a simple online donation today!

New Breast Cancer Technology Making a Difference

At the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, we recognize the trust our donors place in us. Put simply, they want to know that their donations are truly making a difference. So, when we are able to follow up on a piece of equipment we funded and hear about the positive impact it’s making, we jump at the chance!

In the spring of 2024, fundraisers were held with all proceeds going towards the cost of a MOLLI® system (more than $102,000). An innovative piece of equipment, this technology helps surgeons remove lesions in the breast more efficiently and with increased patient comfort. Recently, we were able to speak with Dr. Chris Murphy – and he had only good things to say. “I’m not an early adopter of new technology, I’m usually hesitant. I knew they were starting to use the MOLLI® system across the province, and I didn’t really think about it too much. But when we started using it, I immediately saw how good it was.”

A man demonstrates a piece of medical equipment to a woman. They stand in a hospital hallway.

Dr. Chris Murphy demonstrates the MOLLI® Wand to Mary Surette (Yarmouth Hospital Foundation Managing Director).

Keeping up with the times is always very important in the healthcare field, and this system’s status as an upgrade is without question. “I’ve been here since 2008, and we’d been exclusively using wire localization up until we moved to the MOLLI® system,” Dr. Murphy tells us. “This used to rely on a wire being passed through the breast. You’d look at the films with a radiologist and say, for example “Ok, the tumor is about 8 cms in.” But when they’re putting in that wire, they’re often compressing the breast to do it — and then when the patient is on the operating table, the breast is no longer compressed. So, you always had to kind of guess where to best make your incision.”

But now, precision is the name of the game in a way it never was before. Surgeons can localize the area of concern more accurately, and Dr. Murphy’s face lit up when discussing the difference. “It’s just so much more precise. This means less dissection and less surgery. So, it’s better for me, and it makes it easier for the radiologists to plan their day.”

That’s all well and good, but the best thing about the MOLLI® system is how much better it works for the patient. Dr. Murphy remembers how it used to work. “The old wire localization method always made for a long and stressful day, with the patient having to wait around for hours with wires in their breast until they could get in the OR. But now you can place a MOLLI® seed weeks before the operation and have the patient come in at the scheduled surgery time. The patient doesn’t need to be at the hospital any longer than they need to be! The convenience and peace of mind for the patient is really the biggest benefit.”

Two men (dressed in surgery scrubs) and a woman stand in a hospital hallway with a piece of medical equipment.

(l-r) YHF Managing Director Mary Surette, Dr. Chris Murphy, and Dr. Blair MacDonald with the MOLLI® Tablet.

It’s amazing to see healthcare professionals so excited over a piece of technology, but it warms the heart even more to know that our incredibly caring donors are the reason we were able to bring it to Yarmouth Regional Hospital. We pledge to continue bringing the best possible equipment to our healthcare centre, ensuring that our donors’ wishes are met. To each and every one who gave, we express our sincerest thanks!

Ivan Cottreau and the Wall of Honour

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s Wall of Honour, located in the lobby of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital, is a testament to the generosity found throughout our area. On this wall are placed the names of donors who have given $5,000 and above towards our region’s healthcare system. It’s a great way to say thanks — but it wouldn’t have been possible without the skill and expertise of the craftsman who created the piece!

Local business owner and carpenter Ivan Cottreau (owner of E&J Millworks Inc.) was first approached in 2010 by the managing director at the time, Paulette Sweeney-Goodwin. “The idea to seek out the existing design of the new wall came about when the foundation saw various designs presented at an annual Association of Healthcare Philanthropy conference,” explains Paulette. “We felt strongly that we would prefer to enlist someone local, and it didn’t take us long to discover Ivan Cottreau’s gift in cabinet making and finish work. Ivan took pride in what he does, and his attention to detail was evident.”

But there was more to the selection than his careful craftsmanship. Paulette continued. “Equally important, he understood from the outset how important the Wall of Honour is and what it represents to the community. Ivan was so committed that he donated his time and talent to see the project through to completion. Ivan and his wife Nancy truly have the hearts of donors.”

“It was a big job,” Ivan told us. “I probably spent three weeks’ worth of evenings and weekends creating the original piece — and then it took three evenings to just put the name plates on. There have been a lot more donors recently, so in 2022 I also made an extension to the wall.”

But this year, current managing director Mary Surette noticed something. “I was thrilled to see that Ivan and Nancy’s donations had recently crossed the $5,000 threshold required to put his name on the Wall of Honour he himself had created! We reached out to him immediately in order to commemorate the special event.”

