Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres 2007/2008 Provincial Patient Visits

Transcription

1

2 Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres 2007/2008 Provincial Patient Visits Core Audiology Services - 18,753 Core Speech and Language Services - 26,188 Autism Spectrum Disorders Program - 2,989 Cochlear Implant Contracts Newborn Hearing Screening - 7,892 Amherst (A & S) 18 South Albion Street (902) Antigonish (A & S) St. Martha s Regional Hospital (902) Bridgewater Site 1 (A & S): South Shore Reg. Hospital (902) ext 2248 Site 2 (S): 42 Glen Allan Drive, Suite 208 (902) Dartmouth (S) Site 1: 45 Alderney Drive, Suite 803 (902) Site 2: Dartmouth General Hospital (902) Digby (S) Digby General Hospital (902) ext 3265 Evanston (S) Strait Richmond Hospital (902) ext 257 Halifax (A & S) Halifax Community Clinic (902) IWK Health Centre (A & S) (902) IWK Health Centre (A) Newborn Hearing Screening (902) QEII Health Sciences Centre (S) NS Rehabilitation Centre (902) QEII Health Sciences Centre (A & S) Dickson Building (902) QEII Health Sciences Centre (S) Halifax Infirmary (902) Kentville Site 1 (A & S): Valley Regional Hospital (902) ext 1400 Site 2 (S): 10 Webster Street (902) Liverpool (S) Queens General Hospital (902) ext 1246 Lower Sackville (A & S) Cobequid Community Health Centre (902) Lunenburg (S) Fishermen s Memorial Hospital (902) ext 3242 Middleton (S) Soldiers Memorial Hospital (902) ext 233 Musquodoboit Harbour (S) Twin Oaks/Birches Cont. Care Centre (902) New Glasgow (A & S) Aberdeen Professional Centre (902) ext 2520 Pictou (S) Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital (902) Sheet Harbour (S) Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital (902) Shelburne (S) Roseway Hospital (902) ext 269 Springhill (S) All Saints Hospital (902) ext 171 Sydney Site 1 (A & S): Health Park 45 Weatherbee Road, Ste 106 (902) Site 2 (S): Cape Breton Regional Hospital (902) Sydney Mines (A & S) Harbor View Hospital (902) Truro Site 1 (A & S): Colchester Regional Hospital (902) Site 2 (S): 640 Prince Street, Suite 204 (902) Waterville (S) Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre (902) ext 162 Windsor (S) Hants Community Hospital (902) Yarmouth (A & S) Western Regional Health Centre (902) ext 364 Provincial Office 5657 Spring Garden Road Suite 401, Box 120 Halifax, NS B3J 3R4 (902) A = Audiology S = Speech-Language Pathology Visit us online at

3 Message from the Board of Directors Chair and the CEO Perry Jackson Chair, Board of Directors Lynn Fraser CEO We are pleased to present Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres 2008 Annual Report. The volunteer Board of Directors has completed their comprehensive revision of governance policies and procedures, and has developed specific policies that will ensure strong organizational outcomes, which will benefit the people that NSHSC serves. With the full implementation of A Sound Start, the initiative that provides access to newborn hearing screening for infants born in Nova Scotia hospitals, as well as earlier access to preschool speech and language skills, provincial wait times for young children continue to be an important measure of accomplishments. Our success was evident in our 2008 Consumer Feedback survey, which illustrated that 88% of respondents indicated that wait times for service were acceptable an increase of 4% over Overall satisfaction ratings were excellent, with 97% of respondents citing satisfaction with the services they received from Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres. The Speech Generating Devices Project, undertaken with the support of the Nova Scotia Department of Health, was completed in September The purpose of the project was to conduct a needs assessment and an inventory of speech generating devices, and to develop a strategy to increase access to speech generating devices and associated services for individuals with severe speech disorders. The Ministers of Health, Education, and Community Services will review the report submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Health. Each year, the Board presents a scholarship to a third-year student at the Dalhousie School of Human Communication Disorders who has demonstrated strong community involvement and academic excellence. Meghan Tranquilla, a third-year graduate student in Audiology, was presented with the Dr. George and Lenore Mencher Scholarship. We would like to express our appreciation to our volunteer Board and to our dedicated staff for their contributions to our success over the past year Report to

4 Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres Strategic Plan The strategic plan for NSHSC identified five areas of priority: 1. Navigator Enable to access information resources to help minimize the impact of communication disorders. Progress: Identified improvements for TTY and telephone access to Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres. 2. Expanded Adult Services Provide timely and comprehensive services to adults using innovative and collaborative approaches. Progress: Identified gaps in service and surveyed external stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for collaboration. 3. Support for Service Delivery Maximize efficiency of service delivery by providing adequate support for implementing and sustaining programs. Progress: Increased efficiencies through application of technology (telepractice and computer programs) and establishment of best practices for recruitment and retention. 4. Assistive Communication Devices Increase access to Assistive Communication Devices. Progress: A report outlining a strategy to provide access to Speech Generating Devices and related services has been prepared and submitted to the government for review. 5. A Sound Start Program Report to2008 Successful implementation and sustainability of A Sound Start. Progress: The wait times for speech-language assessment for preschool children have been reduced to 3-6 months in fully staffed sites, and the 90% target for hearing screening of newborns has been achieved in six (6) sites to date.

