Volume 3 / Spring 2016

From the Manager

Michele McDonald

April is a month of promise - when spring beckons, plants come to life again and we all eagerly await warmer
days. Its also the month when we recognize and thank you, our volunteers, for all you do throughout the year
to make a difference in the lives of patients, clients, residents, families and staff.
Helping people feel more comfortable and at ease during their time here is an important contribution to the
patient experience and the services you provide mean so much to the people who receive them.
As part of the volunteer celebrations were
proud and delighted to share this newsletter
with you. In it, you will see a variety of
volunteer programs highlighted, learn of
upcoming events and hopefully become more
familiar with some of the different roles
volunteers fill.
On behalf of everyone in Volunteer Services,
Happy Volunteer Week and thank you so much
for everything you do throughout the year! We
hope well see you at one of the volunteer
appreciation events being held in April.
Thank you from all of us!

Celebrating our Volunteers!

Janet Knox, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Health Authority

National Volunteer Week will be recognized from April 10 through 16. This
provides an ideal opportunity for all of us at Nova Scotia Health Authority
(NSHA) to express our appreciation to you, our valued volunteers. NSHA
benefits from the caring, committed services of almost 7,000 vibrant,
engaged volunteers who support 886 individual programs across our
province. Simply put, we couldnt do our work without you! For all you do to
improve the health and well-being of your fellow Nova Scotians, we say
thank you during Volunteer Week and every day of the year.

Volunteers Make an Impact!

Program Managers share the impact Volunteers have on People-Centered Care
We are so thankful for all of
the wonderful volunteers at
Haliburton Place. They are an
important part of our care
team, supporting the
Recreation Therapy
Department in the delivery of
programs, sharing musical
talents and developing so
many meaningful friendships
with our residents.
~ Jo-Ann Zwicker

The breast health awareness volunteers

help with displays and films and put
together our information packets at the
Well Womens Clinics two or three times a
month. This has been a long standing
volunteer effort since the beginning of our
clinic approximately 18 or 19 years ago.
What a great and dedicated service to the
clinic. Kudos to all who help with the
ongoing education efforts of the wellness
clinic.
~ Alison and Toni, RNs in Ambulatory Care at
Hants Community Hospital

The patients quality of life

on CTU is greatly improved
because of our dedicated
volunteers. Volunteers
make it possible for our
patients to create
memories and moments of
enjoyment. They help to
provide opportunities for
patients to engage in
meaningful activities with
the necessary support and
adaptations patients may
require ensuring their
success. Your dedication
and passion does not go
unnoticed and is very much
appreciated by all! We love
our volunteers on CTU!
~ Rebecca Sweet
Our volunteers enable the
Veterans at the VMB to
engage in meaningful
activities that have been
important to them
throughout their lives. The
Veterans truly enjoy their
participation in the Cribbage
group which would not be
possible without the
dedication of our amazing
volunteers.
~ Nancy Garber

Volunteers are
invaluable to our
program. Our dedicated
communion ministers
visit daily with the
Sacrament and bring
their spirit of hospitality
and hope. We are
constantly hearing from
patients how much this
means to them in their
spirit and in their
healing. Thank you to
our dedicated
volunteers and to
Volunteer Services for
making this happen.
~ Wilfred Boudreau

In the Geriatric Day Hospital/Falls Clinic volunteers

have a huge impact on the lives of our senior
population. Our volunteers show compassion,
caring, companionship to the elderly clients who
attend the program.
~ Janet Wright, RN

Our volunteer, Dan Pottie, is faithful, personable,

and enthusiastic about helping to bring together the
Veterans Choir every month for the memorial
service. We really appreciate the time he gives to us
and the Veterans. Dan is a pleasure to collaborate
with.
~ Johanne Gallant

Our volunteer, Cody

Church, has spent his
volunteer time
developing new tools
that will help medical
physicists pioneer
studies and
techniques in
radiation oncology
for cancer treatment.
He has laid the
groundwork for
exciting and novel
technology that will
allow standard
treatment units to
become precise
enough to perform
small animal studies,
which in turn are
essential to
understanding how
we may improve
tumour control and
lower toxicity in our
treatments of
patients.
~ Dr. James Robar

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Volunteers have been an

important part of the
Intensive Treatment
Services team for the past
three years. They assist
with various recreation
therapy groups, visit one
on one with our clients,
and provide group walks.
Both staff and clients look
forward to seeing our
volunteers and we value
the positive impact they
have on our program.
~ Andrea Leahey

