WINTER 2009

KEEPING STAFF INFORMED: YOUR JGH – YOUR NEWS

Warmest holiday wishes

Throughout 2009, we have been commemorating the anniversary of the Jewish General Hospital and celebrating the remarkable achieve-
ments of the past 75 years. Now that the current year is almost at an end, we can clearly see that it, too, deserves a special place in the hos-
pital’s history. This is particularly true, given the extraordinary effort by staff in going above and beyond the call of duty to care for patients
in the face of the H1N1 pandemic.
In grateful appreciation for everything we have accomplished together this year, we would like to wish everyone at the JGH a Happy
Hanukah, a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season, with best wishes for a healthy and rewarding New Year.

Dr. Hartley Stern, Executive Director Bernard Stotland, President

From hair to bare

Taking a short cut to fight lung cancer

C lick-bzzzzz! The elec-

tric razor suddenly
came to life and everyone
cringed—everyone, that is,
except X-ray Technologist
Stephanie Foote, who was
about lose every hair on
her head. “I’m ready!” she
exclaimed with a smile that
radiated excitement and ea-
gerness. Moments later, as
masses of long, thick hair
fell away, she added, “I’ve
been waiting five years to do
this.”
Five years had passed
since Ms. Foote lost her
grandmother to lung can-
cer, but the memories of
her loved one undergoing
treatment remained vivid.
“She handled the treatment
quite well, but when she un-
derwent chemotherapy and
started losing her hair, she
began to lose courage,” Ms.
Foote recalls. “I wanted to
shave my hair then, to show
her my support, but she
begged me to wait until after
graduation.”
On Aug. 20, before fam-
ily, friends and colleagues
in a conference room in the
Radiology Department, Ms.
Foote kept her promise. Part
of the proceeds from her
Cont’d on page 2 Stephanie Foote, “before”…

IN THIS ISSUE:
Outstanding JGH employees honoured at AGM........3-6
Galerie 3755 unveils artistic talent of JGH staff.......... 13
jgh.ca Accreditation Accolades for the JGH........................... 17
Under the microscope: Research at the JGH
Pulse abstracts
the autoimmune disorder in mice
and might work the same way in hu-
launched in fall 2009 and included the
LDI’s Dr. Mark Wainberg, a world
published a study in the July-August
2009 edition of Comprehensive Psy-

A n international study led by

Dr. Brent Richards, a JGH re-
searcher and endocrinologist, found
that Caucasian men with two spe-
cific genetic variants are more likely
to develop the most common form
of baldness. The study, published in
the October 2008 issue of Nature Ge-
netics, involved investigators from
GlaxoSmithKline and King’s College
in London, England. One man in
seven is at risk for male-pattern bald-
ness, a largely inherited condition
that begins to affect one-third of men
before the age of 45. Dr. Richards also
speculates that this particular genetic
variation may also be responsible for
the same type of baldness in non-
Caucasian men. Although the find-
ings may not be immediately useful in
developing a baldness cure, they may
help to predict hair loss, allowing men
to begin treatment at the earliest stage
of the condition.
• A new experimental treatment for
multiple sclerosis completely reverses
mans, as reported in Nature Medicine
in August 2009. Multiple sclerosis is
an autoimmune disease in which the
body’s own immune response attacks
the central nervous system, leading
to progressive physical and cognitive
disability. The new treatment, appro-
priately named GIFT15, was discov-
ered by a team led by Dr. Jacques Gal-
ipeau of the JGH Lady Davis Institute
for Medical Research (LDI). Since
GIFT-15 puts multiple sclerosis into
remission by suppressing the immune
response, it might also be effective
against other autoimmune disorders
such as Crohn’s disease, lupus and ar-
thritis.
• A 2007 Montreal-based study led
by LDI researcher Dr. Bluma Brenner
revealed that people newly infected
with HIV are far more likely to trans-
mit the virus because they don’t know
that they are carrying it, and because
they are most infectious in the earli-
est stages. These research findings led
to a community initiative that was
renowned AIDS researcher. Through
early intervention, the initiative hopes
to eradicate the epidemic in Montreal.
A site was opened in the Gay Village
offering anonymous one-minute test-
ing to detect the virus at its earliest
stages, along with peer counseling for
newly diagnosed individuals.
• A common anti-viral drug, riba-
virin, was found to be beneficial in
treating cancer patients, according
to the results of a Canada-wide trial
whose clinical portion was led by Dr.
Sarit Assouline, a JGH hematologist,
and Dr. Wilson Miller, Director of
the JGH Clinical Research Unit. The
study, published in Blood in May
2009, demonstrated that ribavirin
suppresses a gene that, when overly
active can lead to cancer. Patients
treated with the drug did not suffer
adverse side effects.
• Dr. David Dunkley, a Clinical
Psychologist with the JGH Insti-
tute of Community and Family Psy-
chiatry and an LDI Project Director,
chiatry which found that people with
a tendency for harsh and frequent
self-scrutiny were more likely to suf-
fer from depression. Dr. Dunkley
followed his subjects for four years
and determined that those who were
generally less satisfied with life were
also highly self-critical, preoccupied
with other people’s disapproval, more
likely to experience troubles in their
relationships, likely to have difficulty
functioning from day to day.
• A type of white blood cell not
only defends the body against infec-
tion, but has also been found to be
crucial for “recycling” iron from old
red blood cells. Results of the study
by Dr. Prem Ponka and his LDI re-
search team, including researcher Dr.
Shan Soe-Lin, were published in Pro-
ceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences (April 2008). Dr. Ponka dis-
covered that when this type of white
blood cell is deficient in a specific
Cont’d on page 3

Cont’d from page 1

Hair to bare
fund-raising effort, Shavin’ it short
with your support, are going to Pul-
monary Oncology at the Segal Cancer
Centre. She is also donating her hair
to be made into a wig for a patient un-
dergoing chemotherapy.
Ms. Foote completed a two-year
program in radiation technology at
Dawson College, followed by a one-
year stage at the JGH. She joined the
JGH Radiology Department in June
2009, five years after her grandmoth-
er was treated at the hospital by Dr.
Mark Palayew. “That’s what drew me
to the JGH. Dr. Palayew was so kind
to her, he would sit on her bed and
talk to her. There’s such a strong sense
of family here. I’ve even worked with
his father, Radiologist Dr. Max Pa-
layew.”
Those who watched Ms. Foote
get shorn were full of praise and en-
couragement: “You’re gonna save on
shampoo!” Mary Iacuessa, Chief
Technologist in the Department of
Radiology, commented, “She’s very
brave. Her participation is a generous
and selfless gift. Our department is
very proud of her.”
On Sept. 8, Ms. Foote left for Cape
Town, South Africa, for a six-month
volunteer exchange program or-
ganized by Canada World Youth.
“Today is just the beginning of my
humanitarian work,” she vowed in
August. “You feel good giving; it’s the
best feeling. I know my grandma is
watching from heaven.” P
… and Stephanie Foote, “after”
jgh.ca
JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL • WINTER 2009
3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Room A-106, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2
Director, Public Affairs and Communications - Glenn J. Nashen • Editor, Pulse - Laure-Elise Singer • Co-Editor, Pulse -
Henry Mietkiewicz • Executive Assistant - Geneviève Grenier • Communications Coordinator - Stephanie Malley
Contributors - Dana Frank, Sean Martin, Orit Misrachi • Translation - Régine Banon • Design - Latitudes Marketing and
Design • Photos - JGH Audio Visual Services • Printer - Les Emballages Colorama
Please e-mail submissions to: communications@jgh.mcgill.ca.
For information about advertising in Pulse, please consult JGH.ca or call 514-340-8222, ext. 5818. We apologize in advance for any
errors, misspellings or omissions. Please note that to our knowledge at press time, all information in this publication was accurate.

