Annual Report - KRRC · 2019-10-27 · Donald MacDonald Cathy Cantwell (Treasurer) Jennifer...

Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre: April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019

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2018 – 2019


Table of Contents

Mission Vision Values ................................................................................... 1Board Chair Message ................................................................................... 1Chief Executive Officer Message .................................................................. 2Client Care (Community) .............................................................................. 3Plank Industries ........................................................................................... 5Client Care (In-Centre) ................................................................................. 6Clinical Services ........................................................................................... 7Financial Services ......................................................................................... 8Facilities ........................................................................................................ 9Centre Highlights ........................................................................................ 10Human Resources ....................................................................................... 11Quality & Risk Management ....................................................................... 12Apple Tree Foundation................................................................................ 13

About Kings Regional Rehabilitation CentreLocated in Waterville, NS, Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre (KRRC) serves over 200

children and adults from across Nova Scotia with physical and cognitive, mental health

and/or social challenges.

The Centre is accredited by Accreditation Canada, licensed under the Homes for Special

Care Act, and funded through the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services. Client

supports include medical and dental services, psychology and psychiatry, social work,

speech-language pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, behaviour intervention,

nutrition, assistive technology, vocational, recreational and other resources.

Please browse the information in this Annual Report to learn more about the clients served by KRRC and

the staff who support them. Copies of this report, along with financial statements, may be requested in

writing through the office of the CEO.

1349 County Home RoadPO Box 128Waterville, NS B0P 1V0


On behalfof theBoard ofDirectors Iwant toacknowledge the work of the dedicated staff ofKings Regional Rehabilitation Centre who striveeach day to deliver quality supports to the clientswe serve.

The Board was pleased to welcome Judy Heffernto the CEO’s office in 2018 and looks forward tocontinuing to work with her into the future.

Our Board appointed one new member this year,Jennifer Collishaw, and another returningmember, Colin Best. I extend to my Boardcolleagues appreciation for their contributions andsupport.

Murray SalsmanChair, Board of Directors

CommunityInclusion

HumanResources

Development

EnvironmentalGrowth

MISSIONFacilitating opportunities for the individuals we serve

to fulfill their aspirations and responsibilities asvalued community members.

VISIONMeaningful Lives. Inclusive Communities.

VALUESRESPECT - We believe in the dignity and equalityof all and are committed to a compassionateapproach that recognizes everyone’s strengths andpotential.

COLLABORATION - We value diversity andbelieve in the capacity of individuals to worktogether to create partnerships and transformchallenges into opportunities.

GROWTH - We encourage and support personaland professional development and believe thatopportunities for learning are possible throughoutlife.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION - We promotemeaningful engagement of individuals in communitylife while recognizing personal choice.

INTEGRITY - We demonstrate humility and holdourselves accountable to the continual pursuit ofquality through life-affirming, ethical, evidence-based practice.

B O A R DM E S S A G E

Murray Salsman, Chair

Strategic Priorities for 2019 — 2022

Annual Report 1

K R R C B o a r d o f D i r e c t o r s2 0 1 8 — 2 0 1 9

M u n i c i p a l C o u n c i l

Bob Best, CouncillorPaul Spicer, Councillor

Martha Armstrong, CouncillorPeter Allen, Councillor

C o m m u n i t y

Faye BestColin Best (Member at Large)

Don Rafuse (concluded 2018)

P r o v i n c i a l

Murray Salsman (Chair)

Donald MacDonaldCathy Cantwell (Treasurer)

Jennifer Collishaw (Vice-Chair)


Annual Report 2

It is my pleasure to share some of thehighlights from the past year at KingsRegional Rehabilitation Centre (KRRC).It has been a busy, but productive year forboth staff and clients.

After four years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Joe Haverstock retired from this position in thesummer of 2018. Thanks are extended to Joe for hisleadership and for his ongoing commitment in movingKRRC forward for the betterment of clients and staff.He is wished well in his retirement. In September oflast year, I was pleased to return once again to myformer position as CEO for KRRC.

