2021 News Archive

SLMHC is requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all visitors, escorts and essential care partners starting January 5, 2022. Additionally, everyone entering the hospital will be asked to wear a hospital-issued medical mask.

Brad Caughell, Medical Laboratory Technologist, has been at SLMHC for almost 17 years, where’s he’s been able to pursue further education and grow his career. Click here to learn more about how SLMHC provides support to grow!

Arianna Kitching, medical radiation technologist (MRT), recently completed training to provide mammography services at SLMHC, and is now fully certified to provide breast screening and diagnostic mammography services. Click here to read more about our crucial mammography services!

As Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) prioritizes the health and safety of everyone at the hospital and long-term care facility, the organization is updating its COVID-19 immunization policy to require all staff, physicians, learners, contract care/service providers, support workers and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 31, 2022.

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Diagnostic Imaging Department has received a certificate of accreditation, from Accreditation Canada, for its echocardiography services. SLMHC’s echocardiography accreditation means patients and clients receive the same standard of service here in Sioux Lookout as they would in larger cities across the province and country. Click here to read more!

Karen Parent, Director of Clinical Support Services, is officially retiring after 29 years of devoted service at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC). Karen was dedicated to local healthcare, both in the lab and while overseeing and enhancing departmental teams, during her 29 years at SLMHC

Elsie Tobin, Interpreter, is officially retiring after 25 years of devoted service at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC). Elsie was part of several department teams over the years, and was most recently an Interpreter as part of the Traditional Program.

Abdullah Hamo, Ultrasound Technologist, works in the SLMHC Diagnostic Imaging Department. Originally from Syria, Abdullah has studied medicine and practiced in multiple countries before calling Sioux Lookout home. Click here to read more about his journey to SLMHC!

October 27, 2021 — Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Rehabilitation department and its cardiac rehabilitation program has benefitted from a key piece of equipment purchased by SLMHC Foundation.

For years, patients with breast cancer who required a lumpectomy have undergone a multi-step process on the days leading up to their surgery. The process is often uncomfortable for patients and can sometimes cause delays and added stress on patients. But now, here at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC), we are thrilled to announce the purchase and use of the Endomag system – a game-changer for breast cancer patients.

Dr. Rachel Schoon, Physician, provides patient care both at SLMHC and in First Nations communities, working in a variety of areas. Click here to read more about how she provides rural and remote health care as a practicing physician.

Andrea McWatters has been part of the SLMHC health care team for ten years, and she is currently the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Coordinator and Team Lead at our William “A” George Extended Care Facility (ECU). Read about how SLMHC has helped her reach career and education goals!

The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive #6, which has mandated that high-risk settings, such as hospitals, must have COVID-19 vaccination policies in place by September 7, 2021.

Lori Donnelly, Patient Care Manager, has been part of the health care team at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) since 1983. After starting her career as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Lori has pursued further education throughout her tenure to provide health care in multiple areas at SLMHC! Click here to read more.

Anna Wellwood, Admitting Clerk, has been part of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) team for over 20 years. After 21 years of dedicated service, Wellwood is officially retiring.

Lydia Harms, Housekeeper, works in Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Housekeeping Department. Lydia is part of an attentive, and dedicated, team that ensures patient rooms and facilities are kept clean, tidy, and stocked with essential supplies. Click here to read more about our housekeeping team.

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) was excited to move to an innovative approach to inpatient care at our 60-bed hospital last month. The patient-centered Team Model of Care for our inpatients came into effect on Tuesday, June 15, with the goal of even better patient care and a more collaborative health team environment.

Participants in this year’s annual Sioux Lookout Walleye Weekend fishing tournament supported the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Miichim (Traditional Foods) program by donating 440 fish, totaling approximately 250 pounds, from the tournament.

Jenna Wisnoski and Jade Beaulne, Human Resources Officers, work in Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Human Resources Department. Jenna and Jade are looking to add to our talented team at SLMHC! Click here to read more.

Carole Slater, Senior Executive Assistant, is an important part of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Administration team. She has been working at SLMHC for just under 28 years and, after a successful and lengthy career, is officially retiring this month.

We understand multiple power outages and infrastructure damages are currently affecting the Sioux Lookout area due to the storm on the evening of June 23. Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) power is restored, and all services are operating as normal.

Ray Legros, Addictions Counsellor and Case Manager, works in Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP). Ray works with a talented, multidisciplinary team in MHAP, where they respond and meet the needs of those affected by mental health and addiction issues.

As the province of Ontario has entered Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen, here at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) we are lifting some of the visitor restrictions in place.

Ross Horne, Head Cook, is part of Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Food Services team! Ross works with a well-rounded, and fast-paced, Food Services team, where they ensure patients, ECU residents, staff members, and visitors have daily access to fresh, delicious meal options.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is staying the course with its visitor restrictions and following best practices set out by Ontario’s public health officials.

Dave Kulchyski, Materials Services Team Lead, is part of the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Materials Management team! Dave works with an efficient team in Materials Management, where they ensure SLMHC has the medical supplies, PPE and equipment required for our staff, clients, and patients.

Dana Ursula, MLT, has worked in the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) laboratory for seven years. Click here to learn more about our laboratory team!

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) Chief of Staff, Dr. Barbara Russell-Mahoney, will be stepping down from her role next month.

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is proud to announce its appointment as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) pre-designate through the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).

Last week, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a revised directive and advised that all hospitals, including those in the northern health region of the province, pause all non-emergent and non-urgent surgeries and procedures. Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) is following this directive and is pausing non-urgent surgeries/procedures.

Yesterday, Premier Ford announced a 28-day State of Emergency in Ontario beginning at 12:01 am on January 14, 2021. Policies at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) will be adjusted to assist with provincial efforts to reduce transmission.

It was a historical moment today for Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) as we administered the first Health Canada approved COVID-19 Moderna vaccine at the William A. George Extended Care Facility (ECU). The first resident to receive the vaccine was Eunice Fiddler, 85. Joining her was her daughter, Margaret Beardy, SLMHC Interpreter Tom Chapman, and Andrea McWatters, RPN Team Lead, who administered the vaccine.

This week, the first COVID-19 vaccines will be administered at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre’s (SLMHC) William A. George Extended Care Facility (ECU). The residents and front-line staff are the first to receive the Health Canada approved Moderna vaccine in Sioux Lookout, marking the start of Ontario’s vaccination implementation plan for our region.

January 2, 2021 – Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) delivers its first newborn of 2021! Sioux Lookout resident Rosella Harper welcomed her son, Quentin Burt, on Jan. 2 at 5:19 a.m. Mom and baby are both doing well. Quentin weighs 3.48 kilograms (seven pounds, eight ounces) and is 52 centimetres (20.4 inches) long.