2 PULSE • WINTER 2009

 Outstanding employees honoured
at 75th JGH Annual General Meeting
From left : Dr. Carmen Loiselle, Laurence Girouard, McGill University Doctoral Stu-
dent in Clinical Psychology and Jamie Cassoff, JGH Project Coordinator.
Cont’d from page 2
Pulse abstracts
protein, it hoards iron that is needed
for the formation of new red blood
cells, potentially leading to a harmful
excess of iron.
• Dr. John Hiscott and his research
team have devised a novel “combina-
tion” therapy that kills cancer cells
while preserving healthy cells. The
strategy, published in Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences
(September 2008), involves using vi-
rotherapy, an experimental treatment
in which a harmless, non-human vi-
rus targets and destroys cancer cells,
together with a new cancer drug
that boosts the potency and, thus,
the effectiveness of the therapy. The
combination has proven to be highly
specific for tumor cells and offers the
potential of a new biological thera-
peutic approach for cancer treatment.
The studies were performed by Dr.
Nanh Nguyen, a post-doctoral fel-
low in Dr. Hiscott’s lab at the LDI. Dr.
Hiscott is developing clinical trials
through the JGH Clinical Research
Unit. The treatment would be applied
to patients who are resistant to con-
ventional therapy, or to patients with
primary cancers—breast, prostate, co-
lon and others—that do not respond
to virotherapy alone. P
PULSE • WINTER 2009
T he Annual General Meeting of
the JGH has evolved into much
more than a review of the highlights
of the previous year. It’s a celebration
of the extraordinary performance
and tireless dedication of members of
staff in all fields. Leading the way at
the meeting on Oct. 8 were six special
individuals who received Awards of
Excellence for having provided pa-
tients with hope, high-quality care
and peace of mind.
The Award for Excellence in Medical
Research is presented to a researcher
whose insights and initiatives have re-
sulted in a unique and significant con-
tribution to patient treatment and care.
Dr. Carmen Loiselle
Thanks to the internet and other
multi media tools, most individuals
From right: Dr. Chantal Autexier with PhD students Marie Eve Brault and Johans Fakhoury.
Research may yield insight into cancer and aging
D
r. Chantal Autexier, of the ber, her post-doctoral advisor, Dr.
Lady Davis Institute for Medi- Carol Greider of the Johns Hopkins
cal Research, has good reason to Institute, was named co-winner of
be enthusiastic about exploring the the 2009 Nobel Prize for Medicine
roles of telomeres and telomerase, for research in this field. “The ba-
which protect genetic material in sic research that has been carried
human chromosomes. Not only is out for decades on telomeres and
Dr. Autexier fascinated by this line telomerase has laid the ground-
of investigation, but this past Octo- work for more recent studies into
have greater access to medical infor-
mation than ever before. But does
this abundance of information really
help patients become better informed
about their health status and needs? If
so, are well informed patients actually
better able to cope more effectively
with their illness and make a more
informed use of health care services?
These are just some of the questions
that Dr. Carmen Loiselle has been
exploring since 2001 as a Senior Nurse
Scientist at the Lady Davis Institute
for Medical Research (LDI) and JGH
Centre for Nursing Research, as well
as in her role as Associate Professor
at the McGill University’s School of
Nursing, where she teaches nursing
and cancer research.
Cont’d on page 4
their clinical application,” says Dr.
Autexier, who was so intrigued by
her post-doctoral work that she has
continued her research as head of an
LDI lab. Scientists are interested in
investigating the roles of telomeres
and telomerase in cancer, aging and
in a rare genetic illness that causes
premature aging and early death. P
3
 Employees honoured at JGH
Cont’d from page 3 sure patients have the strength to un-
dergo treatment and recover properly.
In her work, Dr. Loiselle pays par-
Since coming to the JGH in 1981,
ticular attention to the way cancer pa-
Ms. Aguzzi has worked everywhere
tients seek information in cancer clin-
from Geriatrics and Urology to Otho-
ics and online, because research has
pedics and Cardiology. However, she
shown that they are often dissatisfied
specializes in head and neck oncology,
by the type and quality of information
where she plays a crucial role in help-
they may come across. They report
ing patients overcome the side-effects
feeling ill-equipped to deal with con-
of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or
tradictory information and feel over-
an operation. This includes assisting
whelmed by masses of information.
those who have difficulty swallowing
However, by systematically studying
because of pain, burns, swelling or
the psychosocial impact of searching
other conditions. Ms. Aguzzi says she
for information online when one is af-
recognized early in her career—a pe-
fected by cancer, Dr. Loiselle has been Maria Siarlis riod when her specialty was uncom-
able to uncover profiles of preferences
further than Maria Siarlis, Admin- lied Health Professionals is presented mon—how important a role a dieti-
for cancer information and their im-
istrative Technician in the Dietetics to a member of the allied health pro- tian plays in diagnosing and treating
pact on people’s well-being. She and
Department. fessional staff who has demonstrated swallowing disorders. Thus, she has
her team are currently customizing
Through her efficient operation of a high level of commitment to patient been dedicated in passing along her
web-based tools to assist newly di-
the computerized system that keeps care, has applied best standards of care, expertise to colleagues, dietetic stag-
agnosed patients in gaining access to
track of thousands of customized and has made a major contribution to ières and students.
timely, reputable cancer information
meals each week, Ms. Siarlis can help the quality of life in the hospital. Ms. Aguzzi has also established a
to assist them in making cancer-re-
satisfy the sometimes complicated di- process to coordinate home nutri-
lated decisions, streamlining commu-
etary needs of hundreds of patients. Anna Aguzzi tion services for discharged patients,
nication with the care team and guid-
This includes standard meals, as well When patients undergo cancer and she ensures follow-up by building
ing them through the maze of cancer
as enteral feedings (tube feedings) treatment or surgery, their nutrition partnerships with dietitians in CLSCs,
services offered at the JGH and in the
for patients who cannot ingest food may suffer. That’s when Anna Aguzzi nutrition companies and community
nearby community.
orally. Once the dietary information is steps in as a Clinical Dietitian—often health organizations. This has earned
This crucial aspect of cancer care
digitally compiled, Ms. Siarlis passes it at the earliest stages of care—to make
research has won Dr. Loiselle strong Cont’d on page 5
along to the kitchen staff, who prepare
praise from her provincial, national
a seemingly endless stream of meals.
and international colleagues. At the
JGH, Lynne McVey, Director of Nurs-
Not only are patients given foods that
meet their medical and nutritional re- 5TH Annual
ing and Co-Director of the JGH Segal
Cancer Centre, notes that Dr. Loiselle
quirements, they can order the foods
they enjoy, to get an emotional boost
Department of Psychiatry Research Day
is the first nurse to receive the Excel-
as they recuperate.
lence in Medical Research award from
Ms. Siarlis joined the JGH in 1980
Building strong
the LDI. In addition, Dr. Loiselle has foundations:
and held a variety of positions in the
received numerous grants and awards
from leading Canadian funding agen-
kitchen, before being promoted to her The role of child
current post in 2002. In this capac- psychiatry research
cies.
ity, “she’s the sunshine of the depart-
ment,” says Norma Ishayek, Chief
in supporting children
Award for Excellence in Administra- and families
of Dietetics, “since she smiles all the
tive Support is presented to a member
time, her laugh is infectious, and she’s
of the administrative support staff who
has demonstrated outstanding per-
ready to help anyone with anything Friday,
formance and excellence in quality of
at any time.” Ms. Siarlis says she finds
her work especially appealing in this
March 26, 2010
work, quantity of work, job knowledge
digital era, because computers can
and willingness to provide support in ac- For information,
juggle much more information to give
complishing the mission of the depart- Dr. Phyllis Zelkowitz,
patients many more food choices.
ment and/or hospital. 514 340 8222, ext. 5258,
“That makes me feel good,” she adds,
“because it means patients can be as phyllis.zelkowitz@mcgill.ca or
Maria Siarlis
comfortable as possible.” Caroline Dovick,
Ever wonder why JGH patients are
so satisfied with their meals? For a 514 340 8222, ext. 4626,
The Award for Excellence among Al- cdovick@jgh.mcgill.ca
significant part of the answer, look no

4 PULSE • WINTER 2009

75th Annual General Meeting
Anna Aguzzi
Cont’d from page 4
praise from Donna Schafer, Chief of
Clinical Nutrition, and from Norma
Ishayek, Chief of Dietetics, for her
“devotion, compassion and the im-
peccable quality of care.”
Through sustained help, support
and encouragement, the eventual goal
is for patients to eat normally again,
says Ms. Aguzzi. “Providing this con-
tinuity of care is very rewarding,” she
Jacques Misrachi
PULSE • WINTER 2009
adds, “because we see patients return-
ing to good health, with improve-
ments in their quality of life.”
The Award for Excellence in Manage-
ment is presented to a manager who
has demonstrated outstanding job per-
formance, superior leadership skills and
great efficiency in directing the depart-
ment.
Jacques Misrachi
Since joining the JGH
in 1992, Jacques Mis-
rachi has played a piv-
otal role in keeping the
hospital’s finances in
order—currently as the
Assistant Director of Fi-
nance, and from 1997 to
2006 as Financial Con-
troller.
Mr. Misrachi is also
one of the rare mem-
bers of staff with a global
view, having managed
the finances of the hos-
pital, the JGH Founda-
tion, and the Lady Da-
vis Institute for Medical
Research. As he moved
through each of those ar-
eas during times of con-
siderable expansion, Mr.
Misrachi perceived inad-
equacies in the old finan-
cial systems that were
then in place. To meet
the changing needs of
an institution whose fi-
nancial investments and
interactions were growing increas- standing clinician and researcher,
ingly complex, Mr. Misrachi devel- says Dr. Gerald Batist, JGH Chief of
oped more elaborate procedures and Oncology and Director of the Segal
controls, while implementing new Cancer Centre. “He is a kind and gen-
forms of technology. For this reason, erous person, universally admired by
Laurent Ziri, Director of Finance, de- patients and respected by colleagues.
scribes Mr. Misrachi as “a true man- There’s no doubt he has his own style
ager—passionate about his work, and and makes his own impact. If we
someone who will not spare any effort could clone him we would.”
in getting the job done.” Dr. Melnychuk says healthcare in-
“We’ve seen a real evolution,” says stitutions often have rigid structures,
Mr. Misrachi. “At one time, every- so he credits JGH leaders for their
thing was manual—the ledger, the insight and courage in integrating his
financial statements. To improve ser- activities with those of the Oncology
vices to the entire hospital, we’ve since Department. “It means someone is
put everything on computer. But de- on-site to deal with acute problems or
spite this evolution in technology, with patients who drop in without an
our work is still based on people. The appointment,” he says. “That flexibili-
younger generation brings energy and ty allows the hospital to respond more
efficiency, and a flexibility in learning directly to the needs of our patients,
and adapting to the new technologies. which is reflected in our high quality
They form a great team with the loyal of care.”
employees who bring their own expe-
rience and perspective.” The Award for Excellence in Nursing
is presented to a member of the Depart-
The Award for Medical Excellence is ment of Nursing who serves as a model
presented to a physician who inspires for others by using her/his unique abili-
others with exceptional care for pa- ties, facilitating outstanding care, and
tients, extensive knowledge of medicine, exhibiting and building nursing knowl-
valued teaching, superior abilities and edge.
accessibility to colleagues throughout Cont’d on page 6
the hospital.
Dr. David Melnychuk
Dr. David Melnychuk was
a rarity when he was brought
to the Jewish General Hospital
in 1992, and remains so to this
day. Upon his arrival, he be-
gan providing cancer patients
with greater continuity in the
care they received throughout
the hospital, thereby perform-
ing a valuable service that was
unique in Quebec, and is still
relatively uncommon. Today,
as a Clinical Associate in On-
cology, Dr. Melnychuk carries
a full load of cancer patients,
but his clinical activities fo-
cus mainly on individuals
with head and neck cancer,
colorectal cancer and gyneco-
logical cancers.
In pursuing this life-saving
work, Dr. Melnychuk has
shown himself to be an out-
Dr. David Melnychuk
5
Employees honoured at JGH 75th Annual General Meeting
Cont’d from page 5
Rosemary Short
Since 1990, Rosemary Short has dedicat-
ed herself to helping children between the
ages of 3 and 12, who have serious psycho-
logical, cognitive and behavioural problems.
As Head Nurse of Child Psychiatry Services,
Ms. Short also works with the children’s
families and as a key member of a multi-
disciplinary team that develops assessments
and interventions that draw on the strengths
of the child and the family. Her objective is
to enable children to their regular schools
and to feel more comfortable within their
families.
These efforts have won praise from Lynne
McVey, JGH Director of Nursing, who de-
Rosemary Short scribes Ms. Short as “consistently demon-
strating leadership in preserving the Child
Psychiatry program at the JGH. She makes
a difference every day in the lives of children
and their families who are, more often than
not, quite isolated in our society. Thanks to
her perseverance and her leadership of the
interdisciplinary team, this program has be-
come a provincial leader in caring for chil-
dren and their families.”
Ms. Short served on other units in her first
several years after joining the JGH in 1983,
but finds working with children especially
rewarding. “More than 70 per cent of adult
mental illness can be traced back to child-
hood,” she says. “With children, you are
intervening early in life. You can work with
them, along with their families and schools,
on the underlying causes of their difficulties
to help them build a future.” P

