Highlights - Labrador-Grenfell Regional Health Authority

In January 2012, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador designed“tool kits” to help schools start Gay-Straight Alliances acrossthe province. This awareness day brought education to students andteachers on LGBTQ issues and helped launch the Gay-Straight Allianceat Mealy Mountain Collegiate, starting in September 2012.On May 18, 2012, Mealy Mountain Collegiate in Happy Valley-GooseBay hosted a Gay-Straight Alliance Kickoff Day in partnership withLabrador-Grenfell Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Department.The purpose of this awareness day was to promote Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) education. StudentsAround the RegionHappy Valley-Goose BayPromoting LGBTQ Educationand teachers wore colors of the PRIDE flag, which is a paramount symbolin the LGBTQ community that promotes identity and unity.The students and teachers then designed a PRIDE rainbow on theschool parking lot. Students were given an opportunity to write positivemessages on the rainbow and participate in games and a barbecue.Leeanne Fowler, Youth Outreach Worker and Vickie Musseau,Adolescent Addictions Counselor will continue to work with GuidanceCounselor, Deanna Miles and teacher, Nicholas Gibbs to coordinate programingand promotion of the Gay-Straight Alliance. Students aligned themselves into the shape of a rainbow on the school parking lot during the Gay-Straight Alliance Kickoff Day. Displaying a painting presented to the Labrador Health Centre in memory of the late WinstonLawrence (inset) are surviving members of his family (L-R): wife Frances Lawrence (Outpatients Clerk),daughter Angie Lawrence (Chemotherapy/ER Nurse) and Rev. Ed Coleman, brother-in-law.Lawrence Family Presents Paintingto Chemotherapy UnitThe family of the late Winston Lawrence presenteda painting in his memory to the ChemotherapyUnit at the Labrador Health Centre on June 1, 2012. Thepiece of art was painted by Rev. Ed Coleman, brotherof Frances Lawrence (wife), and is entitled “TheResurrection.” The painting is a colorful depiction of life,happiness and hope, all of which describe Winston’s legacy,especially during his two-year battle with cancer.Mr. Lawrence received care at the Labrador HealthCentre during his struggle with cancer and the familypraised the attention and compassion he received as“second to none”. The family decided it was only fittingthat the painting be placed in the Chemotherapy Unit,both as a token of appreciation and to provide hope toall who continue to struggle with cancer.Kindness Campaign at Mealy Mountain CollegiateFor every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If you push hard on the world, the world pushes back on you.If you touch the world gently, the world will touch you gently in return. ~ Paul HewittInternational Stand-Up to Bullying Day was held onFebruary 24, 2012. In conjunction with Labrador-GrenfellHealth, Mealy Mountain Collegiate, the local high school inHappy Valley-Goose Bay, kicked off its Kindness Campaignin support of Violence Prevention Month.The aim of the campaign was to focus on kind acts andencourage students to find examples of kindness in theireveryday lives. Activities took place over a three-week periodand included Kindness to Others Week, EnvironmentalKindness Week and Self Kindness Week.Activities included the roll-out of Operation Beautiful(www.operationbeautiful.com), presentations on self-careand stress reduction techniques, an arts contest and nominatingother students for recognition of their good deeds.In addition, the students took part in painting a 20-foot kindness tree on the front of the school. Studentswere provided with large green leaves and asked to writedown either a kind act they did themselves or witnessedbicycle rodeo held at Happy Valley-Goose Bay onA June 9, 2012 was the biggest and best yet! The organizingcommittee and volunteers were overwhelmedwith participation from more than 150 children andparents. Many of the participants came to the bike rodeowearing helmets and it was encouraging to seesupport from parents in emphasizing the importance ofbike safety to their children.The RCMP administered the bike safety obstaclecourse, which included stops and turns, the use of handsignals, weaving through pylons, riding over ‘bumps’and a mini-ramp. The course was extremely well doneand children of all ages returned for another chance tonavigate the course.Minipi Outfitters and a newly-formed club, BikeLabrador, offered free bike maintenance and advice.They fixed chains and brakes, adjusted seats and handlebarsand advised parents on how to perform a safetycheck on their child’s bike.Again this year, bicycle helmets