Advanced Care Planning Education for Nursing Team – Menno Home and Hospital 

We want to have as many of our LTC nurses as possible attend this training.

Why is ACP training important?

Nurses in long-term care are empowered to initiate and facilitate Advanced Care Planning (ACP) and serious illness conversations proactively. They recognize triggers and create opportunities to discuss values and wishes. This education will help our nurses be more confident in completing documentation, using the correct tools (MOST), ensuring substitute decision makers are identified, and advocating for the client’s wishes. It will also lead to a more integrated team approach: when everyone is aware of ACP, we can use consistent language and workflows which leads to increased cooperation between nurses, physicians, allied health, and support staff so that ACP is part of regular care.

Times and location

This is a three-part training. Each of the three parts will be offered twice to maximize availability to staff.

  • Day 1:  Oct 27 OR Oct 29 — 13:30–14:30
  • Day 2: Nov 3 OR Nov 5 — 13:30–14:30
  • Day 3: Nov 13 OR Nov 14 — 13:30–14:30

All sessions will take place in the Menno hospital chapel and learning center (as per availability).

How to attend

All LTC nurses interested in this training are asked to contact their managers/coordinators to sign up. There are no prerequisites. This training is for LTC nurses only and is not paid education time.

Bringing your devices up to speed: Cyber Month week 2

These days, your daily routine likely revolves around multiple smart devices. Whether you’re ordering groceries through your smart speaker, getting directions from your phone, or streaming the latest series on your smart TV, the time you spend now and, in the future, is directly tied to the technology you use.

When those devices are secure and running smoothly, your day will follow suit. That’s why week two of Cyber Month is all about device security. Whether it’s setting up strong passcodes, backing up  your files, or knowing how to be safe connecting to public Wi-Fi , securing your devices now will be something your future self will be grateful for.

Securing your smart devices

Your phone and laptop are important but certainly aren’t the only devices that need to be securedSmart devices like your speakers, watches, thermostats and other appliances are all connected to the internet – and if they’re not secured, they can be used to snoop, steal data, or even break into your home network.

This week, we’ll discuss small steps you can take to secure your gadgets like changing your default  passwords (yes, even the one on your TV!) and disabling features, like Bluetooth, when you aren’t using them. We’ll also discuss setting up new devices, updating privacy settings, and how a few small steps can make a big difference in your future.

Storage and backups

We all have important files, from photos to personal documents and work projects. But what happens if your device is lost, stolen, or compromised by malwareBacking up your files ensures you won’t lose your documents if something unexpected happens.

There are many backup options available to you that rely on cloud storage  or external hard drives . We recommend using a combination of at least two storage options for your most important data, to be extra safe in case one fails. This week, we’ll discuss how regular backups can protect you in the future, like making sure stressful situations – like your computer crashing before a project deadline – a lot more manageable.

Private and public networks

When you think about protecting your devices, you might not be thinking about those running your home network, such as your router . Since your Wi-Fi network  is a gateway to all your connected devices, it’s extremely important to protect it from potential intruders (and possibly your next door neighbours). One of the easiest ways to stay safe is to change your default network name and password .

If you’re on the go, connecting to public Wi-Fi can be tempting. But public networks aren’t always safe. They can be easy targets for cyber criminals looking to steal your data or information. To protect yourself, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like banking or email on unsecured networks. And if you do need to access those accounts, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added privacy and security.

This week, we’ll talk about protecting your networks and your devices with simple steps to reduce disruptions now and later.

Looking ahead

We rely on our devices to stay connected so taking steps to make sure they’re secure can ensure they aren’t putting your data at risk. Take a moment to review your devices and make sure they are backed up, updated, and connected to secure networks.

Join the Menno Place Sun Run Team!

Menno Place is putting together a Vancouver Sun Run Team for the Sun Run / Walk on April 19, 2026.

Are you interested in joining the MP Team? Please fill out your interest today! We are forming the team in October. Please fill out this form by the end of the day October 12th.

Keep in mind:

  • We’ll need at least 8 people signed up for the same distance to be able to form an official team.
  • Team members will be contacted by email once the roster is confirmed
  • Cost to enter the race is $58/ person  (if we register before Feb 6, 2026)

Let’s do this together!

Fill out my online form.

New Menu Options at the Fireside Café

Looking for a quick and delicious option for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a hearty snack? Come and see the new offerings in the bento machine at the Fireside Café (located in Menno Hospital just off the lobby).