Ivan and Nancy Cottreau at the Wall of Honour.

Ivan is soft-spoken and modest about his creation, but we at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation are incredibly grateful for the pride he takes in his work. The Wall of Honour will stand for many years as a beautiful way to honour the incredible donors who make our work possible. “When visitors to the hospital see the memorial wall, it acts as a strong reminder of the power that each and every donor has to enact positive change,” says Mary. Paulette agrees. “By recognizing our donors in such a public way, the Wall of Honour often inspires others to make a donation towards our community’s health. Whether they’re aware of it or not, foundation donors lead by example.”

The Pantry Program

Russell Robicheau

Nowadays more than ever, the work done by the Outpatient Community Mental Health & Addiction Program is vital for our community. Russell Robicheau (Manager of Southwest Outpatient Adult, Child & Adolescent Clinics) spoke with us to discuss some of the challenges in their work – and an interesting way that the foundation was able to help.

As Russell explains, “Dr. Sara Bartel is one of our doctoral psychologists, and she works with folks with complex eating disorders. Sometimes part of that treatment means they need to eat a meal in front of her as part of their exposure work, and our patients are expected to bring in the food. But sometimes they’ll come in on the day and say, “I just didn’t really have money to afford that”.”

Seeing the need experienced by many of their patients is impactful for the team at the clinic. “People carry shame about being in a precarious financial situation,” says Russell. “And it’s impossible to provide effective mental health treatment for folks when their everyday life is so significantly impacted. So, we got a grant through the foundation to start our pantry program.”

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation was happy to step in and help, all thanks to our generous donors. Two pantries were installed (one at the adult clinic, and one at the children’s clinic), enabling patients to access food when they need it – either for use during treatment at the clinic or just to bring home. “We keep the pantry fully stocked every week. If our patients are at an appointment with one of their clinical therapists or with a psychiatrist, they can open the cupboard and grab what they need on their way. Often, they’re malnourished, or they had to skip lunch to afford the drive over here, so they’re able to have a bit of sustenance and keep their body fully nourished. Then they’re able to focus on what needs to be done.”

One of the two pantries.

But even a pantry has its limits. Russell tells us more. “We also received a grant for $10,000 from the foundation to provide grocery gift cards for people who are unable to afford the food needed as part of their treatment (which happens a home, and includes three meals a day with high protein, etc.). Our goal is usually to get our patients to gain weight, especially when they’re significantly underweight and at risk of being hospitalized. But often, with the cost of groceries being what it is, they’re unable to do it. So, we will give an average of $800 per client in grocery gift cards for the full duration of treatment. It’s been a huge benefit.”

Russell is proud of the work done in his department. “I want people who really need mental health assessment and treatment to be able to access it and not have their financial situation hinder them. So, if we can help with the pantry or by providing the grocery cards for the people on the eating disorder treatment plan, we can just do that. And the foundation has been instrumental, we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Looking for Board Members

Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is looking for Board members

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is extremely fortunate to have the unwavering support of the local community. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to help the Yarmouth Regional Hospital deliver excellent healthcare to the tri-county communities it serves. Our foundation is led by a dedicated and resourceful board of directors who work tirelessly to inspire generosity within the community, strengthen healthcare through investment in our regional hospital, and celebrate the impact of philanthropy.

Here is your opportunity to take part in the success of this community partnership.

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation Board will be appointing new members over the months ahead. To ensure broad public engagement, we invite nominations to be considered by the nominating committee. Individuals must agree to being considered before you nominate them.

A recent evaluation has identified the following areas of priority in appointing new members:

• Financial Experience
• Legal Experience
• Communication Skills

Yarmouth Hospital Foundation also has a strong desire to have our board closely reflect the diverse populations served by the hospital. We invite applications from all genders, all races and ethnicities, people of all abilities, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ persons and bilingual or multilingual individuals. We are committed to providing all applicants with equal opportunities.

Please submit full name, contact information, a short biography or CV, and a brief letter indicating reasons for interest in and appropriateness for a board position to:

Mary Surette
Managing Director
Yarmouth Hospital Foundation
PO Box 7, Yarmouth, NS B5A 4B1

mary.surette@nshealth.ca

Cycling for a Cause – Dr. Ziyad Alanazi’s “Heart Ride”

Dr. Ziyad Alanazi’s “Heart Ride” (undertaken as part of our 2024 Sou’West Walkathon) raised almost $1,000 for the cause! We are very grateful to Dr. Alanazi and all who donated.

