Please find below the President’s Report, the Fundraising Report, the Financial Report, the Clinic Operations Report and the Coordinator’s Report
President’s Report
Galiano Health Care Society Annual General Meeting
9 April 2011
James Schmidt
Recognition and Thanks
The last year has been a challenging one on a number of levels, but we have been fortunate through these difficult times to have a hard working and dedicated board. I hence owe a debt of gratitude to the executive of the board, Vice President Frances Tessier, Secretary Jacques Roy and Treasurer Sylvie Beauregard, as well as the members-at-large, Renne Atkinson, Don Clark, Ken Kucille, Diane Laronde, Roger Pettit, Susan Phillips, Christina Stechishin, and Pat Woolhouse for the outstanding work they have done this year for the GHCS. In working through a variety of stressful and difficult issues, the board members have consistently worked with each other, the staff of the clinic and me in a supportive and cooperative manner, even when inevitable differences of opinion have arisen. For this too I thank them.
This year, Lindsay Williams resigned before completing her term on the board, but not her tenure as chair of the Wine Festival Committee. The festival was a great success and I again want to express my thanks to her and to her committee members who worked so hard to make it happen yet again. Lindsay’s opening on the board was filled by Christina Stechishin who stepped up to the plate at a difficult time for the board, and we welcome her and look forward to working with her over the next few years.
This year everyone whose term has expired has agreed to again run for the board, so we are indeed fortunate to have ongoing stability over the next year.
I also want to thank all of the volunteers who have devoted time and effort to a variety of GHCS committees and activities. This year volunteers have been especially critical in our fundraising activities such as the wine festival, the GHCS Birthday Party, the Talent Show, and the Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner program. Without those events we would literally be broke. However, I also want to thank the volunteers who support a variety of other GHCS activities, ranging from mental health to educational programs to serving on society committees to donating time and effort in addressing a variety of needs that arise at the clinic.
I want to thank especially Linda Ruedrich, our clinic administrator, and the rest of the clinic staff for their hard work and commitment to the clinic and the society. This year has been especially difficult for our Medical Office Assistants, who came on the job just as Dr. Beaver was leaving and had to learn the ropes quickly. They put out great effort and have really helped hold things together with the ever-changing locums through the clinic. Like all of the other society employees, they have put in far more hours that their pay checks reflect. As always, Linda has continued to oversee the clinic and society operations, training new staff, stepping in to cover when things don’t go according to plan and resolving the million little crises that arise in the typical clinic day. The society, quite simply could not function without her. I thank her for her ongoing efforts, resourcefulness, knowledge, decisiveness and good humour. I also want to thank the other health care professionals, especially our Nurse-Clinician, Leanne Hale, who have continued to work in the clinic and provide outstanding care, even in the midst of the changes and stresses that have abounded this year.
Finally, I want to thank the community for their ongoing support of the society. Their contributions of time, money and effort have allowed us to remain functioning and indeed accomplish a number of things in the last year.
Physician Recruitment:
The issue of recruiting a full-time physician for Galiano has been the major focus for the board over the past year. This has provided challenges in four areas.
First, the recruitment process itself has been difficult. Shortly after the last AGM, VIHA decided to reduce the position from full-time to part time without consultation with the board. Following a public outcry and activity on the part of the board that decision was reversed. There have subsequently been a couple of other “hitches” in the recruitment process, but VIHA was very responsive to our concerns in that regard. Overall, the drawn-out nature of this process in my opinion reflects not a lack of effort by either VIHA or the GHCS, but rather the reality that (a) general practice physicians are in very short supply and (b) the position on Galiano is unique and requires a person with a specific set of needs, skills and interests.
Second, maintaining consistent coverage with locums has proved to be a challenge. The locum program has provided ongoing funding, but candidates for the position haven’t always been found, leading to periods of time when we have no on-island physician coverage. We are in the process of addressing the reasons for this in hopes of providing more constant care at the clinic.
Third, the issue of provision of emergency care by the locums has been an ongoing issue that has yet to get fully resolved. Again, the board is working actively with VIHA to get this issue resolved.
Fourth, the clinic experienced a significant increase in operating costs and a significant drop in income when Dr. Beaver left. We lost the rent he paid to the clinic, and had to assume many of the costs previously paid by him, such as the salaries for the Medical Office Assistants. VIHA has recently started covering a number of those costs which has substantially reduced but not eliminated the financial crisis created for the society by this situation.