Transformation planning, both internally andprovincially, continued to be a high priority for usduring the 2018/2019 year. Staff continued to workclosely with the Department of Community Services(DCS) to promote KRRC as a strategic partner in thetransformation process. The Department’s long-rangegoal of developing small, community option homeswhich will enable many clients to successfullyintegrate within the larger community is one thatwe support.

The opening of Aylesford House in June 2018, whichhouses three individuals with Autism, was a majoraccomplishment and a positive step forward inpreparing for community living.

Preparation for our 2019 Accreditation Canadasurvey has required detailed reviews of our programsand identification of our strengths as well asopportunities for improvement. This review processinvolved clients, families, staff, Board of Directors andour community partners. Accreditation Canadarecognized KRRC in the spring of 2019 by honoringthe Centre with a ‘Leading Practice’ for its innovative‘Community Access (Bus Training) Program’. Thisnational recognition is quite a significant milestone.Staff is commended for this client-focused initiative.

KRRC has also been recognized as a ‘SafetyChampion’ by the Workers’ Compensation Board(WCB) of NS. Commendations were extended to the

Centre for achieving an 89% reduction in the numberof hours lost to workplace injuries in a one-yearperiod. This is a major accomplishment and one ofwhich we are very proud. A Workplace RecognitionAward was presented to the Board Chair inacknowledgement of this accomplishment.

In 2018, a successful proposal was developed andpresented to representatives of DCS for theintroduction of Behavioral Interventionists (BIs) toKRRC. These staff members are valued for theirwork in assisting clients though the development ofindividualized positive behavior managementprograms.

In November, KRRC underwent an extensivestrategic planning exercise which resulted in new,Board approved, directions for the Centre.Approximately 60 staff, clients, family members, andcommunity partners participated in the planning daywhile many more provided input for the session.Three key themes emerged that have been organizedinto priority goals and objectives for KRRC’s workplan spanning the 2019-2022 period.

All in all, it has been an exciting year. In closing Iextend my thanks to the Board of Directors for theircommitment to and support of the clients and staff ofKRRC. Thanks are also extended to KRRC staff fortheir dedication to providing quality care and servicesfor our clients.

The year ahead promises to hold many challenges,and I am confident that by working together we willmeet them successfully.

C H I E F E X E C U T I V EO F F I C E R M E S S A G E

Judy Heffern, CEO

Judy HeffernChief Executive Officer


Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre’s Community Options Programprovides residential and vocational options, opportunities, programsand services to adults and children (ages 9-18 upon admission) whorequire various support. Through solution- focused, strength-basedprograms which respect and value personal choice, we strive toassist clients to work toward and achieve their individual goals incommunity settings.

Six childrenwere

successfully discharged back into the careof their families of origin and two youngpeople graduated from high school.

The children’s program rolled out the 40Developmental Assets, a collection ofresources based on the Search Institute’sDevelopmental Assets Framework,

including activities based on a number ofevidence-based practices. The goal of theseresources will be the promotion of standardizedoutcomes, while meeting the current needs ofeach location or individual child.

Summer groups were held at the Day Programwith a focus on healthy relationships and socialskills.

Work on a recruitment presentation wascompleted and delivered to front line youthworkers at two Nova Scotia campuses resultingin one successful student placement.

Our first ever ‘Burger Wars’ was held to promote spirit andfriendly competition. The ‘battle’ highlighted the culinarytalents and creativity of the children and staff of eachlocation. While a close and difficult decision, Grafton Housetook the winning honors along with the burger trophy fortheir delicious entry!

With ongoing commitment to safety and quality care the children’s ClientSafety Plans were updated, Post-Incident Guidelines were released, andthe program Psychologist completed QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer — 3 simplesteps to help save a life) as part of suicide prevention training. The newenhanced Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) training began for YouthWorkers.

C L I E N T C A R E(Community)

Aylesford House

Berwick House

Cambridge Village

Greene House

Rainforth House

Ashlee House

Grafton House

Greenwood House

Welsford House

Newton House

Day Program

Plank IndustriesService Centre

Debbie Proctor-ScovilleDirector

Children / Day Program— Highlights

Annual Report 3


Newton House is bridging gapsthrough use of technology toexpand opportunities forcommunication. This has beenespecially beneficial with the use offacetime to connect clients with theDysphagia team, providing anopportunity for the team to observeclients eating, and to reviewstrategies of benefit.