After a brief leave of absence to teach nursing at John Abbott

College and practice nursing on a cruise liner, Ms. Boccardi re-
turned to the JGH as a Nursing Educator on the Surgery unit. She
relishes passing along her expertise to the 12 nurses who have ar-
rived on 4NorthWest since June. “I love that they’re fresh out of
school, because they’re eager to learn,” Ms. Boccardi says. “Head
and neck is not taught in school, so I keep my teacher’s hat on. I
enjoy watching them discover new things.”
Ms. Boccardi’s activities are not limited to the fourth floor of
Pavilion D. She visits other units to teach nurses about specific
head-and-neck procedures, such as tracheostomies. Last April, she
also began a two-year mandate as Co-Chair of the JGH Education
Leadership Council, leading and facilitating group discussions
with Nursing Educators and Clinical Nurse Specialists. They, in
turn, share their new knowledge with nurses on the units. Top-
ics include new and up-and-coming projects and initiatives in
Sonia Boccardi (left) with Nurse Geneviève Pedneau, 4 NorthWest.
the hospital, educational opportunities at the JGH, and readying
nurses for accreditation. P
The Archie Deskin Scholarship is presented to a nurse who is currently employed by
the JGH and demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities. The recipient has also been
officially accepted to a graduate program from an accredited university to further her or
his knowledge, primarily in the field of nursing.
Certify yourself!
Ms. Boccardi is also committed to helping other nurses that
Sonia Boccardi would like to formally upgrade their knowledge in a specialty.
Sonia Boccardi, a Nurse Educator in Surgery, practices what she teaches: she is as The Canadian Nurses’ Association certification program of-
keen a student of nursing as she is a teacher in the field. Ms. Boccardi is pursuing a fers nurses with the opportunity to become certified in one of
Master’s degree in Science and Nursing in tertiary care through the University of Ot- 16 specialties. Ms. Boccardi obtained her certification in Crit-
tawa’s distance learning program, in addition to her full time duties at the JGH. ical Care from the CNA in 2006. She and Valerie Frunchak,
Ms. Boccardi joined the JGH on 4NorthWest as a staff nurse for three years, then the Nursing Director of Maternal-Child Health, encourage
moved for six years to the ICU, where her fascination with “complicated cases” nurses to apply for the CAN exam. “We offer bursaries, we
spurred her to become her own teacher in her current specialty, head and neck sur- spearhead publicity for CNA,” says Ms. Boccardi. “Having
gery. “It’s a matter of asking questions,” she says. “I immersed myself in head and gone through the process myself, the application, self-study,
neck when I started this job. I enjoyed the challenge of learning about different types the exam, I can help guide other nurses and transmit the
of surgery and treatment in head and neck cancer. I also borrowed old textbooks sense of pride in deepening their knowledge of a specialty.” P
from Dr. [Martin] Black and I viewed operations.”

6 PULSE • WINTER 2009

JGH becomes Quebec focal point for patient safety campaign
T his past summer, the Jewish
General Hospital became the
Quebec focal point for the activities
of Safer Healthcare Now!, a national
campaign coordinated and funded
by the Canadian Patient Safety Insti-
tute (through Health Canada). The
campaign aims to improve the safety
of patient care through learning, by
sharing information and by imple-
menting interventions that are known
to reduce avoidable adverse events. In
becoming one of just four focal points
in the Canadian campaign—one for
each of the Western, Ontario, Que-
bec and Atlantic regions—the JGH
is continuing to play an active role in
bringing improvements to the Que-
bec healthcare network.
“Since the transfer of the Que-
bec Campaign to the JGH from the
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de
Montréal (CHUM), we have worked
diligently to reestablish the Quebec
Campaign team and reconnect with
our many partners and participant
organizations,” says Markirit Armut-
lu, Director of the Quebec Campaign
and JGH Quality Program Coordina-
tor.
Three new Safety and Improvement
Advisors were named to the Quebec
Campaign team at the JGH: Dieti-
Seated, from left: Markirit Armutlu and Marjorie Jeune. Standing, from left: Caroline
Robitaille, Paule Bernier and Chantal Bellerose.
cians Chantal Bellerose and Paule
Bernier and Pharmacist Caroline
Robitaille. Each has extensive expe-
rience in health care and quality im-
provement.
Areas of responsibility of the Safety
and Improvement Advisors:
Chantal Bellerose
• Improved care for acute myocardial
infraction
• Fall prevention and injuries from falls
• Prevent venous thromboembolism
• Prevent methicillin-resistant staphylococ-
cus aureus (MRSA)
Paule Bernier
• Prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
• Deploy rapid response teams
• Prevent surgical site infections
• Prevent central line-associated
bloodstream infections
Caroline Robitaille
• Prevent adverse drug events through
medication reconciliation in Acute Care
• Prevent adverse drug events through
medication reconciliation in Long-Term
Care
If you have any questions about a
particular intervention, please contact
via Lotus Notes the appropriate advi-
sor or the new administrative agent
for the Quebec Campaign, Marjorie
Jeune. P
jgh.ca/CampagneQuebecoise-eapsss

JGH committed to patient safety

“We are not only a teaching hospital, but a learning hospital”
— Patient safety advocate Bernie Weinstein.

T he Jewish General Hospital can

take a bow for implementing a
pace-setting disclosure policy that
other Quebec healthcare institutions
look to as a model of openness and
concern for patients’ rights. These
words of praise were delivered by a se-
nior official of the Ministry of Health
at a November news conference in the
JGH that emphasized the importance
of initiatives such as disclosure in en-
suring that patients receive safe, high-
quality healthcare services.
Danielle St-Louis, Director of the
Quality Division at the Ministry of
Health and Social Services, said that
when a hospital openly states its will-
ingness to tell patients about adverse
incidents involving their care, it builds
trust by demonstrating dedication to
honest and ethical practices. In the in-
stances where accidents do take place,
she said, patients take comfort from
a sincere apology and the knowledge
that the hospital is serious about pre-
venting the accident from recurring.
Ms. St-Louis’ remarks came during
a news conference hosted by the JGH
The panel presenting at the press conference included, from left: Lynne McVey,
Quality and Risk Management Pro-
Danielle St-Louis, Paula Beard and Bernie Weinstein.
gram. The event was held to mark Na-
A linchpin in protecting patients is ing an event where harm was done or
tional Patient Safety Week (November
disclosure—introduced at the JGH almost done. “Critical incidents affect
2-6), in partnership with the provin-
in 2001—in which hospitals inform thousands of patients every year in
cial Ministry of Health and the Cana-
patients, their families and the gov- Canada,” says JGH Executive Direc-
dian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI).
ernment about the details surround- Cont’d on page 8