Where Things Stand Today: In February, a candidate for the job was interviewed by VIHA and GHCS. We were very impressed with the candidate and he seemed to be very interested in coming to Galiano. He was offered the job, but on Thursday of this week he e-mailed the GHCS saying that he had declined the offer for financial reasons having to do with his son having to pay international tuition in B.C. Fortunately, VIHA continued to advertise the position during while he was considering the option, so no time was lost by this exercise although it was of course very disheartening to the board and staff. VIHA has informed us that there are either one or two other interested candidates, so we will continue to move on with the process.
Positive Developments
Despite the difficulties surrounding our lack of a physician, a number of things have been accomplished by the board this year. Indeed, some of these accomplishments arose from the situation with the physician. They include the following:
- Educational Activities: The board has sponsored a number of community education sessions, including the talk by Michael and Bonnie Klein. In addition, the Mental Health Committee has sponsored a number of community sessions on topics ranging from stress management to issues affecting youth with mental health issues to dealing with grieving and loss.
- Community Events: The society has sponsored a number of community events which have provided entertainment and recreation for the community while raising funds for and increasing the profile of the society. These have included the GHCS Birthday Party, the Wine Festival, and the very successful recent Galiano’s Got Talent Show.
- Financial Affairs: In recognition of the significant financial issues facing the society, the board has created a formal Finance Committee which has been actively examining the society’s financial status and working on a budget for the next year to allow us to operate within our means and get the most out of our funds. They are also actively exploring alternate sources of funding.
- VIHA Committee: In recognition of our close and ongoing relationship with VIHA and the Ministry of Health, the society has established a committee made up primarily of community members to facilitate relations with VIHA and the M of H so that in the future our dealings with them will be proactive and collegial rather than reflexive and crisis-driven.
- Committee restructuring: Recognizing that the existing committee structure of the GHCS did not adequately reflect the goals of the society, failed to address some issues, and had other areas of overlap, the board has been working towards a new committee structure that avoids duplication of effort, assures that all critical areas are covered and promotes efficient addressing of our goals. The new committee structure has been put in place and we are now in the process of “fine tuning” the mandates of those committees. A key component to this working, however, is for community volunteers to join these committees so they can function effectively and productively.
- Website: Recognizing that our website is the first and possibly only place perspective physicians might look for information, we have rebuilt the website to provide a more user-friendly, updated and informative site. Sylvie, Linda and the others working on it have done an outstanding job. It can be viewed at www.galianohealth.org
There are many other activities that the staff, the board and community volunteers have participated in over the past year. The above list should be seen as a sampling rather than exhaustive list of what we have been working on and I apologize for any activities that have not been mentioned.
I would also stress that these represent new activities, and many of our traditional activities such as meals on wheels have also continued despite the disruption.
Clinic Developments
In the last year, we have had a few “must do” work to be done on the clinic. Happily, these have been relatively few and we have been able to handle them financially. That said, the clinic is aging, is getting more use and, hence, is increasingly in need of renovation, repair and upgrading. Two areas of particular concern at this point are making sure that the clinic meets current standards regarding sanitation and regarding earthquake preparedness. It is clear that we fall below these standards and will have to invest funds, in some cases significant funds (e.g. replacement of the carpeting throughout with a surface that can be properly cleaned) will be needed. Funding for these projects will be discussed later in the meeting today.
Respectfully submitted,
James Schmidt
TREASURER REPORT FOR JAN-DEC 2010
BY SYLVIE BEAUREGARD
PRESENTED APRIL 9TH AGM
This past year has been a trying year for the Galiano Health Care Society. We lost our doctor, which mean less revenue in rent and as you so well know, we had to initiate a contract with VIHA to obtain help in covering these losses of income. After many letters from our president to VIHA and with your unfailing support, we were able to get a reimbursement and this has allowed us to remain relatively
‘healthy’ although with a deficit. We also had less revenue due to the dentist absence and our expenses were a little bit higher this year due in part to some much needed renovations in order to assure infection control, more confidentiality and privacy for the patients at the Health Center. Ambulance travel and training subsidies were higher due to a lack of local ambulance attendants.
I would like to bring your attention to the fact that we have received all the money that VIHA owed us. $26,336.
Real Dental income is $59, 275 not $85011
The real deficit is $13,528 because of room building, special advertizing and ambulance transportation cost.
