We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Mandy Smith (she/her) Job Title: Registered Nurse, ICU Years of Service: 29 Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Community: Vernon Ancestral Territory: Syilx/Okanagan Favourite Quote: "Everything happens for a reason." -Unknown  Mandy at a Paint Nite event Originally hailing from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Mandy Smith has spent the majority of her 29 years with Interior Health as a nurse working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. But she still loves it after all this time. “I’ve seen people come and go, and many changes, and I’m still here. It’s an accomplishment to continue to do what I love in the same department so many years later.” Her self-described characteristics of friendly, approachable and dependable fit well with Mandy’s role. As her husband is now retired, Mandy is starting to eye the relaxed lifestyle herself in the next few years. But it’s her colleagues that still keep her inspired every day. “I work with an amazing bunch of people in ICU, from support workers and doctors to fellow nurses. I think we’re lucky to have the group we work with.” Outside of work, Mandy takes advantage of any time she can spend with her husband and adult children. Otherwise, you can find her snowboarding, hiking, camping and spending time with friends. A little known fact is that Mandy is a Persian cat fanatic. After being given her first Persian as a sweet 16 gift from her parents, Mandy’s never been without one since.  Mandy's Persian cats Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook  |   Instagram  |   LinkedIn  

As we lift restrictions and welcome visitors and others to our health-care facilities, it is important to do so safely. Did you know that hand washing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of germs? Hand washing is an important safety practice–not only for for health-care staff, but for visitors, patients, people living in long-term care, and family members. Knowing the importance of hand hygiene, a focus group was formed made up of volunteers from the Patient Voices Network who are passionate about infection prevention. The group included five volunteers: two had experienced life-threatening illnesses with admissions to many different areas of the hospital, one had a chronic debilitating illness which needed a number of admissions to various facilities, and two were caregivers who supported their loved ones during hospitalizations for surgeries. The focus group posed the question: “How easy or difficult is it to clean your hands while a patient in care?” This led to intense discussion and the sharing of stories about difficulties that had been faced by patients, residents, and family members. Later, one of the volunteers attended a staff meeting and shared her experiences as a patient. Staff were grateful for the feedback and committed to prioritizing patient hand hygiene moving forward. Patient/resident hand hygiene is a Leading Practice with the Health Standard Organization, an affiliate of Accreditation Canada. (A Leading Practice is a practice carried out by a health organization that has demonstrated a positive change, is people centred, safe, and efficient.) Hand hygiene–not only for health-care teams but for patients, residents, family members and visitors–is an important part of keeping our patients and clients safe. Here are some ways you can Make Infection Prevention Your Intention while visiting health-care facilities: Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before and after visiting. COVID Precautions: When visiting, wear a mask and practice social distancing. All visitors must provide proof of vaccination. Cleaning & Disinfecting: Cluttered rooms contribute to hospital-acquired infections. Encourage your loved one to keep their space free of clutter. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Precautions: Look for precautions signage on room doors. Follow instructions and use PPE accordingly. When putting on & taking off PPE be sure to wash your hands. Be sure to ask staff if you have questions about PPE!

