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Between FriendsA NEWSLET TER OF THE FRIENDS OF THE MONCTON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION INC.

When Steve Herc was struck with back problems in July 2013, he never thought that his fundraising role at The Moncton Hospital would be instrumental in changing his quality of life.

Steve, Media Production Coordinator, has been an employee at The Moncton Hospital for over 25 years. He feels strongly about the role of the Foundation, which is to raise money to purchase tech-nology to enhance patient care. This not only led him to support the Foundation as a financial donor, but serve as staff campaign co-chair for the Friends Annual Campaign for the past 18 years.

Celebrating his 57th birthday this past year, Steve had always been active and blessed with good health until last summer when he was hit with excruci-ating pain in his back. After weeks of agony, Steve was diag-nosed with a pinched sciatic nerve which within weeks worsened to a herniated disc. For many patients this issue can be resolved non-surgically. Steve, however, fell into the 20% who required surgery.

Two years ago, the Foundation purchased a metrx system for minimally invasive spine surgery, which at the time was

Hospital Staffer/Fundraiser Benefits from New Technology

not being offered at tmH. Patients undergoing this type of surgery can often go home the same, or following day. Dr. Charbel Fawaz, a newly recruited Neurosurgeon with a sub-specialty in minimally invasive spine surgery, was very pleased that he was afforded the neces-sary tools to work in his area of expertise. In fact, he has already performed close to 200 surgeries

using the Metrx system. In their initial consultation,

Dr. Fawaz pointed out that he would be using the equipment that Steve helped fundraise for

to perform his surgery.Steve is now back at work and

excited about his future, which he trusts will be active and pain-free.

Minimally invasive spine surgery now available at TMH thanks to Friends purchase

Dr. Charbel Fawaz, Neurosurgeon, with patient and TMH employee Steve Herc.

The Metrx is a unique muscle-splitting system which provides access to the spine with less tissue trauma than

associated with traditional surgeries to relieve pressure on nerves. Posterior (from the back) approach procedures with this system offer significant potential benefits including:• Shorterhospitalstays• Smallerscars–oneinchvs.uptofourinches• Quickerreturntoworkandnormalactivities• Lesspost-operativepain–nomusclecutting

The most common conditions treated with this technology are disc herniation, spinal decompressions and fusions. A discectomy is the removal of a herniated disc to relieve pressure on an adjoining nerve. The Metrx System allows the surgeon to precisely locate, see and remove herniated discs in the spine through tunnels created by tubes that split back muscle, much like a sewing needle splits the weave of fabric, along natural divisions.

“My role in supporting the Friends as both a volunteer and donor, came about because of my desire to do my part to enhance health care at TMH. I never thought in a million years that I would be the beneficiary of technology that I had a hand in purchasing. I am so thankful for Dr. Fawaz and the life changing surgery he was able to perform,” says Steve.

What is the Metrx System?

which carries a $123,000 pricetag. Described as the air traffic control centre, this system analyzes cardiac rhythms that were collected from the Holter monitors worn by patients in 24 to 48 hour periods as they carry on their daily activities, or from the portable heart (telemetry) monitors within the hospital This new system will signifi-

cantly improve the quality of care for our patients. The more accurate and quicker a report can be produced, the faster a cardiolo-gist can provide a diagnosis and begin appro-priate treatment. A possible outcome could be that the patient requires a pacemaker.

“The modern Holter Monitor Analysis System will allow accurate diagnosis of heart rhythm problems. This will decrease the poten-tial for heart patients to develop additional health issues which could lead to being admitted to hospital. It allows the patient to recover quickly and get back to their daily activities of living,” says Dr. Ron Bourgeois, Chief of Cardiology.

A state-of-the-art emG (electromyography) system is on the list for Neuroelectrodiagnostics (also Clinic D) at a cost of $200,000. This system, which consists of three individual machines, is used to perform tests to determine the function of muscles and nerves.

An EMG test can be used to evaluate patients with pain, numbness and weakness and can diagnose a number of ailments such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bell’s Palsy,

Investing in Patient CareAnnual Campaign 2013-2014

The Moncton Hospital aims to maintain its role as a leader in the area of endoscopy by continuing to offer superior diagnostic capability with the purchase of an endoscopic ultrasound (eus) at a cost of $350,000.

EUS is the most effective technology in diagnosing and staging (assessing how advanced the cancer is) cancers of the lung, esophagus, stomach, rectum and pancreas. This procedure allows our medical professionals to determine the extent of the tumor prior to surgery and will indicate how the surgery should proceed. It will also conclude whether or not surgery is an option.

