Joseph Brant Hospital 2017 Annual Report JBH Annual Report 2017 final | Page 9

A NEW MODEL OF CARE IN THE ICU
This fall, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) completed its
transition to a closed model, meaning all ICU patients now
have a dedicated ICU Physician, called an Intensivist, as
their Most Responsible Physician during their treatment.
Previously, care was provided by a mix of a patient’s family
physician and an Intensivist. This change in how care is
provided offers greater safety, consistency and an overall
improved quality of care for ICU patients. This change is
an important step in being a community, regional and
provincial critical care resource.
SUCCESSFUL PHARMACY ACCREDITATION
This year, our Pharmacy was notably well-prepared for
their Accreditation review, with their move to a newly
renovated space and updated methods and technologies
for managing medication acting as strong supports
to success. Receiving Accreditation involves a detailed
external review of medication processes, space, and other
important factors in providing care. Evaluators recognized
the team for its high focus on patient-centred care and
safe medication distribution. Overall, the Accreditation of
our Pharmacy was a great success.
TELESTROKE PARTNERSHIP
JBH initiated a new Telestroke partnership with the
Regional Stroke Network to support acute stroke patients
in our Emergency Department receiving the right care
at the right time. Telestroke changes how we provide
medication for acute stroke patients who meet specific
criteria: a Telestroke neurologist expert can be consulted
immediately through video conference, where they can
observe and speak with the patient as if they were there
in person and quickly determine the type of treatment the
patient should receive. Research has shown that patients
who receive treatment sooner experience better outcomes
and Telestroke reduces the time it takes for an acute stroke
patient to receive the treatment they need.
CLEANING BEST PRACTICES
At JBH, innovation is an important part of how we
continuously develop and apply ways to improve. This
year, JBH purchased new Optimum-UV System cleaning
equipment, as an an advanced tool that uses ultraviolet
light to enhance the work of regular surface cleaning,
adding another layer of protection against the spread of
infections. The UV light helps thoroughly clean large or
hard-to-reach areas, such as walls and light fixtures, and
has been proven to further reduce the presence of harmful
microorganisms when used to support regular cleaning.
MAKING SMALL CHANGES FOR STRONG RESULTS:
IDEA BOARDS AND GEMBA TIME
A key focus at JBH has been providing ways to gather
and act on staffs’ grassroots ideas to create effective,
meaningful changes that improve daily processes and work
areas – nearly 400 ideas for improving daily processes
across JBH were put into practice this year using unit Idea
Boards and Gemba Time. These initiatives have improved
efficiency by simplifying processes, reorganizing spaces,
changing the tools used to complete tasks and reducing
the amount of paper used at the hospital.
Our Story
To all of the EMT, emergency nursing staff, nurses on the 4th and 5th floors, the nurses in ICU and the
doctors that have been involved with my wife’s treatments, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my
heart. Since my wife arrived for treatment, at no time have I ever had to question anyone or any treatment
that has been given. I cannot say enough thank you to all of you. My wife, and my family, has had the best
care that anyone could ever ask for. I am kept informed of all changes good, bad, or lack thereof. I leave
every day knowing exactly what is going on and with confidence that [Joseph Brant Hospital is] taking the
best care of my wife that anyone could ask for. In my opinion, the rest of the world could take a lesson
from [JBH], and it would be a more peaceful life if all were treated the way you are treating my wife and
my family. You are all incredible. Again, thank you for everything. – Brian Mahy
Annual Report 2016-2017
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