For Dr. John Rawlinson and his fellow radiologists at Joseph Brant Hospital, high-quality imaging equipment is critical.
“On any given day, we’re reviewing CT scans, MRIs and mammograms for patients across the hospital,” he said. “Sometimes the tests are routine, and sometimes they’re an emergency, but they’re always critical to diagnosing and treating our patients. And they often save lives.”
Dr. Rawlinson recalls an example, where a woman came to the Emergency Department (ED) with severe abdominal pain. When her blood work came back normal, a CT scan was performed to determine the cause of the pain.
When one of Dr. Rawlinson’s colleagues reviewed the scan, the quality of the imaging was so detailed that they were able to identify a 4-centimetre section of her bowel where the X-ray dye was not showing up, meaning there was no blood supply.
“Our teams work very closely together, with the radiologist sharing his findings to the ED doctor. Urgent laparoscopic surgery was performed to restore the blood supply and save the bowel,” he said. “Without the CT Scan and the communication between the teams, the patient would have become very ill, very quickly.”
Every year, Joseph Brant Hospital conducts diagnostic imaging tests on almost 120,000 patients to diagnose illness – including kidney stones, cancerous tumours and diverticulitis – and develop treatment plans for patients.
“I am regularly reviewing the results of the diagnostic imaging tests performed at the hospital,” said Dr. Rawlinson. “I feel very privileged to play such an integral role in the care of our patients and am so grateful that our patients have access to state-of-the-art imaging technology that our patients need.”
Joseph Brant Hospital holds a lot of personal memories and meaning for donors, Kirk Tilley and Jane Travers. Donating to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation was an easy decision, and one that continues to be important to them.
“We’d be crazy not to renew our pledge. We’ve been involved in the hospital through our own experience but also through family and circumstances. Not only is the hospital an important part of our community, it also holds a lot of meaning for both of us personally,” says Kirk.
For Jane, Joseph Brant Hospital holds a lot of cherished memories, specifically involving her mother.
Having recently moved to the Burlington community in 1967, Jane’s mother Mary Lou Travers spent 25 years, from 1969 to 1994, as an Operating Room (OR) Nurse at JBH.
“My mother was a remarkable ambassador for the hospital as a care giver, surgical team member and peer. She impacted many people with her care, and this included patients, doctors, nurses, and support staff. She wanted the patients from the community to have the best possible experience, and it was important to her to be supportive of her peers as well,” says Jane.
Unfortunately, Mary Lou passed away when she was 56 years old from an aneurysm. “When my mother passed, I remember people in my community, especially colleagues and former patients, sharing stories about her and how much she touched the lives of so many,” says Jane. “My mother loved the hospital and was proud of how it helped those in her community. It meant so much to her.”
Jane wanted to honour Mary Lou by supporting JBH and leave a legacy at a place that holds special meaning to her and the Travers family. Kirk, like Jane, wanted to support the hospital in some capacity as a result of care he received.
Over 30 years ago, as he and Jane were preparing for their wedding, Kirk found himself not feeling well, and no one could seem to figure out what was wrong. Mary Lou wanted him to see one of the doctors at Joe Brant. A short time later, Kirk was admitted to the hospital and met with Dr. Sydney Gee.
“She was unbelievable. She knew something was wrong and instructed for multiple tests to be run – that day. She and all the doctors wanted to get to the bottom of it,” recalls Kirk.
“None of the test were conclusive, even the biopsies were coming back normal. Another biopsy was set up to be done in the OR and they did not give up until they found what they were looking for. Coming out of the surgery, the mystery was solved. I had, at the time, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
Kirk spent 8 months in the oncology clinic and was taken aback by the incredible care he received.
“The culture of the hospital was and still is incredible. Everyone involved ensured that I was cared for, I can’t speak enough for how compassionate each and every staff member was,” remembers Kirk.
Today, Jane and Kirk continue to have high hopes for JBH and want to see the hospital continue to sustain its compassionate and caring culture.