“Probably the most important feature of this technology for both patients and physicians is its ability to not only identify cancers and other illnesses, but to more accurately gauge the stage of development of the cancer. This information helps the physician to identify the most effective form of treatment in the quickest and most non-invasive manner,” says Dr. Peter Lightfoot, Internist.

Also on the list to enhance the detection of osteoporosis is a digital Bone Densitometer for use in our Medical Imaging Department which will replace an aging unit.

A bone densitometer, which has a pricetag of $98,000, is a special type of X-ray test used to measure the calcium content of the bone and is the only way to make an early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Early detection of bone loss is critical as osteopor-osis is preventable and treatable.

“Today with the Bone Densitometer, we are better able to unmask this silent thief and treat bone loss at an early stage and prevent fractures,” says Dr. Peter Docherty, Rheumatologist. The unit is being purchased by TMH Nurses Health Care Auxiliary who donated  $98,000, the entire cost of the equipment.

Also on the list is a Holter monitor analysis system, a powerful diagnostic tool for Cardiac Services (Clinic D),

Sylvia Carr is a vivacious 90 year-old Moncton resi-dent whose life was saved by the Holter Monitor Analysis System (the powerful tool for diag-nosing cardiac disease) and the great care she received at The Moncton

Hospital. “They sure now how to treat a lady well when she’s not well and I’m surprised how fast they took care of everything. I’m lucky to be here and it is only because of how quickly they responded to my problem.” 

Friends committed to raising $850,000 for new technology to enhance patient care in Medical Imaging Department, GI (Gastroenterology) Clinic (Clinic E), Neuroelectrodiagnostics, (Clinic D) and Cardiac Services (Clinic D).

The Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) detected Nancy Légère’s pancreatic cancer. She credits this technology with saving her life. “I am enthusiastically optimistic that the early diag-nosis and excellent care and treatment I received, has given me every chance of beating the odds.” Nancy is shown here with husband Paul-Emile.

Moira Lawrence, Auxiliary member (left) and Gerene Gautreau, Vice President of TMH Nurses Health Care Auxiliary (right) present Les Parrott, representing the Friends with a $98,000 cheque. The funds will cover

the entire  purchase of a new Bone Densitometer. 

damage to the sciatic nerve, disc herniation, inflammatory diseases of the muscles, as well as more serious conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy and Lou Gerhig’s Disease (ALS). This new technology will include applications benefi-cial to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease which are currently not offered at TMH. This new EMG system will have advanced capabil-ities to perform a procedure known as Evoked Potential testing which is very helpful in the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

“This new equipment will expand our diagnostic capabilities for many neurological disorders. As we have the largest NeuroelectrodiagnosticLabinNewBrunswick,this will benefit not only local patients but also those from northern New Brunswick, western Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island,” says Dr. Byrne Harper, Neurologist.

decided to take the cash. Also up for grabs was a 50/50 draw that raised

over $367,000 with the winner Marie Chamberland of Moncton

walking away with half.Tickets for the 2014 Hand in Hand

Dream lottery will be on sale in May. Visit www.handinhandlottery.com for updates.

$456,000 raised for both Moncton Hospitals

Did someone special make a difference for you at The Moncton Hospital?A letter from a Grateful Patient

Thanks to the many ticket purchasers for the Hand in Hand Dream Lottery, a significant amount of money will be able to be invested in the quality of patient care at both the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre and The Moncton Hospital.

“The proceeds, representing over $456,000, will be divided evenly between the CHU DUMONT Foundation and the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation to fund vital projects that will ensure both facilities continue to be leaders when it comes to the delivery of health services and the attraction of world-class medical professionals,” say René Collette and Paul Arsenault, CHU DUMONT and Friends Foundation Chairs respectively.

A total of 1,515 prizes were awarded including a Grand Prize Dream Home valued over $850,000 or a cash option of $700,000. The winner, Andrew M. Cormier of Bathurst,

Board of Directors 2013-14Chair: paul arsenault 1st Vice Chair: stephen fowler2nd Vice Chair: david savoiePast Chair: david HoltSecretary: linda saundersTreasurer: maria cormieDirectors: tom badger anne poirier basque dr. John mcmanaman lorne mitton dr. Jeff mowat brent scrimshaw Karen teed rob robichaud Kent robinsonHonorary Chair: reuben cohenExecutive Director, The Moncton Hospital: nancy parker

Horizon Health Network, Moncton Area Development Department Director of Development: linda saundersSenior Development Officers: marianne mepham-newton & Julie ThébeauPlanned Giving Officer: Hélène ouelletteMajor Gifts Officer: les parrottSupport Systems Analyst: pauline ThériaultFoundation Associates: claire Higgins & Janice legerCommunity Fundraising Coordinator: Geoff Hendry

