Let’s Talk about Death and Dying
I have the very special opportunity to join a group of hosts on a new weekly public radio show that is solely centred around death, dying and loss.
Menno Place ensures sustainability for seniors cared for at Menno Hospital
On August 6th, BCNU (British Columbia Nurses Union) was given notice of Menno Place’s intent to contract out nursing services at Menno Hospital.
Menno Hospital is one of two residential care facilities operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society. There are 151 residents who live at Menno Hospital.
On September 29, 2015, 11 full-time and 18 part-time nursing positions were given notice of layoff along with the casual nurses. This working notice will provide up to six months transition time.
This difficult decision to layoff nursing positions was made by the Board of the Mennonite Benevolent Society to address a mounting $1.62 million deficit at Menno Hospital. This measure will rectify the annual budget deficit at Menno Hospital within three years. The alternative to this layoff was to close the beds, relocate 151 residents and layoff all the Menno Hospital staff.
Quality resident care is our primary focus at Menno Place. This continues to be our primary focus during this time of transition. The Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital will continue to provide continuity of care and compassionate relationships as daily caregivers at the bedside.
As a Christian organization, one of our values is Stewardship of our resources for the benefit of our residents and the long-term sustainability of our operations. Click to read the Menno Place values.
“Our board tried and tried to do everything it could so it didn’t affect nursing. It was a very difficult decision for my board, (who) really care about our staff. It’s really tough to make these decisions that impact people’s lives.” – Karen Baillie, CEO
Please note:
- This layoff notice does not impact Menno Home or The Apartments.
- This layoff notice does not include any of the Health Care Aides working at Menno Hospital, Menno Home or The Apartments.
- Menno Hospital has not been closed as was reported on the news. Quality resident care will continue during this time of transition.
Thank you for your support and engagement
Many of the residents, family members and friends of our residents have taken the initiative to offer support and engagement during this time of transition. Many people have come to speak directly with Karen Baillie, CEO to clarify their understanding of the reason Menno Place made the difficult decision to lay off 29 nursing positions at Menno Hospital.
Thank you for your support as well as your initiative to clarify what is happening at Menno Hospital during this transition time with the Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses.
Please be assured that quality compassionate care is our primary focus during this time of transition. The compassionate care that is given to residents in their daily activities of living, such as: getting up in the morning, getting dressed, bathing, having meals, participating in recreation, going to chapel, music therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, will continue to be provided by staff that will not be transitioning from their positions.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact Karen Baillie, CEO at 604.859.7631 x.222
Senior’s Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie visits Menno Place
Today, we hosted Isobel Mackenzie for a tour and lunch at the Fireside Cafe. Isobel Mackenzie is Canada’s first seniors advocate, entirely independent from the provincial government.
As the voice of seniors in BC, Ms. Mackenzie has a broad mandate to monitor and review system-wide issues affecting the well-being of seniors and raise awareness about resources available to them. She will also make recommendations to government about how to best deliver seniors’ services.
To date, she has published four reports on issues that are critical to seniors – from caregivers in distress to affordable seniors housing to placement, drugs and therapy.
Access these reports and senior’s resouces here: http://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/
Karen Baillie receives Canadian College of Health Leaders Chapter Award for Distinguished Service
Karen Baillie, Menno Place CEO was the recipient of the BC Lower Mainland Chapter Award for Distinguished Service awarded by The Canadian College of Health Leader. This award provides an opportunity for the BC Lower Mainland chapter to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the chapter.
Karen Baillie provided significant leadership of the BC Lower Mainland Chapter as a past chair of the chapter.
Karen holds her Canadian Health Executive designation (CHE). In October 2014, the Mennonite Benevolent Society (Menno Place) and the Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) signed the first agreement in British Columbia health care that commits to setting the Certified Health Executive (CHE) as a standard for leaders to develop skills and competencies of health leaders in Canada. This will help raise the level of leadership and management in the care of seniors in the province of British Columbia.
Congratulations, Karen, for providing significant healthcare leadership in our region, province and country!
Life’s Certainties
Benjamin Franklin is the one who said, “In this world, nothing can be certain except death and taxes.” This has not changed since he penned those words more than 200 years ago.
We’re Green and Getting Greener!
Menno Place Teams have taken on a significant initiative – The Paperless Project. This initiative seeks to reduce paper usage across the campus. Team members have been diligently choosing whether or not there is benefit in pressing the “print” button. What a success this project has been!
Since 2013, we have reduced our paper usage across the campus by 59%! Congratulations to the Team Members on this successful initiative!
Thank you for serving on the MBS Board
It is our honor to thank the members of the Mennonite Benevolent Society Board for their service at the end of their term. Thank you to Rose Bergen and Victor Dyck for their faithful service in providing direction to the Mennonite Benevolent Society.
The Mennonite Benevolent Society is a non-profit organization that has provided direction to Menno Place since its beginnings in 1953.
Thank you to Victor Dyck for long-service on the Mennonite Benevolent Society Board. Certificate presented by Gerd Bartel, MBS Board President.
Thank you to Rose Bergen for serving on the Mennonite Benevolent Society Board. Certificate presented by Gerd Bartel, MBS Board President.
They tell a GREAT fish story!
Residents of Menno Place have enjoyed the hospitality and thrill of fishing at the Trout Creek Farm in Mission, BC. Take a look at one fishing trip that took place in June. Thank you to the owner of Trout Creek Farm for opening up the opportunity to come fishing.
Celebrating Pastoral Care Volunteers
Thank you to the many people who volunteer their time and talents to provide pastoral and spiritual care for the residents at Menno Place. A special celebration and thank you was held to share appreciation for the faithful people who are a valued part of our Pastoral Care Team. The luncheon was a time to hear from Don Klassen and Betty Horch about their experiences here at Menno Place as volunteers in this area. They shared how this ministry has brought them joy, friendship and meaning as they meet one-on-one with residents who request these visits.
Other volunteers share their talents through music, leading worship services, prayer meetings and Bible Studies. Residents love and appreciate the opportunity to have a regular visitor, a regular worship service and spiritual support as they make their way
Are you interested in joining the Pastoral Care Volunteer Team?
We have training each fall. Online applications are received any time throughout the year.