5 A Sound Start Update How and what children hear in the first years of life can make an important difference in their communication skills. The importance of screening, diagnosis, and intervention by six months of age cannot be overemphasized. If these targets are not met, hearing loss can go undetected until 2 to 3 years of age. Children with hearing loss can quickly fall behind in social skills, language skills, and later academic achievement. NSHSC successfully met its target 90% of infants were screened through the newborn hearing screening programs at birthing hospitals in Halifax, Bridgewater, Sydney, Kentville, New Glasgow and Truro. Those identified with hearing loss had remediation in place by 6 months of age. NSHSC also expanded newborn infant screening to Antigonish and Yarmouth hospitals. Children requiring speech-language services received their first consultation by 6 months of referral, and NSHSC successfully reduced wait times by 30% for treatment A Sound Start is a provincial strategy, on behalf of the Nova Scotia Department of Health, that addresses early identification and early intervention of preschool hearing, speech, and language disorders. The Government of Nova Scotia committed $275,000 for the initial implementation in 2005/2006, and in 2006/2007, the government committed a further $700,000 to facilitate province-wide implementation. A Sound Start includes: access to universal newborn hearing screening for all babies born at birthing hospitals in Nova Scotia and follow-up for those identified with hearing loss; improved access to speech-language services for preschool children; more treatment options for preschool children; and enhanced community-based prevention and promotion activities in the area of hearing, speech, language, and pre-literacy development. Report to

6 Public Education and Awareness The goal of NSHSC s Prevention and Promotion Committee is to increase awareness with regards to the prevention of communication disorders, and the promotion of healthy hearing, speech, language and voice. To support this goal, NSHSC reaches out to communities throughout Nova Scotia by participating in and hosting an impressive number of public awareness and educational sessions. These would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated staff who fulfill this demanding role. We would like to express our sincere thanks for their contribution to this year s successful prevention and promotion activities. Our Speech-Language Pathology Department made presentations to target audiences on the prevention of voice disorders. The SLP department also participated in promotional events geared to open and early referral for preschool speech and language services. The Department of Audiology developed and hosted a number of presentations that help create awareness around the prevention of communication disorders and the promotion of healthy hearing. These presentations were conducted before a broad range of audiences that included elementary schools, seniors groups, trade associations, and parent groups. Both departments participated in wellness clinics for three-year-olds at a number of schools in HRM. The purpose of these clinics was to provide developmental screenings for young children in advance of school entry. A number of NSHSC staff participated together with students enrolled at the Dalhousie School of Human Communication Disorders. Screening partners included Public Health, dental hygienists, and optometrists. Speech-language pathologists collaborated with District Health Authorities and the Heart and Stroke Foundation on prevention and promotion activities for adults. Report to2008

7 NSHSC Open Houses and May Month M ay is Hearing and Speech month. Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres staff hosted open houses at a number of sites. Staff also participated in various expos that included: Seniors Expos in Windsor and Halifax, the Health and Wellness Expo in New Glasgow and Bridgewater, and the Family Expo in Halifax. Both departments made presentations at numerous events highlighting the work of Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres Photo 1: Antigonish Open House, April 17, 2008; Photos 2-3: Kentville Open House, May 15, 2008; Photos 4-8: Halifax Community Centre Open House, May 15, Report to

8 Thank You to the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Foundation The Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Foundation Grant for 2007/2008 has supported the acquisition of the following equipment: One (1) Dynavox V and accessories to support NSHSC in the delivery of pediatric augmentative and alternative communication services. Three (3) Palm Top 3 and accessories to support adult augmentative and alternative communication services. Three (3) Blue Bird II and accessories to support adult augmentative and alternative communication services. One (1) Clinical Audiometer, which will assist audiologists with measuring hearing. One (1) Immittance Bridge used to test the middle ear system. Twenty (20) Pocket Talkers, which will assist hospital patients with hearing amplification. To find out how you can support the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Foundation, including ways to become involved with our fundraising events, visit or call the Foundation at (902) , toll free Report to2008 NSHSC Audiologist Cathy Creaser and client Delbert Deveau demonstrate how to use a Pocket Talker.