Three staff at Newton also had theopportunity to train with the localschool board on the use ofProloquo2Go, an Augmentativeand Alternative Communication(AAC) app used for children, teensand adults who have difficultyspeaking. This app is used as adaily communication tool and tobuild language skills.

(The app is also being successfullyused at Aylesford House.)

The House acquired new sportsequipment for the gym areaincluding hockey and basket ballequipment, a rock wall andclimbing line.

Important repairs have taken placethis year including the addition of alarger fenced-in yard, new sidingand roof, as well as painting of thebedrooms with colors selected bythe clients.

Newton

C L I E N T C A R E (Community)·In June Aylesford House was opened and became home for three maleclients who moved from the main Centre. With the support of staff, theseindividuals have been enjoying and exploring their community with outings

such as visiting a local pool and dining in area restaurants.

At home, they take part in meal preparation and enjoy activities in the spacious backyard. Staff havealso been working on creating a sensory space within the home, which includes special lighting anda comfy rocking chair, funded through the Apple Tree Foundation.

· Berwick House continued the successful Chicken Project, with laying hens loaned to one of the clientsfrom Oaklawn Farm Zoo. A garden also provided residents with fresh produce throughout the summerseason.

· All homes have been set up for the convenience of on-line grocery shopping. Several locations continueto shop with clients as an opportunity to develop important life skills with those who are able.

· Use of personal security pendants was expanded to staff of Aylesford and Rainforth homes.

· The C.A.R.E.S. Model, originally developed for the children’s program by the program Psychologist, hasbeen adapted for the adult homes and is intended to guide our programs and services toward a client-centered alliance fostering independence and community integration through relationships, lifeexperiences and supported decision making.

10th Community Home opened

Adult Program— Highlights

Annual Report 4


Client Care (Community)

Focus on CommunitySupported Employment

Plank Industries participated in the Co-OpStudent Community Development Programthrough Acadia University during the summer of2018.

This 14-week student placement focused onemployment readiness training, initiatingcommunity contact with potential employers,supporting placements and utilizing publictransportation safely. The student helped tocreate a new community employment pamphletfor employees and businesses.

Jackie Roop, Service Centre Coordinator, along withtwo Plank participants, were part of an Acadia Co-Opprogram promotional video. Seven Plank staff alsoattended the Canadian Association of SupportedEmployment Conference in Halifax.

Plank’s employment readiness skill developmenteducation included: resume development, dressingfor success, how to conduct an interview, what to dowhen ‘there is nothing to do,’ drivers’ license test prep(Beginners), PeopleWorx tours and application, howto ride the bus and bus safety, WHMIS education,money management, and more.Community employment has grown over the year toinclude work placement opportunities in retail, service

delivery, customer service andjanitorial. A few participants have alsoattended job fairs and interviews forcompetitive jobs in the community.Community Partnerships continueand have expanded with several localbusinesses and organizations:· Jonny’s Cook House (left)· Cambridge United Baptist Church· Coldbrook Lions – Touch the Truck· Central Kings Safe Grad· Bargain Harleys· Knights of Columbus

· Greenwood Giant Tiger (above)· Maritime Goat Milk Soap· Outdoor Classroom supported by Natural

Resources of Sharp Lake

Plank Industries Woodworking andPackaging is a not-for-profit small

business service centre in Cambridge operated under KRRC’sCommunity Options program. Plank provides a vocationallearning and work experience by enhancing skill development,personal growth and independence. Participants work in asupported team environment developing a sense ofaccomplishment in the products and services they produce.Training is provided in woodworking for products such assurvey stakes, lumber, gift boxes, display units, kindling, frames, special custom orders, as wellas furniture refinishing and refurbishing. In packaging and assembly, participants learn labelling,laminating, shrink wrapping, sorting and counting. The work program is open to adult clients ofKRRC within the Centre and Community Homes and to individuals living in the local community.

