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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 31, 2013 | 2 NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM OAKVILLE-TRAFALGAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OCTOBER 2013 New Oakville Hospital Construction on Schedule HHS Accredited with Exemplary Status On October 17, 2013 Halton Healthcare Services'(HHS) received notification from Accreditation Canada that its accreditation status has been elevated to Accredited with Exemplary Standing, which is the highest possible status granted by Accreditation Canada. "This achievement demonstrates your organization's determination and commitment to ongoing quality improvement. We applaud your leadership, staff, and accreditation team members for their efforts and dedication to the provision of safe, quality health services," stated Accreditation Canada in their Award letter. We are delighted with Accreditation Canada's decision to elevate HHS' Accreditation status. It demonstrates how Hospital staff, physicians and volunteers strive to achieve excellence and it reflects in the outstanding quality of care they provide. Accreditation is a continuous quality improvement journey. Through this entire Accreditation process, HHS was commended for its commitment to patient safety, risk management and quality of care, its comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness, and the continued development of an ethics program. The achievement of our new Exemplary Standing is a testament to our physicians, staff and volunteers and their commitment to monitor, respond and improve our healthcare practices in a timely fashion. HHS' next Accreditation will take place in 2017. For more information on Accreditation Canada please go to www.accreditationcanada.ca. For more information on Halton Healthcare Services please go to www.haltonhealthcare.com. With an average of 800 workers on the site each day, construction of Oakville's new hospital is progressing on schedule and recently surpassed 50% completion. Construction crews will complete the building's exterior cladding in the fall of this year and work will continue on mechanical and electrical installations and interior finishes during the coming months. Visit us on-line at www.newoakvillehospital.com to view construction photos and see how far we've come! Volunteer at our Hospital and Make a Differnce Join our team of volunteers, staff, and physicians and help make a difference in the lives of our patients, families and visitors. Volunteers assist in over 70 front-line and behind-the-scenes positions, while meeting people and using their skills and experience. Ask us how you, too, can get involved! Phone: 905-338-4643 Email: lparente@haltonhealthcare.on.ca Website: www.haltonhealthcare.com. Be Prepared for the Flu this Season Flu season has arrived. We encourage you to check with your doctor's office about receiving a flu shot or attend one of the free vaccinations clinics offered by the Halton Region Health Department. To find the clinic that's most convenient for you, please call 905-825-6000 or log on to their website at www.halton.ca/flu. During the flu season, please be aware of the risk to patients in the Hospital and do not visit if you are ill or feeling unwell. When you do visit, please remember to wash your hands thoroughly as washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting the flu! National Pain Awareness Week National Pain Awareness Week is from November 3-9, 2013. This week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of pain management, and to demonstrate Halton Healthcare Services' (HHS) successes in pain management. At HHS, there is a dedicated Acute Pain Team, which consists of Anesthesiologists and specialized Nurses. They ensure patients have the best pain management possible after surgery. Minimizing pain experienced while staying in the hospital is vital to promote rest, rehabilitation and healing. It is a core element of the care provided and is extremely important that our patient's needs are accommodated in this area. Pain management after surgery can lead to better rehabilitation, including the ability to go home sooner and return to normal activities faster. For more information about pain management at HHS, log onto www.haltonhealthcare.com Participate in the Ontario Health Study The Ontario Health Study is an ongoing research study investigating risk factors that cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and Alzheimer's. If you live in Ontario and are 18 years or older, you can take part by filling out the health related questionnaires online. Researchers will use this health information to study how lifestyle, environment and family history affect health over time and to develop strategies for the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases. Fill out the questionnaire or learn more about the Study at www.ontariohealthstudy.ca. Stay connected! For more information and to subscribe to our eNewsletter, visit www.haltonhealthcare.com. Follow us on www.haltonhealthcare.com GEORGETOWN · MILTON · OAKVILLE HOSPITALS