Thanks to a “friendly fire” challenge by Dr. Isac during the Wishing Well fundraising campaign, our VCH vice president, quality and safety, Dr. Dean Chittock was the second ICU attending physician to work as an RN at VGH on November 3, 2016.

“Honestly it’s been an awesome experience. You can’t appreciate what people do until you actually do it. I think every physician should do it,” said Dr. Dean Chittock.

“The amount of work that the nurses have to do to look after a patient is very impressive, and they get it done in a very organized and appropriate way. I have a ‘light’ patient today and it’s hard for me to get everything done!”

Dean’s shift as an ICU RN is the result of a recent fundraiser, which garnered $4,900 for the VGH ICU Wishing Well honouring patients’ wishes at end of life.

Jeana has cared for several patients/families who have participated in the ICU wishing well. We asked Jeana how Dr. Dean was handling his day of nursing.  “He’s doing great!” she said.

About Wishing Well

Inspired by the 3 Wishes Project in Ontario, Julie Lockington, ICU RN, originally proposed the Wishing Well Project at VGH, and she readily found support from her ICU colleagues.

Since April, over 30 families have benefitted. “We’ll consider granting just about any wish, but to date all wishes have been quite modest,” says Allana LeBlanc, clinical nurse specialist, ICU and High Acuity.

Patient wishes have included a pet visit, a phone call, a favourite comfort food and many manicures. The Wishing Well has also supported a civil wedding ceremony at the bedside, complete with wedding decorations made by ICU nurses, and a child’s princess birthday party.

“More than half of our patients are from outside the Lower Mainland and don’t have easy access to their personal belongings,” says Allana. “We try and provide items or experiences that bring comfort, and that bring out each patient’s uniqueness.”

Physicians and staff make Wishing Well possible

To fulfill patient and family wishes, the ICU relies on its Wishing Well Network, a team of 17 ICU physicians and staff who volunteer support and special skills, including translating requests. Thanks to their efforts, and the contributions of everyone who participated in the ICU Nurse for a Day fundraiser, many more patients and families will benefit from the Wishing Well.

ICU Wishing Well founding members left to right): Allana LeBlanc, clinical nurse specialist ICU, Jackson Lam manager ICU, Dr. George Isac (and former nurse for a day), Julie Lockington ICU RN, Dr. Vinay Dhingra. Absent from the picture is Denise Foster, research nurse, ICU.

ICU Wishing Well Network