PULSE • WINTER 2009 7

Patient safety campaign
Cont’d from page 7
tor Dr. Hartley Stern. “At the JGH,
all members of the healthcare team
are aware of the importance of report-
ing and disclosing. We have fostered
a patient safety culture, so that our
healthcare professionals learn from
critical incidents to ensure they do
not happen again.” Quebec is one of
only three Canadian provinces where,
since 2002, legislation has required
the investigation of critical incidents.
Markirit Armutlu, the Quality Pro-
gram Coordinator, added, “The dis-
closure of accidents can improve pa-
tient safety by reinforcing the values
important to a culture of safety—hon-
esty, respect, and transparency.”
Lynne McVey, JGH Director of
Nursing and Co-Director of the
Quality Program, noted that the JGH
disclosure policy, which has been em-
braced by hospital management and
clinicians, has resulted in a 50-per-
cent reduction in the number of inci-
dents “with serious consequences” in
the last three years. “It takes courage
to change the culture of patient safety,
but we’ve been encouraged by our
positive results, which reinforce the
notion that good communication is
the basis for patient safety.”
The importance of open channels
of communication was also stressed
by Dr. Joseph Portnoy, Director of
the Department of Professional Ser-
vices and Co-Director of the Quality
Program. He said staff should not be
silenced by shame or a fear of conse-
quences, but should be encouraged to
admit their mistakes and learn from
them. “Critical incidents are not the
fault of a single healthcare worker, but
rather of the processes, the systems
and the standards that are in place.
These have to be examined and re-
examined on a continual basis so that
we can learn from near-misses or mis-
takes.”
On hand to share his gripping story
was Bernie Weinstein, who described
a lapse in disclosure at the JGH, in-
volving improper medication admin-
istered to his mother-in-law. (The
incident occurred a number of years
ago, when disclosure of information
was not required by law.) After this
matter was resolved, Mr. Weinstein
accepted Dr. Portnoy’s invitation to
become a patient safety advocate. He
is now an active member of the hos-
pital’s Quality and Risk Management
Committee.
“To be told, ‘Don’t worry, it’s okay’,
is not the answer,” says Mr. Weinstein.
“What you really want to hear is, ‘We
know what went wrong and we are
doing something to ensure it does
not happen again. And we apologize.’
This response is crucial in reassuring
patients and families, and in creating
a relationship of trust with healthcare
professionals.” Mr. Weinstein adds
that the JGH actively solicits patient
feedback. “It is a misnomer to say
that we are only a teaching hospital.
We are a learning hospital—one that
learns from itself.”
These sorts of policies and practices,
which help hospitals across Canada
to learn from and prevent adverse
events, are studied and developed by
the CPSI. “In concert with healthcare
institutions throughout the country,
the CPSI creates reporting and learn-
ing frameworks using tools, resources
and cutting-edge research,” says Paula
Beard, CPSI Director of Operations.
“These are implemented by front-line
staff to the benefit of patients. We cre-
ate systems to reduce human error: to
determine what happened, what are
we doing about it, and to offer that
all-important apology to patients and
their families.” P

The good, the bed and the ugly

W as it really possible? A JGH hospital bed surrounded
by dangers that could put a patient a risk? And ac-
creditation on the horizon!
Fear not. This was a mock hospital room, one of many ac-
tivities organized by the JGH Quality Program during An-
nual Patient Safety Week, October 5 to 9. The idea was to
show staff members a bed in the worst possible condition
with multiple safety errors, and then have them try to point
out as many mistakes as possible. Having them compete to
find errors helped reinforce the importance of keeping an
eye out for real-life problems that could adversely affect a
patient’s health.
“Our objective is to educate staff and students about safety
by demonstrating the importance of identifying and report-
ing errors,” explains Quality Program Coordinator, Markirit
Armutlu.
Staff members and students were invited to note as many
errors as possible in a questionnaire. Prizes were drawn
throughout the week, with winners among the 174 partici-
pants including: Estelle Kalfon, Head Nurse, 6 North; Steve
Silver, a Technical Analyst in IT; Patrick Grenon, a Special-
ist in Technical Applications in IT; and Vanier College Nurs-
ing students Marthe Ndongo and Tram Hai Yen Nguyen.
Other activities offered throughout the week included
Quality and Safety, Medical and Nursing Grand Rounds;
a two-day ErroMed session (a patient safety training pro-
gram); and a community event featuring My Leaky Body, a
Quebec Campaign administrative agent Marjorie Jeune (right) watches as Pharmacy Techni-
play performed by Julie Devaney, exploring the Canadian
cian Chantal Bolduc attempts to identify mistakes in mock hospital room.
healthcare system from the perspective of a patient. P

8 PULSE • WINTER 2009

 Caring Beyond… caught you caring!
D isplays of caring and consider-
ation toward patients and their
families are deeply appreciated, and
don’t go unnoticed, thanks to the
Humanization of Care Committee’s
Caring Beyond Program. JGH staff
that go beyond the call of duty can
be nominated by colleagues, patients
or families for an award, with win-
ners selected by the committee and
presented with a pin and a plaque in
an informal ceremony within their
department.
The latest honouree is Carole Sé-
guin, a Nurse Clinician who has
been with the JGH Breast Centre for
seven years, since its inception. Ms.
Séguin was nominated by a patient
who, “shocked and anguished” by her
breast cancer diagnosis, was grateful
“above all for Ms. Séguin’s sweetness,
her empathy, her patience, her psy-
chological support and her encour-
agement.”
“It is hard to say ‘just a few words’
about Carole,” said Chief of the JGH
Breast Centre and Radiologist Dr.
André Lisbona, as he spoke of his ad-
miration for Ms. Séguin at the Caring
Beyond gathering, Nov. 23. “I could
speak about the superb job she does
World Breastfeeding Week 2009
September 29 to October 3
T he JGH celebrated World Breast-
feeding Week–promoting mother’s
milk as the “optimal infant nutrition”–
with a series of activities. Educational
kiosques (pictured above) were set up in
Postpartum and the NICU to highlight
the benefits of breastfeeding to both
mother and baby, while new mothers
participated for the third straight year
in the annual Breastfeeding Challenge.
Also as part of the week’s events, the
Maternal-Child Health Division and
the Herzl / Goldfarb Breastfeeding
Program hosted an interdisciplinary
Professionals’ Day in partnership with
Montreal Public Health. The confer-
ence was attended by 250 guests, in-
cluding nurses, general practitioners
involved in maternity care, pediatri-
cians, lactation consultants, dieticians
and pediatric researchers. P
PULSE • WINTER 2009
and humbled at re-
ceiving this award. It
is surely the fruit of
my passion for my
work, but it equally
reflects my grati-
fication and great
respect for the ex-
ceptional teamwork
as team leader of the Breast Centre, that motivates me,
about her humility, perseverance, and that is at the
commitment, loyalty, hard work, per- source of my devo-
fectionism. But I prefer to talk about tion to my patients.
Carole the person. Her main goal is This honour is root-
centered around the patients’ well be- ed in the harmony
ing from the time they arrive at the and undeniable pro-
Breast Centre, all along the way. I’ve fessionalism of my
seen her laugh and cry with patients, team, which inspires
but even in bleaker times, she always me to go beyond my
passes along a message of hope and role.”
serenity, so that the patient knows The Co-Chairs of
that someone cares about them. She the Caring Beyond
is intense about her vocation, she program, JGH vol-
believes in it, that to me is important unteers Hela Boro Carole Séguin receives her Caring Beyond award.
above all else.” and Betty Laxer,
Ms. Séguin gestured to her col- announced this fall that they will be throughout the hospital,” says Ms.
leagues who were gathered to hon- joined in their chairing duties by Mi- Laxer. “I think this new addition to
our her, saying that there were many chèle Nault, a Management Officer our team is exciting, and will be a bo-
among them that she would choose in Human Resources. “In partnering nus to the program,” adds Ms. Boro. P
as recipients of the Caring Beyond with Human Resources, we hope to
jgh.ca/caringbeyond
award. “I am really moved, delighted raise awareness about the program
Belle’s View
At the JGH, every doctor,
nurse and healthcare pro-
fessional has a fascinating
story to tell—and Belle Zin-
iuk is an avid listener. As an
author and volunteer, Belle
loves meeting and writing
about the people who make
the hospital great. Be sure
to check out her blog at
From left: Postpartum Nurse Dona Saladin; Melanie Sabbagh, Clinical Nurse
Specialist, Maternal-Child Health; Postpartum Nurse Dina Kokkotis; Postpartum
Nurse Kristen De Souza; Mary Grace Espinosa, Assistant Head Nurse, Postpar-
tum; and Postpartum Nurses Susan Parker, Heather Cameron and Lina Sabbagh.
9
RE: CONSTRUCTION
Unit/Service Work Status

Renovation to replace outdated

Angiography #2 equipment with a new, state-of- In planning
the-art machine
Renovation of cashier area and To be completed
Cafeteria Dec. 2009
entrance
Cardiology Major renovation to To be completed
(Pav. E, 2nd floor) accommodate new unit Dec. 2009

Construction of dedicated
Child Mental pavilion adapted to needs of In progress
Health Facility Child Psychiatry program (*See
accompanying article)

Emergency Replacement of X-Ray

equipment with Digital To be completed
Department Radiography Dec. 2009

Elevators (Pav. C) Major renovation In progress

Elevators (Pav. G Major renovation To begin 2010

and kitchen)
Endocrinology To be completed
Renovation of department Feb. 2010
(Pav. E, 1st floor)
Renovation; modernization of In planning, to be
Endoscopy sterilization zone completed in 2010

Epidemiology To begin Dec. 2009

Renovation
(Pav. H, 4th floor)
The new Child Mental Health Facility, under construction.
Gastroenterology To be completed
Renovation of department
The new Child
Feb. 2010
Complete renovation of unit
Geriatrics dedicated to acute and short-term
Mental Health Facility
Completed
care, to accommodate 38 beds,
(Pav. D, 6th floor) with a designated supervised unit of
Nov. 2009
4 single-patient rooms.