“JBH is a landmark here in Burlington. It’s something that is there for the community, and it’s important that in anyone’s time of need, they have a place to go to. I hope hospital’s longevity keeps going and provides a warm and welcoming space for their staff and community,” says Kirk.
“How fortunate are we to have a hospital in Burlington that continues to build it’s legacy through incredible expertise, compassionate care, utilizing advanced technology, and always looking to the future, and it is right here in the heart of our community and available to all of us,” says Jane.
For Maria Del-Fine, working with mental health & addictions patients in the Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) is personal.
Maria completed her degree in sociology, focusing on addictions when she started to recognize some warning signs in herself.
“I started to drink more and more, and started to feel unwell,” she said. “I had to step back and ask for help. I was experiencing suicidal feelings and needed to work on harm reduction.”
For Maria, her drinking was affecting her mental health and reducing the effectiveness of her medication. It was difficult, but she realized she needed to listen to her doctors and realize they were not out to get her.
“I swallowed my pride and knew I needed to make some changes,” she said.
Her experience, and the conflict with her own care team, has ultimately led her to her role as Peer Support Worker at Joseph Brant Hospital. In her role, Maria is able to apply her own experience and be an advocate for the patient.
“I see both worlds, and I’m trying to educate people on the stigma of mental illness,” she said. “We need to treat mental health & addictions as a medical issue, and not a moral issue.”
Maria is an advocate for fluid conversations between patients and clinical staff. She believes in giving patients a voice in their own treatment plan.
In her role, she works with individual patients and groups to share her experience and a representative that “this too shall pass” and working with patients after isolation or seclusion.
“We talk through options for the future and I ask them ‘What is it that you want?’”
For more information about the Mental Health & Addictions Program at Joseph Brant Hospital, visit https://keepcareclosetohome.ca.
For over a decade, Dr. Ajay Manjoo has worked at Joseph Brant Hospital as an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in trauma and foot surgery.
An orthopedic surgeon deals with diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as traumatic injuries (fractures of the bone, and tears/sprains of tendons, ligaments and muscles), arthritis, and other painful conditions affecting the bone, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
For Dr. Manjoo, the most rewarding part of being an Orthopedic surgeon is seeing the improvement of someone’s quality of life. “I’ve been a surgeon for more than 10 years and the best part is seeing that you have improved someone’s quality of life” he says. ”There are still days when I wake up and think, I can’t believe I get to do this,” says Dr. Manjoo.
Dr. Manjoo, is very proud of the way Joseph Brant hospital is able to bring cutting edge surgical techniques to the community of Burlington. He has worked very closely with the hospital leadership to be able to offer patients minimally invasive ankle fusions, achilles repairs, and complex fracture repair.
“We have worked hard to offer these services to the Burlington community and we are becoming a centre of excellence for Orthopedic surgery in Ontario. We have strategically grown our team such that we are now capable of doing procedure that in the past has only been performed at University hospitals,” says Dr. Manjoo.
Apart from providing surgical care to patients, Dr. Manjoo is committed to increasing the academic profile of Joseph Brant Hospital. He is an Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at McMaster University and was recently published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine for a study that compared Total Hip Replacement to Hemi-replacement for the treatment of hip fractures.
Dr. Manjoo notes how Orthopedics at Joseph Brant Hospital has evolved to reflect new changes in medicine.
“Foot and ankle surgery has become more minimally invasive using arthroscopy and specialized techniques that allow us to do more complex surgeries with less damage to the soft tissues and with better functional outcomes,” says Dr. Manjoo. “An excellent example of this is how we treat Achilles tendon ruptures. Historically, there has been a high risk of wound complications with this procedure, however with minimally invasive techniques we can now be more aggressive with respect to who we can fix with less complications and better functional results.”
For Dr. Manjoo the best part of working at Joseph Brant hospital is the incredible staff.