were presented freeof charge to children who did not have one, had a damagedhelmet, or had outgrown theirs. The organizingAround the Region Standing in front of the kindness tree display are (L-R): Leeanne Fowler (Youth Early Interventionand Outreach Worker), Vickie Musseau (Adolescent Addictions Counselor) and Deanna Miles (GuidanceCounselor at Mealy Mountain Collegiate).being completed by another student or teacher. At the end of the campaign, the tree wasin full bloom with acts of kindness.Leeanne Fowler, Youth Early Intervention and Outreach WorkerGood Turn-out for Bike Rodeo Jobe Flowers was among the first at the bike rodeo to receive a new bicycle helmet. He wasshown how to properly fit the helmet by Sondra Spearing, Primary Health Care Facilitator.committee extends thanks to Provincial Airlines for their generosity in shipping thehelmets to Labrador free of charge.Thank you to members of the organizing committee for making the bike rodeo sucha success. They include: Labrador-Grenfell Health, Community Youth Network, RCMP,Nunatsiavut Government’s Department of Health and Social Development (Goose BayCommunity Office), Labrador School Board and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.Janice White, Health Promotion and Education Coordinator (Injury Prevention)4 | alongthecoasttolabrador April - July 2012 | 5

Professional DevelopmentBreastfeeding Education CourseHeld in Labrador CityThe “Making a Difference” Breastfeeding Level 1© Course for HealthProfessionals was held at the Captain William Jackman MemorialHospital in Labrador City from April 18 –20, 2012. This three-day course,created by Kathy Venter and Marianne Brophy, is designed for hospitaland community health professionals such as Nurses, Physicians andDietitians and the content explores evidence-based best practice thatprotects, promotes and supports breastfeeding. The course meets theWHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative recommendation for 18 hours ofeducation for staff who provide direct care to breastfeeding families.It is hoped that the course will provide a supportive foundation forthe implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative in the Labrador-Grenfell Health region. The course was facilitated by Heather Gates(Lactation Consultant, Labrador-Grenfell Health) and Lesley Ranson(Healthy Baby Club Coordinator at Eastern Health).Heather Gates, Lactation Consultant Participating in The “Making a Difference” Breastfeeding Level 1 ©Course for Health Professionals were (sitting front, l-r): Launa Stevens,Meaghan Milley, April Hoben and Sarah Pilgrim; (standing back, l-r):Florence Ballard, Rizalina Taylor, Brenda Letto, Karla Richards, Karen Evely,Heather Watkins, Heather Gates, Trudy Philpott and Lesley Ranson.Facilitators Trained to Lead ChronicDisease Self-Management SessionsAgroup of Labrador-Grenfell Health staff and community memberswere trained as facilitators from June 18-21, 2012, during aworkshop entitled Improving Health: My Way. The training, which wasdelivered at Happy Valley-Goose Bay, is part of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for Newfoundland and Labrador. Participantscame from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony and the surroundingareas. These trained leaders are now qualified to facilitate the ChronicDisease Self-Management Program for community members. In time,the plan is to train leaders throughout the entire Labrador-GrenfellHealth region.Improving Health: My Way is a provincially-sponsored, free program,designed to help people positively manage the daily challengesof living with a chronic condition. Workshops are co-led by trainedleaders who have a chronic condition or have cared for someone livingwith a chronic condition. Workshops are comprised of weekly, twohoursessions that are offered over a six-week period. A support person(friend or family) may accompany individuals to the training sessions.Anyone interested in registering for the next workshop, obtainingmore information on the program or becoming a workshop leader areasked to contact Sondra Spearing at (709) 897-3130 or sondra.spearing@lghealth.ca.Sondra Spearing, Primary Health Care Facilitator Participants in the Improving Health: My Way Chronic Disease Self-Management Program training included (front, L-R): Tina Moss, Kelly Goudie(Health Promotion and Education Coordinator) and Robin Major. Back (L-R): Sondra Spearing (Primary Health Care Facilitator), Elaine Lyall (MentalHealth Promotion Consultant), Beverly White, Debbie Clarke, Diane Alyward(Regional Director of Primary Health Care) and Ward Samson.Medevac course was hosted at theA Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital inSt. Anthony during