We knew it was a great story, and Saltwire agreed! Check out their article and learn more about this generous man and his story!

Laundry — The Real Neverending Story

The Yarmouth Regional Hospital is, to put it mildly, a big place. With more than 120 inpatient beds and four operating suites, it’s easy to imagine the immense load of laundry generated every day. And of course, someone has to handle it! Enter the Laundry Services Department.

As it happens, this team not only has to handle all the laundry from our regional hospital, but Digby and Roseway Hospitals as well. Twice a week, laundry comes from both hospitals and is washed, dried, and folded along with the rest from Yarmouth. This means that approximately 24,000 pounds is processed by the Laundry Services Department every single week!

What does this laundry consist of? “We handle sheets, johnnies, OR and ED scrubs, and even a little bit of personal laundry for patients in long-term care when necessary. Rounds are done several times a day,” says Robbie LeBlanc, Assistant Manager of Facilities Support Services. It’s a lot of work for this small team (6 full-time, and a couple part-time), but it’s vitally important — yet another example of the tireless effort put in behind the scenes at Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

Helping Nursing Students in Yarmouth

Dr. Shelley Cobbett in one of several clinical learning and simulation center labs at the Dalhousie School of Nursing (Yarmouth Campus).

If you want to learn about the changes seen in nursing education throughout the past 35 years, Dr. Shelley Cobbett is one of the best people to speak to. A faculty member of the Dalhousie School of Nursing (Yarmouth Campus) since its inception in 1995, as well as during its previous iteration as the Yarmouth Regional Hospital School of Nursing since 1988, she has been the site administrator since 2019. She has had a true firsthand view of this ever-evolving field.

“I graduated from the Yarmouth School of Nursing in ’84, at a time when there were no nursing positions to be seen east of Ontario. Right now, we’re in a shortage,” Shelley explains. But more has changed than just availability of positions. “It’s rare that a student can go to university and not have to work. It’s not like it was 15-20 years ago when they were being told “Thou shalt not work while going to school for nursing”. That’s not the reality anymore.”

With times such as they are, the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation recognizes that scholarships are more important than ever. We are proud to offer nine scholarships to first-year students accepted and enrolled full-time in the Dalhousie University Bachelor of Science Nursing program (Yarmouth Campus). “We always work very closely with the foundation. The scholarships are amazing,” says Shelley. “We see the difference in some of our students’ lives, especially those students who are really struggling financially.”

If you are a first-year student attending the Dalhousie School of Nursing, learn more today! We’re here to help foster the next generation of healthcare professionals. The deadline for this years’ applications is September 30, 2024.

YHF Nursing Scholarships

Hospitals are bustling, complex systems full of skilled and educated individuals, any of whom the healthcare system would not be able to function without. But ask anyone and they will tell you – the beating heart of any hospital is its nurses.

One of these nurses is Perioperative Team Lead Deborah Janke. Having been an LPN in the operating room for 10 years, she decided to further her training and become an RN. “An RN is often in charge of a care plan or in charge of more acute patients, but they also do more management and take on more of an educator role,” Deborah explains. But beginning any such journey can be daunting, with financial concerns substantial consideration. As Deborah remembers, “I still had a mortgage, still had car payments, still had all those things in life that I had to pay for.” Luckily, the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation was here to help.

With a number of nursing scholarships specifically available for students attending the Dalhousie University Bachelor of Science Nursing program (Yarmouth Campus), we at the foundation are proud to support the next generation of nurses. “Many others in my class received them,” says Deborah “and everybody who had them was grateful for the help! The school was really helpful in letting us know about the scholarships and showing us how to apply, etc. I was very happy about it.”

If you’re taking the next big step in your education at Dalhousie School of Nursing (Yarmouth Campus), check out our scholarships today!

Unsung Heroes of the Hospital

The folks on the Environmental Services team at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital are used to being called “housekeepers” – but there’s far more to what they do than simple cleaning work.

“Anything that needs cleaning top to bottom – offices, delivery rooms, operating rooms, patient areas, lobby, all the bathrooms, entrances – you name it, they take care of it all,” says Robbie LeBlanc, Assistant Manager of Facilities Support Services. “But really, we’re here to keep the hospital safe. Infection control is a big thing! We keep germs from spreading from room to room, from patient to patient, and from staff to staff. It’s not only about the patients. We’re keeping everyone who walks through our doors safe.”

An Environmental Services worker standing by her cart.

Environmental Services team member Felicia Hirschfeld is ready to get to work! With six weeks’ experience on the job, she is one of the newer members of the team.

