Close to 1,000 people a year will have their sight restored thanks to the delivery of two high-tech surgical units purchased on behalf of the Ophthalmology Department at LGH. The phacoemulsification units, which cost $85,000 each, are used to remove cataracts — one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. The busy ophthalmology department had been relying on units more than a decade old, that used old technology and were in need of constant repair.

The new phacoemulsification (also known as phaco) systems include an ultrasonic probe with a tip small enough to make incisions that are self healing. As well as benefiting patients, the new units are easier to set up, are better for more challenging operations and have built-in capacity for future upgrades. The two new phaco units were delivered in the summer just as surgical services were being ramped up at the hospital.

This optical upgrade, which was generously funded by a donor who wants to remain anonymous, is just one example of the donor-driven improvements that have enhanced patient care at LGH. Dr. Carolyn Isbister, Division Head of Opthalmology at LGH is thankful for the donor generosity that made the purchases possible. “The difference is night and day”, she says. “We were one of the only hospitals in BC still using that technology. It had been in the capital budget for a long time and it was nice to finally get the upgrade.”

To support members of our community dealing with social isolation and experiencing mental health difficulties, the Foundation has created this free webinar series to share the knowledge and expertise of our mental health professionals based at The HOpe Centre.

As we enter the second year of living in a pandemic, the necessary restrictions on everyday activities have created extra burdens and taken a toll on many. In addition to the webinar replays which are available below, we’ve assembled a list of mental health resources available in the community.

These webinars feature advice, practical tips, and resources for everyone whose mental health has been impacted by the pandemic.

Watch the Replay of Session 1: Coping with COVID

Linda Latham the Manager of the Older Adult Mental Health Team on the North Shore is featured in our first episode in conversation with Louise Campbell, VP of LGH Foundation. Linda shares ideas on how to thrive, not just survive during this challenging time.

Watch the Replay of Session 2: Breaking Down Barriers

Gail Harrison, Mental Health Substance Use Clinical Nurse Educator from the HOpe Centre is featured in our second episode in conversation with Louise Campbell, VP of LGH Foundation. More people than ever before are turning to North Shore Mental Health teams for support, and yet, we know there are many people still out there who are reluctant to seek help. Feelings of shame and stigma or a lack of information are preventing many people who are dealing with mental health challenges from getting the professional support they need. This webinar will address how we can learn to prioritize our mental health without fear, shame or embarrassment.

Watch the Replay of Session 3: Home Alone

Dr. Allan Burgmann, Medical Director of Acute Psychiatry for Lions Gate Hospital is featured in our third episode in conversation with Louise Campbell. Loneliness and loss of workplace and social structure, the difficulty of maintaining work/life balance, fear of job loss, financial worries and boredom are all stressors impacting our mental health. For people who live alone, retirees and those out of work, the lack of face-to-face contact and loss of a social and family life can be even more distressing. This webinar will provide you with strategies to feel more connected and empowered during these challenging times.

Watch the Replay of Session 4: Kids Coping with COVID

As young people continue to experience disruption to their education, home, and social lives, the webinar focuses on supporting their mental health and helping them access the right local resources to navigate the challenges they face. We interview Julie Zimmerman, Manager of Mental Health and Substance Use at North Shore’s Foundry, to get her tips and tricks.

Discover Mental Health Resources Mentioned in our Webinars here.

Applications are open for the 15th Annual North Shore Health Care Awards!

Exceptional people create exceptional results. The annual North Shore Health Care Awards celebrate staff who show a deep commitment to patient care. We are grateful for all the health care professionals in our community; your strength inspires us, and we look forward to celebrating you!

These awards are open to any Vancouver Coastal Health employees working on the North Shore. Staff are invited to nominate their peers who are deserving of a Health Care Award.

EARLY BIRD deadline for nominations: Monday, November 15, 2021 at 4pm – nominee’s department will be entered in a random draw to win a lunch party!

Official Deadline for nominations: Monday, November 26, 2021 at 4 pm – no exceptions

Nomination Form: Download the 2021 nomination form, and return via email to [email protected] or by dropping it off at the Foundation Office.

Lions Gate Hospital Foundation funds three $1,000 awards in the following categories:

Workplace Inspiration

This award honours those who energize the workplace and who are dedicated not only to their chosen career, but also serve as a role model for those considering a career in health care. A health care workplace environment can be significantly enriched by an individual who exemplifies:

• professional competence;
• a positive “can do” attitude;
• a willingness to generously share his or her knowledge and skills; and the motivation and commitment to “go the extra mile” for both colleagues and the people they serve

Clinical Practice

Continuous improvement is key to better health outcomes and to the effective and efficient delivery of service. This award honours staff and physicians who have identified an opportunity for improvement and then acted on it. This could be in the area of clinical research, process redesign, innovative curriculum development and delivery, software development or adaptation, or the creation of a new health care program or service. The intent is to honour those who have had a systemic influence on the care and service we provide not only on the North Shore, but also on the health region as a whole or even on a provincial or national level.

