Hospital Visitation Program at Royal University Hospital (Saskatoon)

Ruth Redden (Volunteer Visitor Program Co-ordinator) writes: Many CARG members have participated in the Hospital Visitation Program at RUH. This program began in 1986 and has been very effective in assisting patients as they adapt to a new lifestyle after experiencing a "heart event". It is also an opportunity to talk with patients and family members about the cardiac education and exercise programs.

A journal article from the Archives of Internal Medicine,(Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Strategies on Utilization Rates, Arch Intern Med/Vol 171 (no 3), Feb. 14, 2011), looked at ways to increase cardiac rehab participation. Along with other points, they identified the benefits of visitation at the bedside and the positive effects of peers.

We know that people, after a heart event, benefit from attendance at a Cardiac Rehab Program. We also know it is best if people hear about programs from many sources. A person who has experienced a heart event and who has embraced our rehab program, is an important connection.

Our program is always interested in recruiting new volunteers to participate in the hospital visitation program currently operating at RUH.

What is involved in becoming a Hospital Volunteer Visitor?
* Interview with Ruth or one of the nurses
* Complete application form for RUH Volunteer Services
* Interview with Volunteer Services, police check and attend hospital orientation
* Buddy with an experienced volunteer and visit on the ward together

If you are interested in this area of volunteer work, please contact:
Ruth Redden (Volunteer Visitor Program Co-ordinator) at 652-6990


THANK YOU ETHYLENE EICHORN:

Ethylene Eichorn has been the program co-ordinator for the Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program since 1994.
She has efficiently co-ordinated the volunteer visitation schedules and has gone above and beyond what was required to ensure this program was successful.
Ethyelene retired from this role in August of 2011 but continues to volunteer her time at RUH.
A Special THANK YOU for a job well done.

Royal University Hospital Every Heart Matters Campaign (Saskatoon)

John Cross, Volunteer Chair Every Heart Matters Campaign writes "Chances are, you know someone with a heart rhythm disorder. It might be your grandmother or your grandson. A young athlete or a busy mom. A neighbour or a trusted friend. In fact, one in four of us will experience an abnormal heartbeat at some point in our lives. For many, an irregular heartbeat can diminish enjoyment of life. For others, it will prove fatal. In the 1950s, when Royal University Hospital opened its doors, Dr. Louis Horlick and, a few years later, his colleague Dr. José Lopez, were champions of modern, holistic cardiac care. Today, they continue that vision by joining the Royal University Hospital Foundation as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Every Heart Matters Campaign. Our goal is to advance the excellent cardiac care program at Royal University Hospital by raising $5.5 million for a laboratory and program dedicated to the treatment, research and education of heart rhythm disorders. This advanced sub-specialty is called Cardiac Electrophysiology or EP. As you will read on the following pages, a comprehensive cardiac care program - with the addition of the EP Laboratory - will make a vital difference to our patients, their families and their medical team at RUH. But we need your help. Please join me by supporting the Every Heart Matters Campaign"

Video: Preparing for Cardiovascular Surgery - Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada

Preparing for Cardiovascular Surgery is a 23 minute video produced by Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada, in 2004. Your host, Deborah Lendzyk-Sorestad, R.N., BSN, introduces the video: "It has been determined that you will require cardiovascular surgery. In this program we will introduce you to many members of the team that will be involved in your surgery. We hope that this will help prepare you for the days ahead, and help alleviate some of the anxiety that is normal for you and your family to feel at this time"