Addictions medicine lead Dr. Leslie Lappalainen, one of a group of health professionals that have put together the prescribing service. It’s being called ground-breaking work that’s keeping people safer from harm. A small and mighty team of Interior Health physicians and nurse practitioners are supporting some of the region’s most vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic. An initiative led by the Mental Health and Substance Use Network brought together the group of health-care professionals who are providing coverage seven days a week to ensure people with substance use disorders have access to prescribed safer supply while isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test. Dr. Megan Hill, a family doctor and addictions specialist who has been key in the prescribing initiative. It’s important work to stave off risk of dangerous withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, particularly in light of the ongoing toxic drug supply crisis. “It is clear by the increasing death rates across the province that the drug supply has become even more toxic,” says Corinne Dolman, Interior Health’s Manager of Substance Use Services. “This service is imperative not only to ensure people are able to isolate and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 but also to prevent high-risk withdrawal from substances.” Early indications show individuals being supported through the prescribing service are being linked in with other services and supports, and many are continuing on Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) medications, such as methadone and Suboxone. “What I have seen repeatedly in working to manage COVID outbreaks in the Okanagan in people who use drugs over the past year is how much a prescription of safe supply combined with evidence-based treatment like OAT will not only keep the individual and the public safe through promoting successful isolation, but also engage the person in follow-up treatment for their substance use disorder after they leave,” says Dr. Megan Hill, an addictions specialist and one of the physicians leading this work. “This contact with health services is often a golden opportunity to connect with people for ongoing care.” Dr. Megan Hil The program has already helped people in Vernon, Penticton, Trail, Kamloops and other parts of the region who may be at increased risk of overdose, withdrawal, cravings and other harms related to substance use. “This vulnerable population has suffered increased isolation and stigma throughout the pandemic,” says Pam Ruby, Interior Health’s Regional Pandemic Health Coordinator. “The hard work and efforts to provide prescribed safer supply and other treatment medications has truly made all the difference. We have been able to reach this at-risk group and create connections for ongoing support that many did not have before.” “This is an innovative strategy that allows the vulnerable population to isolate with the added benefit of connecting them to addictions and harm reduction services across the entire region. This reduces barriers to care allowing the vulnerable population access to this much needed service,” says Brent Hobbs, Network Director for Patient Transportation and Pandemic Isolation Centres. “This is a ground-breaking innovation.”

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Danniel Dickson (he/him/his) Job Title: Community Respiratory Therapist Years of Service: 32 Worksite: Shuswap Health Services Community: Salmon Arm and area Ancestral Territory: Secwepemc (She-whep-m)/Shuswap Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "Any job worth doing is worth doing well. But to be able to do that, you have to do it over and over again." - Thomas Keller Danniel Dickson is a Community Respiratory Therapist serving clients in the Salmon Arm and Shuswap area. A life-long career in health care gives Danniel decades of practice and many satisfying memories.  The pulmonary rehabilitation programs Danniel manages, alongside his physiotherapist colleague, is a particular source of pride.  "We find that improving the quality of life for most of our clients - through education, exercise and flexibility - to be a great source of pride and a feeling of contributing to the outcomes of the community care team in a small way." For Danniel, Respiratory Therapy is a profession that allows him autonomy in terms of practice. "Although the pace and challenges of acute and critical care are professionally satisfying, my current role in the community setting allows more time for therapy and client/patient education. We continue to make strides towards integration of care from acute to community and there is much more of a team approach in the community setting today." The world is also changing to be more virtual, and Danniel is excited about participating in virtual "tele-health" initiatives in the future. "Our pulmonary rehabilitation team participated in tele-rehab research and the data obtained should provide opportunities for better outcomes for our geographically isolated clients and patients." Danniel is proud of his his Aboriginal ancestry. His maternal grandmother was Cree and his maternal grandfather was Scottish. His Aboriginal heritage was never celebrated, in spite of many gatherings with his large family and he was puzzled as a child at the reluctance to embrace the Aboriginal identity in the family. This cycle is now being repaired Danniel, his siblings, and first cousins. They have joined the Metis Nation and display our Aboriginal heritage with pride and celebration. Danniel brings this evolution into his practice as a clinician and is looking forward to adapting and growing with Interior Health to improve outcomes for First Nations clients and patients.  