FUNDRAISING REPORT
AGM April 9th, 2011-04-05
By Sylvie Beauregard, Chair of Fundraising Committee
As usual, the members of the GHCS have been very generous in donating money and in participating to the many fundraising events this Committee has initiated. For this, the directors of the board are very grateful; thank you all for your unfailing support and generosity. Here is a list of the various fundraising events which show the income before and after expenses:
GROSS INCOME
Wine Festival $21,718.24
Guess who’s coming to dinner $3,040.00
Dance $7,964.61
Speaker (Klein) $3,865.31
Bridge Tournament $540.00
Total $37,128.16
NET INCOME
Wine Festival $13,655.34
Guess who’s coming to dinner $2,778.93
Dance $5,707.86
Speaker (Klein) $3,387.74
Bridge Tournament $540.00
Thrift Store donations $7000
Total $32,069.87
So far this year, we have been very successful with our Variety Show in February. We now have the Quilt Raffle starting on April 15th until the Wine Festival on August 13th. Please continue to support our small island Health Care throughout the whole year.
We are planning to get a speaker in the fall and we continue to think of more exciting events for you all to participate in.
Clinic Operations Report submitted by Chair Ken KucilleApril 2011
GALIANO HEALTH CARE CENTRE
BUDGET 2010–2012
The figures in this budget are estimates only and should not be used for actual prices or final budget figures. Most items have a priority attached and a time line when that item should be replaced.
BUILDING ENVELOPE– the siding appears to be in reasonable good condition with the exception of mould growing on some areas of the painted surface. Estimate for light power washing on the lower portion of the building will be $450. An additional amount of $700 would be required due to the height of the structure where a boom truck would be required. To complete the paint job on the new storage room addition and small touch ups would be $400 plus paint at $75. Total estimate: $1625
*priority #2- should be completed within 6 months.
FLOORING– for hygienic reasons all public and professional carpeted areas should be replaced with linoleum or tile. Estimate for linoleum flooring would be $18,000. For tiling add an additional $5000.
*priority #1- due to the potential hazards in the carpets the carpet should be replaced immediately.
HOT WATER TANK-estimate to replace the existing 40 Gal. hot water tank will be $1000.
*priority #3- this tank installed in 1991 should be replaced within 1 year.
SEPTIC TANK AND FIELD-the system appears to be in good working order. The tanks should be pumped out as they have never been pumped out. Estimate for the pumping and removal will be $1000.
*septic tank pumped out Nov. 10/2010. This was priority #1.
PLUMBING– for hygienic reasons all bathroom and office fixtures should be replaced with lever style handles. Due to the existing design of the sinks, they will not accommodate lever style fixtures, therefore the vanities also must be replaced, Estimate to replace fixtures and vanities in 9 areas would be $9000.
*priority #6-replace fixtures and vanities within 2 years.
TOILETS– the existing toilets are of the older type which waste a great amount of water per flush. Estimate to replace 2 units with low flush capabilities will be $1000.
*priority #7-replace fixtures within 2 years.
ELECTRONIC OFFICE EQUIPMENT– this area includes the computers, fax machines, printers, telephone equipment, pencil sharpners,etc. Although all equipment should not be required to be replaced at one time, a budget of at least $2000 per year should be included.
*priority #4-electronic equipment should be starting to be replaced within 1 year
INTERIOR PAINTING– most areas in the Health Care Centre have not been repainted since the original construction on 1991. The estimate to repaint all areas except the new addition of Linda’s office and the coffee room will be $6000.
*priority #5-start painting within 1.5 years.
ELECTRICAL– the electrical system appears to be in good working condition and regular maintenance should be all that is required for the time being.
CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEM– there appears to be a problem with the central vacuum system, but this I believe will be a regular maintenance issue and should not require any major expenditures.
PARKING LOT AREA– the pavement appears to be in good condition as well as the helicopter pad and equipment. No major expenses should be necessary for these areas,. The only exception is the yard light which has given problems in the past with the bulb continually burning out. A modern unit with lower power consumption and higher wattage could be installed. The estimate to replace the existing unit would be $1000.
*new light bulb replaced Nov. 12/2010.
WATER WELL AND PUMP– this area appears to be in good condition and should not require any major expenditure.
*plastic liner installed on cover Nov/2010 as per the Health Inspector’s request.