Þ 3,343 bags of kindling sold

Þ 47,050 survey stakes produced

Þ 300 woodworking projects

Þ 224,194 napkin packages assembled

Þ 118,522 sƟckers and items labeled

Þ 4,417 bags of Dog Gone Goodies sold(approximately 200,000 biscuits)

Annual Report 5

Plank Industries


C L I E N TC A R E(In-Centre)

Friars and Vista units providea high degree of personal careand a supportive livingenvironment to meet the needsof clients with significantphysical and cognitivechallenges including traumaticbrain injuries.

Gateways, Horizons,Rosedale and Springdaleunits provide a range of careand a supportive livingenvironment for clients withbehavioural, physical,cognitive and other challenges.

Dutton Place is a unit servingmale clients with behaviouralchallenges, some with judicialimplications. Care, support andcounseling is provided in astructured environment.

MacArthur Unit offers aPsychogeriatric Programserving older adults withbehavioral issues,experiencing Alzheimer orother dementias.

Meeting this wide range of clientneeds requires a unique approach tostaffing and program delivery.Together, a collaborative team strivesto address each individual’schallenges and provides a positiveliving, learning and workingenvironment for clients, continuouslyexploring and implementing new andinnovative ways to improve andexpand services.

Each client has a specially designedIndividual Program Plan (IPP) thataddresses unique abilities andneeds with assistance throughfront line staff, social work,nursing, physiotherapy, speechtherapy, occupational therapy,leisure, work programs and otheractivities. Staff is committed tofinding newinitiatives andopportunities to helpclients work towardsgreaterindependence andmanaging their liveswith appropriatelevels of support and guidance.

There are numerous in centerprograms and activities offered to

support clients and staff indeveloping client independence andenhancing life-skills and readiness forcommunity living. Several programsare ongoing from previous years andsome initiatives have recently beendeveloped.

· Enhanced music therapy· Special Olympics· Unit library· Sensory activities· Therapeutic horseback riding· Cooking groups· Visits to Autism Center· Swimming at the Youth Centre

A couple ofhighlights in theIn-Centerprograminclude:

A weekenddance party,organized by

Vista Unit in Februaryfeaturing a live local band

Dutton/Horizonscollaboration with NovaScotia Power to form aclean up initiative and

create vocational opportunities forclients—see photo page 10

Susan Hines-KennedyDirector

In-Centre programs at Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centreassist individuals with various levels of health, personal care andbehavioural supports. Cognitive challenges, chronic mentalillness, acquired brain injury, physical disabilities or acombination of diagnoses represent the diverse needs of the 170residents residing in the main facility.

Annual Report 6


The Clinical Services Team is comprised of healthprofessionals in more than ten disciplines andspecializations including Social Work, Psychology,Behavioural Intervention, Occupational Therapy,Physiotherapy, Speech Language Pathology,Nutrition, Pharmacy, Phlebotomy (blood collection),Recreation, Vocational Programming, and AssistiveTechnology.

These skilled employees fill a vital role at Kings RegionalRehabilitation Centre (KRRC), providing leadership andsupport across the entire organization. They also providemuch-needed assistance to KRRC’s partners in thecommunity through consultation and training provided viatheir involvement with the Cambridge Community OutreachGroup (CCOG), the Learning and Technology Centre (LTC),and other special initiatives such as the recently introducedEnhanced In-Home Support (EIHS) pilot project.

The clients served by KRRC have unique and complexneeds. They require a team of professionals with specializedexpertise. The members of Clinical Services workcollaboratively with the Centre’s physicians, nurses,Residential Rehabilitation Workers (RRWs), and support staffto assist the clients to achieve their personal goals andaspirations while mitigating, as much as possible, risks totheir health and safety.

Clinical Services promotes individualized, evidence-based,solution-focused practices that are ethical and consistent with

legislation, Accreditation Canada standards, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Personswith Disabilities (UNCRPD). As examples, members of Clinical Services strive to ensure that KRRC clientsare able to exercise their autonomy through supported decision-making, and to explore their personalinterests through exposure to new foods and experiences.