Leadership

Leadership is a way of being, not a job title. This award honours those who lead by example, either formally or informally. Such an individual earns the trust and respect of colleagues, sees problems as opportunities to think critically and systemically, communicates effectively, endeavours to build strong and inclusive teams, takes responsibility for his or her actions, and recognizes the contributions and talents of others. Leaders are also integral to influencing the culture of a unit or organization and have a positive effect on recruitment and retention.

All nominees who meet the criteria will be announced in December 2021. We look forward to reviewing your applications. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 604-984-5785.

Congratulations to our 2020 Recipients

Cheryl Rivard, Clinical Practice Award

Cheryl Rivard, Project Manager for the Urgent Primary Care Centre (UPCC) in North Vancouver, is the recipient of the Clinical Practice Award. 

Described by colleagues as the “master of the unpredictable,” Cheryl has proved that she is ready, willing and able to rise to any challenge.

In 2019 she oversaw the opening of the UPCC. A few months after the official opening of the Centre, COVID arrived on the North Shore and patient numbers swelled from 40 to 180 people a day.

During it all, Cheryl was the quiet, calm inspiration who worked tirelessly to manage the unexpected and support her colleagues.

She handled the phone lines when needed, turned her office into an isolation suite, safely managed the line-ups, purchased supplies on her own time, ensured that staff were fed during long shifts and always led by example. 

Cheryl was also part of the team that set up the first community testing site for COVID on the North Shore. During one unrelenting North Shore storm, she found herself holding up a COVID testing tent with a broomstick for several hours.

Cheryl’s colleagues have been constantly impressed with her roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and have described her as “an inspiration to be around and an unbeatable team leader.”

Heather Wong, Dr. les Janz Leadership Award

The award was presented to Heather Wong, a long-serving RN in the Endoscopy Unit at LGH. 

According to co-workers, Heather is the reason why everyone wants to work in the Endoscopy Unit and no one wants to leave. Even Heather herself works casual shifts on the unit after retiring at the end of last year.

Heather was the heart and soul of the Endoscopy Unit. Over the years she won the respect and admiration of her co-workers for her commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive workplace for everyone. She always knew how to lift spirits after a hard shift and she made sure that weddings, baby showers, and special events were celebrated as a team.

With 25 years of experience, she is generous with her time and always eager to share her knowledge and expertise to help others improve patient care. 

Not only did she strive to improve patient care, Heather was dedicated to bringing the Endoscopy team together and planned numerous out-of-hours activities. 

According to her colleagues, she has made us all feel like we have a second family. A second family we can count on.”

Caroline Martini, Workplace Inspiration Award

Caroline Martini, Geriatric Triage Nurse in the Emergency Department received the Workplace Inspiration Award. 

Her colleagues say “she embodies the meaning of going the extra mile.” From boosting staff morale to organizing a virtual food drive that raised $2,000 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Caroline is a dynamic force who has devoted her time to caring for her colleagues as well as administering excellent care for her patients.

During the first week of the pandemic she added to her duties by volunteering to fit test more than 100 staff for N95 masks. Her efforts ensured that everyone in the Emergency team was safe and ready to handle the first surge of COVID-positive patients.

As the pandemic continued, she inspired staff by creating the ER Wall of Awesomeness filled with letters of encouragement from the community and tips and ideas for staying safe and sane during a pandemic.

Dr. Rob Fingland, Spirit of Philanthropy

Each year LGH Foundation nominates an individual for the Spirit of Philanthropy Award to recognize their contribution to the work of the Foundation. Dr. Rob Fingland, Medical Director of the ICU, was presented with the award for his efforts to support the Critical Care Campaign as well as his financial contributions in support of patient care at LGH.

Despite having his hands full in the ICU which was full for much of the year, he always found the time to meet with donors, help out with fundraising videos and support the Foundation behind the scenes.

Congratulations to our 2020 Recipients

Each recipient received a keepsake trophy and a cheque for $1,000. 

We would like to congratulate all of the nominees and thank the awards committee and all staff members who nominated their colleagues.

