More stories of how YOU make a difference with patient & family centered care

I always give my patients a chance to hug/kiss/laugh with their loved ones before I bring them to the OR (or get a selfie in their “OR” getup). (RH OR)

Sometimes, it is just the simple things…….trying to remember what we would want if it was ourselves or someone we loved in the hospital.  Would having a unit run short (staffed) possibly lengthen my stay, put off having Dr’s orders entered? Being in the hospital or coming in for tests can be overwhelming. Sometimes, it is as simple as escorting a lost patient to the proper clinic, family member to the proper unit, smiling and talking to them as you take them to where they need to go, taking 5 minutes out of your day to help put them at ease. I know what I would like and that is what I try to do for others. While I don’t do hands on clinical work I feel that my job can make a difference in someone’s day. (RH Staffing)

I take the time to ask the patient what they would be doing if they weren’t coming in for surgery today (RH OR)

Our Older Adult Mental Health Team makes a difference in our clients and their families lives as they struggle with the Dementia journey. Our Caregiver support group provides a venue in which the caregivers have a voice to tell their story with the struggles, and yes those joyful moments. There has been many a time where tears and laughter are felt by all parties. I think the most valued moments are when the hugs and thanks are given at the end of each meeting.  (Sunshine Coast Mental Health & Addictions)

We provide one to one labour support to guide our patients through the challenges of labour. We are passionate about ensuring each woman has her best possible birth experience and we work together with the patient and her partner to ensure that this happens. The dedication by our entire health care team to help each woman through her labour and birth has been shown in our exceptional vaginal birth rate for first-time mothers.  (RH Birth Center)

I helped to wash a patient’s hair and do her nail before we removed life support, at the family’s request. We also got her favourite flowers to the bedside. The patient had previously specified these as her wishes for the end of her life. (VGH ICU)

Our patient was very nervous and asked if she could say a prayer prior to induction. All staff stopped and allowed her to pray out loud. She felt more relaxed and said she was happier that we had respected her wishes. (VGH OR)

I sat with a patient while she died because the family couldn’t. (VGH ICU)

We have placed some forms at the reception desk so clients and families can provide feedback. Some of the feedback we have received in the past has led to improvements in our healthcare delivery. Other times, clients and families show great appreciation for the services they received. The feedback forms were able to provide both constructive criticism that helped us redesign service delivery, and positive acknowledgement that celebrated the great work our team has done.  (Vancouver Community Audiology Centre)

We went and got a palliative patient’s favourite doughnuts to take with him after he left the ICU. The patient was very happy and told everybody about the doughnuts. (VGH ICU)

I took the time to take a patient to the hospital gift shop to purchase a baby gift for a family member who was coming to visit. (RH 2 South Medicine)

I treat my patients like they are my own family (RH OR)

Coastal prize winner

North Shore Hospice submitted a story of how they go above and beyond to provide patient and family centred care. They are the winner of the complimentary registration to the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council 2017 Quality Forum.

Our palliative/hospice nurses truly feel privileged to be able to help a patient and family in those last days and hours.  Ensuring they are prepared informed and understand what is going to happen and creating a calm, beautiful atmosphere in the room is always the goal.  The nurses have established a ritual of scattering rose petals over the patients quilt when they have passed away.  This symbolic gesture enables the family to remember the patient’s death as a beautiful, serene occurrence and also allows the staff to honor that patient.   (North Shore Hospice)

Stay tuned

Next week we will feature more of your submissions!