The training that goes with the position is extensive, and proper use of personal protective equipment is vital, given the staff’s proximity to illness and infectious disease. In fact, due to the level of care and attention given to the cleanliness and safety of our hospital, some Environmental Services workers can use up to 50 pairs of disposable gloves per day.

The job can be quite physically demanding as well, but there’s a large team to handle it all. “We have about 45 or 50 people who work here during the day and night. We’re at it 24 hours a day!” explains LeBlanc.

Here at the foundation, we’re sure you’ll agree that this is an invaluable team. So this Environmental Services Week, let’s give our thanks to the professionals who work so hard to keep us, our hospital, and our loved ones safe!

Introducing YHF Board Chair – Ann Jones

Ann Jones, the newly appointed Chair of the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s board of directors, brings a lot of experience and passion to her new role. “I’m a volunteer at heart,” she says. “I love being active in my community, and I’ve been on many boards, including SHYFT, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Boys and Girls Club Board. I’m also a partner in the Yarmouth Waterfront Gallery.” When an opportunity to serve as a board member came up, she leapt at that chance. “It’s really important that I do this,” she realized.

The foundation’s mission, of course, is to support and enhance the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. And, as Ann explains, one of the chief ways we do so is by making the hospital an appealing place for doctors. “If we don’t have a hospital with the latest technology, we don’t attract the doctors or other healthcare professionals that we absolutely need. Without them, we can’t give the best care possible. So, I’d like to continue our strong collaboration with all partners involved. The hospital is a system, and all parts of that system need to work together.”

Continuing the foundation’s work of supporting our regional hospital may be her focus, but she has another goal as well – keeping the joyful atmosphere she sees in all the foundation’s endeavors. “When I see events like the WE CARE Radiothon, people are happy about giving. I think that excites me the most, that the foundation is so respected in this community. People know who we are, and they know that we deliver. So, when they give, they give from the heart. And we live in a very giving community.”

Kathy Ogden — A Life of Dedication

The work in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is high-tech, fast-paced, and critical — and Kathy Ogden loves it. After graduating from the Yarmouth School of Nursing in 1978, Kathy was a nurse for 20 years when she took an assignment in the ICU and fell in love. She’s still in love with this position even after 25 years, so much so that she’s not ready to retire 10 years after she became eligible.

There are seven patient rooms and one treatment room in ICU, which allows for a variety of procedures, even the installation of temporary pacemakers. ICU is for critically ill patients, often those with heart or respiratory illnesses and those needing new acute dialysis requiring additional monitoring. These patients often require one-on-one care from a nurse, or perhaps one nurse can look after two or even three patients — but no more.

Kathy has been team leader for 10 years. While the nurses work 12-hour shifts — four on days, four on nights — the team leader works 7-3 Monday through Friday. Given her knowledge base and experience, she can provide support and advice to the other nurses. She also handles needed paperwork and fills in when a nurse needs assistance or a break.

In addition, up to 12 patients also can be monitored on 3-East or 3-South, and that’s because they have monitors that are connected to ICU. “We in ICU monitor them to determine if they need help, from asking the floor nurses to check on them to rushing to the bedside to deal with a critical development. We keep a close eye on them to determine if they need help and what kind,” Kathy says.

Years ago, many ICU patients would have been transferred to Halifax or Kentville for specialized care, but that happens much less often, Kathy says. “Now they can be treated right here at home,” she says. She attributes this to technological improvements and to the fact that ICU now has more internal medicine doctors, including a cardiologist and an intensivist, along with internal medicine fellows (doctors completing their training).

She credits the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation for funding many of the machines and devices that provide life-saving care — from the portable ultrasound that is used daily to ceiling lifts to special chairs that allow patients to sit up properly. “I get excited when we get some new equipment that the foundation has purchased,” Kathy admits. “The foundation has been very supportive when the need is there.”

The Community Stepping Up – RBC

It’s not every day you get a call asking for volunteer opportunities, and even rarer when they offer to pay for the privilege! But we at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation were very happy to hear from Danny Reid, an investment retirement planner at Yarmouth RBC. As part of RBC’s Employee Volunteer Grant program, eight volunteers offered to spend a couple of hours weeding and gardening in front of Veteran’s Place at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. The resulting donation of $1,500 will help us fulfill our mandate of supporting and enhancing healthcare in our region!

The RBC Volunteers presenting YFH Managing Director Mary Surette with their donation.

The RBC Volunteers presenting YFH Managing Director Mary Surette (second from left) with their donation.