Day-to-day, Danniel strives to focus on self care, as it allows him to have increased reserves to be applied in support of others. He is physically active and feels at home in nature. He enjoys activities like hiking, mountain biking, Nordic skiing and golf. "When home I enjoy spending time making fishing tackle and practicing guitar. I enjoy driving in the back country and am always amazed at the beauty of our province." Danniel is has also started learning about Astrology's effects on birth charts and ongoing traits and personalities, and experimenting with Tarot Card interpretation. "It is a nice balance when weighed against the challenges and stressors of being a health care professional in todays 'world.' "  Danniel's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “I nominate Shelby Henry, Physiotherapist in Salmon Arm. She is always upbeat and ready to assist the clinicians with any task she is able to manage to make their work flow faster and more efficiently. She always takes an organizing leadership role for any situation involving staff, for both career milestones and personal issues, and has a card with well-wishes and donations to make these situations resonate. She is an asset to the SLGH Rehab and Respiratory team."- Danniel Dickson Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority

Pharmacist Christine Rutherford is used to thinking on her feet. As a leader on the pharmacy team at Penticton Regional Hospital, Christine and her colleagues operate in a fast-paced team environment that is mostly unseen by the public, but is an integral part of a person’s safe health-care journey. From helping to develop medication therapy plans and working out distribution, to mixing more complicated prescriptions and working with people who receive care in the community, the pharmacy is a complex department with the safety of patients as a top priority. “I love to think on my feet and work towards solving the day-to-day issues that arise,” says Christine. “Every day brings something new. It’s exciting and very rewarding to be helping patients during a time when they most need it.” The newest thing in the pharmacy department at PRH is the working environment itself. A brand new pharmacy is now open at the hospital, featuring new technology and bigger spaces. Private patient education and counselling rooms allow for confidential consultations with outpatients, while a new relaxing staff room, enhances working conditions and provides a place for health-care workers to rest. The overall size of the department has increased significantly, allowing more space for the talented team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to work. New spaces in the Penticton Regional Hospital pharmacy will enhance safety for patients and working conditions for staff.The pharmacy renovation is one of six pharmacy enhancement projects underway or recently completed in Interior Health, bringing the facilities up to modern standards of care with industry-standard intravenous compounding suites and safe storage rooms. A new pharmacy has also opened at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson while renovations are underway at pharmacies in Cranbrook, Salmon Arm, Trail, and Kamloops. “This is really about bringing a higher level of safety to the patient. These are state-of-the-art spaces that can be efficiently used to enhance patient safety,” says Sean Gorman, Director of Pharmacy Services, IH East & South. In Penticton, the pharmacy renovation is part of the second phase of the David E. Kampe Tower Project, the $312.5-million dollar project that saw a new tower open in 2019. Renovations continue in the emergency department, which has also had several new areas open to patients. The entire project is scheduled to complete next spring. “We’re really excited for the new spaces,” says Christine. “It’s not very often in your career you get to be part of a new pharmacy so I think everyone is excited for the opportunity and the potential this new space brings. One of the big things is we are going to gain efficiency. It’s a nice, bright, open space that will allow our teams the ability to do the great work they do.”

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Meggan Gibson (she/her/hers) Job Title: MDR Inventory Lead Technician Years of Service: 23 Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital Community: Kelowna Ancestral Territory: Syilx (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish Favourite Quote: "Life is too short - so enjoy the ride!"  