Wednesday, November 30, 2022
It’s been an award winning autumn for the North East Specialized Geriatric Centre (NESGC) as the team was awarded twice for their exemplary work in the community, and for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NESGC is a regional geriatric program and offers a collaborative network of specialized services for older adults experiencing complex health conditions.
This fall, the NESGC was recognized by OntarioMD, a subsidiary of the Ontario Medical Association, with the 2022 Luminary Award for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic and outstanding contributions to digital health in Ontario. The COVID Response Team was developed in partnership with City of Greater Sudbury Paramedics to respond to the unique health care needs of older adults during pandemic. It provided virtual assessments and monitoring to support seniors who had tested positive for COVID-19.
“Working in partnership with the community paramedic team, we were able to successfully assess and treat older adults in their homes, avoiding emergency department visits and hospital admissions,” said Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, Geriatrician, Clinical Lead, NESGC and Regional Geriatric Clinics. “Leadership, clinical support and education were also provided to retirement homes in outbreak and as a result our team provided virtual consultations to over 300 seniors who tested positive for COVID-19 in the community, retirement home, or in a congregate care setting. This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of our teams who are dedicated to providing the best care to our patients.”
“During the pandemic, older adults were often hesitant to go to the hospital as they were fearful of being separated from their spouse, family or primary caregiver. This service allowed a vulnerable population to remain at home with their loved ones as their symptoms and vitals were monitored daily. Conversations regarding goals of care allowed the team to develop a care plan to support the patient’s wishes if symptoms worsened. So we are so happy to celebrate this award and this partnership with Greater Sudbury Paramedics,” said Melanie Briscoe, Interim Director of NESGC.
“In the face of acute time and resource pressures, the team leveraged our expertise and this partnership expedited care and help address the compelling need to support seniors and their care partners in the community through the COVID Response Team,” said Dr. James Chau, Care of the Elderly Physician, Family Medicine at the NESGC.
Additionally, the NESGC was awarded the City of Greater Sudbury’s Community Partnership Award for their collaboration and commitment with the COVID Response Team; their leadership in supporting the development the Community Paramedicine long-term care program; and their expertise in providing geriatric education and skills development for community paramedics.
The Community Partnership Award dates back to 2014 and recognizes organizations, businesses and media outlets that have demonstrated excellence in partnerships with Fire Services, Paramedic Services or Emergency Management.