Laundry services
Complete renovation and
replacement of most washing
machines and dryers, to upgrade
performance
Operating Room Renovation of minimally invasive
cardiac surgery room, to accommodate
#5 new state-of-the-art equipment
Palliative Care
Complete renovation
(Pav. B, 4th floor)
Construction of a new Cellular
Radiology laboratory
Radiology
Installation of new Digital Radiography
machine and fluoroscopy
Restrooms (Pav. A, Renovation for comfort of
1st and 2nd floors) public and staff
Rheumatology Renovation to accommodate
(Pav. A, 7th floor) new offices
Repairs to several rooftops,
particularly in Pav. A.
Roof
Construction of a new “green
roof”, Pav. B, 6th floor
Major renovation to modernize
Sterilization (CSR) infrastructure and transfer
activities from the OR
In progress, to be
T he JGH Division of Child Psychiatry, founded in 1966,
offers specialized treatment for children and their
families who come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
completed Feb. 2010
The Division has one of the most noteworthy day hospi-
tals and the only evening hospital in McGill University’s
Completed Aug. 2009 Integrated University Health Network (RUIS). The day and
evening hospitals offer intensive treatment to children who
are deemed high-risk, between the ages of 3 and 12. An
outpatient service also offers consultations and treatment
Completed
to children 2 to 15.
To be completed At the moment, the Division’s services are located in
Dec. 2009
various places within the JGH. However, they will soon be
In planning grouped under one roof in a new pavilion under construc-
tion on Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, just west of the Insti-
tute of Community and Family Psychiatry (ICFP).
In progress
In the new building, the program’s clinical requirements
Completed Nov. 2009 will be met more efficiently through:
• the grouping of all child mental health services in one
location
In progress
• the separation of services for adults and children
To begin April 2010
• upgraded facilities, especially since renovation of exist-
ing facilities is not feasible
• development of a single area dedicated to all forms of
psychiatry, with the ICFP and the new Child Mental
In progress
Health Facility in close proximity P

10 PULSE • WINTER 2009


Freezing weather brings
frozen parking rates
Take advantage of stable rates
or a year of free public transit!
A pproximately 200 new parking
spaces have been opened up for
JGH staff in the Plaza Côte-des-Nei-
ges lot. As an added bonus, monthly
parking fees will be frozen for at least
two years for Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
permit holders. By comparison, rates
in all JGH parking lots will rise in Jan-
uary. For those parking in the Plaza
lot, a free shuttle bus with frequent
service will be available during the
peak hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The availability of new parking
spaces will enable staff to relocate
due to the need to eliminate more
The JGH Commemorates Remembrance Day
C anadian veterans joined JGH
doctors, nurses, staff members,
volunteers, visitors and patients at a
brief Remembrance Day ceremony
held on November 11. Approximately
150 people were in attendance and
adorned with poppies, to honour the
men and women of the Canadian
Armed Forces who have fought and
who continue to make sacrifices for
peace.
“These flowers serve as reminders
of nature’s ability to withstand the de-
structive elements of war, a symbol of
hope in a period of human despair,”
said Valerie Frunchak, Director of
Hospital Training and Staff Develop-
ment. “They are reminders of those
who died while fighting for peace.”
Philippe Castiel, Director of Plan-
ning and Development, Real Estate
Management, Biomedical Engineer-
PULSE • WINTER 2009
than 100 JGH spaces. With winter ap-
proaching, additional space is needed
in the JGH lot for safe and effective
snow removal.
Members of staff can give up their
permits altogether and be reimbursed
for the cost of public transit for a full
year. This offer is also open to resi-
dents of Montreal’s north and south
shores and includes the federal gov-
ernment’s tax deduction.
To participate or for more informa-
tion, please contact JGH Parking Co-
ordinator Eric Nemeth at extension
2084 or via Lotus Notes. P
ing and Special Projects, saluted
the members of JGH staff who have
fought for Canada, including:
• Dr. Harvey Sigman, Division of
General Surgery – Lieutenant-Col-
onel (Ret.), Armed Forces
• Dr. David Elkin, Division of Plastic
Giving the green light
to alternative transportation
T he Jewish General Hospital has
teamed up with Mobiligo, an
agency that promotes alternative
transportation, to bring a greener and
more efficient form of transport to the
hospital.
“The goal of these measures is to re-
duce greenhouse gas emissions. Large
institutions such as our hospital have
an impact on our community, so it
is important for us to engage in and
model environmentally safe prac-
tices,” says Martin Caria, Head of the
JGH Hospital Transportation Com-
mittee.
Mobiligo proposes such alternative
forms of transport as carpooling and
car-sharing. These are being explored
in partnership with other major or-
ganizations in the neighbourhood,
including the University of Montreal,
Sainte-Justine Hospital and Brébeuf
College. The idea is to partner people
who live in proximity to one another
so that they drive to work together,
thereby reducing single-occupancy
vehicles on the road.
The hospital already participates in
the Communauto program, which
Surgery – Pilot, RCAF, twice shot
down over Germany
• Dr. Markus Martin, Department
of Obstetrics and Gynecology –
Lieutenant-Colonel, Member of the
Reserves
“It is because of the veterans’ sacri-
is a car-sharing service that employ-
ees can use based on their needs and
schedules.
Mr. Caria says the hospital wants to
promote more active forms of trans-
portation as well. “We also encourage
our staff to engage in healthy activi-
ties such as walking and bicycling,” he
says.
To that end, bike racks have been
installed in front of the new main en-
trance on Côte-Sainte-Catherine to
accommodate more cyclists. “We’ve
also asked the City of Montreal for
Bixi stations to be installed on hos-
pital property to further facilitate the
use of bicycles as a form of transport,”
says Ilan Elbaz, Sustainable Develop-
ment Co-Coordinator for the JGH
and Chairman of the Green Commit-
tee.
JGH Staff will receive an email no-
tice in early 2010 detailing how they
can become involved in these and
other “green” initiatives.
For more information on alter-
native transport, visit mobiligo.ca,
communauto.com and montreal.bixi.
com/home. P
fice that we place such a high value on
life. It is the same love of life that has
brought us to the JGH,” remarked Mr.
Castiel.
Dr. Martin participated in the cer-
emony this year, reciting the poem
We Will Remember Them. Lenore
Plafker, Administrative Assistant in
Technical Services, recited the iconic
Great War poem, In Flanders Fields,
by Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae.
The crowd then observed a moment
of silence at 11:00 a.m., followed by
prayers of remembrance from JGH
Chaplaincy Service’s Rabbi Raphael
Afilalo and Father Aimée Mwepsi.
The ceremony concluded with par-
ticipants turning to face the Canadian
flag as it was raised outside the hos-
pital’s main entrance, to the bagpipe
strains of O Canada. P
11
Names in the News
Births and Birthdays
Chloé Decarie Drolet
Sylvia Pehlivanian
This October, the Nursing Resource
Centre celebrated the births of two
daughters to staff members. Nursing
Coordinator Chloé Decarie Drolet
gave birth on Sept. 26 to Lyvia, weigh-
ing 6lbs., 5oz. Lila Rose, 6lbs. 8 oz.,
was born to Administrative Techni-
cian Sylvia Pehlivanian on Oct. 6.
starting with the great team of nurses
In the Spotlight
to the attending resident and physi- Eva Cohen
cian,” remarked the grateful dad. JGH Chief of Pharmacy Eva Cohen participated in the annual Spanish
Society for Hospital Pharmacists conference in Zaragoza, Spain on Sept.
23. With several hospitals in Spain preparing to integrate Smart Pumps,
Georges Bendavid
Ms. Cohen was invited to present on the hospital’s use of Smart Pumps to
Georges Bendavid, JGH Plant Main-
reduce medication errors (for more on Smart Pumps, see Pulse Fall 2009,
tenance Facilities Coordinator, and
pg. 19).
Lise welcomed Simkha, born Sept.
12, 8.8 lbs. Simkha was born at the
JGH with a midwife, and joins “big
sister” Leah.

Laurent Ziri
JGH Chief Financial Officer Lau-
rent Ziri and Sandra welcomed 8.5
lbs. Michael Joseph on Aug. 27 at
the JGH. Michael joins older sister
Anaelle Myriam.

Dan Gabay
Dan Gabay, JGH Assistant Director
of Professional Services, and Ilana Dr. Michael Gold
Nixon-Gabay celebrated the birth of Many happy returns to Dr. Michael
Matthew Armand, 8.6 lbs., on Aug. Gold, in Internal Medicine, who cel-
16. Matthew was born at the JGH. ebrated his 90th birthday.
“The obstetrics team was fantastic,

Congratulations
Dr. Vicky Tagalakis
Dr. Vicky Tagalakis, Associate Di-
rector of the JGH Centre for Clinical
Epidemiology and Community Stud-
ies, was the recipient of the 2009 JGH
Auxiliary – Department of Medicine
Academic Enrichment Award. The
award will be applied toward Dr.
From left: Dr. Schiffrin; Dr. Lisheng Liu, President of the World Hypertension
League; and Dr. Gianfranco Parati from Milano, Italy.
Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin
The JGH Physician-in-Chief of the Department of Medicine, Dr. Ernesto
Schiffrin, was invited to the World Hypertension Congress in Beijing,
China, which took place Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Dr. Schiffrin, an expert in hyper-
tension and cardiovascular disease prevention, delivered a keynote lecture
on Inflammation and vascular remodeling in hypertension.