Our volunteers at the

Interdisciplinary Thyroid
Oncology Clinic Patients &
Families Information
Centre have been
instrumental to the multidisciplinary care of newly
diagnosed thyroid cancer
patients and their family as
they arrive for their first
appointment with our
endocrinologists, nuclear
medicine & radiation
oncologists to name a few.
Volunteers introduce
patients and families to
cancer resources (specific
to the patients diagnosis
and treatment plan)
outlined by a prescription
from the tending
physician. As part of the
team, we thank all our
volunteers current and
past who have assisted us
every Friday morning at
the Interdisciplinary
Thyroid Oncology Clinic
(ITOC) on 7N Victoria.
~ Helen Fong

Volunteers serving as friendly visitors

in the Dialysis Unit at the VG make a
great contribution to kidney patients by
providing companionship during their
treatments. Dialysis patients receive
their life-sustaining treatments 3x/week
for 4.5 hours per treatment. Given the
length of time spent receiving their
treatments, enjoying a visit with a
friendly visitor is a pleasant way to pass
the time. Volunteers have the
opportunity to learn about dialysis and
to contribute to the care of dialysis
patients which makes a great difference
to patients and staff. The patients and
staff of the dialysis unit are thankful for
the volunteers who give generously of
their time to make a difference to
kidney patients. Thank you!

I would like to share that the

volunteers who work with me
in the mental health program
are so appreciated, both by
me and the clients we serve.
Our socialization group
primarily takes place in the
community. The volunteers,
Karen Osborne & Megan
Scanlan, are great additions to
our group. Not only is it
normalizing to have nonclinical leaders, they interact
with clients and encourage
laughter and participation. We
would be at a loss without our
volunteers!
~ Kerry Sutherland

~ Michelle Jensen

The volunteers on 7A give patients that

piece of extra care that makes all the
difference. As staff, they give us the
confidence that someone will be doing those
extra things like sitting with a nervous
patient, or bringing a hot cup of tea to
someone when we aren't able to. They go
above and beyond to make both staff and
patients feel supported.
~ Nicole Phinney

Our volunteers have been very helpful and I

think they find it rewarding as well.
~ Dr. Mal Rajaramin

The volunteers in the area

of the ticket machine at
Cobequid Community
Health Centre are crucial
for greeting and guiding
patients to access
appropriate services. This
improves patient
satisfaction and staff
appreciates their support.
The volunteers in the
Emergency Department are
an important liaison
between patients and
families in the waiting room
and the staff and patients
in the department. The
volunteers are valued by
the Emergency Department
staff for their presence and
their role in fostering good
communication. The
presence of volunteers is
very reassuring to
patients/families in helping
them navigate the health
care system. Thank you!
~ Kelli Mansfield

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Quotes from patients who have used the Sunshine Room, Submitted by Gail Ellsworth:
Thank you for providing such a wonderful room & so many fabulous experiences. I had my very first Reiki session
yesterday and it was the most wonderful experience of my life. Today I had my first massage therapy and it was amazing.
Ill be coming back while Im going through my radiation treatment. Thank you to all the volunteers. May all the sunshine
you bring to each one of us be multiplied back to you a hundredfold.
I first discovered the sunshine room when I went through my cancer treatment in 2011-12. Since then, I go every time I
have a check-up. No matter which treatment I receive, I always leave feeling much better. Thank You.
Thank you so very much for everything you have done for my husband and me. As a patient it has helped him a lot with
coping. For me as a caregiver, the emotional support has meant more than words can say. It has been wonderful.

Our volunteers are often the

person sitting with a patient
undergoing an Ear, Nose and
Throat examination or a
diagnostic procedure such as a
biopsy. People often come alone
to a clinic appointment and so
having a pleasant young person
sit with them is very comforting.
It encourages the compassionate
side of the volunteer to shine. It
is also a learning opportunity for
the volunteers. They see how we
all interact with patients, some
of whom are very ill and they are
able to use this demonstration in
their own practice later as a
healthcare professional. Many
volunteers will watch YouTube
videos of the type of surgery that
we do so they are able to better
understand why our unique
patient population may have
difficulty breathing, eating or
speaking. The volunteers also
teach us to keep our youthful
enthusiasm and to never stop
learning.
~ Judi Phillips

Zarah Take and Frances Clark

have become an integral part of
the Division of Neurology team.
We look forward to them
coming in and helping out. We
actually count on them to do
several tasks such as calling
patients to remind them of
their appointments, the date of
their tests and filing. Both of
them are extremely cordial and
respectful when speaking with
patients and respect the
confidentiality of all calls made.
If it wasnt for Zarah and
Frances we would have a lot
more on our already full plates.
Thank you Zarah and Frances!!