“I have never worked at hospital where the staff are so dedicated to helping patients. They go above and beyond to ensure that their patient has a positive experience while they are in their care. What I appreciate the most is that we all have a mutual respect for each others roles in caring for patients. The last two years have been very difficult and have stretched us all to our limits, but the kindness and support that we show each other everyday has really helped us get through it.”
As we continue to live with the impacts of a global pandemic, we are still facing disruptions in our daily lives. We are searching for a new normal, and while we have all been affected, nobody has felt this more than the children.
Studies have shown that in the last year, more than 50% of children and adolescents have reported clinically significant depressive symptoms.
Children and adolescents have often been overlooked and underserved when it comes to the treatment of mental illness and the pandemic has greatly increased an already urgent need for early intervention and continuity of care throughout a child and adolescent’s care.
However, thanks to the generous support of donors like TD Bank Group, our Child and Adolescent Psychiatric (CAP) program has been there to provide youth, like Lindsay, with the right care at the right time.
Lindsay was struggling with asking for help.
“I come from a family that was always competitive, and wanting to be the best at whatever I did,” she said. “It always felt like there was no time to not be okay.”
When Lindsay was in her first year at Western University, she started to experience anxiety. She was living away from home for the first time and ended up leaving after her second year, feeling very alone and embarrassed to reach out.
“I thought I could push through whatever I was feeling,” she said.
Two years later, she felt like she was to the point that there was no passion or drive left. After a breakup with her boyfriend, and her first year not competing in competitive cheer after 18 years, it became too much to deal with.
“From then it was a continuous battle of many fights with my mom and built-up anger with my whole life to be breaking down,” she said. “The day I called my doctor and balled my eyes out was the first time I felt relief. She explained I was not alone in all the feelings I had.”
After undergoing treatment, Lindsay is the happiest she has ever been.
“I am so grateful for the hard times looking back because it only made me stronger and have a way more positive outlook on life and am a big mental health advocate,” she said. “I still deal with anxiety today, but now I know how to deal with it and how to better myself instead of going down a dark hole again.”
Through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank’s corporate citizenship platform, TD is committed to supporting innovative solutions like the CAP Program that are working to improve adolescent health and helping create more equitable outcomes for all.
Over the past eight years, the CAP Program has seen a 400% increase in referrals, while providing a significant reduction in wait times. Prior to the pandemic, the CAP Program achieved zero wait time for appointments with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, nurse and social worker, down from 52 days in 2013.
The impact on children and adolescents has been particularly hard during the pandemic and, as a result, the CAP Program referrals have increased exponentially over the past 18 months. Loss of control, feelings of uncertainty, and changes to routine are contributing to symptoms of anxiety, low mood, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and parent-child relational problems.
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is incredibly grateful to TD for their generosity in supporting leading practice healthcare in our community.
With their outstanding support, Joseph Brant Hospital will continue to deliver on our vision to provide compassionate care and exemplary service, every time for the youth and families in our community.
When Nicola St George was 41 years old, she found a lump in her breast and called her doctor immediately
“After my initial ultrasound, I was referred to the Complete Breast Care program at Joseph Brant Hospital. I received a mammogram and ultrasound where I was told that there was something worth investigating,” says Nicola. “After my tests, I met with Dr. Austin who informed me I had breast cancer.”
“When I first received my diagnosis, I was in shock,” she says. “The thought of losing my hair and my breast hit me really hard.”
After numerous tests, Nicola was scheduled to have a lumpectomy and mastectomy. After surgery, she underwent chemotherapy for 12 weeks and Herceptin for a year.
Despite the difficult journey ahead, Nicola felt confident in her doctors. “I felt really connected to Dr. Austin and I had a lot of trust in her. She was so knowledgeable and up to date with her research and always answered all my questions.”
Throughout her treatment Nicola remarks on her care. “The nurses, technicians, doctors and all the staff involved, I can’t say enough about their care. Everyone was kind and compassionate.”
