BTHC Foundation to focus on staff wellness in 2024

2023 was a banner year for the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation (BTHC). 

Not only did the organization hit its $10 million local fundraising goal for the hospital expansion, one day short of a year since the capital campaign was announced, it also hosted its two signature events, the golf tournament and fall gala.

Partnerships played an integral role in that success, said Shannon Samette-Folkett, the Foundation's executive director.

"People had a lot of fun, from the feedback we got, so that's always something that we're proud of because that gives us time to meet our donors in person and connect with them on a little bit more personal level. And so, I always look at those as a huge success for the Foundation.

That's the time we get to have those conversations beyond reaching out for sponsorships and what not and thanking them, thanking them for believing in what we do and supporting us through all those endeavors, through coming to the events or just buying a ticket at one of our raffles. It's really important to make those connections."

The BTHC Foundation board also worked to support staff by adding to their arsenal of equipment this past year. 

"We do get a wish list from the Director of the hospital and the Board evaluates every item on that list and try their best to agree to fund everything," said Samette-Folkett.

"We also got an AccuVein for the babies so that staff can find their veins easier."

The top purchases in 2023, according to Samette-Folkett, was a digital plate for a portable X-ray unit, thanks to a grant from the Morden Thrift Store, a crash cart, some updated palliative care beds, and pediatrics equipment for the ICU, knowing that program will be growing with the hospital expansion. 

"We purchased, or we helped fund, a crib with a scale and we also got an AccuVein for the babies so that staff can find their veins easier. (It's) not glamorous, but something that they have had since the old hospital so, you know, they've been using what they had, and they asked for this, and we were able to support and step up. (It's) exciting for us when we can do these things for the staff and for patients."

(It's) exciting for us when we can do these things for the staff and for patients."

Programs and services supported by the BTHC Foundation include Spiritual Care and Palliative Care. 

According to Samette-Folkett, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Larry Reimer, reported at the recent annual general meeting that he is taking a holistic approach to the job.

"He's there for everybody that he possibly can be, as well as the staff, and he's really connected with everybody in the building. He has a really great relationship with all of the staff, and they can go to him if they need to have that moment. So, it's not just the patients, but it's also for the staff." 

Additionally, Samette-Folkett says there are a lot of great stories coming out of the Palliative Care program, led by Jerry Ann Friesen.

"She talked about grief sessions and how she had started with one and it was absolutely well attended, and they really appreciated it. And now, it's grown, and she's had several of those with plans to have more in the future. And she has had volunteers sign-up and train. So, we are growing that pool and she's really looking forward to the year ahead."

Meantime, the Foundation has decided to fund Froese's position as fulltime.

"Because we see the potential in that growth, as well Southern Health-Sante Sud has, seeing how well we run the program here and they have now started to grow similarly within the other facilities in the region as well, adding another nurse in the palliative position here," explained Samette-Folkett.

Looking ahead, a big focus for the Foundation Board will be staff wellness.

"When we think of the challenges that Boundary Trails Health Center is having, there's a common theme that we hear at the Foundation and that is staffing. And though our foundation can't fix that problem, it is a nationwide problem, we are doing what we can."

Improving staff wellness, explained Samette-Folkette, means doing little fun things to show staff that they are seen and appreciated. 

The BTHC Foundation has also initiated a new hire grant.

"It started just for new students, but we grew that to include any new professional hire in the building," said Samette-Folkett. "We follow some criteria but basically, after they're completed their one year, they are eligible for a grant from the Foundation to offset some of their costs whether it had been for school, or maybe it was moving here. Just to show them that 'thank you so much for staying and we hope you continue to stay'.