the week of June 11-15,2012, with 14 staff members participating. Thecourse provides education and training to appropriatepersonnel to safely assist in the deliveryof medevacs from the Charles S. CurtisMemorial Hospital and other locations in thesouthern part of the Labrador-Grenfell Healthregion.Sessions focused on all types of patienttransfers, including trauma, cardiac, fracture,mental health, obstetrical, pediatric, cardiacand ventilated patients.An Outdoor Survival Day was also held,enabling participants to learn skills and techniquesto survive in the wilderness in theevent of a plane crash. They learned how tobuild a “lean-to” and other shelters, assemblea latrine, start a fire and methods of keepingwarm. Special thanks to Christopher Humby,Paramedic, who provided the group withgreat in-class education on this topic, in additionto the outdoor session.An orientation to both air and road ambulancewas also included. Darryl Reardon andJason Haynes of Government Air Services providedthe group with an overview of the aircraftand a demonstration of client transport.Organizers and presenters extend theirappreciation to all the presenters. The courseProfessional DevelopmentMedevac Course Pilots with Government Air Services provided participants with an overview of operation of themedevac aircraft. L-R: Stacey Knudsen (Site Coordinator), Trent Decker (Paramedic), Tanya Simon(Regional Nurse), Donna Carter (Licensed Practical Nurse), Lavina Monis (Registered Nurse), DarrylReardon (Pilot), Jason Hayes (Pilot), Frank Kean (Paramedic), Scott Carroll (Licensed Practical Nurse),Camille Barney (Paramedic), Collette White (Registered Nurse), Mario Cotic (Registered Nurse), MonicaSinyard (Registered Nurse), Christy Bussey (Registered Nurse), Shawna Wiseman (Registered Nurse),Brenda Ash (Regional Nurse), and Wavey Snow (Licensed Practical Nurse).was very well received, as reflected in evaluation feedback:• Every nurse on the coast should be offered this course. I have TNCC-ACLS. This course broughtboth together in so many ways. I appreciated the Wilderness Survival Day.• I absolutely loved this course. All sessions were very informative and no doubt, this course willbenefit everyone. I gained a lot of knowledge all resource persons were very knowledgeable,friendly and ready to answer all questions.• This course has exceeded my expectations of what I thought the Medevac Course would be. Iwould recommend all emergency staff complete this course. The presentation of this course hasbeen second to none.• Excellent course. I thoroughly enjoyed it! It certainly built a lot of confidence in me. Thanks forgiving an opportunity to participate.Stacy Knudsen, Site Coordinator Course participant’s thoroughly enjoyed theOutdoor Survival Day. L-R: Brenda Ash (RegionalNurse), Trent Decker (Paramedic), Stacy Knudsen(Site Coordinator), Lavina Monis (RegisteredNurse), Frank Kean (Paramedic), Monica Sinyard(Registered Nurse), Wavey Snow (LicensedPractical Nurse), Christy Bussey (RegisteredNurse), Donna Carter (Licensed Practical Nurse),Collette White (Registered Nurse), ShawnaWiseman (Registered Nurse), Tanya Simon(Regional Nurse), Scott Carroll (Licensed PracticalNurse), Chris Humby (Paramedic), Mario Cotic(Registered Nurse), Dr. Ernest Buitendag (Anesthesiologist)and Camille Barney (Paramedic).18 | alongthecoasttolabrador April - July 2012 | 19

Safe Spaces trainers Francoise Susset andBill Ryan.Professional DevelopmentVanessa Bartlett (left) discussed end-of-life planningawareness with Sonya Hillier, Domestic Worker, at aninformational display at CSCMH on April 16, 2012 - NationalAdvance Care Planning Day.Safe SpacesSeveral Labrador-Grenfell Health staff atthe Captain William Jackman MemorialHospital, along with various representativesfrom the community organizations, attendedSafe Spaces training on June 6 and 7, 2012, inLabrador City. Safe Spaces is an educationalopportunity which focuses on the “importantelements which contribute to creating safeand welcoming environments for lesbian, gayand bisexual individuals, couples and familiesin schools, health and social services agencies,community organizations, and other relevantsettings (Institute for Sexual Minority Health).”Safe Spaces training was made possiblethrough a partnership between Labrador-Grenfell Health and other community supportsand organizations. There were 28participants from a multitude of different professionsand backgrounds. The training wasRegional Palliative CareCoordinator Appointedvery interactive in nature and was received ina positive manner by all who attended.The first day of training explored manymyths associated with being lesbian, gay,bisexual, transgender or questioning sexualorientation and developing