Block Booking in ComVida

To: Menno Home, Hospital and Apartments
Date: September 20, 2025
Re: Block Booking in ComVida

The Staffing Team has started offering block bookings through ComVida.

  • You will receive a notification labeled “Block Booking” (see image below).
  • Notifications will only be sent if you are available to work the entire block of shifts.

When you double-click on the block booking notification, you will be able to view the date, time, and unit for each shift included in the block (see example image below).

ComVida Progress Update

MEMO: ComVida Progress Update
Date: September 19, 2025

We’re now in our second full week of ComVida! Thank you to everyone who has downloaded the app, logged in, and started using it.

Between September 2–16, 2025, together we have:
• Filled 317 shifts across Menno Home, Hospital, and Apartments

Your participation and feedback have been instrumental in shaping improvements and making ComVida a success.

Your Feedback in Action

Based on your comments and questions, we’ve made the following improvements:

  • 30-minute priority window for shift offers that are for the next day to allow more time for staff on site to bid. This will be effective Friday September 19, 2025.
  • Clearer notifications: “You have been awarded a vacant shift” will now confirm successful applicants. This is in the title of the “Assignment Change” notification.

What’s Next

These changes are effective shortly, and we’ll continue to fine-tune the system as we go.

  • Blocks will be sent out using ComVida within the next couple of weeks.
  • Staffing will no longer call the units to offer OT. Staff must bid for OT through ComVida. Staffing will then award it based on the rules of the Collective Agreement.
  • After-hours nurses trained and preparing to use ComVida the week of September 22. No more manual phone calls (or limited calls).
  • Troubleshooting hints/tips are coming your way in a word document for you to save and reference.

Reminder

If you are not yet on ComVida, please contact your Manager as soon as possible for support.

ComVida Instructions are here: ComVida Instructions | the link to download is here: download ComVida | All ComVida memos are here: ComVida Memos

Be Careful: Bear Spotted on Menno Place Campus

On Wednesday night our security cameras caught an unexpected guest on the Menno Place campus when a small black bear walked past the main doors of Menno Hospital.  The  bear continued on his walk and did not cause any issues.

According to reports from The Abbotsford News, bear sightings in Abbotsford are up for 2025 so this is a good time to remind all of us about our about standard bear safety.

How to stay safe around wildlife

  1. Keep patios and outdoor spaces clear of food that can attract wildlife.
  2. Make sure pets are leashed when talking them for walks.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when existing the buildings at night.
  4. If you spot an animal, stay calm and keep your distance. Go back inside the closest building and wait for the animal to pass.

MEMO: Upcoming Change to Sign-In/Sign-Out Process

To: All Menno Home, Hospital & Apartments Staff
Date: September 17, 2025
Subject: Upcoming Change to Sign-In/Sign-Out Process

In the near future, an update will be made to the face scanners. This update will require staff to physically select “IN” or “OUT” in addition to scanning your face when starting and ending your shift.

How it will work:

Scan your face as normal

Select “CHECK IN” when arriving for your shift, or “CHECK OUT” when leaving your shift.

⚠️ If you do not click “IN” or “OUT”, your face scan will not register.

Tentative Change Dates:

Apartments: September 19, 2025

Home & Hospital: September 26, 2025

Additional reminders and guidance will be provided as the change is rolled out.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Primrose Gardens Gets a Sustainable Upgrade

Crews were onsite last week to install an array of solar panels on the roof of the building.

Happy Retirement Lise! 

To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jacob Doss, Manager of Dining Experience
Re: Retirement – Lise Nelson

Happy Retirement Lise! 

Lise Nelson is retiring after 32 years at Menno Place. Across the years Lise has worked as a Care Aide and a Visitation Host and has been part of the Laundry and Dietary teams.

When asked about Lise, her current and former managers said that Lise is a very caring person who prioritized Resident Centered Care. She enjoyed using her artistic skills to enhance the residents’ surroundings and was a great advocate for the residents when their care needs changed over time.

Garry Janzen and Jacob Doss went on to say:

“Lise always had a desire to serve the residents and their families well. Her advocacy helped improve the experience of the residents while living at Menno Place.”

Thank you Lise! You will be missed. We wish you all the best as you step into this new chapter. Lise’s retirement is effective August 31, 2025.

 

Retirement Party for Lise Nelson – Sept 16

To: All Staff
From: Jacob Doss
Date: September 15, 2025
Re: Retirement Party for Lise Nelson

_________________

Join us to celebrate with Lise Nelson as she retires from Menno Place after 32 years!

 

And the Winner Is . . . . .

Thank you to everyone who cast a vote in our 80s BBQ Costume Contest. The winner (with 38% of the votes!) is….