9 Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres Staff Activities Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres brings staff together for clinical education forums, as well as other staff functions. NSHSC recognizes employees for their professional achievements and long-standing service, and creates an environment where employees have the support of their peers. NSHSC understands that it is important for staff to have the opportunity to get to know one another both on a professional and social level. Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres is accredited by the Canadian Association of Service Programs (CASP), the professional Standards Board of the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA). For more information on a dynamic career with NSHSC, please visit our website at W ith over 100 employees and more than 60 speechlanguage pathologists and audiologists, NSHSC is proud to deliver the highest level of care to its clients, and to create an environment for its employees that fosters opportunities for professional development and growth. Report to

10 Service Delivery During its 45 years of operation, Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres has developed a unique service delivery model. Highlights include: Open referral policy: all centres accept referrals directly from clients and families, as well as physicians and other professionals. All clinical services are integrated across communities: accessing our services at one site provides access to specialized services at other sites. Province-wide standards of clinical care ensure consistent high quality for all NSHSC services at all centres. Clinical staff collaborate with hospital and community-based professional teams for the best client-centred care. In response to wait times, staff provide services to more than one site or parachute into other sites to deliver specific services. Staff at all sites are actively involved in continuing education, program development and evaluation, and prevention and promotion activities. Long-standing affiliation with Dalhousie School of Human Communication Disorders to provide graduate clinical education. Partnerships (including Autism, EIBI, Southwest Stroke Service) and contract services for IWK, DND (MOU), Veterans Affairs, Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, GASHA and South Shore Health. Report to2008

11 Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres Statement of Operations For the 12 Months Ending March 31, 2008 Revenue Department of Health $9,184,077 $8,946,212 Out of Province Revenue 143, ,970 Contract Revenue 46,131 48,228 Recoveries 589, ,187 Miscellaneous 1, Investment Income 33,549 61,906 $9,998,252 $9,922,810 Expenses Speech-Language Pathology 3,753,861 3,696,284 Audiology 2,318,622 2,166,383 Administration 1,513,780 1,129,070 ASD (Autism Services) 1,070,235 1,176,268 Sound Start 834, ,752 Investment Expense 6,949 5,497 Capital Equipment Purchases 501, ,831 $9,999,396 $9,475,085 Excess of Revenue over Expenditure ($1,144) $447,725 Funding of Leasehold Improvements 0 200,014 ($1,144)* $247,711 Statement of Financial Position March 31, 2008 Current Assets Cash and Investments $1,901,046 $1,399,168 Accounts Receivable 397, ,681 Inventory 69,086 48,257 Prepaid Expenses 11,238 33,815 2,378,461 1,816,921 Capital Assets 737, ,446 Total Assets $3,115,916 $2,646, Current Liabilities 1,211, ,476 Deferred Revenue and Contributions 737, ,428 Restricted Funds 911, ,367 Unrestricted Funds 256, ,096 $3,115,916 $2,646,367 *On April 1, 2007, NSHSC adopted CICA Handbook Section 3855: Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement. The effect of this change was an adjustment to retained earnings to record short-term investments at fair market value. The change in fair market value is recorded on the Statement of Operations in the current year. Report to

12 Mission Persons with, or at risk for, hearing, speech, and language disorders will achieve an enhanced quality of life. Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres Board of Directors Mrs. Marlene Lovett (Secretary-Treasurer) Sydney Mr. Frank Barteaux Bedford Ms. Robyn McIsaac Avonport Ms. Lynn Fraser (CEO, NSHSC) Halifax Mr. Philip Otto (Chair, NSHS Foundation) Hammonds Plains Mr. Perry Jackson (Chair, NSHSC) Canning Mrs. Margaret (Peggy) Ouellette (Vice Chair) Arichat Dr. David Kirkpatrick Halifax Mr. Harold (Sandy) Sanford (Past Chair) Halifax Mrs. Eva Landry St. Peters Mr. Douglas Stephens Hebbs Cross Mr. Bert Lewis Port Hawkesbury Mrs. Sheila Zive Halifax 2008 Dr. Joy Armson Halifax Report to NSHSC Board of Directors: front row (l-r): Marlene Lovett, Perry Jackson, Lynn Fraser, Peggy Ouellette and Sandy Sanford; back row (l-r): Sheila Zive, Doug Stephens, Eva Landry, Joy Armson, Bert Lewis, David Kirkpatrick, Phil Otto and Robyn McIsaac. Missing from photo: Frank Barteaux