As Nonie Crowell (Assistant Bank Manager, RBC Yarmouth Branch) says, “The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is a very important part of the community. Whenever we can, we will give to them.” Indeed, RBC has also assisted with our WE CARE Radiothon for numerous years. It’s all part of their employee initiative that aims to help our communities thrive.

Community-led fundraisers such as this enable the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation to expand our support throughout the Yarmouth Regional Hospital. If you’re interested in hosting a community fundraising event, give us a call at 902-749-1669. We’d be happy to help with promotion!

Fostering the Next Generation of Nursing

A generous Yarmouth couple has endowed the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s newest scholarship — an annual $1,000 scholarship for students enrolled in the LPN program at the Burridge campus of Nova Scotia Community College.

“It’s our way of giving back,” say foundation supporters Ron and Bev Smith. They decided to make this incredible contribution as an endowment to the Licensed Practical Nursing program because it’s a gift that keeps on giving. (An endowment means that the principal is invested and the return on the investment covers the scholarship each year.)

Ron knows about investments — he had a career as chief financial officer in several industries. Ron and Bev also both have strong connections to the healthcare field — Bev as a nurse and Ron as a former chair and director of the IWK Health Centre. They both grew up in Yarmouth, but they moved back from the Halifax area in 2006 when they retired. They quickly found their ideal home with a huge picture window giving them a beautiful view of Lake Milo.

Bev and Ron are particularly concerned about the stresses aging baby boomers like themselves are placing on healthcare and the need to step up recruitment of professionals in the field. “Our scholarship is a way to make a tangible difference for years to come,” Ron says, adding they hope their gift will inspire others to contribute.

Bev remembers how important it was to her own nursing career to receive a $500 scholarship. That was in 1970, she says. It paid her tuition and some other expenses.

The Smiths’ scholarship joins two others for the Burridge program that are funded by the foundation. The foundation also administers nine scholarships to the Dalhousie School of Nursing, Yarmouth Campus.

LPNs may make up to 50 percent of the nursing staff in some departments at the Yarmouth hospital, and the Burridge program has a reputation for more hands-on clinical experience than available at similar programs elsewhere in the province. “We hope our scholarship can inspire some young people to enter the nursing field,” Bev says.

Further details regarding scholarship applications will be available in September.

A True ‘Run for Good’

Here at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, we’re always thrilled to see local organizations as excited about supporting and enhancing our regional hospital as we are. So, this spring, our hearts were warmed to hear about the Run for Good 5K, organized by Boatskeg Distilling, Strong Tides Crossfit, and Apollo Sport & Wellness Centre. The run’s proceeds went to us here at the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, specifically to be put towards the Inpatient Recreation Therapy program at our regional hospital.

This program aims to support individuals mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually by aiding in accessing recreation/leisure activity. As co-organizer Jocelyne Deon said “We wanted to try and help with mental health — it touches everyone.” And mental health is a huge component in recreation therapy! As recreation therapist Emily Jackson explains, “The program uses recreation and leisure to support motivation, overall mood, self-esteem, and social connection by providing purpose and quality of life.”

With just under 70 runners signed up, the Run for Good 5K was a popular one for the local running community as well, and the bright and sunny weather only added to the great vibes. Door prizes were given out, and many enjoyed a few drinks after the run when they headed to the nearby Boatskeg Distillery (with portions of the drinks’ proceeds also going to the Inpatient Recreation Therapy program).

“The recent donation has a big impact on the program,” Emily Jackson went on to say. “We have implemented a garden space at one of the hospital entrances, and this donation helped us purchase supplies for the patients to connect with the outdoors and gardening. Each day the recreation therapy team brings patients to the space to care for the garden and enjoy some sunshine!”

When the community comes together to support healthcare, we all win. And thanks to gracious community partners such as by Boatskeg Distilling, Strong Tides Crossfit and Apollo Sport & Wellness Centre, the staff at our regional hospital can feel truly supported.

Funding a Vital Chemotherapy Tool

The New Biological Safety Cabinet

When facing a cancer diagnosis, we can expect thorough treatment that mitigates as many risks as possible. But there’s often more that goes into our treatment than we realize!

For instance, patients receiving chemotherapy at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital have their chemotherapy drugs mixed onsite in the Pharmacy Department. To make sure that each dose is safe and sterile, they all need to be mixed in a biological safety cabinet. Not only does this keep the doses safe, it keeps the pharmacy staff safe as well as they mix these cytotoxic drugs. It’s just one example of the behind-the-scenes work that must take place for our healthcare system to run efficiently, smoothly, and safely.