tools to increaseunderstanding. The second day focused onthe “coming out” process.Safe Spaces was presented by Bill Ryan(Med, MSW) and Francoise Susset (M.A.). Billis internationally recognized for his work relatedto sexual orientation, youth, the elderly,homophobia, HIV prevention, same-sexfamilies and parenting, and adapting education,health and social services to the needsof sexual minorities. Francoise, a memberof the Canadian Professional Association forTransgender Health, works as a clinical psychologistand a marriage and family therapist.Shelley Cormier, Manager, Mental Health and Addictions ServicesLabrador-Grenfell Health has a Regional Palliative Care Coordinator. This new positionwas created in 2011-12 with funding from the Department of Health andCommunity Services to assist regions with providing services to palliative clients.Vanessa Bartlett accepted this role and she has experience in home care, communitycare, acute care and public health. She also serves on the Board of Directors of theProvincial Hospice and Palliative Care Association and has first-hand knowledge of coordinatingend-of-life services for clients within the region and how important theseservices are for clients and their families.This new position reports to Community Health and will work with various departmentsto develop a Regional Palliative Care Program.The focus of the Regional Palliative Care Coordinator position will initially be toevaluate the existing policies and programs within the region with input from all sectors,work on regionalizing and revising policies based on palliative and end-of-lifestandards of practice, identify gaps in service, deliver staff education and make recommendationsfor improvement. In doing so, Vanessa will be working with other representativesfrom across the province to ensure provincial consistency, where possible.If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Vanessaat the Mission Store in St. Anthony at (709)454-0665 or by e-mail at vanessa.bartlett@lghealth.ca.On March 31, 2012, staff of the Health Records Department bid afond farewell to two long-time co-workers. Elsie Slade and JudyGreen each had long careers with Labrador-Grenfell Health and contributedmuch to the organization over the years.Elsie and Judy can be proud of very dedicated service over manyyears. Staff at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital have relied onthem in a number of different capacities and will certainly miss theRetirementsassistance, knowledge, and professionalism they brought to their individualroles. Health Records staff were happy to celebrate with them tocongratulate them on their fine careers, but were sad to see them go.Best wishes are extended to them both for long, healthy retirements,with much time to spend with their families and the blessings of lifethat they enjoy the most.Susan Bourgeois, Regional Director of Health RecordsElsie SladeElsie started her career in June 1982 as a summer relief Stenographer in the Pathology Department.Over the next seven years, Elsie worked in a number of relief roles in a variety of departments includingRadiology, the Eye Clinic, Human Resources, Community Health, the Nursing Office, PurchasingDepartment, Health Records and the Typing Pool. In 1989 she accepted a full-time position with theRadiology Department where she worked until 1992, when she moved to a permanent full-time positionin the Admitting Department. Staff changes in the early 2000’s moved her back into the RadiologyDepartment, where she remained until her final permanent move back to the Admitting Departmentin 2004.Judy GreenJudy’s service dates back to 1973 when she began with summer employment as a Nursing Aide.From there she began part-time, and later, full-time work at the Switchboard, stopping only to completea course of study at the Community College in St. Anthony. Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Judyworked at a number of part-time and full-time posts, taking her into a variety of departments includingSwitchboard, Nursing, Radiology, Health Records, Psychiatry and Purchasing. The early 2000’s saw Judyback in Health Records until she took a position as Ward Clerk on the Maternal Child Health Unit. In 2009she returned to Health Records and worked with Outpatient Appointments until her final posting to theSwitchboard in September 2011, where she worked until her retirement.Madonna Ricks (photo unavailable)Madonna started working at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in April 1967 as a Registered Nursing Assistant. Over the years, shehas worked on various nursing units, but spent the majority of her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Ambulatory Care/EmergencyDepartment, an area she thoroughly enjoyed.Over the years, she has provided excellent client care. Her easy-going, calm disposition; her efficiency and obvious pride in her work will bemissed. On behalf of Nursing Services, I wish her a long, happy retirement.Sharon Penney, Nursing Site Manager20 | alongthecoasttolabrador April - July 2012 | 21

