Tuesday, May 27, 2014

South Shore Health Excellence Awards Honour Staff

South Shore Health is recognizing outstanding contributions in patient care and service in the community. The health authority held it annual Excellence Awards last night. Four major awards were presented during the gala event at the Best Western. The Spirit Award was given to Irene Hirtle. Hirtle provides support to those going through challenging and difficult times under South Shore Health Palliative Care Service. She was also recognized for giving her free time to making significant contributions to the Health Services Foundation's Rose Fund and relief efforts around the world. The Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker and the Exemplary Service Award went to Dr. John Jenkins. The Outstanding Quality Initiative was given to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network. This year marked the tenth year of the Excellence Awards for South Shore Health.


Awards: 

The South Shore Health Spirit Award is presented to an individual or group who has made an exceptional contribution to any program or service within South Shore Health and has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the organization’s values of Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Accountability and Leadership. Contributions can include supporting the organization’s mission, vision and values, contributing to staff health and wellness, creating a positive work environment or demonstrating outstanding care and support for colleagues. This year’s award is presented to Irene Hirtle, who provides bereavement support as part of South Shore Health’s Palliative Care Service. She consistently demonstrates an ongoing commitment and passion to support individuals who are experiencing challenging and difficult times. She gives freely of her personal time and energy to bring joy to others. One of Irene’s special talents is crafting with a purpose - making beautiful homemade greeting cards in support of worthwhile causes such as the Health Services Foundation’s Rose Fund as well as relief efforts around the world. Irene is a highly regarded member of her team and community who regularly demonstrates caring and support for colleagues, patients and families.

Community Health Leadership Award was presented to Community Mental Health Nurse Kelly Becker. This award recognizes individuals and or groups who have made a significant contribution to the well-being of the public at the community level. This contribution may include activities that promote, protect or improve the health, safety and well-being of the public, or a specific population. Through strong and passionate leadership, Kelly has helped to improve access to timely and targeted addiction and mental health services. She has been instrumental in the integration of the intake systems for Addiction and Mental Health Services, creating a single entry point for clients.  This has made it easier for people to access services and helped to significantly reduce wait times. Kelly has also taken a strong leadership role in the launch of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) within Addictions and Mental Health Services by generating enthusiasm among her colleagues, providing support and education and finding creative ways to streamline access to services.

Exemplary Service Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution in the delivery of health services within South Shore Health. The individual or group will demonstrate exemplary service to the people that they serve as part of their profession as well as commitment to improving the overall health of the community at large. This year’s award is presented to Dr. John Jenkins who has practiced family and emergency medicine in the Lunenburg community for 20 years. Dr. Jenkins is a founding member of Lunenburg Family Health and is currently the head of the Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. He has also served on many committees and held various leadership roles, including mentoring student learners.  Dr. Jenkins has served his patients, community and profession as an advocate and champion. He is a team player who is always willing to pitch in when needed.


Outstanding Quality Initiative Award celebrates the tremendous efforts that are being made by individuals and teams throughout the District to continuously improve quality in all aspects of our programs, processes and services. It is awarded to teams who have worked together on a quality improvement project that is aligned with South Shore Health’s priorities and has resulted in positive changes. This year’s award was presented to the South Shore Collaborative Breastfeeding Network for its work in providing consistent, timely, evidence-based, family-centred support to improve breastfeeding outcomes in our communities. The network brings together peer, community and clinical breastfeeding stakeholders to provide an innovative model of service delivery and partnership that supports families reach their breastfeeding goals. One of the key features of the network is a new referral process for health care providers, mothers and community in regards to breastfeeding challenges. Anyone can refer to the network and mothers can also contact the Network themselves. The partners include Lunenburg Queens Community Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee, staff from South Shore Health’s maternal and child health, chronic disease management and public health teams as well as midwives and doctors, the Better Together Family Resource Centre and LaLeche League. 

Bridgewater: By-Law Approved To Improve Civic Numbering

A coordinator in Bridgewater will start targeting homes that don't have proper numbering. The town has finalized details of its Civic Address by-law. It means people need to have highly reflective numbers on their homes or at the beginning of their driveway that can be seen at least 15 metres away day or night. Mayor David Walker says there are a few options people can explore.



Walker says they're hoping the new by-law will help officials find homes quicker when there is an emergency. Fines could be handed out beginning in the fall if people don't comply.

South Shore: Paramedics Recognized For Long Service

Fifty paramedics - each with at least 20 years of experience - were given long service medals today during a special ceremony in Halifax. Nearly a dozen recipients work and live on the South Shore. Chester Basin's Richard Baglole and Conquerall Bank's Martin Bell each have over 30 year of working as a paramedic and were honoured today. Other recipients, include Bridgewater natives Allan Cranton, Jonathan Pippy. James Holmes of Shelburne County, Peter MacPherson of Mahone Bay and Bruce Parks of Lunenburg were also recognized for their years of service. Yarmouth County had three paramedics picking up a medal - they include - Dean Vokey, Shane Strong and Douglas Borque. The Paramedic Long Service Award is given to paramedics with 20 years or more of experience.