During one of the most eventful and challenging years for Lions Gate Hospital (LGH), the support we have received from the North Shore community has been incredible.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the impact of our donors’ generosity has been felt every day. With $1 million in donations invested in technology, equipment, and PPE, our staff are well prepared for the immediate and long-term fight against COVID-19.

Donations to our Patient Experience Fund and individual gifts from donors also supported many different areas of care, strengthening LGH in the face of the pandemic.

As we near the end of 2020, we’d like to thank all our donors, and showcase our top ten list of new life-saving and enhancing donor-funded purchases at LGH.

Top 10 Donor-Funded Items in 2020

• 15 Kangaroo Bassinets: In the Maternity and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, mothers and babies now have the use of 15 modern bassinets, replacing 30-year-old bassinets in serious need of an upgrade. Their practical design and adjustable height allow the units to fit more snuggly alongside beds, making for easier eye contact, cuddles and diaper changes.

• 15 Televisions: In a year like no other, having access to comforting shows on TV is creating a tremendous impact on the long-term residents at Evergreen House. The televisions provide a morale-boost for residents unable to physically visit their loved ones for long stretches of time.

• 13 Physiological Monitors: These advanced monitors provide seamless physiological monitoring, paying close attention to respiratory and ventilator parameters. The new monitors were deployed in the ER and COVID Units during our efforts to prepare LGH for COVID-19. The total cost for this life-saving equipment was $324,000. Thank you to the Tzu Chi Foundation for purchasing two units, and to every donor who contributed to our North Shore COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund which paid for the additional monitors. These will serve as an invaluable tool across multiple departments for a long time to come.

• 10 Virtual Interpreter Units: There are many different languages spoken on the North Shore which can create communication challenges during medical emergencies. With the purchase of thirteen mobile translation units, frontline staff throughout the hospital now have access to real-time translation services at their fingertips, in more than 100 languages. Watch a live demo of a patient in the Emergency Department using this life-saving device.

• 7 Ventilators: Our COVID-19 Fund enabled LGH to purchase an additional 7 ventilators. These are in addition to the 25 currently in use at the hospital. We cannot thank the North Shore community enough for providing the patients requiring critical care with the gift of life.

• 2 Phacoemulsification Machines: Recent improvements in the provision of eye care include the upgrade of surgical technology for cataracts at LGH. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. This new technology allows for smaller incisions, less complications, and reduced rates of astigmatism. Thanks to a donation of $183,000 from an anonymous donor, two phacoemulsification machines were purchased, and thousands of local residents who suffer from visual impairment caused by cataracts will benefit.

• 1 C-Arm X-Ray Machine: A brand new C-Arm X-ray machine was purchased for the Orthopedic Program at LGH. This sophisticated medical imaging machine is primarily used for fluoroscopic intraoperative imaging during orthopedic procedures. The high-resolution X-ray images it takes in real-time allow physicians to monitor progress and immediately make adjustments.

• 1 Neuro Invasive Monitor: Invasive neurological monitoring helps measure, track, and detect pathophysiological changes in the brain following a severe traumatic brain injury. This $37,000 monitor is providing invaluable insights in the General Surgery ward at LGH. The accumulation of donations ranging from $5 to $500 goes a long way to providing important equipment such as this monitor. Every donation of every size truly has a life-saving impact in our community.

• 1 Hana Orthopedic Surgery Table: Also known as the Hana Table, this incredible piece of equipment is improving the future of hip replacement surgery at LGH. Less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times are just a few of the benefits it will provide to the 500 patients a year receiving hip replacements at LGH. The Hana Table cost $108,000, and was generously funded by North Shore couple Mike and Joan Michalson.

“There’s a real patient need for this procedure and we think it’s going to improve the outcomes of our hip replacement patients,” says Dr. Rick Nadeau, part of the orthopedic surgical team that has been championing the use of the Hana Table at LGH for the past two years. “As well as better pain relief and improved mobility, this procedure increases the possibility that patients can go home much sooner after surgery, potentially even the same day.”

• 1 NIM Nerve Monitoring System: This nerve integrator monitor allows surgeons to identify, confirm, and monitor motor nerve function in real-time during ENT and general surgeries. Most commonly used at LGH for thyroid cancer and thyroid nodule surgery, it helps surgeons monitor the important nerves that support the vocal cords. Thank you to Peter and Renate Zirpke for funding this vital and important piece of machinery.

“Before we had this machine we would rely on the experience of the surgeon to identify the nerves and preserve them, but this is much more objective and scientific and has made a huge difference in thyroid surgery,“ says Dr. George Chang, general surgeon at LGH with a sub speciality in head and neck surgery.