ObituariesMargaret PynnWith sadness, Labrador-Grenfell Health notes the passing of Margaret Pynn (nee Decker) onJune 2, 2012. She was 81 years old.Originally from Cook’s Harbour, NL, Margaret began working with the International GrenfellAssociation as a Seamstress in the Laundry Department at the Charles S. Curtis MemorialHospital of St. Anthony on July 24, 1972. On March 14, 1977, she transferred to the HousekeepingDepartment, where she completed upholstery work until she left the organization on January27, 1978. Margaret was a dedicated employee. She had a passion for her work and thoroughlyenjoyed it.Left to mourn are her husband Wilfred; daughters Dale, Sandra, Yvonne and Maxine; sonGarry; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and a large circle of extended family andfriends.Raymond TaylorLabrador-Grenfell Health sadly notes the passing of Raymond Taylor of Raleigh, NL, on June11, 2012. He was 80 years old.Raymond initially studied to become a teacher, and taught in the St. Anthony area for approximatelythree years prior to joining the Canadian Air Force in 1952. He remained there until1958, during which time he completed pilot training. In 1958, he joined Eastern ProvincialAirlines as a Bush Pilot. He then spent a year or two with the United States Air Force, serving atbases in St. Anthony and Greenland. He later re-joined Eastern Provincial Airlines, this time flying737 jets. In 1969-70, he worked with the International Grenfell Association, as a Pilot completingmedevac flights.He then accepted a position with Newfoundland Air Services, flying water bombers inNewfoundland and Labrador. During that same time period, he completed a Bachelor of Arts atMemorial University of Newfoundland.On April 2, 1979, Raymond re-joined the International Grenfell Association as a Pilot, and progressedto Chief Pilot on April 10, 1980, a position he held until he left the organization in 1985.Due to challenges with his eyesight, he returned to the education system, working as a substituteteacher until he retired.He leaves to mourn his wife Mary, son Andrew, daughter Joan, nine grandchildren, twogreat-grandchildren and a large circle of extended family and friends.Introducing Sensory Integrationat Sheshatshiu Innu Schoolapping the Way, a mobile multidisciplinary mentalM wellness team, has been providing services to thecommunities of Hopedale and Sheshatshiu since 2011.The program’s mandate is to strengthen and improvethe mental wellness and social health of Labrador Inuitand Innu through culturally appropriate programs andservices. Mapping the Way enhances ongoing servicesby implementing innovative best practice interventionswith youth (ages six to 24 years). Occupational Therapy,a relatively new service in mental wellness initiatives inLabrador, has made great strides in introducing therapiesto assist a wide variety of clientele.Lisa Dennis, Occupational Therapist with theprogram, is involved in developing services at theSheshatshiu Innu School. “I have a good relationshipwith the staff and students and I am excited to say that Ihave come across some great therapy interventions thatcould help improve brain neuroplasticity, which in turncan decrease problems with attention, concentration,coordination and certain behaviours,” she says.She explains that many of the clients she sees havedifficulty processing and integrating sensory information– commonly referred to as Sensory ProcessingDisorder (SPD).What is sensory processingand sensory integration?Sensory processing is the ability to take in sensoryinformation through the eight senses, organize andinterpret it, and integrate the information to makea meaningful response or behaviour. The senses andthe ability of the brain to integrate these senses arethe building blocks of learning. When our senses arenot fully intact, SPD becomes a reality and a hurdle toovercome.What is Sensory ProcessingDisorder (SPD)?SPD happens when sensory signals are not automaticallyfelt, well regulated (being oversensitive onundersensitive), or interpreted correctly. It affects howan individual interprets and acts on sensory informationwith emotional, attentional, motor and other responsesor behaviours. Therefore, appropriate responses to thesensory input do not occur. Associated conditionswith SPD include: FASD, trauma (intergenerational, post-traumatic stress disorder,abuse, foster), witnessing