Whatever it Takes
By
Dianne Doyle, President & CEO &
Geoff Plant, Chair, Board of Directors
For the people at Providence Health Care, living our mission and values means providing British Columbians compassionate, socially just, exceptional and innovative care every day.
Just like our founding sisters did before us, we are not standing put for the future to come to us.
Through every interaction at all our sites and care homes, our caregivers commit to journeying together with our patients and residents and to address their physical, emotional and spiritual health needs through any means possible.
Our unique organizational culture is rooted in our history of Catholic health care and the courageous vision and dedicated service of our five founding congregations of sisters. Symbolic of the spirit of those founding sisters, “whatever it takes” was the defining theme of our organization’s achievements and experiences over the past year.
Our staff, medical staff/physicians, researchers, and volunteers pulled out all the stops in the face of new and emerging challenges to our patient populations and our communities. Providence caregivers were at the frontlines of the city’s and province’s overdose crisis and the Herculean efforts it took – and continues to take – to address this tragic public health emergency with our health partner organizations.
We continued to make outstanding leadership contributions to meet the needs of society’s most vulnerable – through such services and initiatives as the Crosstown clinic, the planning of the HUB at St. Paul’s Hospital, and the new provincial BC Centre on Substance Use. Providence also became the host and backbone organization for a new provincial youth support services network called Foundry. Based on St. Paul’s Hospital’s Inner City Youth program and its Granville Youth Health Centre, Foundry is establishing centres throughout BC to provide a one-stop-shop for young people to access mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services and youth and family peer supports.
Our day-to-day contributions were supplemented by our commitment and energies to creating an exciting and renewed future – a future that includes a new St. Paul’s, new seniors homes and campuses of care, and new partnerships and relationships with other health organizations. Planning for St. Paul’s gained major momentum through comprehensive public consultation in partnership with the City of Vancouver, detailed planning and engagement with staff,medical staff/physicians, patients and health partners.
This same theme permeated our efforts to do whatever it takes to innovatively address the growing needs of BC seniors. A centre for healthy aging was planned for as part of the new St. Paul’s, while we designed new care approaches – such as a social model instead of an institutionalized model of care – for our existing and future seniors homes. As this annual report describes, our vision for residential care renewal is an exciting one, based on partnerships and true collaborations with residents, families and the community.
Through all PHC major initiatives, our medical staff and researchers were more engaged than ever in helping determine our current and future paths to provide exceptional patient, resident and family centred care.
Our organization’s amazing academic and research centres continued to push the envelope to stay ahead of diseases and conditions impacting our populations of emphasis, to teach our next generation of care providers and to provide new solutions to successfully address our growing need to improve population health.
Health care will always be challenging because of how complex it is and how much it matters to all of us. Just like our founding sisters did before us, we are not standing put for the future to come to us. We are striving towards it with a renewed, collaborative energy, and with new solutions, exciting ideas and concrete plans.
On this continuing journey, our senior leaders, individual personalities and even the current make-up of the organization may change. But, as evidenced by this past year, Providence will always do whatever it takes to ensure that we rise to the challenge of achieving our vision: “Driven by compassion and social justice, we are at the forefront of exceptional care and innovation.”
Dianne Doyle,
President & CEO
Geoff Plant,
Chair, Board of Directors
Populations of Emphasis
We lead with our values, continuing the mission of Providence Health Care’s five founding congregations of sisters.
Populations of Emphasis
Kidney & Renal
Our Renal Program is the largest kidney treatment, research and education program in BC, including community dialysis units and teleheath services for those living remotely.
30-year Reunion
In the spring of 1982, Darrell Epp first became a dialysis patient at St. Paul’s Hospital. His prognosis was bleak and doctors feared he might not live more than 18 months.
Kidney & Renal
Our Renal Program is the largest kidney treatment, research and education program in BC, including community dialysis units and teleheath services for those living remotely.
A voice for the vulnerable
Dr. Adeera Levin, head of the UBC Division of Nephrology at St. Paul’s, and Dr. John Gill, clinician scientist, were among dozens of stakeholders invited to attend an Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism Summit on February 7 to 8, 2017, at Vatican City.
Kidney & Renal
Our Renal Program is the largest kidney treatment, research and education program in BC, including community dialysis units and teleheath services for those living remotely.
Working Backwards
A groundbreaking Canada-wide research program on chronic kidney disease is letting questions, rather than hypotheses, lead the approach.