I've had the great pleasure of

working with volunteers for the
past 22 years. Retail Services
volunteers have provided endless
hours of dedication to the
hospital gift shops. They share
their time and talent to provide a
pleasant environment for
patients, visitors, and staff.
Always welcoming and always
willing to lend a helping hand.
The gift of their time is priceless.
On behalf of Retail Services,
thank you for everything you do.
~ Myr Pike

~ Crystal Stadling

The high school co-op volunteer program provides a wonderful opportunity

to expose high school students to the various health care opportunities that
are available in Heart Health. Staff is pleased to be involved in this volunteer
experience as they demonstrate how their health care role positively impacts
patient and family care. Staff is excited and pleased to provide this valuable
perspective to the students, as they look to potentially recruit health care
workers of the future.
~ Sandra Matheson, RN

Our CARE Program volunteers are wonderful! They provide

a kind and compassionate presence for older patients in the
Emergency Department who could benefit from some extra
support and/or companionship during their stay, particularly
those people who are on their own or have a long stay in the
department.
~ Stacy Ackroyd

The success of Your Way to Wellness depends almost

entirely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers.
It is because of their hard work that 99% of participants
would recommend this program to a family member or
friend. Many thanks to volunteers, current and past,
who have contributed to this programs success.
~ Stephanie Wood

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Patients helping patients

Team Valentine celebrates 10 years
Contributed By Janessa Hynes

Valentines Day this year held special significance for 11 volunteers who gathered to celebrate 10 years of
continued support to cardiac patients at QEIIs Halifax Infirmary (HI) and Dartmouth General Hospital.
Team Valentine is a group
of volunteers who have
experienced
a
cardiac
incident, such as heart
attack or heart surgery, and
have previously participated
in the Cardiovascular &
Pulmonary Health in Motion
program.
They
began
visiting patients on floor 6.2
at the HI on Feb 14, 2006,
and have since expanded to
other floors including the
Critical Care Unit (CCU),
Intermediate Care Unit
(IMCU), cardiac surgery unit
and units at Dartmouth
General Hospital.
John Kane and Dick Pepper,
founding members, received recognition for 10 years of volunteer service with Team Valentine. We are forever
patients, says Dick, patients helping patients.
Cardiologist Dr. Nick Giacomantonio also joined the celebration, reminiscing about the birth of Team Valentine. I
remember when it started... says Dr. Giacomantonio. People felt one of the things missing from cardiology was
the reassurance of survival after a heart attack or heart surgery.
Members of Team Valentine visit patients before and after heart-related surgeries, as well as following a cardiac
incident. It is their hope to provide encouragement by sharing their own recovery process and also to inform and
encourage patients to attend rehabilitation programs, like the Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Health in Motion
program.
Its been a satisfying volunteer activity for all team members, says John. Sharing our experiences and
interacting with patients and families is without a doubt a very rewarding experience.
Not only do these internal groups benefit the patients, but also the health care system. Gail Blackmore, Senior
Director, Quality Improvement, Safety and Patient Relations, says groups like Team Valentine can provide the
patient perspective to NSHA as they already have a relationship with the organization.
Since February 2006, Team Valentine has impacted the lives of more than 15,000 cardiac patients and their families
by sharing their stories and promoting the Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Health in Motion program.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the QEII Health Sciences Centre or would like
to know more about Team Valentine, please contact Volunteer Services at 902-473-2457
or email shelley.peterson@nshealth.ca

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Recreation Therapy Volunteer Programs