Meggan GIbson completed her Medical Device Reprocessing (MDR) course in 1998 and was immediately hired at Kelowna General Hospital. Twenty-three years later, she serves as the MDR inventory lead technician--a position that she loves. As the lead tech, Meggan helps her fellow MDR techs perform their job efficiently using the instrument tracking system. For those who may not be familiar with MDR, Meggan offers this explanation: "We reprocess instruments for the operating room (OR) and wards in the hospital. Our decontamination area is where we receive and clean the instruments and devices. Some items are washed in a washer / disinfector, and some are hand washed. We then assemble the instrument sets according to the instructions in our instrument tracking system, sterilize them and prepare the sets for upcoming surgeries." In her free time, Meggan loves to hike. "My girl gang and I do a couple of backpacking trips each summer." Meggan also enjoys reading and paddle boarding. However, most of her time outside of work is spent working with her husband on their Glenmore farm. The farm provides 31 families with farm fresh veggies every week. "I am looking forward to continuing my work in MDR," says Meggan. "I have a few projects on the go and strive to implement lean methodologies into our work." She also looks forward to growing her family farm business. Meggan's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: “April Wood has worked for IH for a loooong time and she has a very specific position as an OR Inventory Analyst." - Meggan Gibson Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: @IHJobs  |   Instagram: @InteriorHealthBC.Careers  |   LinkedIn: @InteriorHealthAuthority

Brittany Willment remembers feeling apprehensive the first time she used the online tool called Kelty’s Key with one of her clients.   “I thought, ‘Would I be able to provide therapy in a useful way? What if my email doesn’t work? How do I do this?' ” recalls the counsellor from Penticton's mental health and substance use community counselling team.   Today, however, Brittany says she has no doubt that the virtual counselling tool is useful and appreciated by clients. It's increasing access to needed therapies for mental health and substance use disorders in a way that's flexible, effective, and person-centred.   “Some of the feedback I’ve received is appreciation for an email option, because without it clients wouldn’t be able to participate in therapy due to family obligations or work schedules,” she says. “Another person shared that they have found benefit in the process of writing and reflecting between sessions rather than using a Zoom (videoconference) or phone format, and that the material has been so helpful they have shared the modules with others.”   With an increasing focus on virtual care options, online therapy is a new and effective tool that clinicians can offer to people with mental health and substance use disorders. Clients can access resources, helpful exercises and their counsellor’s words and encouragement from the comfort of home. Interior Health's Community Mental Health & Substance Use services offers online counselling in most communities, expanding to include people who cannot physically come to an office because of work schedules, child care, transportation, or due to anxiety or depression.  Online therapy uses a model called “Therapist Assisted Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),” which is an evidence-based model that has been shown to be as effective as in-person CBT. A counsellor connects with a person through secure email, and uses treatment modules that are part of the Kelty’s Key website such as substance use, depression, anxiety and more. Kelty’s Key is a secure online tool that uses a digital platform and encrypted emails as part of the mental health and substance use continuum of services. Clients can work independently or with an online counsellor. Clinicians are supported with training and a Community of Practice.   The treatment modules were created by a team of clinical Psychologists at Vancouver Coastal Health, and the website was funded by the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation.   Within Interior Health there are now more than 100 clinicians trained to use Kelty’s Key. This number continues to grow as the demand for virtual care increases. “Once I was comfortable using it, I found this to be a tool I use and present to clients often as a choice in therapy. The website is a great resource and is easily accessible by clients between appointments. Through the process of learning, the Kelty’s Key Community of Practice has been super helpful in learning and troubleshooting a brand new way (to me) of providing CBT therapy,” says Brittany.   Visit Kelty’s Key to learn more, or contact your local MHSU centre by dialing 310-MHSU.    

Cindy Ferguson has been helping people through minor surgeries at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail for 14 years. When patients are in need of day surgery and minor procedures, Cindy and her colleagues go to work in what is known as the ambulatory care unit, where patients who don’t require an overnight stay are treated. Now, the hard-working health care workers and physicians along with the people they are treating have a brand new unit to call home and it was designed to ensure patients’ needs are always top of mind. On Sept. 20, the day-surgery unit opened on the second floor of the new emergency department at KBRH. It’s a modern department that matches the skill of those who work there and focusses on patient and staff safety. “It’s a beautiful unit,” says Cindy. “We put a lot of thought into the design. It’s a more efficient unit that makes it easier to multi-task and keep an eye on patients. It’s so bright with lots of natural light. The rooms themselves are going to provide more privacy and space and really improve the patient journey. I’m really excited for our staff. They are amazing and really deserve a great place to work.” Patients will notice a lot of natural light and modern spaces that promote health and healing following a procedure. The day-surgery unit is linked to the existing hospital by a walk-way, which is accessed through the main KBRH entrance. It was designed with input from employees and physicians and is part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Trail hospital.  