DIESEL EMERGENCY GENERATOR– this unit is in good condition and should not require any major expenditure.
Total estimate for items listed will be $40,625.
Submitted by Ken Kucille
GHCS Coordinator’s AGM Report
April 8th 2011
by: Linda Ruedrich
2010 was the 25th anniversary year for the Galiano Health Care Society. Although it was a year with a lot of challenges for staff and the board, we continued to provide primary and emergency care to islanders and visitors on the 24/7 model, even if the clock was stretched in both directions on some of those days. I think the board and staff makes it look somewhat easy, this job of ensuring health and emergency care services here on our little rural island, but it is actually anything but. Dedicated staff and volunteers give countless hours of their time and energy to keeping the centre open and functioning, keeping the taps running, the toilets flushing, the phones answered, the new locums trained each Monday morning, the funds coming in, the patients happy and well cared for, the letters written to keep those in control of our health care dollars honest… well you get the picture. This board that is now serving the society with their work is a very talented, forward looking and imaginative group, and they should have a round of applause from all of us here, a small gesture of thanks for their hard work.
Membership:
We ended the year with a membership of 439 members, down only 4 people from last years all time high of 443. Perhaps we have reached a membership plateau, but we still remain true to our lofty goal of having every islander join the Health Care Society as a member. Besides being a major part of our fundraising for the year, members give us clout when speaking to the Heath Authority, donate many funds along with their memberships, and show a personal interest in everyone’s health care on Galiano, something the Society very much appreciates.
Volunteer Services:
We continue to offer a variety of community and health services that are volunteer run, for the community. The seniors socials are organized by Anne Scott, volunteer driver and RX pick-up by Mike Hoebel, mental health committee by Wendy Lloyd, friendly visitors by Terry Gregory, the Tuesday walking group by Shelly Smith, Sydney Massie and Sandy Martin, the Transitions in Dying and Grieving (formerly Palliative Care Group) by Jan Adler and her group of volunteers, and the “Art Show Fundraiser” by Eleanor Coulthard. Each of these coordinators also has many volunteers who work with them on the committees or activities. It would be difficult to calculate the number of person hours that go into supporting the wellness of this community by these volunteers.
As an example, the Mental Health Working Committee has offered 3 community educational workshops this year, on Anxiety, Youth and Psychosis and Life Transitions, given by community members who have a particular expertise in these areas of mental health and wellness. They were well attended and feedback was very positive. The working group meets monthly to work on “stigma busting” ideas for the Galiano community, and how we can do outreach to those who may need services but are having trouble with access, and also trying to improve the scope of services the community has to choose from. Improving mental health services is one of the goals of the Health Care Society, and now, three years into our work on this issue, we can say we have achieved some successes, both with raising the awareness that mental health issues are “health issues” and need to be given the same measure of support and energy as any other health issues, and having raised awareness in this community. There are many more folks out there willing to speak about their own challenges with mental health, which in turn makes for a more accepting community.
Dental and Hygiene Program:
The dental program had its fair share of challenges this year, with Dr Nord being off on a sick leave from September 2010 until February 2011, and Debbie Ritchie retiring in December of 2010. Thankfully Dr Nord is recovered and back to work full time as of this month. We have found a part time islander who is a dental hygienist and will be trying out a few clinics to see if we can’t work together to continue to offer this service on island. The dental clinic is both a service and the Society’s “social enterprise”, in that any profits from the clinic go towards running both the operations and programs of the GHCS. So you are ensuring your smile and our smile when you use these services, so we really encourage you to do so, and spread the word to other you may know still taking their teeth to town.
Staffing:
Last year saw a number of changes in the staffing of the centre, starting with the departure of Dr Beaver. David was the employer of the Medical Office Assistants (MOA’s) and when he left, this employment responsibility had to be taken on by the society in order to keep the centre open and medical services functioning. We appealed to VIHA to provide us with funds for staffing, phones, etc for both the Locums and the nurse practitioner, and they finally complied with a contract and funds in the beginning of this year.
Then both of his MOA’s, Alex on to maternity leave and Michelle on to a new life in the Kootneys, left us. Thankfully for the weather in Newfoundland, MOA Lori Seay only went for a visit and then came back to work! We made it through the summer, training new part time MOA Jackie Bowers and then in September hiring and training Kimberly Reid, who has done a wonderful job as the main MOA at the front desk of the centre. Unfortunately, family obligations have caused Kimberly to resign this month, but wait, Alex Trifonidis is back from maternity leave, on her way to another maternity leave this coming September. So we will once again be looking to hire and train another MOA this summer.