For many Recreation Therapists and Recreation Therapy Associates, its hard to imagine supporting patients,
residents and clients without the help of volunteers. According to Jo-Ann Zwicker, who works at Haliburton Place,
volunteers have a great impact on patient
centered care, especially for residents who are
isolated, lonely and not wanting to join in social
groups. Residents develop a great friendship
with the volunteers who visit them regularly
and consider them valued members of the
team, all of which is important to the delivery
of successful programs.
Recreation Therapy provides opportunities for
individuals to explore and expand their leisure
repertoire,
reduce
isolation,
increase
knowledge and awareness of community
resources and support patient and client goals
among other things. Staff in areas such as
mental health, long term care, acute care and
rehabilitation services across the Central Zone,
agrees that this is why volunteers are so
important to their programs.
Volunteers provide a warm welcome to those participating in recreation activities. They offer extra support so staff
can focus on individual needs when necessary. Volunteers also connect with patients, residents or clients who
simply require a leisure activity partner. Angela
McDougall, from the Abbie J. Lane Building,
states that volunteers represent a non
judgmental, unbiased person that clients can
spend time with. Sharing talents, interests and
time contribute greatly to enhancing the quality
of the service they provide. Ashley MacMullin,
from the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial
Building, says that having a volunteer come in
every Friday to play the piano for Veterans is
amazing. It is a joyful experience for everyone
when Veterans and families gather in the
lounge to hear him play.
Andrea Leahey, from Intensive Treatment
Services, is grateful for the volunteers who help
with cooking groups, creative expression and
other programs. Clients feel special knowing that people will give their time to support them. One client expressed
that having a volunteer accompany them outside for a walk is good for the mind. Andy Callaghan, from the Nova
Scotia Rehabilitation Centre says its hard to explain the contribution that a volunteer makes when a powerful
relationship is established between the patient and volunteer. It is an opportunity for patients to unwind with
someone and to simply enjoy some down-time that is comfortable and relaxing. No matter where Recreation
Therapy volunteers are located, they enhance the experience for all those they serve in a meaningful, creative and
important way because they genuinely care about people.
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Physical Activity is Good for Everyone

A look at Exercise Programs
Volunteers throughout the Central Zone are working with Physiotherapists, Social Workers, Recreation Therapists
and other health care professionals to ensure that patients, clients and residents are working to achieve their best
level of health. Volunteers are the extra hands, eyes and ears, says Ann Nelson, Physiotherapist in the Geriatric
Day Hospital, ensuring that participants have a wonderful experience. The exercise class in the Geriatric Day
Hospital is designed to maintain or improve
the general range of motion and strength of
the geriatric patient population. Volunteers
add richness to the program by modeling
the proper way of doing exercises and then
ending the session with some social time.

Staff in the Mental Health Day Treatment

Program in the Abbie J. Lane involves
volunteers in a weekly exercise program as
part of a group therapy session. The goal is
to provide opportunities for individuals to
engage with others in regular exercise to
understand the benefits on ones mental
health and well being. Volunteers are
always open and willing to try new activities and are really good at encouraging participants to try different things,
says Mary Clare Bauld, the Social Worker who oversees the program.
Volunteers become friends and companions who demonstrate an enthusiasm for physical activity and this is passed
on to patients and clients. Its about having fun and relaxing and engaging with other people. For example,
volunteers in the exercise program at Connections Halifax encourage and support those living with mental illness to
participate in a regular routine of exercise, while providing them with an opportunity to be a part of the community
in which they live.
Exercise programs vary from site to site and service to
service. There are yoga programs, walking programs,
outings to the YMCA and exercise demonstration
programs among others. One program is on the Cardiac
Surgery Unit, where volunteers support patients being
discharged after cardiac surgery, by showing an exercise
video and reviewing a related handbook and also by
demonstrating how the exercises are done. Jennifer
Manuel says that patients enjoy talking to someone
who has extra time to listen as well.
It is thanks to the leadership and creativity of staff, who
recognized the opportunity to deliver exceptional care
by connecting with Volunteer Services, that has resulted
in the development of high quality exercise programs. These programs attract volunteers who are talented, reliable
and believe in the value of giving their time to people-centred care and staff is very grateful for all that they give to
others. Volunteers provide encouragement and support to promote physically active lifestyles and enhance the
mobility of participants - a true link to the Nova Scotia Health Authoritys vision of Healthy People, Healthy
Communities - for generations.
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Affiliate Volunteer Programs

Community Partnerships thrive!