C L I N I C A LS E R V I C E S

Tracie Sarsfield-TurnerDirector

Food & NutritionServices

Phlebotomy(Blood Collection—

Laboratory)

Speech-Language

Social Work

BehaviourIntervention

Learning &TechnologyCentre (LTC)

OccupationalTherapy

Pharmacy

Psychology

Physiotherapy

Lifestyles

CambridgeCommunity

Outreach Group(CCOG)

Behaviour InterventionistsJoin Clinical TeamTwo new BehaviouralInterventionists, or BIs, joinedClinical Services in 2018 to supportclients both in Centre and theCommunity Homes, and assistKRRC outreach teams.

Under the direction of the Centrepsychologist, the BIs work with ourinterdisciplinary teams, including

frontline staff, to addressbehaviours of concern. Their rolehas four main focuses:consultation, assessment, plandevelopment and implementationof strategies and interventions.BIs collect information aboutchallenging behaviours from thoseworking closest with the clients,and help staff try differentstrategies to reduce behavioursand increase clients’ skills.

Through this collaboration, PositiveBehaviour Support (PBS) Plans arecreated based on provenstrategies. Some clients now havethese plans as part of theirIndividual Program Plans (IPPs).Data collected to date clearlyshows the benefit of having BIsupport in place for more complexclient behaviours.

Annual Report 7


Corporate/Financial Services supports the Centre by providingFinance, Clinical Records, Reception, Information Technologyand Procurement. The goal is to ensure the financial integrityof the organization, maintain controls and effectivelyadminister financial management, payroll and benefitsmanagement and materials management for the organization.

Information Technology provides support and enhancessystems that improve information management,communication and effectiveness of the organization. TheClinical Records and Reception areas maintain informationflow and act as the hub for communication, client informationand support for the Centre.

The department underwent a re-design this year to better utilize space and resources, and continueto meet the needs of the more than 600 employees, greater than 200 clients and numerousprograms and services.

· Clinical Records area was reconfigured for better use of office space

· Client Banking was moved to the lower level to increase convenience and accessibility

· A client Work Program was implemented to assist in filling stores orders and the stocking and delivery ofsupplies to in-centre units and community option homes

· In collaboration with KRRC’s Learning & Technology Centre, a relationship was established with the localCredit Union to enable residents to open accounts with minimal ID and no service fees

· A new payroll reporting and payroll audit process was created to ensure a more accurate pay

· The reporting method for client trust account balances was updated to ensure sensitive information isshared only with those that need access

· Advanced wireless capability was added in the Boardroom and Conference rooms, allowing users theoption of displaying content from mobile devices and the ability to print

The following transactions were processed by the department in the fiscal period:

Þ Client Trust – 15,900 petty cash slipsÞ Purchasing – 2,800 stores orders / 1,100 purchase requisitions and ordersÞ Accounts Payable – 10,800 invoices / 2,300 paymentsÞ Accounts Receivable – 1,075 billings / 2,015 cash receiptsÞ Payroll & Benefits – 15,225 pay stubs / 127 new hiresÞ Clinical Records – 1,400 shadow billings / 90 movement notices / 200 IPP-progress notesÞ IT – 403 service tickets completed (140 were password resets)

F I N A N C I A LS E R V I C E S

Clinical RecordsReceptionPayroll & BenefitsAccounts PayableClient TrustPurchasingInformation Technology (IT)

Tom LitsasDirector

Annual Report 8


KRRC’s Plant and Environmental Services team of dedicatedpersonnel works diligently to assure the safety and security ofthe clients and staff at both the main Centre and in theCommunity Options facilities. With our large and aginginfrastructure, the staff deliver service that always focusses onthe priorities of the clients.