In our present world of uncertainty, we are grateful to our health-care providers and donors for ensuring that Lions Gate Hospital has the expertise and technology to continue to provide the best we can to our patients.

As you consider your charitable giving for the season, please be assured that 100% of all donations made to the LGH Foundation goes to improving patient care. Our entire community benefits with every gift you make. To support future equipment purchases, and new life-saving technology, please donate online.

As the giving season approaches, there’s no better time to support Lions Gate Hospital.

During one of the most challenging years at LGH, the community has come together like never before – from the 7pm Cheer heard across the North Shore, to the hundreds of individuals and businesses who donated meals, PPE, and funds to support patient care.

Your support ensures that everyone in our community has access to life-changing care.

Whether through donation or action, ‘tis the season of giving. Here are five meaningful ways to support Lions Gate Hospital and the health care heroes that work here year-round.

1. Make a one-time donation. Donating online is easy and takes just a couple of minutes. 100% of donations received benefit patient-care at Lions Gate Hospital.

2. Become an all-seasons donor by signing up to donate monthly. Monthly giving allows you to continue your support easily and make a difference year-round. Learn more about our monthly giving program.

3. Purchase a package of Charity Christmas Cards. Our 2020 Christmas cards are for sale online, from our office, and at all North Shore Save-on-Foods locations.

4. Buy a bar of our Charity Chocolate from any North Shore Save-on-Foods. When you purchase one of these Swiss chocolate bars, you’ll have a chance at winning a $100 gift card to Save-on-Foods. There are five golden tickets hidden in the chocolate bars.

5. Give the gift of kindness and appreciation. Our annual holiday campaign this year includes a card for you to give to your favourite frontline worker. Check your mailbox for our festive donor package which contains the card below.

100% of your donation, including the proceeds from our card and chocolate bar sales, benefit Lions Gate Hospital.

Thank you for your support and stay well this holiday season.

Lions Gate Hospital patient Brian Dougherty takes us inside his battle with COVID-19

Coronavirus stole four weeks of Brian Dougherty’s life but thanks to LGH staff and physicians, access to the right technology, and his previous good health, he survived his brush with the deadly virus.

For 50 years, Brian had managed to avoid a stay in the hospital. That changed dramatically in late March when he was admitted to the Emergency Department with severe shortness of breath.

For two weeks prior he’d been suffering from fevers, terrible night sweats, and debilitating headaches. Hoping his symptoms would subside, he stayed home. But when his breathing got progressively worse, Brian was whisked off by ambulance to LGH Emergency.

After “the best health exam I ever had,” he was admitted to the ICU, where he was attached to a respiratory device that pumped moist air into his lungs. As his condition stabilized, he was moved to the COVID-19 Unit. As well as enduring the physical symptoms and hallucinations caused by brain swelling, being a COVID-19 patient was a very lonely experience. Other than the four brief daily medical checks by staff “dressed like aliens,” Brian’s smartphone was his only connection with family and the outside world.

“The most traumatic part of it was being stuck in a hospital for a month,” he says. “I’m a Type-A, driven kind of guy and it is effectively solitary confinement. I was hooked up to this machine from a cord, so I couldn’t really go further than eight feet from this machine. If I stuck my hand out of the bathroom while still attached to the eight feet of cord, I could basically go to the bathroom.”

Recuperation was a long, slow process and Brian was hooked to a variety of respiratory aids for several weeks to give his lungs time to recover and enable him to go home and continue his convalescence.

“Certainly in my life I’ve never been through anything worse. It is a terrible thing to go through but I’m living, the treatment worked and here I am. I’m very grateful for that part.”

Although Brian is back to his normal routine – including a return to the accountancy practice he’s had on the North Shore for close to four decades – the disease has had a lasting impact. He has experienced the intermittent return of symptoms, lost 35 lbs, and has been left with 65% lung capacity; unlike muscle mass, it can never be regained and the walk up the hill to his North Shore home now leaves him a little puffed. All told, however, he is thankful for having had access to life-saving technology at LGH.

“This experience made me realize that the whole process is more than the people,” says Brian. “I have nothing but praise for all the staff, but you have to match the expertise of the well-trained staff with the latest technology to end up with the optimum result. That is what’s going to make future patients, with whatever their issues happen to be, better. Lions Gate Hospital Foundation performs a very important function by raising money for the hospital to ensure that we all have the latest technology.”

Now, Brian is part of a project to track and monitor the health of COVID-19 patients. More is being
learned every day about the longterm impacts on health, and the knowledge learned from the first
wave of survivors will help refine treatment and follow-up care for future patients.

