Story Type: Staff

Dr. Viljoen and the MHA team recently implemented a two-year pilot project with Ontario Shores, that took the most recent evidence and management of schizophrenia and combined that with data collection and record keeping.

“This project discusses how patients are monitored for functional recovery and it helps us focus on best practice across the diagnostic continuum,” says Dr. Viljoen.

Dr. Viljoen credits her time at JBH in helping her expand her practice and treatment of her patients.

“With the experience I’ve received at JBH, I am able to help with teaching and learning opportunities,” says Dr. Viljoen. “We recently started receiving clerks from McMaster and they were joining me in the hospital and in my clinics.”

For Dr. Viljoen, JBH is an extremely special place, and is it the donations from the community that are supporting these innovative programs that are changing lives at the hospital.

“It’s a small hospital, but the people here are amazing.  We’re all a close-knit family working toward excellent patient care. When donations are made to the Hospital or to the Mental Health and Addictions Program, it makes a significant impact for people who are using the services.  We are bettering our community.”

“You are working collectively with your team to develop individualized care plans for your patients and continuously learning through that process” says Sarah. “Providing compassionate and empathetic care to our patients and families is important to our department”

Sarah notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the team but also the families they support.

“Deliveries can be very big events, but with new protocols and policies, adjustments have been made,” comments Sarah. “I know the pandemic has changed a lot of experiences for patients.  We understand that every patient has a unique situation, and we work as a team to make sure we are always there for them. They are our priority.”

For Sarah, Labour and Delivery is a cherished unit in the hospital.

“Everyone who works in our department has a great passion for women and their families, and there are other units like NICU, Postpartum, Paediatrics and so many others that play a vital part for our patients and ultimately for our community,” says Sarah. “We’re so thankful for the support of the community because we get to make a difference for our patients. When we have the resources to make a patient’s experience positive, we are enriching our community.”

Dr. Nagji and his colleagues have grown the Simulation Unit to help learners, residents, and doctors learn more about Emergency Medicine.  The use of simulation learning is for students, clinicians and trainees to practice critical scenarios with their team in a variety of environments.

“We support other programs and departments with simulations and aid them in training and development,” says Dr. Nagji. “We’re getting them prepared for the real life, worst case scenario.”

Over the last year, Dr. Nagji and his colleagues have had to redesign the learning involvement because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We create their curriculums and make sure they are supported along the way while they learn,” says Dr. Nagji. “Because of COVID-19 we’ve adopted virtual teaching and finding that balance of experiences for students.  We’ve had to think of innovative ways to give them that experience.”

Dr. Nagji believes the pandemic has put a strain on the healthcare system and has affected the community not just physically but mentally.

“The community has rallied together to support the Hospital, and our Hospital has put in the work to help our community.  The greatest accomplishment at JBH is how we come together and work toward a better future,” says Dr. Nagji, “I thank donors who see the value in donating to their community Hospital.  JBH is a space for innovation and their donations go toward the equipment we need and advances our education to provide high-level care.”

Moreover, Dr. Nagji not only appreciates the support from donors and the community but reflects on the teams at JBH.  “The support from the senior leadership team at JBH is incredible. You see the amount of energy and effort made in their investment of their staff.  We have the support from so many people at the Hospital, and our programs are supported.  To be able to do this at a community Hospital is a source of pride and inspiration and not only do you feel the support from your colleagues but also the community.”

“He’d tried to get sober, to undergo treatment, but he’s always relapse,” says Jason. “I was able to empathize with him and understand what he’s going through. In the end, we were able to get this man clean and connect him with services in the community. He was able to reconnect his family, find stable employment.”

After discharge, Jason received a letter from the patient, thanking him for being providing care without judgement, and helping him get his life back on track. “I’m proud of what we’re able to accomplish as a team, and the impact we’re having on people’s lives,” says Jason.