When we were approached by Maggie Arenburg (Manager, Pharmacy South West Nova Scotia) and Pam Robichaud (Manager, WZ Cancer Care Program) and told of their need for a new biological safety cabinet (at a cost of $25,318), we knew we had to step in to help. According to Pam and Maggie, “Given the rising number of cancer diagnoses in recent years, the replacement of our old, antiquated equipment was essential and timely.”

Karen Gorst and Kristen Pulsifer at Work (L-R)

Put simply, the hospital’s patients and staff both deserve to be as safe as possible – and we were proud to do our part. In spring of 2024, the new cabinet (sometimes colloquially referred to as a “chemo hood”) were installed in the Yarmouth Pharmacy Department. Without this, provision of lifesaving chemotherapy in Yarmouth would be either impossible or significantly delayed. And it’s all made possible because of our inspiring donors who understand the need for supporting and enhancing healthcare in our regional hospital!

The YHF 2024 Annual General Meeting

The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, at 5:30pm. It will be held in the Bluenose Room, at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

Everyone is welcome to attend — however, only members are eligible to vote. Eligible voters are those individuals who have made a donation since last year’s AGM.

For more information, reach out via email at info@yarmouthhospitalfoundation.ca, or by phone at 902-749-1669.

Updated Laparoscopic Suites

An Exciting Upgrade

The new laparoscopic suites at Yarmouth Regional Hospital (YRH) are to the ones installed a dozen years ago as smart phones are to flip phones. Almost everything in the two operating rooms is brand new — lights, monitors, screens, beds, cameras and all of the other technology and specialized equipment our surgeons need to do their work, says Gina Leaman, nurse manager for Perioperative Services. (Perioperative is the term for the whole process from admitting to procedure to recovery.)

One of YRH’s two upgraded laparoscopic suites.

The new minimally invasive surgical (MIS) suites were made possible thanks to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation, which covered the full cost of $1.5 million. “The old suites were a big improvement but the new suites are a thousand times better,” says team leader Deborah Janke. “The technology is so much better for patients, as well as the staff.” It allows the surgical staff easy visual access to x-rays, CT-scans and MRIs, and that improves accuracy and speed, Deborah says.

Since Yarmouth Regional is a teaching hospital, medical residents and student nurses often attend and the camera system and monitors can shift around to get the best views for the surgeons and nurses and to help them teach. About half of all surgeries are laparoscopic, but the equipment is also a major asset for open surgeries, making detailed visual information available at the push of a button.

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Gina Leaman — Nurse Manager for Perioperative Services

Laparoscopy is a less invasive surgery than open surgery and requires less recovery time. A laparoscope, a thin lighted tube that has a video camera, is inserted via a tiny incision to examine and treat the organs of the abdomen. Hernias, gall bladders, appendixes and bowels are the four most common surgeries performed in Yarmouth. Often five or six procedures are performed in each of the suites daily, but some surgeries, like bowel surgery could take a whole day, Gina says.

Laparoscopic technology is also used to give physicians a clear and detailed picture of a patient’s condition, to allow the physician to determine how that condition should be treated. For example, many of the scopes for hip and knee problems are done here, which frees up OR time in Kentville where the more complex surgery is done.

Besides the surgeon, each operation requires an assistant, an anesthetist and three OR nurses. YRH has four general surgeons, two gynaecologists, one ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist, one ophthalmologist, five visiting urologists two days a week and six visiting orthopaedic surgeons. They are assisted by 22 OR nurses, plus part-time and casual RNs.

Community Fundraisers for the WE CARE Radiothon

Fundraising for the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s WE Care Radiothon starts long before we hit the airwaves on Feb 29^th.

One of the most ‘talked about’ events for the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is just around the corner … the WE CARE Radiothon! 2024 is a leap year and on Thursday, February 29^th, we, along with presenting sponsor Y95, invite you to take a leap forward with us in support of your regional hospital once again.

The entire Tri-County community of Yarmouth, Digby & Shelburne will benefit from the new cardia rehab program coming to your regional hospital, so we are calling on the entire Tri-County community to support this important fundraiser!

Community fundraisers in support of WE CARE Radiothon:

Bruce Group Yarmouth: Honda, Chrysler & Kia are offering a donation to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation for every test drive and vehicle sold during the month of February.

Next time you are in Wilson’s Home Hardware in Barrington Passage or Carleton Country Outfitters in Carleton, drop your loose change into one of the WE CARE Radiothon red jugs.