Imagine being in the midst of a medical emergency, with high-tech equipment beeping and attentive nurses and physicians hovering over you. But when asked a question, you cannot clearly explain how you’re feeling or use the right words to describe what you’re experiencing.

It’s a challenge often faced by patients and medical professionals, especially in a diverse community such as the North Shore. Which is why the multi-modal translation units recently purchased through the Foundation’s Patient Experience Fund are such a game changer for Lions Gate Hospital.

The translator tablet features two options: a live video link with a translator, or a voice-activated virtual interpreter to help health care staff and their patients communicate more effectively with each other.

“Having the virtual online interpretation service is one of the best improvements in patient-care that we’ve had in a very long time.”

– Dr. Cassidy, ER Physician at Lions Gate Hospital

Watch a Live Demo of the Virtual Translator at Lions Gate Hospital

With hospital visitors severely limited during this COVID-19 crisis, the portable translator proved to be an invaluable tool for staff. Between March and June, more than 800 translation calls in a variety of languages, including Farsi, Russian, Bengali, Mandarin, Cantonese, and American Sign Language, have been made on behalf of patients.

“We just love it.”

Emergency Staff have nothing but praise for the new translation technology at LGH.

The multi-modal translation units are available as individual tablets or mounted on wheels for ease of use. Two units are currently in use at LGH (one of which was paid for by an anonymous donor) with another eight on order. Including the price of real-time translation services, the total cost of the program is $280,000.

With the help of our community and generous sponsors, we’re happy to announce we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised $87,302.

On behalf of the North Shore Hospice & Palliative Project, thank you for supporting the North Shore Hike & Bike.

North Shore Hospice Hike & Bike Celebration Video

Each year, close to 300 patients receive care at the 15-bed North Shore Hospice. Hundreds more and their families are supported through the Every Day Counts Program, which offers therapeutic and emotional support.

The North Shore Hospice Hike & Bike proceeds will provide a digital upgrade, enhancing virtual counselling services, family and friend visits, and expanding our virtual outreach program. Read more about the Digital Upgrade Campaign.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a design! The contest is now closed. Charity Christmas Cards are available for purchase. Learn how to buy your cards this year.

Calling all young artists! We’re looking for artwork to adorn our 2020 Christmas Card collection.

Send us your bright, festive designs that represent the North Shore for a chance to have your artwork featured on this year’s Foundation Christmas Card. The winner will also receive a $100 gift card to Park Royal.⁠⁠

This contest is open to students in grades 4-12, and the entry deadline is October 12, 2020.

Entries must be:

• Bright, colourful, festive, and embody the North Shore
• Proportional to reproduction at card size 5″x7″
• Submitted in JPEG format via email to [email protected]

For more information, please call 604-984-5914 or email [email protected]

We’re celebrating ten years of North Shore Hospice and the programs and services that help people in our community living with life-limiting illnesses.

You can join us by supporting our new Digital Upgrade Campaign to ensure that palliative and hospice care on the North Shore continues to thrive. With your help, we will be able to enhance support for hospice patients and connect with more people out in the community.

Please donate today to ensure that we can continue to provide the care and services that allow patients at Hospice and out in the community to live their best life possible.

Family Communications

We want to make it as easy as possible for Hospice patients who may have mobility and/or sensory issues to stay in touch with family and friends near and far. With the right, easy-to-use technology in each of the 15 patient rooms, we can ensure that patients with mobility and/or sensory issues can continue to connect with the outside world.

Home Away From Home

By bringing new music and entertainment capabilities to the patient rooms and common areas at Hospice, we’ll be able to offer patients and their families more options for taking a moment to relax. These will include a sound system in the Great Room, new gaming systems in the family rooms, and a new Smart TV in each patient room.

Virtual Support

Due to the COVID-19 health crisis the Every Day Counts program became an online service almost overnight. The free program, which provides free practical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological support to patients and their families, continues to serve a community of palliative patients as the pandemic continues.

While the Every Day Counts Centre hopes to bring back face-to-face sessions in the future, right now, staff and volunteers need high-quality tools and equipment to enable them to build and improve the virtual program.

Even when physical distancing restrictions come to an end, the virtual program will become a permanent feature of the Every Day Counts program. People in the community who were not well enough to travel have been connecting with the service for the first time and program leaders would like to extend and enhance services for people who could not access services before.

Please donate today and help us harness the power of technology to support everyone in our community in need of palliative and end-of-life care.

Donate to the Digital Upgrade Campaign