First Nations Health Programs

Transcription

1 First Nations Health Programs Director s Message Sorry as I am to see the snow go, I welcome the changing season and look forward to the warming of spring and the longer days of summer. FNHP is also looking ahead in the spirit of growth and fresh beginnings. You ll see in this addition we are launching our 5- year strategic planning process and hope to hear from you. There are a few changes in people and new projects on the go, large and small, but the core programs and services have not changed nor has our commitment to advancing system changes that reflect the spirit of Reconciliation and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We re gearing up to be present in the new space when the Emergency Department expansion opens but we re also looking at the current spaces and outpatient services and how they can better meet the needs of First Nations. Finally, in this fifth newsletter, we d like your feedback on how this communication works for you. Complete the quick evaluation and you could win a prize! On a personal note, I am celebrating my 15 th year with Yukon Hospitals this spring and realizing that I m no spring chicken! Actually, despite a few more smile lines, I m feeling energized to continue this work. See you on the trails! Laura The FNHP Team: (Back row)krystal Olito, Ann Marie Swan, Connor Whitehouse, Tracy MacPherson, Darla- Jean Lindstrom, Rosemarie Wilson (Front Row)Michele Thompson, Judy Anderson, Teri Lindsay, Laura Salmon Director of FNHP Laura Salmon Laura.salmon@wgh.yk.ca First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)

2 % of Staff Base FNHP has been a leader in Indigenous Health services as part of a hospital system for decades. We don t always do everything right and we have our share of challenges but we do provide quite a bit of inspiration to people and programs popping up around the country. FNHP still provides information whenever possible to others trying to advance their own initiatives. Recent presentations were done through: HealthCareCAN (improving Canadian health care) and Nourish (improving food in health care). There is a strengthening movement to addressing the legacy of residential schools and contributing to Reconciliation and fortunately, health care organizations are recognizing their obligation to take positive action. 2.4% 10.4% 40.5% 46.7% No training Workshop YFN 101 inperson YFN 101 on-line First Nations Health Programs promotes and facilitates Cultural Competence training for Yukon Hospitals Staff. We have been working towards having all staff members trained and have adopted Yukon College s Yukon First Nations 101 course as our core curriculum. By offering this course on-line, it suits the needs of staff and is flexible for getting through. FNHP Vision: Our Quilt How would you depict and describe our programs and people? That is what we asked First Nations Health Programs staff in a dedicated session to discuss values and a vision for the people we serve. The process revolved around creating a quilt that included individual input but that was sewn together to signify the unity of program staff. Not surprisingly, the responses were heart-warming, culturally rich, and grounded in strong elements such as nature, traditions, strengths and love. The squares were visually awe-inspiring but what comes through is the true caring and committed backdrop behind the work of staff and the view of healing as a journey that takes a different path for everyone. The quilt will be hung in the First Nations Health Boardroom at Whitehorse General Hospital. Thanks to Gaye Hanson for capturing the words and sentiments and to Julie McPherson for the skillful sewing. Page 2 First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)

3 Welcome Davis McKay to our Health and Social Liaison Worker casual pool. Davis is Mi kmaq from Ontario and graciously shared his time and culture with us as a student, but can now do so as a paid professional. Our Winter 2017 Student My name is Marc-Andre Hebert and I am a Practicum student with First Nation s Health at the Whitehorse General Hospital. I am a Social Work Student from La Cite Collegial in Ottawa, ON. I am originally from Memramcook, a small French Acadian village South-East of New- Brunswick. When I heard I could do a practicum in Whitehorse I was so excited, and when I heard where and what First Nation s Health was, I was even more excited. My experience with FNHP has been incredible in so many ways. From a cultural point of view I have learned so much about First Nations in Yukon and the beauty that surrounds it. FNHP has also pushed me in my professional development and I am so grateful for all the experiences that they have offered me. However, what made this practicum amazing, and I think is the same thing that makes FNHP such a great program, is the amazing people that work here. FNHP is filled with wonderful, hardworking, loving and supportive people that all work together to better the lives of so many people. So I don t think I speak alone when I say: Thank you First Nation s Health!! A familiar face in a new place! Judy Anderson has accepted the position of Cultural Program Coordinator full time. Judy will be working between FNHP and the Elder Care Unit. Dakotah Casey is a psychology student from the University of Victoria. Dakotah is Tsilhqot in, raised around the interior of British Columbia and spent four years of high school in Yellowknife. She is looking forward to learning cultural healing and support methods working with elders for the summer months of Page 3 First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)

4 Deanna Stewart is the Health and Social Liaison worker at Watson Lake Community Hospital. In addition to providing her liaison services inside, she gets outside from time to time. You might see her at public events, touching base with clients and agencies in the community or as was the case in early May, fishing with an Elder. Keeping our Elder advisors oriented and involved with the hospital sometimes means doing cultural activities. Clara Donnessey was gracious enough to share her knowledge with Deanna and Teri Lindsay who was visiting from our Whitehorse office. To access First Nations services at Watson Lake Hospital, contact: Deanna Stewart at: 60238, or (867) New to YHC? FNHP in collaboration with Yukon College is pleased to offer the Yukon First Nations 101 course to Yukon Hospitals staff. This mandatory training can be available to you by ing Michele Thompson at: and requesting a code. Page 4 First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)

5 The Yukon Hospital Corporation (YHC) is preparing for a renewal of our Strategic Plan. We operate three hospitals in Dawson City, Watson Lake and Whitehorse and are excited to be moving into our new emergency department and critical care unit at the Whitehorse Hospital in January Our three hospitals play an important role in serving the health needs of Yukoners. Over the new few months YHC and our Board of Trustees are meeting with Yukoners across the territory to gather input to help us update our plan. We are asking a series of questions focused on ensuring quality and accessible care that is meeting Yukoners needs. Please consider the following and provide your input. What does good hospital care look like in Yukon in the next 5 years? What do you expect from your hospital? What challenges/barriers do you see for our hospitals in the next five years? What are your ideas for excellent hospital care in Yukon? Submit your ideas to: Laura.Salmon@wgh.yk.ca Page 5 First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)

6 Yukon Hospitals is looking for volunteers! A career in health and helping people can be very rewarding. If you ve found yourself with some free time or want to get some experience in the field, this could be a place to start. In addition to being part of a great team, you ll receive support, training and recognition. Don t see a role that interests you? More are being developed and we d love to fit you in. Contact: volunteer@wgh.yk.ca or (867) We want to hear from you! To help us evaluate our Newsletter, now published 5 times, please take a few moments to answer the following questions: How important is the newsletter? How useful is the information in the newsletter? How would you rate the format of the newsletter? Should we keep the newsletter in its current format? How could we improve the newsletter? Please your responses to Michele Thompson at: Michele.thompson@wgh.yk.ca. Page 6 First Nations Health Programs Spring 2017 (867)