Here’s some other ways you can be part of WE CARE Radiothon 2024:

Friendly competition is one of the best motivators out there! Challenge a co-worker to meet or beat your fundraising total or throw a company-wide collection challenge.
Give a donation instead of exchanging Valentine or birthday gifts.
Sell secret valentines or candy-grams.
Host a“trivia night” and ask friends to make a donation to attend.
Have a bake sale, a craft sale or a cake walk.
Save all of your loose change and donate it – Little Chevrolet has once again pledged to match all coin donations on Radiothon day up to $5,000!

Show us how much YOU CARE! It’s community support that will enable your regional hospital to provide the best health care possible to the residents of Digby, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties. Every bit helps!

WE CARE Radiothon Trivia is back!

You loved it last year, and it’s back again!

WE CARE Radiothon Trivia is back!

How much do you know about Yarmouth Regional Hospital, and Yarmouth Hospital Foundation?

Yarmouth Hospital Foundation and our presenting partner Y95 – CJLS radio station are once again jointly hosting a trivia contest in the lead up to this year’s WE CARE Radiothon with prizes donated generously by Rayanne and Aldric Robicheau (thank you so much!).

Every (business) day from Wednesday February 14^th to Wednesday, Feb 28^th (not including the Feb 19th stat holiday) there will be two opportunities to win a gift card worth $25 for gas at the PetroCan station at the corner of Starrs Rd. and Haley Rd.

Each day, Y95 – CJLS will ask one trivia question and pick their daily winner. YHF will be posting a different trivia question each day at 8am on our Facebook page.

To win on Facebook, you must —

1) Answer the trivia question correctly!

2) Agree to the contest’s terms and conditions.

All contestants who answer correctly will be entered into a random draw to win, and the winner will be notified the same day! We will then message you to make arrangements to get you your prize.

By answering the trivia question on our Facebook page, your agreement to the following terms is implied.

Terms & Conditions

The daily Facebook trivia closes at 3:30pm Atlantic Time every business day from Feb 15 – 28. Business days do not include weekends or the statutory holiday on Monday, February 19. Entries posted after 3:30pm Atlantic Time will not be entered into the daily contest.
The daily winner will be randomly selected and posted here no later than 5pm Atlantic time the same day.
Only one winner will be selected each day on Facebook, and one additional winner will be selected through Y95 and their version of this contest.
The trivia contest is limited to residents of the Tri-Counties of Yarmouth, Shelburne & Digby, Nova Scotia.
Facebook/Meta is not affiliated in any way with this contest and by participating in this contest, you agree to fully release and hold Meta harmless from liability.

Four new state-of-the-art radiant infant warmers are on their way.

The newest, littlest residents of the Tri-Counties will have a ‘warm start’ in life thanks to YOU!

Once again we at Yarmouth Hospital Foundation are in awe of our donors and are delighted to announce that the Christmas Appeal in support of the Women & Children’s Health unit was a great success because of you!

Our regional hospital touches the lives of many individuals and families from the Tri-County region every single day of the year. Health care equipment is expensive, and the technology is continually updating. Your donations, like the ones that are funding these radiant infant warmers for Women & Children’s Health, continue to provide our care teams with the essential resources they need to provide the best care possible in keeping our families and our community healthy.

It is you that is making a big difference in health care and for that, we are extremely grateful. THANK YOU!

Why I give to the foundation

“It’s good to give to the foundation. I see what donors’ dollars do every day, for our doctors and nurses, and even for us ward clerks. It’s important. It helps the hospital. And it honours our beautiful little boy. We still miss him so much.”

Lynette Hayward-Byrd has worked for Yarmouth Regional Hospital for 22 years. She’s a ward clerk for 4B, Complex Care. She’s also a regular donor to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation through our memorial program and has a very special reason for her donations.

Six years ago, Lynette’s step-grandson Mason, along with three other children, passed in a tragic house fire in Pubnico. “Mason was the sweetest little boy ever.” she said. “He was a kind old soul in a little, adventurous body! He loved going fishing with his dad and travelling with family. We all adored him and many, many people miss him.”

Since the tragedy, Lynette has donated to Yarmouth Hospital Foundation’s memorial program three times a year: for Mason’s birthday, at Christmas (she loves to see his name on our memorial tree) and for the WE CARE Radiothon since it falls close to the anniversary of the fire. “I give to the Foundation to keep his name out there. I love that you put the names up on social media every month, and love seeing it on the tree: it keeps his name alive. He was so loved and it’s good to see his name out there.”