Volunteer Services is pleased to have a relationship with 12 community organizations whose members provide a
direct service to patients and clients at the QEII. The following is a brief description of four of them:
The Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) program is dedicated to empowering women going through a cancer
experience. In a 2-hour workshop, led by industry trained cosmetic advisors and hair alternatives specialist
volunteers, women learn simple cosmetic techniques, nail and skin care tips, hair alternatives and cosmetic hygiene
to help them manage the effects
that cancer and its treatment can
have on their appearance. Dolores
Adams, one of the LGFB team
leaders says, the women we help
are so happy when they come. The
program helps them in so many
ways; not only by learning to look
good while they are going through
their treatment but knowing they
aren't alone. They always meet
someone who they can relate to as
well. We as volunteers feel so much
better about ourselves knowing we
can help them in such a small way
through this program.
Volunteers with the Open Heart
Patient Support Group are former patients who have undergone open heart surgery. They volunteer their time to
meet with patients and their family members before and following open heart surgery. These committed
volunteers provide an important and valuable perspective, through conversation and support, having experienced
open heart surgery themselves. Patient and family members feedback supports what a wonderful opportunity
it was for them to speak with a volunteer who actually had a similar experience.
Ken MacMillan, one of the team leaders for the OHPSG says, We are able to relate to patients and family at a
grass roots level to address any questions or concerns that they may have, not from a medical perspective, but as
someone who has been there and got the T-shirt or should I say pillow to show for it. In sharing our stories
we are able to find common ground with patients and family quickly and connect at a deeper level. As a volunteer,
there is no better feeling than when you can make a positive difference on how a patient or family member feels
about undergoing open heart surgery.
Volunteers with Ostomy Halifax have been visiting patients with gastrointestinal and urinary diversions for 45
years now, providing emotional support and education to patients and their families. Irene Stagg, volunteer leader
with the visiting program says, The volunteers visit patient to encourage them to continue doing everything
normal in life; to have the highest quality of life they can have.
Through the VON of Greater Halifax and the Dartmouth Seniors Service Centre, volunteer drivers provide
individuals with transportation to and from medical appointments at the QEII. Justine Marren, leader for the VON
drivers says, Our volunteers really go the extra mile for our clients, be it taking them directly to their
appointments, or helping carry groceries into their homes. We love that our volunteers offer that door to door
service to our clients.
The contributions of all these volunteers are appreciated and valued by everyone!
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Volunteer Transportation Program

A Simpson Landing volunteer program connects peers with peers
Contributed By Karrie Scribner, Wellness and Health Promotion Coordinator at Simpson Landing

Part of the transition from hospital back to community for many people is all about connecting with peers and
sharing expertise about recovery. Attending From Recovery to Discovery (FR2D), a Mental Health Peer Support
Group, is a wonderful opportunity for
people staying at Simpson Landing.
As part of his volunteer role, 1st year
Dalhousie pharmacy student Jay
Toulany, a companion volunteer in the
Mental Health and Addictions program,
attended the weekly FR2D peer
support
group
meetings
with
individuals staying at Simpson Landing.
The topics and expertise shared at the
weekly meetings by peers, cofacilitators and various guest speakers
was an invaluable learning opportunity
like no other he had experienced.
Jay said, Much of my knowledge of
mental health (which was quite limited
prior to my experience volunteering) was informed by what I had read on the internet or learned in a classroom.
Many of the FR2D meetings focused on topics such as the use of language when discussing mental health, or
various mental health services that are available. From these meetings I was able to take away very specific
things/tools that I will be able to refer to in the future. Jay also attended a Stand Up for Mental Health Show at
Dalhousie University in February with people staying at Simpson Landing. He described it as the highlight of his
placement.

Volunteers are the roots of strong communities. Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers
are essential for communities to boom. Thanks to volunteers, our communities grow strong and resilient.
Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting trace in a community.

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Upcoming News & Events

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training being offered to volunteers
As part of an ongoing commitment to educating volunteers in safety and safety precaution, we are pleased to
offer the following Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training sessions:
Tuesday, April 19
Friday, May 13
Tuesday, June 14
All sessions take place in the Weather Watch, 5th Floor, Dickson Building from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.
If you would like to attend, please contact the Volunteer Services office where you volunteer to
register. Limited spots available.

High School Student Summer Volunteer Program

Volunteer Services is preparing for approximately fifty students as part of the successful High School Student
Summer Volunteer Program at Hants Community Hospital and the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Students will
join us in July and August, participating in a variety of volunteer programs by sharing their youth and vitality.

Volunteer Orientation
Would you like to refresh and update your knowledge about the Nova Scotia Health Authoritys safety
programs, privacy and confidentiality and infection prevention? Why not consider attending a one hour
volunteer orientation in the Volunteer Services office, Room 024, Centennial Building at the VG site? To
register, please call 902-473-5420 or email elaine.whitenect@nshealth.ca as space is limited. QEII volunteer
orientations are held on a regular basis so if youre interested but cant attend any of these dates, please
contact us for future sessions.
Upcoming Volunteer orientation dates:
Wednesday, April 6, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, April 13, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Monday, April 18, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wednesday, April 27, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

The Volunteer Newsletter is a publication of Volunteer Services,

Nova Scotia Health Authority - Central Zone
Comments? Email qeii.volunteer@nshealth.ca or call 902-473-5420
Visit our website: http://www.nshealth.ca/get-involved/volunteering

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