Tagalakis’s participation in the Wom- Media Award in the Student Category

en Faculty Professional Development
Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona. The
program is designed to guide women
in developing leadership skills and
advancing their position within aca-
demic medicine.
Megan Martin
Megan Martin, JGH Pharmacy Com-
munications Officer, recently received
three honours in the field of journal-
ism. In Sept., she was given the Jim
Allard Scholarship from the Cana-
dian Association of Broadcasters for
academic achievement and a dedi-
cation to broadcast media. Shortly
From left: Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin, JGH Physician-in-Chief, Department of Medicine;
after receiving that scholarship, she
Auxiliary Director Nancy Rubin; Auxiliary Immediate Past President Rona Green; Dr.
Vicky Tagalakis; and Auxiliary Co-Presidents, Phyllis Karper and Linny Blauer. was nominated for a Beyond Borders
for an article she wrote in The Ga-
zette called “Human Rights School”.
Beyond Borders is an international
human rights advocacy organiza-
tion focused on child exploitation. In
Nov., Ms. Martin received Concordia
University’s Cynthia Gunn Journal-
ism Award and Scholarship, for her
dedication to local media.
Glenn J. Nashen
Congratulations to Public Affairs and
Communications Director Glenn J.
Nashen, who was elected to a fifth
term as City Councillor in Côte Saint-
Luc. Mr. Nashen is responsible for
matters relating to public safety, traffic
and emergency preparedness.

12 PULSE • WINTER 2009

JGH welcomes—and educates—Cree student nurses
A dd another language to the doz-
ens that have been heard in the
corridors of the Jewish General Hos-
pital. The newcomer is Cree, includ-
ing a greeting that was extended for
the first time in the Block Amphithe-
atre on Nov. 9: “Moos dabwehimsoo”,
or “Always believe in yourself ”. The
greeting was offered by Cree Deputy
Grand Chief, Ashley Iserhoff to 16
Cree nursing students from the Cen-
tre for Collegiate Studies in Chibou-
gamau, who along with their super-
visors were hosted at the JGH by the
Department of Nursing.
Thus began clinical training in the
first program of its kind, offering Cree
nursing students, who are not fluent in
French, an opportunity to fulfill their
stages in English at the JGH or at St.
Mary’s Hospital, in partnership with
the McGill University Health Cen-
tre. The three institutions have since
spring worked closely in partnership
with both the Chibougamau Centre
and CEGEP St. Felicien to bring this
program to fruition. In their seven
days’ total training in Montreal, the
students gained experience in elder-
care, acute care, medical care, obstet-
rics and pediatrics.
While the program took the stu-
dents far from their homes in James
Bay South and Naskapi (near the
Labrador-Quebec border), Deputy
Grand Chief Iserhoff counseled them
to draw strength from their families,
Exhibit unveils artistic talent of JGH staff
T he cafeteria is about to become
The JGH has many “hidden” artists, including Barbara Harman, a Respiratory Protection Coordinator, who has drawn every aspect of the hospital’s facade from many
angles. Artwork in a variety of media by talented members of JGH staff will be on display for several months in a portion of the cafeteria known as Galerie 3755.
PULSE • WINTER 2009
from one another, and from within:
“Continue to reach for your aspira-
tions, even when you face obstacles,
or are discouraged by others or by
voices in your head. You must always
encourage each other; you must listen
to your teachers, to the family who
care about and love you.”
The nursing students benefit from
completing the clinical portion of
the program in a major city. They are
exposed to the large number of spe-
cialties practiced in larger hospitals,
which ultimately will help them build
a broad and solid clinical experience.
Solange Piché, of the Cree Board of
Health and Social Services of James
Bay, said, “You must think about
merging your culture and what you
have learned ‘down south’. The tech-
nique for giving an injection is the
same, but it is very important that you
adapt your approach to the communi-
ty.” Ms. Piché went on to explain that
the nurse’s task in outpost clinics that
lack doctors “is to learn techniques in
hospitals, how to give treatments to
patients, how to build a good thera-
peutic plan. But once you are in your
community, you will not necessarily
be performing all of these techniques.
What’s more important is to have a
holistic view of the patient.”
“In the course of your time here,
you will see and meet patients, fami-
lies and staff in an richly diverse and
multicultural environment,” the stu-
Seated, from left: Theresa Bosum; Sylvie Grignon, a nurse at Chibougamau Hospital
and nursing teacher at the Centre for Collegiate Studies in Chibougamau; Sonia
Bosum. Standing, from left: Sandra Shecapio, Anika Vachon and Joyce Certosini.
dents were told by Marsha Ptack,
the JGH Coordinator of student
placements and nursing recruitment,
who, along with Estelle Kalfon, Head
Nurse and Joyce Certosini, Assistant
Head Nurse on 6North, were present
to welcome the students. “Our 1,400
nurses are immersed in the McGill
model of nursing, and you will see
how theory has been turned into
practice. Equal attention is paid to
patients and their families, who care
for patients as they regain their health
and are re-integrated into the family
after being discharged from the hos-
a prime destination not only for
food that tastes good, but for artwork
with good taste. Starting in January,
original art—stained glass, sculpture,
jewelry, paintings, poetry, photogra-
phy and more—by members of JGH
staff, volunteers and students will
adorn the walls and display spaces in
the cafeteria.
This ongoing program is entitled
Galerie 3755, referring to the hospi-
tal’s Côte-Sainte-Catherine address.
Exhibits will be curated by JGH Art
Therapist Mona Rutenberg and by
pital.”
The students, each paired with one
nurse, followed a single patient during
their stage and performed primary
care including injections, medication
and hygiene. “Take the opportunity
to ask the questions you wondered
about during your studies,” Ms. Ptack
advised. “In a stage, you also learn
what you don’t know. Since we are
teaching institutions, our nurses are
trained not to simply supply you with
answers, but to guide you in finding
the answers yourselves.” P
Shiri Alon, Archives Assistant in the
Health Sciences Library.
If you’re interested in submitting
your artwork for future shows, please
contact Ms. Rutenberg at mrutenbe@
cat.jgh.mcgill.ca or Ms. Alon via Lo-
tus Notes. P
13
JGH leads the way in H1N1 vaccination
T he H1N1 virus finally made its
deadly presence felt in Montreal
this past fall—and the Jewish General
Hospital was ready. After a brief en-
counter with the flu last spring plus
months of subsequent preparation,
JGH staff swung into action with the
quick, efficient vaccination of front-
line workers, followed by support
staff, volunteers and patients.
More people were inoculated in a
shorter period than in any another
healthcare institution in Quebec. The
vaccination of doctors, nurses, on-site
residents, fellows, trainees, students
and volunteers against the H1N1 vi-
rus was carried out on units through-
out the hospital. By early November,
a special clinic had been set up in the
Samuel S. Cohen Auditorium (Pavil-
ion A) for certain high-risk patients
and any members of staff who had not
yet been inoculated.
“We led by example to encourage all
of our nearly 5,000 members of staff
to be vaccinated,” said JGH Executive
Director Dr. Hartley Stern, as a nurse
injected him with the H1N1 vaccine.
“As administrators of the hospital, we
have an obligation to deliver the high-
est quality of care to our healthcare
providers—doctors, nurses, and other
health care professionals—so that
they can, in turn, offer our patients
the best and safest care. I want to con-
gratulate and thank everyone who
has been involved in implementing
our staff vaccination strategy.” JGH
volunteers, crucial members of the
JGH team, were also inoculated. If a
significant number of healthcare staff
become ill with the flu, volunteers
may be asked to provide support and
assistance.
Lynne McVey, JGH Director of
Nursing, notes that nurses were the
first to step up to be vaccinated in or-
der to remain healthy and be better
prepared to protect the public. ”Nurs-
es are at the forefront of the vaccina-
tion campaign in administering the
vaccine and acting as role models by
being vaccinated. The JGH partnered
with the Quebec Order of Nurses to
encourage nurses to get vaccinated.”
Isabelle Caron, JGH Associate Di-
rector of Nursing and Chair of the
JGH Pandemic Committee, adds,
14
“The JGH is committed to providing
the tools that allow members of staff
to make an informed decision about
their inoculation.”
A pandemic webpage, created for
JGH staff and the public, provides
constantly updated information about
the virus and the vaccination effort in
the form of FAQs, lists of resources
published by Québec Health and So-
cial Services, and an explanation for
relatives on what to do when visiting
infected patients. Links to authorita-
tive and pertinent sites, such as that
of Montreal Public Health, were also
available.
Grand Rounds were held during In-
fection Prevention and Control Week,
with Dr. Andre Dascal, a senior JGH
infectious disease physician and a mi-
crobiologist in the Division of Micro-
biology, educating staff and address-
ing their questions and concerns. He
provided a historical overview of flu
pandemics; presented studies and
statistics comparing the seasonal flu
with H1N1 in terms of their impact
on different segments of the popula-
tion; and explained what vaccines are
composed of and how beneficial they
Constanta Constantin, a Nurse in Health Services, inoculates William Klebanskyj,
are. a Respiratory Therapist in the Pulmonary Function Lab.
Staff took heed, with the over-
whelming majority opting to be vac- “JGH personnel were vaccinated in role and Suzanne Paulhus, workplace
cinated. “I am very encouraged that so a very short period of time, thanks coordinator of the Health and Safety
many members of staff have decided to the staff members who organized Department, for capably organizing
to take personal responsibility and the and carried out this historic effort,” the operation of the staff vaccination
proper precautions by getting inocu- added Ms. McVey, who singled out centre. P
lated,” said Dr. Stern. Ms. Caron for her strong leadership jgh.ca/pandemic
Operation Chicken Soup
A total of 1000 JGH staff and volunteers were offered
a free bowl of hot and healing chicken soup on
Nov. 17. They lined up in the Cafeteria to collect this gift
from the hospital, offered as a gesture of appreciation
for all their hard work over recent months, throughout
H1N1 efforts and the accreditation process. Executive
Director Dr. Hartley Stern donned an apron to help
distribute the soup and say ‘thank you’ in person, join-
ing JGH employees, managers, directors and leader-
ship including (from left) Dana Frank and Stephanie
Malley, of Public Affairs and Communications, Dr.
Stephen Rosenthal, Director of Information Services,
Beverly Kravitz, Director of Human Resources, Ber-
nice Mendelsohn, Chief of Audiology and Speech Pa-
thology, and Van Hai Nguyen, of Human Resources. P
PULSE • WINTER 2009
Clean sweep for JGH hand hygiene program
4 West recently joined the program, with 2 Main, 7 West and 7 NorthWest to launch
G ive yourselves a hand—a clean hand, that is.
By participating in the JGH hand hygiene
program, you’re making the hospital safer for pa-
tients, for yourself and for your colleagues.
“Through this program, members of staff have
shown their commitment to high-quality care in
ensuring the safe passage of patients through the
hospital during their stay,” says Executive Direc-
tor Dr. Hartley Stern. He also notes that hand hy-
giene and other safe-practice measures have led
to a “major decline” in nosocomial infections.
Lynne McVey, Director of Nursing, adds that
hand hygiene “is at the foundation of patient
safety and infection prevention,” and she thanks
members of staff and volunteers who are cham-
pions of the program. Dr. Mark Lipman, Chief
of Nephrology, notes that JGH staff are keen on
being involved in the hospital’s self-improvement
initiatives, pointing to the 100 per cent participa-
tion of his unit in the hand hygiene program. “Pa-
tients have weakened immune systems,” he says,
“and we must do everything we can to keep them
from acquiring an infection in the hospital.” P
Celebrating the launch of the JGH hand-hygiene program on the Hemodialysis Unit on Sept. 4 are (from left): Lynne
jgh.ca/handhygiene McVey, Dr. Mark Lipman, Nephrology Head Nurse Sophie Pouliot, and Dr. Hartley Stern.