Kidney & Renal
Our Renal Program is the largest kidney treatment, research and education program in BC, including community dialysis units and teleheath services for those living remotely.
Have Cart, Will Create
To help keep patients engaged, creative and relaxed during their treatment, St. Paul’s hemodialysis staff developed a pilot art program, funded by St. Paul’s Foundation.
Kidney & Renal
Our Renal Program is the largest kidney treatment, research and education program in BC, including community dialysis units and teleheath services for those living remotely.
Going the extra mile
Convenience is king, which can make proximity to care a significant barrier for those living in remote areas. But, as two members of our Diabetes Health Centre team learned firsthand, literally going the extra mile can go a long way.
HIV & AIDS
As we look to curb the spread of HIV and reach an AIDS-free generation, it is essential to ensure the most hard-to-reach populations are being connected to care, that treatment is used as prevention, and that access to HIV testing, care and treatment is expanded to vulnerable populations who need it the most.
Dr. Montaner receives high honour
In September 2016, Dr. Montaner was awarded the Killam Professorship, the highest honour for a member of faculty by the University of British Columbia.
HIV & AIDS
As we look to curb the spread of HIV and reach an AIDS-free generation, it is essential to ensure the most hard-to-reach populations are being connected to care, that treatment is used as prevention, and that access to HIV testing, care and treatment is expanded to vulnerable populations who need it the most.
Treatment as Prevention
Announced in late March 2017, a study by the BC-CfE found harm reduction and access to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) averted an estimated 3,204 HIV cases in British Columbia between 1996 and 2013.
HIV & AIDS
As we look to curb the spread of HIV and reach an AIDS-free generation, it is essential to ensure the most hard-to-reach populations are being connected to care, that treatment is used as prevention, and that access to HIV testing, care and treatment is expanded to vulnerable populations who need it the most.
Expanding of Hope to Health Clinic
Officially opened in June 2015, the Hope to Health Clinic moved to 625 Powell Street where it could be further developed.
HIV & AIDS
As we look to curb the spread of HIV and reach an AIDS-free generation, it is essential to ensure the most hard-to-reach populations are being connected to care, that treatment is used as prevention, and that access to HIV testing, care and treatment is expanded to vulnerable populations who need it the most.
A Welcome Turning Point
Fall 2016 saw a welcome turning point from the federal government on their stance on HIV prevention and treatment. Ottawa started looking towards an AIDS-free future, embracing more evidence-based approaches, harm reduction and an increased investment in the Global Fund.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
Because it works
More people now die from overdoses in BC than car accidents. And while Naxolone is a lifesaver in an overdose situation, the current prescription in the face of the overdose crisis is that of treatment – low-barrier, high quality, effective treatment.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
Opening the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU)
Officially operational in April 2017, the new BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is seeking to dramatically improve the substance-use system of care.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
Rapid, low barrier, judgement-free access to treatment
Staffed by interdisciplinary addictions specialists, the RAAC is a “come-as-you-are” space located one floor above St. Paul’s Emergency Department.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
International symposium on injectable opioid-assisted treatment
The Crosstown Clinic is the only clinic in North American to provide certain opioid-dependent patients with medical heroin and other opioid-replacement therapy.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
Substance-Use Disorder Medicine Training
Over the last decade, evidence-based research has significantly advanced our understanding of the biology of substance-use disorder; however, translating that knowledge to medical professionals who see and treat people with problematic substance use has been slower to catch up.
Urban Health
Whether it’s lowering barriers to treatment, connecting with the socially disadvantaged, identifying novel solutions or constantly pushing the research envelope, treating and supporting our urban health patient population is some of the most powerful work that we do.
Rising to the crisis
2016’s unprecedented spike in overdose fatalities prompted a provincial public health crisis that many of us had never seen before. And every day our staff showed up, rose to the challenge and and continue to be on the frontlines of it.
Mental Health
As fathers and sisters and executives and volunteers, we know that our patients and residents are people with lives and relationships and identities outside the walls of our facilities. We will always see the person before we see their illness, ensuring that the care we provide is patient-centred, judgement-free and of the highest quality.
Foundry
This year marked the official launch of Foundry – a provincial initiative focused on transforming access to mental health care and support services for young people aged 12-24. Providence is proud to be the host and backbone organization of Foundry. Foundry involves the development of a province-wide network of youth wellness centres that bring a […]
Mental Health
As fathers and sisters and executives and volunteers, we know that our patients and residents are people with lives and relationships and identities outside the walls of our facilities. We will always see the person before we see their illness, ensuring that the care we provide is patient-centred, judgement-free and of the highest quality.