Here's a complete list of recipients: 

Richard Baglole, 31 years, Chester Basin, Lunenburg Co.
John Bartlett, 36 years, Bible Hill, Colchester Co.
Martin Bell, 30 years, Conquerall Bank, Lunenburg Co.
John Bessonette, 26 years, Hammonds Plains 
Kevin Boudreau, 26 years, Arichat, Richmond Co.
Douglas Bourque, 25 years, Middle West Pubnico, Yarmouth Co.
Harvey Cameron, 20 years, Glace Bay
John Campbell, 20 years, Parrsboro, Cumberland Co.
Richard Campbell, 28 years, Berwick, Kings Co.
Bruce Cox, 20 years, Bedford
Allan Cranton, 26 years, Bridgewater
Jeffery Currie, 20 years, East Ship Harbour, HRM 
Craig Deveau, 20 years, Whites Lake, HRM 
Charles Dixon, 25 years, Port Hawkesbury 
Allister Edwards, 25 years, Port Caledonia, Cape Breton Regional Municipality 
Richard Foley, 31 years, Lower Sackville 
Gary Galley, 25 years, Berwick, Kings Co.
Jimmy Hogan, 20 years, Sydney
James Holmes, 20 years, Shelburne
Walter Howard, 26 years, Digby
Lisa Hutt, 20 years, Port Dufferin, HRM
Craig Jamieson, 20 years, Guysborough County 
Laurence Kaizer, 20 years, Hubbards 
Paul Landriault, 20 years, Port Hawkesbury 
Robert Langille, 30 years, Tatamagouche, Colchester Co.
John Lewis, 36 years, Glace Bay
Chess MacDonald, 26 years, Sydney
Peter MacPherson, 25 years, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.
Stephen McCulloch, 30 years, Shubenacadie, Hants Co.
Kerry McNeil, 20 years, Port Morien, CBRM 
Steve Menzies, 26 years, Berwick, Kings Co.
Shawn Mills, 20 years, Sherbrooke, Guysborough Co.
Chris Mizuik, 20 years, Amherst
Neil Mooy, 26 years, Upper Tantallon
Gerald Parfitt, 36 years, Falmouth, Hants Co.
Gordon Parker, 40 years, Truro
Bruce Parks, 20 years, Lunenburg
Stephen Pertus, 35 years, Sydney
Jonathan Pippy, 20 years, Bridgewater
Lionel Robichaud, 20 years, Meteghan, Digby Co.
Earl Russell, 31 years, Berwick, Kings Co.
Anthony Sanders, 20 years, New Glasgow
Dwayne Semple, 30 years, Tatamagouche, Colchester Co.
Noel Simon, 31 years, Eskasoni
Shane Strong, 26 years, Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, Yarmouth Co.
Greg Theriault, 25 years, Falmouth, Hants Co.
Dale Traer, 26 years, Waverley
Robert Veniott, 30 years, Amherst
Dean Vokey, 25 years, Tusket,Yarmouth Co.
Keith Wilcox, 32 years, Glace Bay


VIDEO: Technology Among Features At New South Queens Middle School

History has been made at South Queens Middle School in Liverpool. The facility officially opened today in front of the entire student body, school board officials and the minister of education and early childhood development. Karen Casey says the school has all the necessary ingredients to be a great learning environment.



Casey says the school is the first of its kind in the province. It features plenty of new technology with apple TVs, ipads and energy-efficient lights. Grade eight student Darrion Munroe says the new technology is a nice addition.



The school is home to roughly 240 students from grades six to eight. A plaque was unveiled recognizing the year the school officially opened. Below is video of the plaque unveiling.

Phone Scam Targeting Lunenburg County Seniors

A phone scam is targeting seniors in Lunenburg County. RCMP became aware of the fraudsters recently. Early investigation indicates scammers call seniors posing as their grandchildren and ask for money to help them. The Mounties are advising people to ask several questions and verify who they're speaking with. They also warn about sharing personal information over the phone. People are encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they know someone who has been affected by the scam at 1-888-495-8501 or on the web here .

Duckworth Finalist For Ricoh Award

A South Shore native is up for a prestigious sports award. Kingsburg's Alex Duckworth is a finalist in the Female Athlete of the Year Award at the 2014 Ricoh Awards set to take place in Halifax this weekend. Duckworth competed in her first Olympic Games in Russia in February. She competed in the half-pipe snowboarding event and just fell short of competing for a medal. Also nominated in the same category, gymnast Ellie Black and canoe/kayak'er Michelle Russell. The awards gala will be held Saturday at the World Trade and Convention Centre.

New Program Will Improve Apprentices' Chances Of Landing Jobs

The Nova Scotia government is taking further steps to help apprentices complete their training and land good jobs in the province and across the region. Premier Stephen McNeil has signed a memorandum of understanding with the other Atlantic provinces. He says it will establish common training, certifications and standards. McNeil says it will help apprentices work within the region more easily.



The agreement is the first of its kind in the country and takes effect next January 1st.

Coaches, Players Receive Minor Hockey Awards

Two coaches and two players have been honoured by the South Shore Minor Hockey Association. The group handed out four awards over the weekend during their year-end banquet. Barry Coleman won coach of the year. Coleman is the head coach of the Novice Advanced team. Peewee 'B' Head Coach Jamie Myra was given the Volunteer of the Year award. The David Dauphinee Memorial Award was won by Max Hartling of the Midget 'A' squad. It's given to a player that shows dedication to their teammates in all circumstances. The Tim Rock Memorial Award for sportsmanship was given to Marshall Rock of the Bantam 'A' Ice Sharks.