Pharmacy Phacts

Influenza A H1N1 Flu Vaccine

D espite all of the information
flowing to the public about the
Influenza A H1N1 Flu vaccine, many
people have questions about its effec-
tiveness and safety.
Question: Does the vaccine really
work?
Answer: The simple answer is yes.
The vaccine is the most effective way
to prevent the spread of the virus. It is
true that some people (roughly 10-15
per cent of people vaccinated) won’t
develop immunity, even though they
get the vaccine. This is because not all
immune systems respond in the same
way to the immunization.
Question: Are there potentially se-
rious side effects?
Answer: It is normal to have con-
cerns about side effects. There are
some risks associated with the flu
vaccine, but the chance of developing
serious side effects is low. Vaccines are
among the safest tools used in medi-
cine. In Canada, serious side effects
have occurred in about one for every
100,000 doses of vaccine given. Most
of the side effects from vaccines are
minor and temporary, like a sore arm
or mild fever.
Question: Can the vaccine give me
the H1N1 virus?
Answer: Absolutely not. The vaccine
contains dead influenza viruses, and Megan Martin
they cannot cause infection. People
sometimes think they have the flu af- of mercury in thimerosal in the influ- will not protect you against H1N1.
ter receiving the vaccine because they enza vaccine is very small and has not If you have questions about the In-
have side effects, such as a mild fever. been shown to cause any harm. fluenza A H1N1 flue vaccine, don’t
hesitate to ask your doctor or health
Question: Does the vaccine con- Question: If I get the regular flu professionals.
tain mercury, and if yes, is it safe? vaccine every year, am I protected
from the H1N1 virus? – Megan Martin,
Answer: The vaccine contains thi-
merosal, a preservative that naturally Answer: No. The Influenza A H1N1 Pharmacy Communications Officer
contains mercury. It has been used in virus is different from the regular flu
vaccines since the 1930s. The amount virus. The regular annual flu vaccine jgh.ca/pandemic

PULSE • WINTER 2009 15

 JGH 75 th Anniversary Tribute Video
Drop by the Public Affairs and Communications
office (A-106) for your copy, or view online.
jgh.ca/75thAnniversary

Congratulations on your 75th anniversary

Statement in the House of Commons by the
Hon. Irwin Cotler, Member of Parliament for Mount Royal:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to the historic

anniversary of a health institution founded by the Montreal
Jewish community and located in my riding.

It is the 75th anniversary of the Jewish General Hospital, one

of the province’s largest and most engaged cutting-edge
healthcare institutions. Affiliated with McGill University, it
admits more than 23,000 patients a year, together with at
least 300,000 outpatient visits, 67,000 emergency visits and
delivers more than 4,000 births on an annual basis.

I invite my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this

world-class institution, providing comprehensive, accessible,
innovative, responsive and patient-oriented health care to all
Quebecers and beyond.

IPC Week addresses conFLUsion about H1N1

Vanier College nursing students and JGH staff were treated to a tour of the JGH microbiology lab by Registered Technician Sonia Gioseffini during Infection
Prevention and Control Week, Oct. 20-22. Activities planned throughout the week by the Infection Prevention and Control team also included lectures and
Grand Rounds on H1N1 and vaccination, and a hand-washing traveling cart and kiosque.

16 PULSE • WINTER 2009

Accreditation Accolades for the JGH
A long with renewal of its accredi-
tation for another three-year
term, the Jewish General Hospital has
received warm praise from Accredi-
tation Canada for fostering a culture
that promotes safety, cleanliness,
high-quality care, an emphasis on the
needs of patients and their families,
the smooth functioning of interdisci-
plinary teams, and a spirit of collegial-
ity and cooperation among staff.
The report, released on November
20, paints a panoramic portrait of
the JGH’s activities, based on obser-
vations by a team of surveyors from
Accreditation Canada during a week-
long visit in November.
Executive Director Dr. Hartley
Stern said that throughout the ac-
creditation process, “it was evident
how completely and unequivocally
dedicated staff are to maintaining and
upgrading the quality of care, while
ensuring that patients and their fami-
lies are confident that their physical
and emotional needs have been met.
It was also clear—to me and to the
surveyors alike—that staff feel this
commitment every single day, and
Going for the Gold standard
“Olympics” combines thrills with skills
F orget the luge; don’t bother with
ice skates. When the Emergency
Department stages the Olympics, the
equipment includes feeding machines
and urinary catheters. The objective
is not to test athletic prowess, but to
demonstrate nursing skills—and ulti-
mately, it’s the patients who are the big
winners.
The hospital’s version of the “games”,
the 2009 ED Skills Olympics, was
staged in the Samuel S. Cohen Audi-
torium for all of the 100+ nurses in
Emergency, as well as more than 30
nursing assistants and several nurses
from 2 Main. That meant fun—and
interactive training—as they learned
more about many of the practices they
apply on their units. The fall “Olym-
pics” were open to day, evening and
night staff in eight-hour shifts once
weekly during the seven weeks leading
PULSE • WINTER 2009
not just when scrutinized during the
accreditation period.”
Dr. Stern added that the report
“singles out many departments and
services where the JGH deserves high
praise. In addition, it contains many
recommendations and positive ideas
that should prove useful in raising our
hospital to an even higher level of per-
formance.” He also thanked Jocelyne
Pépin, 2009 Accreditation Coordina-
tor, for her “diligence and attention
to detail in coordinating every step of
the extremely complex and demand-
ing accreditation process.”
Ms. Pépin joined Dr. Stern in ex-
tending her gratitude “to all of the
technical, professional and admin-
istrative staff, to the support staff
and volunteers and to patients and
their family members for their ac-
tive participation in the accreditation
process.” She also expressed her ap-
preciation for Dr. Stern’s unrelenting
support, as well as the dedication and
dynamism of the Co-Presidents and
accreditation team members through-
out the long process. “Your concerted
efforts enabled us to achieve success
up to accreditation in early November.
The atmosphere was decidedly en-
tertaining, says Melanie Sheridan,
the ED Clinical Nurse Specialist who
developed and coordinated the Olym-
pics. Staff participated in various activ-
ities, including Genito-Urinary’s The
Stream Team; Gastrointestinal’s Tubes
and Lubes; Infection Prevention and
Control’s Queens of Clean; Ambula-
tory Care’s The Walking Wounded;
and Respiratory Therapy’s The Divas
of Donning and Doffing; educational
games of Wheel of Fortune and Jeop-
ardy; and an array of quizzes.
The “Ask the Expert” segment also
invited specialists from other areas of
the hospital to share their knowledge
and insights. Participants included
Rosemary Steinberg, JGH Local
Commissioner of Complaints and
Quality of Services and Guy Lessard,
in this monumental project,” she said.
The final report confirmed that the
JGH achieved accreditation status. A
and momentum. Accreditation teams
will be invited to pursue their activi-
ties, to compile statistics and indica-
number of conditions outlined in the tors, and to monitor all of the changes
decision will have to be addressed by implemented prior to the 2009 visit,
April 2010. The new process, Qmen- through to the next visit, scheduled
tum, unites the notions of quality for 2012. P jgh.ca/accreditation2009
Accreditation Summation
SUCCESSES:
• Strong positive culture of ownership (Board committed and strong
leadership from CEO)
• Strong commitment to high quality at the point of care
• Positive collegial atmosphere
• Strong academic and research priority
• Segal Cancer Centre is a wonderful asset to the hospital and com-
munity
• Very clean facility
• Great training centre for physicians and allied health care
• Low vacancy rate in Nursing / Low turnover rate of both staff and
physicians
CHALLENGES:
• ED poorly laid out forms a hazard to patient and staff safety
• Constant financial pressure; a major influx of resources is needed
• An analysis of the impact of adding new programs and services on
existing ones
• Written roles and responsibilities to be available for staff
• Performance appraisal to apply to all
Head Nurse in Psychiatry. Other ex-
perts who lent their support included
Louise Samuel, Entero-ostomal Ther-
apy Nurse, Bonnie Selcer and Stella
Papadoukakis from Transfusion
Services, pharmacists Gaelle Abit-
tan, Guila Benyayer, Nada Dabbagh
and Caroline Robitaille, Discharge Cont’d on page 18
Planning Nurse Suzette Chung and
17
Cont’d from page 17