We also had to increase the janitorial hours dramatically to deal with the increased use of the centre, and new infection control issues that had to be complied with to keep us all safe and healthy. We now clean the centre 5-6 days per week.
GALIANO HEALTHCARE SOCIETY
Minutes recorded by Jacques Roy
Annual General Meeting-Lions Hall
April 9th, 2011, 10:00 AM
1- Call to Order
2- Minutes of the last meeting- April 25th, 2010
3- Errors and omissions- none
4- Motion of adoption adopted as circulated
5.00- Reports
5.01-President’s report- J. Schmidt
The President thanked all the members of the board for their hard and dedication. Lindsay Williams and her committee members were thanked for bringing the Wine Festival to a great success. The president also thanked all the volunteers who have devoted their time and effort to a variety of GHCS committees and activities such as the Wine festival, Birthday Party, Talent Show and the Guess who’s Coming to Dinner program. Without those events we would literally be broke. The volunteers who support a variety of activities such as mental health, educational programs or serving on committees or donating time we also thanked. Linda Ruedrich, clinical administrator and her staff were also thanked for thei hard work and commitment especially with Dr Beaver leaving. Leanne Hale, nurse-clinician was also recognized for her outstanding care at the clinic. The board major focus this year has been the recruitment of a full-time physician. Shortly after the last AGM, VIHA decided unilaterally to reduced the position from full-time to part-time. Following a public outcry and activion on the part of the board, the decision was reversed. Maintaining consistent coverage with locums has been a challenge. Provision of emergency coverage is an issue which the board is working hard to resolve. The clinic experienced a significant increase in operating costs and a significant drop in income when Dr Beaver left. VIHA is now helping with these costs.
As for a permanent physician on the island, we had a good candidate and we offered him the position after his visit to the island. Unfortunately he declined due to financial reason. VIHA is still advertising for the position. A couple physicians have expressed interest. We had some positive developments such as several sessions of educational activities and community events.
We have created a financial committee and a VIHA committee to make recommendations to the board. All our committees have been restructured to deal with gaps and overlaps. The clinic is aging and need some renovation. Two areas of particular concern are standards regarding earthquake preparedness and sanitation such as carpets and elbow control faucets.
5.02-Treasurer’s report- S. Beauregard
The Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets were presented and amended. Both were adopted as amended.
5.03- Coordinator’s report- L. Ruedrich
L. Ruedrich thanked the staff and the board for all the work done for the clinic. We ended the year with 439 members. This give us clout when speaking with the Health Authority. We thanked all the volunteers who run a variety of community and health services such as Ann Scott (volunteer driver), Mike Hoebel (Rx pick-up), Wendy Lloyd (mental health), Terry Gregory (Friendly visitors), Shelly Smith, Sidney Massey and Sandy Martin (Tuesday walking group), Jan Adler and her Group (Transitions in dying and Grieving) and E. Coulthhard (Art Show Fundraiser) Improving mental health services is one of our goal and now after three year of work on the issue, we have achieved some success.The dental program has had challenges this year with Dr Nord on sick leave and the retirement of the hygienist. Dr Nord is back and we have a possible candidate for dental hygienist. There was a number of changes in the staffing at the centre especially with the Medical Office Assistants. We had an increase in janitorial hours.
5.04- Fundraising report – S. Beauregard
A special thanks to the Thrift store for their generous donations. A big Thanks to the people who have supported the activities and fundraising events.
A beautiful quilt valued at $2000. was given to us by the Galiano Needle Guild. All the material and time has been given. It will be raffled at the Wine Festival.
A special fundraising campaign is underway to raise funds for new flooring, new elbow control faucets and hot water heater. The fundraising report was adopted.
6- Nomination report- S. Phillips
Three existing members have agreed to stay for another two year term.
J. Schmidt, P. Woolhouse and S. Beauregard
C. Stechishin would like to join the board as well as L. Parisee.
There was no other nominations. These people are elected by acclamation.
Motion to adopt the report was carried.
7- New Business
The new committee structure was circulated and people are asked to join. The gaming commission could be a source of funding for our renovations. We will investigate this avenue.
8- Adjournment
9- L. Hale gave a talk about her role as Nurse Practitioner.