Come in 135 MacBeath Ave., Moncton, NB E1C 6Z8Call 506.857.5488Click www.friendsfoundation.caEmail Friends@HorizonNB.ca

We would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Call or write Julie Thébeau at 870.2699 or Julie.Thebeau@HorizonNB.ca

Thanks to Supporters of the Hand in Hand Dream Lottery

Cheryl HigginsNurse Manager, Neuro ICU

The Moncton Hospital

Dear Ms Higgins,

I am writing to you about an unexpected emergency admission to The

Moncton Hospital on July 12, 2013 and the compassionate care provided by

one of your nurses, Valerie DeMartin.

I was traveling with two very dear friends, Merle and Barbara, and we were

returning home to Massachusetts, USA, from a wonderful vacation on

Prince Edward Island. Unfortunately, Merle became seriously ill suddenly

and showed signs of disorientation. Merle was brought to the emergency

department at The Moncton Hospital where he stayed for 2 nights.

It was late Sunday afternoon when Merle was transferred from the acute

care unit in the emergency department to a room on the neurology

service. This is when we had the pleasure of meeting one of your nurses,

Valerie DeMartin. Valerie’s awareness of our traumatic situation, her

sensitivity to our being far away from home, her caring attentiveness to

the medical and emotional needs of Merle, her warmth and caring

presence to the concerns of his wife, Barbara, were exemplary and

praiseworthy.

Valerie is a very warm, empathic, dedicated and committed nurse.

Carefully, she paid attention to our fears and anxieties as well as to

the physical well-being of Merle. She offered us reassurance that he

was receiving the medical care he needed at this time and gave us

hope that he would fully recover. She took time to explain his

medical condition and provided a context to understand his

recuperation process. She is truly an asset to The Moncton Hospital

as she demonstrated excellence in nursing care for us.

Sincerely,Terry Sirois

Thank you Terry for sharing your positive story.

Let them know by making a donation in their honour! Your hero will be informed of your thoughful gift and receive a special "Hero" pin!For more information contact The Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation at 857-5488 or www.friendsfoundation.ca

René Collette and Paul Arsenault, CHU DUMONT and Friends Foundation Chairs.

The Friends raised over $4 million the last fiscal year

to enhance health care at The Moncton Hospital.

DID YOU KNOW?

If you are already supporting the Friends as a financial donor...

Your gift will impact patient care.

Yes, i want to support the friends of The moncton Hospital foundation.

Name _____________________________

Address ___________________________

City ______________________________

Province ___________________________

Postal Code _________________________

E-mail ____________________________

Phone ____________________________

i am enclosing a cheque in the amount of $30 $50 $100 $500 $1000

i would prefer to send $ _______________

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Yes, please send me more information on making a bequest to the friends.

Interested in monthly giving? Call 857-5488 or visit us online at www.friendsfoundation.ca/donate

T ank You

A big shout out to Emma Buckley who, in lieu of purchasing a Christmas gift for her godparent's Dusty and Genetta Carroll, gave a donation in their honour. Her donation was directed to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit at TMH. If you would like to make a gift in honour of someone, please call us and we will be happy to send you Special Occasion cards to keep handy.

Acknowledge Someone Special with a Gift in Their Honour

Donor DollarsThe Foundation is committed to leadership

in transparency and accountability. To view our audited financial reports, please visit www.friendsfoundation.ca/financialreports.   The Friends Foundation complies with Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code and Fundraising and Accountability Standards.

Neuro Intensive Care Unit Family Room Transformed

The Neuro Intensive Care Unit family room located on the 4th floor of TMH has recently undergone a complete transformation.  This was made possible thanks to those who donated In Memory of Rob Power who passed away in 2012 at the age of 46. Power’s loved ones requested that the gifts go towards the refurbishment of the family room, offering a more welcoming environment for families of critically ill patients. Gifts in kind were also provided by Leon’s, WalMart, MJ Designs and Dr. Alan LeBlanc.

From left to right: Dr. Charbel Fawaz, Neurosurgeon; Gerard and Roberta Power (Rob’s parents); Dr. Robert Adams, Neurosurgeon; and Cheryl Higgins, Nurse Manager of the Neuro ICU.

Memorial Giving –We’ve got a new look

Memorial giving is a thoughtful way to remember and honour a loved one who has passed away. If you would like a package of cards sent to you, please contact the Friends at 857-5488. You can also choose to send a memorial on-line at www.friendsfoundation.ca. Last year close to $200,000 was raised for the Foundation through memorial giving.

Emma Buckley

www.imaginecanada.ca