Examples of work this year throughout the organization include:

· Safety Inspections: Annual Fire Marshal, ProvincialLicensing, Department of Labour, Department ofEnvironment, Electrical, and Occupational Healthand Safety. A 5-year sprinkler tank inspection wasalso carried out with both tanks in great shape

· A Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) wascompleted for the domestic hot water system, anaging and obsolete hot water supply system. TheFMEA considered viable options to mitigate risks tothe Centre, and to assure water service

· A domestic hot water and primary electrical systemdesign was engineered; procurement is underwayto replace both antiquated systems in 2019

· Several rooms in the Community Option houseswere renovated, and the new home which openedin June underwent numerous renovationsthroughout to bring the dwelling up to Code

· A Preventative Maintenance (PM) contract wassigned with an organization to reduce the risk ofclient and staff injury due to equipment breakdown/failure, and to meet Accreditation Canada standards

· The Department of Community Services approvedinfrastructure funding that allowed KRRC to plan formuch-needed on-going improvements

· New vehicles were purchased for the KRRC Fleet,including a wheelchair accessible bus, supported inpart by the Apple Tree Foundation

· The underground oil storage tank was removed atthe end of 2018, which closes out the 2017 project

· All elevator doors in the front lobby were replaced

· Lighting upgrades continued to be embodiedthroughout the Centre to reduce energy costs, andimprove visibility

· Numerous bathroom renovations were undertakenIn-Centre

· Numerous client bedrooms, administration areas(Clinical Records and Reception), the Plank Industrieskitchen, and offices were renovated with newflooring, lights, wall reparations, etc.

· HVAC units were repaired or purchased to improveair quality both at the main Centre and in thehomes. There was increased frequency of theHVAC cleaning program

· Emergency exercises and monthly Fire Drills wereconducted throughout the year, as well as tests ofthe Emergency Call-out system for staff

· The South side parking area was paved to improvedriving conditions, and reduce the safety risks

· Medication locks on all units were replaced,including the Pharmacy itself, and a new pharmacysecurity system is being investigated for 2019

· A new audio-video Intercom system for after-hoursentry into the main building was installed

· Front Lobby safety gates were installed to avoidaccidental falls

· Based on feedback from the Client Council, a newclient bathroom on the main level is being planned,with anticipation to tender and complete in 2019

· The Plank Industries furnace is undergoing reviewfor suitable replacement options due to age andlack of available parts

· Closet sinks and taps throughout the main Centrewere repaired, and check valves were installed onwater lines to mitigate future leak isolation

FA C I L I T I E S

BoilerMaintenanceLaundryHousekeeping

Mike SmithDirector

Annual Report 9


In September a litter cleanup partnership was formed between Nova Scotia Power (NSP) and KRRC.Throughout the Fall, six Dutton and Horizons clients began travelling to local boat launches, hiking trails andfishing spots (part of the Black River Hydro System) to pick up litter and to empty recycling and garbage bins.The clients also installed signs on new bins. The initiative is on-going in 2019 and provides a meaningfulvocational opportunity, promotes community inclusion, outdoor exercise and social skills, including teamwork. Details on the collaborative project were featured in NSP’s stakeholder newsletter.

While there are many initiatives from the past year which demonstrate the excellent workbeing done by KRRC staff throughout the organization, three are highlighted here:

Leading Practice ü Workplace Recognition Safety Award ü NSP Partnership.

A Workplace Recognition SafetyChampion Award was presentedto KRRC in January from theWorkers Compensation Board.

WCB Workplace Consultant TanyaNewell congratulated the Centrefor achieving an 89% reduction inthe number of hours lost to

workplace injuries in a one-year period. “We don’t often see thatkind of reduction,” she said, noting such a significant result cantake up to five years to achieve.

WCB statistics show KRRC was able to reduce the weeks lost toinjury from 595 in 2017, to just 69 in 2018 – an equivalent ofmore than 10 working years. “Your focus on safety, yourdedication to employees and your collaboration withstakeholders, including WCB, has helped to ensure employeesstay safe at work.”

Instrumental in the changes to safety culture have been theCentre’s efforts to revamp health and safety policies, addresscommunication, undertake risk mapping across the organizationto improve ergonomics, revise the return-to-work program, andimplement a staff Safety Hero award program, along with othereducation and training.

KRRC’s efforts have been profiled in the WCB’s Annual Report.