Today, Nicola is feeling happy. “It almost feels like a memory that happened long ago even though it’s recent. I received unwavering support from family and friends,” says Nicola. “My cancer woke me up and put things in my life into perspective. I can’t control what’s going to happen, but I can control how I can take care of myself.”
After her treatment, Dr. Austin connected Nicola with Dense Breasts Canada.
“I advocate for women to learn their breast density and getting mammograms early,” says Nicola, “It’s important for women to be provided with the tools and knowledge to make decisions on their breast health.”
When Flora discovered a lump in her breast in April of 2019, she felt apprehensive of what lay ahead of her.
Her family doctor recommended the Complete Breast Care program at Joseph Brant Hospital, and once Flora arrived at clinic, she was surprised how positive the entire experience was.
“It wasn’t crowded, the appointments were prompt and on time, and the technicians, nurses and doctors were forthcoming and kind,” says Flora. “The machines were up-to-date, the doctors seemed very knowledgeable, and despite their busy schedule didn’t appear to be rushed. I felt that it all helped create a positive environment.”
After being called back for a second mammogram and biopsy, it was determined that Flora had stage 2 cancer. “I anticipated surgery and met with Dr. Bacopulos and Bliss, the patient navigator. They were both very forward with their information and willing to listen to my questions.”
Flora appreciated the space they gave her by providing additional resources for more information. They also were open to her using supplementary strategies to support her on his journey. All of this helped inform her decision to have a mastectomy.
“They gave me resources, and I appreciated that. It felt reassuring and I felt that they allowed me to make decisions alongside them and that I would be in good hands not only for the operation but for the journey of healing ahead of me.”
Today, Flora is feeling positive and doing well.
“I don’t think my strength is quite yet where it was before, but I feel positive. My experience at JBH was so positive because of the care and professional knowledge by all people I encountered, be they receptionist, nurses, porters or doctors. This made me feel seen and cared for, and when you feel that, it’s a good foundation for healing.”
When Pamela Jean received a reminder letter that she was due for a mammogram, she had no idea it would be the start of a series of life changing events.
“I remember I had my mammogram, and then received a call that afternoon that additional imaging was needed. Then I needed a biopsy. Within five weeks of the mammogram, I underwent the first of three of my surgeries,” says Pamela.
“I honestly remember feeling my initial diagnosis was a mistake. I thought maybe my doctor received the wrong information,” she says.
Pamela was referred to Joseph Brant Hospital’s Dr. Bacopolus who met with her and her husband to discuss what was happening. “She put me at ease immediately. She had worked with her team to discuss options for me,” says Pamela. “I can’t say enough how incredible and lovely the staff at the hospital were throughout the entire process.”
After undergoing two lumpectomies, the doctors informed her that the margins weren’t great and there would be a new discussion around what Pamela’s next options would be. “When I received the results of my second lumpectomy, I met with my oncologist. We decided that for me and my health at the time, it was best to have a mastectomy,” recalls Pamela.
But two weeks before her surgery when Pamela met with her surgeon, her doctor sensed a slight hesitation.
“I was very lucky to have a caring surgeon who picked up on my hesitation even though she only knew me for a few months. She insisted I meet with Dr. Sun, a plastic surgeon, and go through all my options to make sure I had no regrets.”
After discussing with Dr. Sun, Pamela decided to undergo breast reconstruction using her own tissues. “I left feeling like I was taken care of and now I was scheduled for a mastectomy and a reconstruction together,” says Pamela.
After surgery, Pamela spent time in the ICU where she was monitored for complications from the tissue reconstruction, before being transferred to an inpatient unit. “The nurses and doctors were compassionate, kind – I truly can’t say enough about them. This entire experience was scary, but everyone was so calm and lovely, I never felt like I wasn’t taken care of,” says Pamela. “Dr. Bacopolus and Dr. Sun made a terrible situation into one of optimism. I am forever grateful.”
After her experience, Pamela wanted to give back to the Hospital for the incredible support she received. “I wanted to show my appreciation to the hospital. I became a monthly donor and volunteered at the hospital. I believe it’s important to support the hospital, and every little bit helps.”