Also, since she works in the hospital, Lynette said, “It’s good to give to the foundation. I see what donors’ dollars do every day, for our doctors and nurses, and even for us ward clerks. It’s important. It helps the hospital. And it honours our beautiful little boy. We still miss him so much.”

You Bought This!

Your donations at work at Yarmouth Regional Hospital

Last Fall, Yarmouth Hospital Foundation held our first-ever Sou’West Walkathon to raise money towards the purchase of eight specially designed Broda tilt and recline wheelchairs for the ICU.

Well, here’s the exciting news: you bought them!

With the contributions made from the walkathon, as well as the ongoing generosity of donors like you, Yarmouth Hospital Foundation purchased all eight Broda chairs, and they’re already in use at your regional hospital! Sharon Harvie, Health Care Manager – ICU, Acute Care 3B/3C told us, “I am very appreciative of the support of the community in providing much needed equipment for our patients. The staff, patients and families truly appreciate it!”

Because our walkathon walkers were so instrumental in making this purchase happen, we invited the highest fundraising team and individual to come and see these exciting new wheelchairs, and to meet some of the staff who will be using them. Team ‘Lumberjack Legacy’ was comprised of Denise Nickerson and Angele Scott, and our highest fundraising walker was Yarmouth Hospital Foundation board member, Jim Smith.

Angele Scott, a NS Health employee, has seen the impact of the foundation’s donors around the hospital, but she and Denise had a more personal reason for supporting the walkathon. Rob Kane, Denise’s partner, spent three weeks in the ICU last November. “It really brought it home,” Denise told us, “how much we all need the hospital. We wanted to give back.”

Angele, Rob’s cousin, agreed: “Helping the hospital is always a good cause, but this was personal since we had Rob in the ICU last year. That kept us walking, even on the rainy days.” She also noted that the online fundraiser format meant that other members of their extended family who they might not see in person were able to donate towards their fundraising efforts.

Hannah Wray, Team Lead for Acute Care 3B/3C was enthusiastic about the equipment: “These wheelchairs hugely improve care and comfort and are so much safer for our staff! Many thanks to everyone who donated to help make this a reality for our patients!”

Jim Smith, Yarmouth Hospital Foundation board member is an avid walker on an ordinary day, and he took the foundation’s walkathon as a personal challenge. “It meant that I couldn’t miss a day, not even for the rain,” he told us. “Ultimately, the needs of the hospital are so great, and fundraisers like this are a good ‘exercise’ towards helping meet unlimited needs,” Jim said.

Kathy Ogden, Team Lead for the ICU, knows just how ongoing and unlimited the needs of the hospital are. She’s worked for Yarmouth Regional Hospital for 45 years, and the ICU specifically for 25 years. “I’m always excited when the foundation brings us new equipment, like these chairs or our recent ceiling lifts! I could name every piece of equipment that the foundation’s donors have bought for us, the new equipment, the updates and the upgrades. Hospital technology is always advancing, and your donors are so generous and so appreciated!”

Thank you so much for making a difference in health care in the Tri-Counties!

Yarmouth Regional Hospital’s Women and Children’s Health Unit needs 4 radiant infant warmers for Christmas

Thanks to donors like you, over the last ten years Yarmouth Hospital Foundation has purchased almost than half a million dollars worth of equipment for the Women’s and Children’s Health Unit, the regional maternity site for Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties. Much of the equipment is designed specifically to improve the birthing experience for mothers and their newborns, and this Christmas we are reaching out for community support to purchase four infant radiant warmers — a crucial piece of equipment for every single baby born in the Tri-Counties.

Dominique Lacroix, who lives in Brooklyn, gave birth to her beautiful daughters, Blake and Andi, at the Women’s and Children’s Health Unit in 2022 and 2023. Like all newborns, both girls spent time in radiant infant warmers as part of their immediate care as needed, including over Blake’s initial two-day stay in the unit.

Dominique only has lovely things to say about her experiences at Yarmouth Regional Hospital. “Both times I had a great labour and delivery,” she says. “The nurses were awesome and the doctors were super calm. They explain everything and were very kind.”

Immediately after birth, during their first critical hours of life, all newborns spend some time in a radiant infant warmer as they adjust to living and breathing on their own. They are also used for vulnerable infants who have returned to the hospital for care. The maternity ward has five radiant warmers but four of them are nearing end-of-life and urgently need replacing. Will you help us help the Women and Children’s Health Unit give children like little Blake and Andi Lacroix a ‘warm welcome’ to our community this Christmas?