Hot breakfast options now include:

  • Bacon, egg and cheese on an English Muffin
  • Spinach and egg white wrap
  • Egg, sausage and potato breakfast wrap

We’ve also added savory and satisfying vegetable noodles along with these favorites:

  • Shrimp fried rice
  • Chicken souvlaki
  • Roast beef
  • Butter chicken
  • Dal curry rice
  • Chicken biryani
  • Lamb curry
  • Chicken fried rice

Prices start at $6.99. Items can be heated at time of purchase, or served cold to reheat at break time. Grab yours today! Coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks and ice cream are also available.

Violence Prevention Workshop

Learn practical applications to identify risk factors of violence and de-escalation techniques at a Violence Prevention Workshop on Friday, November 14, 2025. Space is limited. Register soon!

Change of EDMP Provider LifeMark to TeksMed

To: All Menno Place Staff
From: People & Culture Department
Date: October 7, 2025
Subject: Change of EDMP Provider LifeMark to TeksMed

Menno Place is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our employees. We are writing to inform you that, effective November 1, 2025, our Employee Disability Management Program (EDMP) provider will change from LifeMark to TeksMed.

What This Means for You

If you are currently active in EDMP, you will receive an Authorization Form to release your EDMP file, including medical information, from LifeMark to TeksMed. Please ensure you complete and return this form by October 13, 2025. Forms are expected to be sent to employees this week via email.

TeksMed’s role will include:

  • Assisting with the completion and submission of WorkSafeBC Form 7s.
  • Developing and coordinating suitable return-to-work plans.
  • Ensuring best practices are followed in all aspects of disability management, including:
    • Reviewing job demands.
    • Identifying and supporting modified duties.
    • Preparing employee return-to-work packages.

Benefits for Staff

Through TeksMed, employees will have access to:

  • Expedited healthcare such as rapid access to scans and specialist appointments.
  • Expedited mental healthcare services to support overall well-being.
  •  Virtual Injury Assistance: direct access to workplace injury specialists and physiotherapists through a virtual injury hotline. Employees can receive virtual assessments, medical care, recommendations, and advice on modified duties, along with general guidance throughout their recovery.

We believe this transition will enhance the support and resources available to employees when managing medical leaves and return-to-work processes.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

CANCELLED: October 17 GPA Workshop

Please note that the Gentle Persuasive Approach Workshop scheduled for Friday, October 17th has been cancelled. Your next opportunity to take this workshop is November 3rd.

Respond respectfully with confidence & skill.

The Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) Workshop teaches caregivers how to respond respectfully, with confidence and skill, to behaviours associated with dementia. This is for all staff who are associating directly with residents (HCA, LPN, Rec staff, etc.).

Full-day educational training (8:30am – 4:30pm) with approval from your supervisor. Submit your Leave of Absence Form to your supervisor on Goldcare for approval.

Book early. Spots are limited. All workshops take place at Menno Place Hospital Chapel.

To register for this workshop please go to: https://mennoplacestaff.com/gpa-workshops/

Reminder: Paper Reports No Longer Accepted

This is a reminder to all staff that that paper incident reports, near misses, or other workplace hazard reports will no longer be accepted after October 15, 2025. Moving forward, all incident reporting must be completed via QRM (Quality Risk Management system) on Surge.

Network Maintenance – Oct 8 5 – 7pm

Dear Team,

Please be advised that network maintenance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

During this time, the entire campus will experience disruptions to network services, including computers, printers, network access, and GoldCare. Cloud-based services such as PCC may be less affected, but access could still be limited.

If you experience any network issues after 7:00 PM, please contact Adaptive Support at 604-357-3456.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as this work is essential to maintaining reliable and secure systems. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

MEMO Re: Long Weekend Sick Calls – Thanksgiving

To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Jessy Manhas
Date: October 6, 2025
Re: Long weekend Sick Calls – Thanksgiving

Dear Team,

In the past, we have noticed a pattern of increased sick calls over the long weekend, followed by staff working on the statutory holiday the next day. All staff scheduled to work during the long weekend are expected to report to their shifts as usual.

Due to this recurring pattern, we will require proof of illness/doctor’s note as per the Collective Agreement from anyone who calls in sick on October 12, 2025. Additionally, if you call in sick on October 12 and then come to work on the statutory holiday, October 13,  an investigation will be initiated by your Manager with a Shop Steward and a doctor’s note is mandatory. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and a risk of no sick time pay.

We appreciate your understanding and dedication to our residents’ care. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure smooth operations throughout the long weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your department manager.

Sincerely,

Jessy Manhas
Manager of People & Culture
604-851-1346