KRRC received exciting news inMarch that it had been recognizedwith a Leading Practice designationby Accreditation Canada for itsclient-centred initiative on usingpublic transportation.Developed by the Learning &Technology Centre, the ‘CommunityAccess Program: An IndividualizedApproach,’ aims to increase skills,reduce anxiety, and improve comfortand confidence while using the bus forappointments, social outings or work,all in an effort toward developing clientindependence.

CENTRE HIGHLIGHTSAnnual Report 10


Investing in People — KRRC Human Resources

Human ResourcesDevelopment wasidentified as one of thethree priorities of ourstrategic planning thisyear. As a result, an HROperational plan and anHR Department plan werecompleted to addressareas such as attractingand retaining staff,improving training,building leadershipcapacity and empowering,engaging and recognizingemployees.

Safety and Safety trainingis an important part ofworkplace culture atKRRC. In January 2019,the WorkersCompensation Board(WCB) presented KRRCwith their EmployerSafety Award. Theaward recognizes safetychampions who arecommitted to preventingworkplace injury andpromoting early and safereturn to work.

An 89% reduction inhours lost was due in partto the dedicated work ofthe Health and WellnessNurse who closelymonitored WCB claims,along with initiatives of theSafety Action Team. The‘A’-Team put forth multiplesafety initiatives andmeasures in accordancewith audits of surveys andcluster mapping tools thathelped determine whereand when injuries werehappening.

A revised AttendanceSupport Program for staffwas released in February2019. The program andprocess was designed toensure absenteeism ismanaged throughconsistent and positivenon-disciplinaryintervention strategies.

Recruiting and retainingcasual staff continues tobe a challenge. KRRCcontinues to partner withcommunity colleges anduniversities to hire newgraduates.

Recruitment efforts thispast year includedpresentations at theContinuing Care Assistant(CCA) programs andChild and Youth CareWorker Program with NSCommunity Colleges.

With the introduction ofthe Cannabis Act inOctober 2018, KRRCdeveloped mandatoryDrug and AlcoholImpairment in theWorkplace education forall employees; 319completed the trainingwithin the year.

In February 2019, 17employees were trainedas trainers in the SafeMobility and Transferprogram. One hundredand seventy direct clientcare employees attended,with plans for moretraining next year.

In February, NaloxoneEducation was introducedto 47 Youth Workers.

Enhancing awarenessand understanding ofMental Health has been afocus over the past year.Twenty-two employeesattended a 2-day MentalHealth First Aidcourse,117 employeestook part in QPRGatekeeper training forsuicide prevention and108 participated in a 4-hour session on TheWorking Mind. Inaddition, Managersattended a full daysession of The WorkingMind for Managers.

In October 2018, a PDSurvey was madeavailable to allemployees. There were114 responses; 88%indicated they hadparticipated in 1 to 5learning opportunitieswithin the previous sixmonths, and over 75%were satisfied (66.4%strongly agreeing and 9.7%agreeing) their learningneeds were being met.

Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre (KRRC) has over 600 full-time, part-time and casual staff.Our Human Resource (HR) Plan was developed on the belief that employees are the organization’s mostvaluable asset. Over one hundred and twenty new staff were hired this year, while the organization supported25 student placements.

Human Resources, Professional Development (PD) and Health and Wellness have focused on initiatives thatalign with the organizations’ Strategic Plan and Accreditation Standards, along with feedback fromemployees, clients and families.The HR Manager, along with the PD Coordinator, support the recruitment,selection, orientation and training of staff. HR advises and supports management on staffing concerns,attendance, performance management, benefits programs, health and safety and leadership training.

Highlights

Annual Report 11


Quality &Risk Management

Quality improvement initiatives and riskreduction activities are an important part ofKings Regional Rehabilitation Centre’squality improvement journey.

Through Quality Council, we analyze risksand report on progress of variousinitiatives throughout the organization. Thisin turn is reported quarterly to the Qualityand Risk Management Committee of theKRRC Board of Directors.

Throughout 2018-19 there were manyinitiatives aimed at reducing risks in theareas of choking, medicationadministration, physical aggression, falls,employee injuries, infection prevention andenvironmental safety.

To ensure our quality efforts had inputfrom clients, families and employees,several surveys were conducted. Based onresults, our teams developed action plansto move forward in areas identified forimprovement.

