Archive for category: Important Update

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Menno Home E2 Fire – June 30, 2023

On June 30^th, there was a contained fire in one resident room on Menno Home E2. The fire alarm went off when smoke was detected. The resident was safely evacuated.  The sprinkler system was activated and extinguished the fire. All residents in the vicinity were also evacuated to safety. The Abbotsford Fire Department was called and attended. Smoke and water damage has impacted 14 resident rooms on E2 and the same on E1 as water ran down into the rooms below.

The team that was working did an amazing job at evacuating residents to safe places within both E2 and E1, following the protocols that they learned through our regular fire drills. Thank you for all that you did to protect the residents. We are very proud of the dedication and coordination that you displayed, providing safety and support for the residents.

David Janzen, Building Systems and Emergency Response Coordinator was on-site coordinating with the Fire Department, Fraser Valley Fire and the Restoration company. He continues to work with the Restoration company to clean and restore. Additional support came from the leadership and executive team who also attended at the time of the fire.

There be no visitors to E1 and E2 until further notice while we complete the restoration, unless loved ones are visiting a palliative resident. 

Please do not go to these units to see what happened. Only the staff who work on the units should be present there.

Special thanks to Garry Janzen and Raman Benaso who called the primary contacts for all the residents so that you are informed and up-to-date.

We are very grateful that all residents are safe. There will be professional support provided by FSEAP in a debrief. You can also reach out to FSEAP personally, your supervisor or Director of People and Culture (Melissa) if you would like further support. Sometimes, it’s really good to talk.

FSEAP – Now we’re talking – Employee & Family Assistance Programs – Confidential Counselling Services

Contact FSEAP 24/7 /365 – 1.800.667.0993

MEMO

To: All Staff

Re: Trish Giesbrecht transitioning to new role at neighbouring care home

June 23, 2023

Trish joined the Menno Place Team in 2006 and has worked throughout our campus of care as an LPN (Home and Hospital), Nursing Manager (Home), Manager of Care and Quality Improvement Lead (Hospital) and currently Manager of Community Enrichment (Apartments). Trish is a vibrant and compassionate faith-based leader who has helped us to move forward to success in many areas, including the adoption of Point-Click-Care in Long-Term Care, the development of a robust Private-Pay Assisted Living program, the expansion of supportive services for Independent Living as well as leadership in  our Assisted Living program to onboard residents with more complex needs. From 2019 – 2022, Trish took the opportunity to develop and teach a care aide program at Columbia Bible College.

Trish has been on a leadership journey throughout her time at Menno Place, achieving her Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Master’s in Health Profession Education. We were pleased to assist her in this through the educational financial support program that is available to all staff at Menno Place.

Trish is a trusted team leader who lifts up the members of her team to thrive in their capabilities. She sets a vision and creates a plan forward. Most recently, Trish has been our Manager of Community Enrichment, providing leadership in the care and enrichment of our 350 residents in the Apartments.

With her experience and education, Trish is now preparing to transition to a new role as Executive Director with a neighbouring organization, The Cascades in Chilliwack, BC. Although we are sad and will miss her, we are very excited for her and wish her the very best in her new role. Her last day at Menno Place will be Friday, July 7^th. We look forward to continued partnership with her in the care of seniors.

We are very grateful that Smitha Varghese, DOC at Menno Hospital, has accepted the opportunity to provide interim leadership for Assisted Living at the Apartments while we recruit. We are equally grateful for Leonard Klassen, who has accepted the opportunity to provide interim leadership for Independent and Supportive Living at the Apartments.

Memo: June 20, 2023

To: Menno Hospital Team Members

Re: Staff Rooms and Lockers – Retuning to pre-COVID practice

Now that the pandemic is over, we are moving back to the staff rooms and locker rooms as they were before COVID. You are no longer required to have your break in a specific staff room unless your unit is on outbreak or required by your direction of your supervisor to cohort.

Fireside Café – the café (inside and out) will be a public space that can be used by families, residents, customers from ARH and elsewhere as well as staff.
We will have a grand re-opening in July.

Upstairs Staff Room
The staff room between W2 and E2 Hospital will be available to be used by any staff who work at Menno Hospital.

W1 Administrative Hall Staff Room
This staff room has a sink and fridge. Please use this staff room’s amenities if you need water to wash your dishes. There is also a TV and 2 computers for staff use. The staff room is available for all staff who work in the Hospital.

Lockers
Lockers are available for use during your shift (only). Please bring a padlock to secure your items and remove the padlock and personal items at the end of your shift. These lockers are for all staff to use. There are 2 locker rooms – one for women in the W1 Admin hallway and one for men across from the Maintenance shop.

What will happen during outbreak?
You will be advised of what to do for your breaks by your supervisor.