Eating Disorders: researching the right care, at the right time for the right patient
We know that quality care looks different for every patient, which is why the research being led by Dr. Josie Geller is imperative.
Mental Health
As fathers and sisters and executives and volunteers, we know that our patients and residents are people with lives and relationships and identities outside the walls of our facilities. We will always see the person before we see their illness, ensuring that the care we provide is patient-centred, judgement-free and of the highest quality.
Creating a HUB of care
We know that transforming care takes time. But when a need for change is so apparent, rather than time, sometimes transformation just requires a little grit, a lot of innovation and a handful of partners.
Seniors
Seniors
Thinking outside the box will be key to coming up with ways to ensure Providence remains at the forefront of seniors’ care, and ensuring that we do whatever it takes to make our residents feel at home in our residences.
Home is best: ED iCARE
Embracing a ‘home is best’ philosophy, ED iCare aims to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions for complex-care patients aged 70 or older who come to ED.
Seniors
Thinking outside the box will be key to coming up with ways to ensure Providence remains at the forefront of seniors’ care, and ensuring that we do whatever it takes to make our residents feel at home in our residences.
High Level Stroke Group
Led by a speech-language pathologist and an occupational therapist, the High-Level Stroke Group at Holy Family Hospital has tapped into a true need with patients who have experienced a mild stroke.
Seniors
Thinking outside the box will be key to coming up with ways to ensure Providence remains at the forefront of seniors’ care, and ensuring that we do whatever it takes to make our residents feel at home in our residences.
A new era in residential care
How do we go about changing residential care from an institutionalized medical model of care to a social model where first and foremost we create a home and community that our residents would want to live in?
Simple. We megamorphosis it.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
A game-changer for cardiac arrest patients
When otherwise healthy 38-year old Genya Kaplun was found unresponsive, hypothermic, and without a pulse, he was brought to St. Paul’s Emergency Department where a team of quick-thinking doctors pulled out all of the stops, attempting a never-before tried combination of interventions, to save his life.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
Going the distance
Not everyone can live near the facility where the best therapies for their condition is available, which is the reality at St Paul’s Hospital Heart Function Clinic where as many as 75% of our patients come from outside the Lower Mainland.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
Three transplants in < 24 hours
Dr. Anson Cheung is used to long days in the St. Paul’s operating room. But in June 2016, the head of cardiac surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital took a long day to a new level: he performed three heart transplants scheduled within hours of each other.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
FFRct modelling: CT scan
For heart patients with stable but persistent cardiac issues such as chest pain or an irregular heart beat), an anonymous donation to St. Paul’s Foundation has provided a non-invasive solution.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
Exercise for COPD patients
As the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) continues to rise, increasing patients’ access to pulmonary rehabilitation, specialized physiotherapy aimed at helping patients make the most of their reduced lung capacity, is a top priority.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
First Nations Health Authority Chair in Heart Health and Wellness at St. Paul’s
Eighty per cent of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable but the most fundamental elements of prevention, like access to healthy food, are often out of reach for many Indigenous communities.
Heart & Lung
Our excellence in cardio pulmonary care, research and teaching is something we’re very proud of, but more than accolades, our staff and medical staff are proud of the difference they make in patients’ lives.
Predicting COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impacts an estimated 300- million people worldwide, but how it manifests in each case is not always the same, making blanket treatments often ineffective, costly, and frustrating. Which is where Dr. Sin’s “crystal ball” comes in.
Providence Plan
Our Providence Plan establishes a way forward, the who, how and what it will take to move us from here to there: an integrated, academic health system focused improving population and patient health outcomes, while ensuring stewardship and sustainability of our finances.
Infrastructure
As innovative visionaries, we are boldly imagining and planning a new hospital and health campus from the ground up. Our comprehensive planning to renew PHC’s residential homes has launched our new beginning in residential care, focused on creating a home and community our residents would want to live in.
Foundations
St. Paul's Foundation raises funds for enhanced patient care, capital projects, equipment needs, research and teaching at St. Paul's and other Providence Health Care hospitals and residences in British Columbia.
Awards
Recognizing those who go above and beyond, thanking those for exceptional work, and lauding the innovation that’s born within the walls of our facilities is a large part of what we do at Providence.