In addition, the Centre continues to work toaddress any underlying deficiencieshighlighted in Accreditation Canadastandards.

Through our voluntary participation in anAccreditation Canada on-site survey everyfour years (April-May 2019), regular Qualitycommittee meetings, Joint OccupationalHealth & Safety and Emergency PlanningCommittees, comprehensive InfectionPrevention and Control Programs and anEthics framework, KRRC continues tomonitor, evaluate and manage risks withinour organization, while aiming to uphold ahigh standard of quality care to clients.

The Senior Leadership team hosted a Staff AppreciationBreakfast in September serving up early morning pancakesand sausages.

As part of the 2018Strategic Planningprocess, various levels ofstaff, Client Councilrepresentatives, client familymembers and communitystakeholders came togetherin a day-long planningsession in November.Among the topics was a brief outline of the differencesbetween strategic and operational planning, a SWOT analysisexercise exploring the organization’s strengths, weaknesses,opportunities and threats, and a review of the mission, visionand values.

At the annual Staff RecognitionCeremony in November, over 80staff were recognized with longservice awards from 5 to 40 years,as well as those reachingretirement. With a wide range ofskills each fills an important role,and makes up an amazing team.Many have spent decades atKRRC,continuingeach day toserve theneeds ofclients.

OUR STAFFAnnual Report 12


The Apple Tree FoundationApple Tree Foundation

Board of Directors 2018 - 2019

(alphabetical order)

BRITTANY FLYNN

BRIAN FRASER

DEAN GURNEY

JOE HAVERSTOCK / JUDY HEFFERN

TOM LITSAS (SECRETARY-TREASURER)

SCOTT MACKAY (VICE-CHAIR)

BARRY MORSE

RACHEL PROVENCAL

DONALD RAFUSE / COLIN BEST

CINDY ROBERTS

MURRAY SALSMAN

MIKE SMITH

BOB STEWART (CHAIR)

The Apple Tree Foundation

(ATF) was established in

1994 as the fundraising

arm of Kings Rehabilitation

Centre (KRRC) and is a

registered public

Foundation under the

Income Tax Act. While

KRRC receives funding through the NS Department of Community

Services, monies raised through the Foundation support special client

projects, programs or activities that might not otherwise be possible.

The Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of

members from the Community, Centre staff and KRRC Board.

Together they work on sub-committees to plan fundraising and profile

building activities. The Foundation also gratefully accepts general and

memorial donations, issuing tax receipts to donors. In addition to on-

going fundraising activities within the Centre (staff 50/50 draw and a

vending machine), the Board worked on two fundraising events in

2018-2019: 5-K Walk/Run in April and Golf Tournament in August.

Managing Director

TARINA BAMBRICK

(Please Print)

Name: ____________________________________________

Mailing Address:

__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

The Foundation may publish names of donors in materials promoting theFoundation or KRRC. Should you wish your name to remain anonymous,

please mark the box provided here: q

Donation to The Apple Tree Foundation

I wish to support the programs and client activities ofKings Regional Rehabilitation Centre through a

donation to The Apple Tree Foundation

$ ____________________

I have enclosed: Cheque □ Money Order □Payable to: The Apple Tree Foundation

1349 County Home Rd, PO Box 128, Waterville, NS B0P 1V0

Please return this form with your donation. Thank–you.

Annual Report 13

Front: T. Litsas, B. Morse, B. Stewart (Chair), J. Heffern.Back: D. Gurney, M. Salsman, C. Roberts, B. Fraser,

B. Flynn, M. Smith and C. Best.

To obtain a complete copy of the Foundation’s Annual Report for2018-2019 or for more information contact the Foundation office.

Phone: (902)-538-3103 ext 172 Email: [email protected]: krrc.ns.ca


Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre1349 County Home Road

PO Box 128Waterville, NS B0P 1V0

Telephone: 902-538-3103Fax: 902-538-7022

Web: www.krrc.ns.caEmail: [email protected]

Annual Report - KRRC · 2019-10-27 · Donald MacDonald Cathy Cantwell (Treasurer) Jennifer...

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