Going for the Gold...

Jileen Cassell, a Social Worker from the ED.
Ms. Sheridan says the tone reflected the “amazing cre-
ativity and humour” of Emergency staff nurses who creat-
ed the posters and presentations and manned the booths.
“With accreditation approaching, the Olympics were held
at an opportune time. The idea was to help nursing staff
refresh the skills they don’t necessarily practice every day,
such as the nursing care of tracheostomies (a tube is in-
serted into the trachea to help the patient breathe), chest
tubes and feeding pumps.”
Lectures and information booths enabled nurses and
nursing assistants to update their skills and learn about
new technologies, medication, and policies and proce-
Participating in Olympic training are from left: Stephano Janssen, Nursing Assistant; Brigitte Ireson-Valois,
dures. “New nurses get a lot of training in our department, Staff Nurse; and Nathaly Gabriel, Nursing Assissant.
but veteran nurses benefit from the Olympics as a review,”
notes Valerie Schneidman, Assistant Head Nurse in the staff really enjoyed it, because they interacted pics were made possible by the commitment
ED. She speaks from experience, having begun her nurs- with various people, and are not in a classroom and mammoth scheduling efforts” of ED Head
ing career 23 years ago in the Emergency Department with or being tested formally, which can be intimi- Nurse, Valerie Pelletier. P
her nursing school colleague, Ms. Sheridan. “I think our dating.” Ms. Schneidman added that “the Olym-

Customize your Have you done it yet?

JGH.ca web page! H ave you walked in the Weekend to
End Breast Cancer? Ridden in the

D ozens of JGH staff have been trained on the new JGH website
since its launch in August. To help Content Editors get started
on their new site, the Public Affairs and Communications Depart-
ment will soon distribute a Website Policies and Guidelines manual,
covering such topics as:
• User management
• Corporate styles and guidelines
• Content ownership and confidentiality
• Content freshness, language, and translation
• Tips on creating a welcome page, on writing effectively for the
web, and on preparing and organizing web content.
Existing features used by our Current Editors include:
• Customized eForms
• Photo galleries
New features include:
Wear them with pride
• Private sites for individual departments (Intranet)
• Customized banners
Coming soon…
• Customized event calendars that can be posted to the web page’s
homepage automatically
• Blogs
• Podcasts, both audio and video
All web pages must be reviewed and approved by PAC before
they are posted. For further details, refer to the Website Policies and
Guidelines manual.
If your department would like to establish a presence on the new
JGH website, additional exposure through banners or featured sites,
or if you have any ideas or suggestions regarding the website, please
contact Orit Misrachi, JGH Digital Media Specialist, at extension
2676 or via Lotus Notes. P
Ride to Conquer Cancer? Do you plan to
do so in 2010? To promote the event, to help you fund-
These two amazing events have raised a raise and to create a buzz around the hos-
combined total of nearly $42 million for pital, we want to tell the stories of JGH
the JGH Segal Cancer Centre, in no small walkers and riders. What inspired you
part due to the participation of the many to join? How did you prepare? What are
JGH employees who generously dedicate your best fundraising tips? Why have you
their time and energy to training, fund- signed up again and again?
raising and volunteering. We want to cel- If you would like to be profiled and
ebrate these accomplishments and inspire share your story with the hospital, please
even more JGH staff to take up this im- contact Jackie Leibov at extension 2763
portant cause. or via Lotus Notes. P
C alling all registered participants for the 2010 Ride
to Conquer Cancer and the 2010 Weekend to End
Women’s Cancers.
Stop by A.900.1 to pick up your Ride With Me and
Walk With Me buttons and wear them with pride
around the hospital. Use them as conversation starters
to talk to people about the event, why you participate
and why you need their support. And don’t forget to ask
them to join you in your quest to defeat cancer.
The 2nd edition of the Ride to Conquer Cancer will
take place July 10-11, 2010 and the newly renamed
Weekend to End Women’s Cancers will take place Au-
gust 28-29, 2010. For more information on these events,
please visit conquercancer.ca and endcancer.ca. P
–Siobhan O’Brien,
Coordinator, Weekend to End Women’s Cancers

18 PULSE • WINTER 2009

In grateful appreciation!
The level of care and support that my mother received from
check-in until release was excellent. The nurses on the floor,
in the ICU and in the Step-Down Unit were wonderful, as
were allied professionals such as physiotherapists. While
my mother was in surgery, I was given frequent updates
by the volunteer who was on duty at the waiting room, as
well as by the operating room nurse coordinator, Bob Paré.
In Post-Surgery, the head floor nurse, John Marsala, also
came by several times to see if everything was all right.
This high level of care, sensitivity and attention really
helped us through a tough time.
Donald Klein, son of Gloria Solomon
Montreal
are
Those of you who interact with her every day
ness
surely aware of the professionalism and kind
one of
of the surgeon, Dr. Nancy Morin. But to me,
thcare
her patients, this lady is far more than a heal
tions,
provider; she’s an angel. During our consulta
usly
her vast knowledge of her specialty is tremendo
is her
reassuring, but what is especially remarkable
she’s not
ability to listen attentively. And it’s not as if
nesday
busy; you should see the waiting room on Wed
mornings!
rd
Dr. Morin also has a human approach towa
her
her patients—a comforting touch accompanies
ly, I find
explanations of our health problems. Personal
of the
I need that physical contact to ease the stress
om of
medical appointment. Thank you from the bott
my heart for everything you do, Dr. Morin.
On Sept. 16, although I was in extreme pain
, I resisted going to
a hospital because they have become synonym
ous with VRE, C.
difficile, long waits and harried, unsympathetic
staff. However, when
I finally came to the Emergency Department
at the Jewish General
Hospital, I was triaged and admitted within
20 minutes.
The Emergency staff could not have taken bette
r care of me.
Throughout the night, I was treated with cour
tesy and kindness by
the nurses and security guards, and by the
orderlies who brought
warm blankets for the patients or transporte
d us for x-rays and
other tests. I would be remiss if I did not men
tion the doctors, with
so much to do for a room full of worried, ill
patients. However, they
were attentive to my needs and always had
a smile.
There was also a particularly poignant even
t, invol ving an elderly
lady who had been brought in by her daughter.
At some point, the
daughter had to leave. The lady, who spoke neith
er English nor
French very well and was sitting at some dista
nce from the nursing
station, began to cry, obviously afraid of being
alone and forgotten.
One of your sweet, compassionate nurses aske
d if I would mind
exchanging seats with this lady. The nurse reass
ured me she would
not forget about me, but she felt the lady woul
d be greatly relieved if
she did not feel so alone. I readily agreed!
I thought to myself, this is exactly the kindness
and warmth I
would like to see in all hospitals, where each
of us is at our most
vulnerable. I am glad the Jewish General is
such a wonderful
hospital.

Perla Muyal
Lucie Hogue
Montreal
Saint-Laurent

PULSE • WINTER 2009 19

 THE JEWISH GENERAL HOSPITAL INVITES YOU TO A

Winter Wonderland
STAFF APPRECIATION PARTY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009
Cotton Ski
Candy Simulator
PLEASE JOIN US
IN THE C HALET* (Cafeteria) Raffle
FOR A WARM AND HEARTY DINNER Prizes
DJ
by
DROP IN ANY TIME BETWEEN Fresh Entertainment
4:00 and 6:00 P.M.
FOR A HALF HOUR
Air
Hockey

PLEASE BE PREPARED TO SHOW YOUR HOSPITAL ID CARD

FOR STAFF WHO WORK THE NIGHT SHIFT:

A SPECIAL BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED
BETWEEN 6:30 and 8:30 A. M. IN THE
SAMUEL S. COHEN AUDITORIUM (A-102)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MICHELLE AT EXTENSION 6750