violence, addictions, mental health illnesses (depression,anxiety), ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, etc. There are differentlevels across the continuum (i.e., mild to severe).Overcoming SPDThere are new treatments that can help improve the quality of the lives of thoseaffected with SPD. “I have been and will be using different interventions,” says Ms.Dennis. “I am happy to say that students from Sheshatshiu Innu School will have thechance to benefit from these innovative therapies. They were so supportive that whenI asked for an Innu tent to be made so that it could be used as a sensory tent, they hadit made within a month!”The use and need for an Innu sensory tent is based on the language that is used inthe Alert® Program, which uses the analogy of an automobile engine to describe theconcept of self-regulation or our arousal states.“The sensory tent will be used with children with SPD who may be in high gear asa result of too much sensory input. They will be taught to use this tent as a 10-minuteretreat to help them get back to the ‘just right’ gear. Based on the Innu tradition, it willbe understood by all that this is a sacred space.”Students have been introduced to the tent. Ms. Dennis plans to educate staff andstudents on the terminology of the Alert® Program, the proper use of the tent andother equipment. She is hopeful this will make a difference in student performance,as well as empower teachers and administrative staff in dealing with the day-to-daystruggles that SPD brings to the classroom. An Innu sensory tent will be used at the Sheshatshiu Innu School by students as a formof retreat. During a demonstration of the tent, Kaianuet Pone sported a big smile as heemerged from the opening.24 | alongthecoasttolabrador April - July 2012 | 25

Speech & HearingAwareness Month 2012As part of Speech and Hearing Awareness Month in May, theNewfoundland and Labrador Association of Speech-LanguagePathologists and Audiologists distributed baby baskets to the first babyborn in May at each of the 10 hospitals that deliver babies across theprovince. The baskets contained items such as age-appropriate booksto promote speech and language development, baby rattles and musicaltoys to stimulate baby’s hearing, as well as a booklet for parents onhow to promote speech, language and hearing development. Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, St. Anthony. Leah Jane Genge was the firstbaby born in May at the Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital. Parents Brandon Genge(left) and Susan Ricks (centre) received a gift basket from JaneTara Oliver, SpeechLanguage Pathologist.WELCOME TO:ForteauCoretta Hancock Domestic Worker/Cook Helper (Temporary Call-In) Anne-Marie FreakeDr. Zaid Sabah GhazalFamily PhysicianHappy Valley-Goose BayJermaine AndersenClerk Typist III (Temporary)Toni-Rae BroomfieldNurseBarbara CampbellNurseRhea CollinsSwitchboard Operator (Temporary)Deiadra MacLeanPersonal Care Attendant (Temporary)Raeann ManakFood Service Worker I (Temporary)Jenine MarshallFood Service Worker I (Temporary)Antonio NunesStorekeeper I (Temporary)Dr. Jeffrey PattersonFamily PhysicianJill PierceyNurseKimberly RoweClerk Typist II (Temporary)Shelley SpurrellNurseSonja EllisShawn HaireGregory LeblancBethany MillerJacqueline NevilleRayna PottleMary TidswellSheena YoungComings & GoingsLabrador City/WabushClerk Typist II (Temporary)Paramedic II (Temporary)Fourth Class Power EngineerNurseSwitchboard Operator I (Temporary)Utility/Domestic (Temporary)Utility/Domestic (Temporary)Switchboard Operator I (Temporary)Moses BroomfieldEmma AshiniMary’s HarbourAddictions CoordinatorNainMaintenance Repairer I (Temporary)NatuashishPersonal Care Attendant (Temporary)St. AnthonyNatalie BlakeNurse IJessica ColesSecretary I (Temporary)Dr. Suhasini DatarAnesthetistNicole ElfordAudiologistNikita ElliottPersonal Care Attendant (Temporary)Cecilia GaslardNurse ITiffany HallidayNurse IJoanne HillierNurse IDr. Ava JohnstonDentistSheila LakeLicensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Samantha ParrillLaboratory Assistant (Temporary)Stephen ParsonsNurse IRyan PateyNurse IDenise PollardAddictions Counselor (Temporary)Miranda RosePersonal Care Attendant (Temporary)Courtney Williams-GibbonsNurse ISt. LewisAngelia StrugnellPersonal Care Attendant (Temporary)GOOD-BYE AND GOOD LUCK TO:Chantel HusseyChurchill FallsPersonal Care Assistant (Temporary)Catherine AndersenMakkovikNurse Practitioner Labrador Health Centre, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Sonya Blake of Happy Valley-Goose Bay gave birth to a girl, Alexandra, on May 1, 2012. Sonya and Alexandrareceived a gift basket from Allison Strong, Speech Language Pathologist. Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital, Labrador City: Baby SamuelSmith was born on May 5, 2012. Parents Sarah Costello and Paul Smith received agift basket presented by Colette Blanchard, Speech Language Pathologist.Chelsea CarterMichelle FordDale MacMullinBessie MichelinShalegh StanleyHeather SullivanLorna BownsGerald BurtonWilma DoucetJulia HutchisonHappy Valley-Goose BayLicensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Social WorkerLicensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Licensed Practical Nurse (Retired)NursePhysiotherapist (Temporary)Labrador City/WabushLicensed Practical Nurse (Temporary)Fourth Class Power Engineer (Temporary)Human Resources Manager (Temporary)Switchboard Operator (Temporary)North West River/SheshatshiuJanet DumaresqueNurse Practitioner (Retired)St. AnthonyJoetta AdamsLaboratory Technologist (Temporary)Daphne HillierDomestic WorkerJennifer LaiNurseBonnie PelleyRegistered Nurse (Retired)Jessica PikeOccupational TherapistMurray SmithPainter/Plasterer (Temporary)Cora SnowClerk IV (Temporary)Selma StrangemoreAdministrative Officer (Temporary)Marie TroyPersonal Care Attendant (Retired)26 | alongthecoasttolabrador April - July 2012 | 27

To my mind, North West River is more like northern Ontario thanthe other parts of the Labrador I have seen. It is a beautiful partof the country. It lies a hundred miles in from the sea, and has the treesoften lacking in other districts, and gardens in which grow not only potatoes,cabbages, turnips, lettuce and carrots, but beets and peas, andmany flowers in addition to the delphiniums and monkshood seen atother places on the coast.The broad waters of Lake Melville, with the Mealy Mountains in thedistance always afford delight, the colors of the mountains constantlyvarying their shades of purple.I arrived at Goose airport on May 12, 1953. Miss Rhodes, the nursein the Grenfell Nursing Station at Hamilton Village (more commonlyknown as Happy Valley) had arranged for me to go to her little station,seven miles from Goose airport, and I spent the first night under herkindly roof. Next day the Mission boat, Norwester, transported me thethirty miles to North West River. For three days I watched the ice comingdown the river fast and furiously, but it was four to six weeks beforethe trees burst their buds.My work as General Assistant fell into three distinct divisions, alldifferent and interesting. For the first six weeks I helped in the hospital,living there and turning my hand to whatever I could find to do,mainly the care of several children and babies. A whooping cough epidemicwas causing much distress at the time and there were manylittle patients in.Towards the end of June the school children dispersed to theirhomes in outlying districts and I moved over to the Dormitory totake over the housekeeping there for the incoming “Wops” (WorkersWithout Pay) and other visitors. We had a household of 18-22 for aFrom the PastLabrador Summer, 1953week until the polio, alas, arrived. The Wops then returned to theirhomes and we in North West River were strictly quarantined for awhile.As my work had diminished through force of circumstances, I hadthe great good fortune to have a long-cherished dream come true. Formany years I had wanted to go farther down north, to Nain and Hebron.The Labrador mail ship, Kyle, calls twice a month at North West Riverand on August 12th I boarded her and proceeded to Hopedale, the endof her run, two days on from North West River. There I boarded the MVWinifred Lee, a converted schooner, and travelled to the end of herrun, Hebron, and back to Hopedale.We weathered the first of the autumn gales in Nutak, and had onevery tumultuous night in a harbor which I later discovered was knownas “Slam Bang”, a very apt and not exaggerated name.The Moravian missionaries in the four Moravian Mission stationswe visited were most hospitable and kind, and afforded opportunityfor some insight into their long continued good work.Among my outstanding memories of this trip are the beauty of theIceland poppies in the Moravian Mission gardens at Nain and Hebron –all shades of orange, yellow and white; the Aurora Borealis colors flaringand blowing in all quarters and up to the zenith; the towering cliffsof the Mugfords, austere and dramatic; the beauty of the icebergs intheir many shapes, dazzling in their glistening whiteness, crossed byblue and purple shadows and green ice.I wished many times that my friends at home could see for themselvesthe beauty of the surroundings and could share my privilege inbeing allowed to take part in such rewarding work.C. Helen Fotheringham(Excerpts from Among the Deep Sea Fishers, January 1954)28 | alongthecoasttolabrador