John Dewsnap has worked as a Charge Nurse in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit for Joseph Brant Hospital for 20 years. As the Charge Nurse, John oversees patient flow, supervises nursing staff and monitors the needs of the staff and patients.
John had worked on medical units, long-term care and corrections before coming to Joseph Brant Hospital.
“I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to bring what I’ve learned from the various settings to help me along the way and with my current position,” says John.
Over the years, one of the most memorable moments John remembers was helping a patient who came to their unit after suffering a terrible injury at work. They were unable to return to their job and suffered many losses because of this.
“I remember sitting with them on several occasions, as they vented and expressed their concerns,” says John.
The team was able to help the patient with medication adjustments and getting connected with support in the community. “A few years later, they came back to visit us on the unit, to let us know that they were back on their feet and doing well. They told us that they were very grateful for all the help they got from the staff on the unit, and that they remembered that I let them vent and cry which meant a lot to them,” says John.
Working in the Mental Health & Addictions unit, John has found how incredible the team is.
“The staff are amazing, and we all work together to help people manage their condition. Whether it be for education surrounding their medications or connecting them with the right resources in the community,” says John.
John notes how the COVID-19 pandemic has made things very difficult for everyone. Seeing how many people are feeling isolated and lonely, he notes that the Mental Health & Addictions program has grown and been made more accessible for the community.
“Patients that are discharged are able to get follow-up appointments quicker and are better connected to the resources in the community that they need,” says John. “I would also say thank you to our community and donors because it’s their support and contributions that are helping the hospital continue its mission.”
“I don’t feel happy anymore.”
It was last July, after months of suffering in silence that Abbey approached her mom and told her how she was feeling.
“I just felt numb,” she said. “There is really no way to describe the way I was feeling.”
The last 18 months have been so hard on everyone. Nothing has been normal. Nothing has felt right. And nobody has felt this more than kids.
Studies have shown that in the last year, more than 50% of children and adolescents have reported clinically significant depressive symptoms.
But thanks to the generous support of donors like the RBC Foundation, our CAP Clinic has been there to provide youth with the right care at the right time, including Abbey.
The RBC Foundation began supporting the expansion of the CAP Clinic back in 2013, enabling the program to grow from one-day a week to five-days a week, offering the children, youth and families in our community better access to care.
Over the past eight years, the CAP Clinic has seen a 400% increase in referrals, while providing a significant reduction in wait times. Prior to the pandemic, the CAP Clinic achieved zero wait time for appointments with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, nurse and social worker, down from 52 days in 2013.
The impact on children and adolescents has been particularly hard during the pandemic and, as a result, the CAP Clinic referrals have increased exponentially over the past 18 months. Loss of control, feelings of uncertainty, and changes to routine are contributing to symptoms of anxiety, low mood, adjustment disorders, eating disorders, and parent-child relational problems.
It was a feeling of loneliness and isolation that brought Abbey to the CAP Clinic.
“I remember feeling so alone. Both of my parents are essential workers and weren’t home,” she says. “I’m a very social person and I rely on others to make me happy and I was spending a lot of time in my room alone and crying.”
Abbey began with a psychiatrist, but found a connection with Gwen, a social worker in the CAP Clinic. She remembers having an immediate connection with Gwen, who was so welcoming and really made her feel like she had someone she could talk to that understood.
“A lot what helped was her validating the way that I felt,” Abbey says. “It felt so good to know that I wasn’t alone in what I was feeling and I wasn’t going to get in trouble for feeling this way.”
Over the course of her final year of high school, Abbey and Gwen continued to meet regularly, and after graduating in June, Abbey is studying Early Childhood Studies and Early Childhood Education at the University of Guelph-Humber.
For Abbey, the support of donors like the RBC Foundation has helped a great deal and made her more resilient. “All I can say is thank you,” she says. “Without the program, I don’t know where I would be. I’m sure you’re helping a lot of people, not just me.”