Natural light is a key feature of the new day surgery unit at KBRH. “Having new, modern spaces allows patients to have a comfortable setting to receive care. We wanted to ensure the patients’ needs were always accounted for in the design of the unit. It’s spacious, bright and is a warm, healing environment, allowing us to treat our patients in the best way we can,” says KBRH physician, Dr. Ron Cameron. For patients, there is a new patient change room with lockers, preparation area, recovery areas and procedure rooms. A new front desk makes it easier for patients to access the services and employee working conditions are improved with better sight lines and work areas. With the new unit now open and seeing patients, work continues inside KBRH on several large renovations. The old day procedure unit is now being updated, while a significant renovation to the KBRH Pharmacy is also underway. The physiotherapy department will also be updated, as will the cast clinic and a new health information area has already opened. “We are a regional hospital and now we have the spaces that really allow our professionals to thrive in the care that they are able to provide to people right across the region,” says Cindy.  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories. Name: Stephanie Hintz (she/her) Job Title: Registered Diagnostic Sonographer Years of Service: 12 Worksite: Royal Inland Hospital Community: Kamloops Ancestral Territory: Tk'emlups te Secwépemc Favourite Quote: "Every day we decide how to treat people, why not choose kindness and empathy?"   Stephanie had a wonderful "fluffy" upbringing. She was born and raised on a chicken farm in Armstrong, which was home to more than 100,000 happy chickens, at one point in time. Surrounded by furry friends for most of her life, Stephanie developed a special bond with animals, which sprouted her caring and kind personality. At only 13 years old, she secured a job at a local vet clinic. Fast forward many years later, she still revisits her vet days, as she occasionally gets an opportunity to preform ultrasounds on pets which she finds most interesting. Now, as a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer, Stephanie shares that when she is performing an ultrasound, she tries to imagine herself in the position of the patient and treats them with the same respect she would appreciate in their situation. "Many times, people are scared, upset or just unsure why they are having a particular ultrasound. I find that just by listening to them while I perform the scan they seem to feel less stressed. I don't think we always realize the impact we can have on someone's day even if we are only in the room with them for half an hour." Even after 12 years, Stephanie is still inspired and motivated every day due the variety and responsibility that her career offers. Her role as a Registered Diagnostic Sonographer allows her the opportunity to investigate a patient's symptoms based on what the ultrasound shows. "We really do make a difference in people's lives - whether it is by confirming their baby is healthy or finding early breast cancer. I am always learning and being challenged." Stephanie recalls that one of her proudest moments at Interior Health happened just fairly recent, when a patient with whom she was examining stopped to thank her with these words: "I don't take what you or anyone else here does for granted. You are very good at your job and I appreciate you." Stephanie realized and admits that the past couple of years have been challenging for everyone, and how nice it is when people take the time to show gratitude. "I'm proud of where I work, we have an amazing group of people that work in ultrasound, and I think we make the best out of most days and support each other on the hard days." Now-a-days, you won't find Stephanie on a chicken farm in her spare time; instead, she will be off running, hiking or camping somewhere. Husband Cory, her two young children and two golden retrievers keeps her company on her hiking and camping excursions. Peyton is 11 years old and brother Easton is eight - both are eager beavers to go out and explore just like Mom. She admits that living in B.C. definitely makes it a whole lot easier to get out doors and to find new adventures. When the great outdoors isn't calling, you will find Stephanie paying attention to her creative side - making jewelry. Stephanie is looking forward to continuing to grow in her profession and be able to enjoy the work-life balance that her job offers so she can still make memories and watch her children grow up. Stephanie's nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going: "Julianna Duplessis is such a positive person and a hard worker. Even on the toughest and busiest days she never complains or has a negative thing to say about anyone. During the pandemic I have found her to be very inspiring. She shows up to work with a smile even when she is going through her own health challenges." - Stephanie Hintz Stay updated with careers at Interior Health Facebook: Interior Health  |   Instagram: interiorhealthbc |   LinkedIn: Interior Health Authority