December 6, 2024

Patient Comfort & Kindness Grants: The ‘Little Things’ Make All the Difference

With the help of the Ever Hopeful Fund, we were able to provide 71 grants to bring comfort and kindness to patients in 65 different programs and departments at our Hospital! 

Over the summer, Hospital staff submitted applications to our Patient Comfort & Kindness Fund for grants of up to $5,000 to help cover the costs of those ‘little things’ that are not eligible for funding through operational budgets but go a long way in providing comfort to the patients St. Joe’s serves.  

These grants are made possible through thoughtful donations from our community and an anonymous donor known as the Ever Hopeful Fund. Over the past four years, the Ever Hopeful Fund has generously supported the program, and this year, they increased their donation to $200,000 allowing us to fund nearly every request we received! 

During the season of giving, we thought it would be nice to share some of the amazing projects funded through our Patient Comfort and Kindness Grants this year. Together, we’re making holiday wishes come true for so many of our Hospital departments and the patients they care for. 

Urgent Care 

Our Urgent Care Department at the King Campus has received $5,000 to improve the patient experience as they wait for diagnosis, treatment and care. These funds will add TVs to pass the time, a phone charging station to keep in touch with loved ones, and a department walker to help patients safely get to where they need to go. Additionally, the children’s waiting area will be re-stocked with activities to keep little ones busy, and the baby changing stations will be updated to make the space more comfortable for families. Each of these items were chosen with the purpose of making it a little bit easier for patients to cope during the stressful time of an urgent care visit.   

Addictions Services 

Our Men’s Addiction Service has received a grant of $3,000 to provide essentials and recreation items to their patients. Many of the clients who access this service are not housed and have minimal personal items, so these funds will help to purchase items like socks, undergarments, and deodorant to promote dignity during the care process. The grant will also provide craft supplies and games to further engage patients in non-substance related activities and build healthy connections with others, which are key components of recovery. 

Similarly, Womankind Addiction Service also has been granted $1,500 to purchase recreational items to support face-to-face interactions that increase community and cultural engagement. Some of the funds will also help to purchase Galaxy Projectors that will be used during meditation and yoga groups to help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels in patients during their residential treatment program. 

Birthing & Special Care Nursery  

The Birthing Unit at the Charlton Campus will be receiving $2,890 in total, allowing them to purchase new breastfeeding pillows and abdominal binders to support patients after the delivery of their newborns. Additionally, personal care supplies will be stocked to help serve mothers who may not have their own. To support the birthing process, heating pads and salt lamps will be now provided, creating a more calming environment for those in labour. 

Here’s a complete list of the 71 amazing projects funded through our Patient Comfort and Kindness Grants in 2024.  

Department / Unit	Items Requested
10AMH	New portable vital sign machines that will enable quicker and more efficient reading of a patient’s key health indicators. This will enable healthcare workers to address medical issues in a timely manner.
4BD CTU	Additional transport wheelchairs to reduce portering wait times during discharge. As well as comfort care items that include clothing, toiletries and bus tickets to better support patients who experience homelessness.
6 Surgical	Sleeper chair to allow loved ones and caregivers to stay by a patient’s side during their recovery.
6ALC	New furniture and access to subscription services to provide a more relaxing and comfortable environment for patients who have longer stays at the Hospital.
9AMH PES	Winter coats, supplies and gift cards for patients who may be experiencing homelessness or living outside.
ACTT1	Gift cards for vulnerable clients, many of whom experience chronic homelessness. These gift cards help to foster dignity and allow our clients to purchase the necessities to support their physical and mental well-being.
ACTT2, SCIS	Funds to acquire much needed items for patients such as hats, socks, food and personal hygiene products. Birthdays and summer BBQs are also celebrated to increase sociability and create fond memories for clients.
Ambulatory Clinics	Bariatric waiting room chairs to create a more inclusive and comfortable environment for all patients. A television will also be acquired to reduce anxiety and make wait times feel shorter.
AMH Orchard 1	Art supplies including painting kits, colouring sheets and markers for a weekly drop-in art program supporting their recovery journey.
AMH Recreation Therapy	Funds to support cooking and horticulture programs. These activities will increase a client’s quality of life, provide entertainment and create opportunities for engagement.
Anxiety Treatment and Research Clinic	iPads for clients who do not have access to technology for virtual treatment appointments and services.
Bariatric Clinic	Provide patients with limited income access to meal replacements or prescribed weight loss medications.
Birthing	New artwork, abdominal binders, basic toiletries for patients and their families during their time at the Hospital, breast feeding pillows, salt lamps and birthing lights, and heating pads to create a more calming environment and provide comfort during the birthing process.
Borderline Personality Disorders Program	Improve the in-person programming experience so clients are more likely to attend sessions on a regular basis. Funds will be used to acquire new smart boards, bus tickets, parking vouchers, distress tolerance kits and snacks.
Brant ACTT	Gift cards for vulnerable clients, many of whom experience chronic homelessness. These gift cards help to foster dignity and allow our clients to purchase necessities to support their physical and mental well-being.
Bridge to Recovery	Gift cards for vulnerable clients, many of whom experience chronic homelessness. These gift cards help to foster dignity and allow our clients to purchase necessities to support their physical and mental well-being. Art supplies will also be purchased to provide therapeutic programming.
CL Psychiatry	Create a more welcoming and supportive environment by purchasing coffee or treats for patients. Enjoying a warm drink can reduce anxiety, foster social interactions, and help patients feel more connected.
COAST	Kleenex packs, grocery gift cards, bottled water, snacks, and raincoats for clients who are in crisis. Small gestures of kindness and compassion is always appreciated by clients and these gifts facilitate human connection.
Complex Care	Luggage and tote bags for patient’s families to use at the time of passing to carry a loved one’s belongings home. They serve as a more dignified way for families to transport personal and important items.
Complex Care and Rehab	Care fund to provide clients with limited income toiletries and personal hygiene products. Fans will also be purchased to better regulate the temperature in patient rooms.
Concurrent Disorders Outpatient Clinic	Gift cards and personal care items to provide clients with limited income access to necessities. Cellphones will also be purchased to give clients opportunities to attend tele-health appointments.
Critical Care Research	Grant wishes for patients and their families during end-of-life care. This grant will help to cover the costs of keepsake items such as personalized photo keychains, heart rhythm images, hand mold kits and stuffed animals with recorded messages.
Developmental Dual Diagnosis Clinic	Gift cards for vulnerable clients, many of whom experience chronic homelessness. These gift cards help to foster dignity and allow our clients to purchase necessities to support their physical and mental well-being.
Diagnostic Imaging (W5th)	An iPad as well as a Spotify subscription to replace the broken music system. Offering music can help alleviate anxiety and help patients get through an MRI scan more comfortably.
Diagnostic Imaging (King)	Additional chairs to provide comfort and create a more relaxing environment for patients prior to appointments. Ultraray sponge to relieve some of the pain experienced during imaging exams.  SmileMaker stickers will provide children with a distraction during an exam or as a reward following their scans.
Diagnostic Imaging (Charlton)	Weight bearing cover, foot stool with handles, horseshoe headrests and a torso positioner to provide comfort and enhanced safety for patients during exams. This will also allow technicians to produce clearer imaging. Folding accessible chair to reduce the risk of falls while also providing comfort for patients. Replacement waiting room chairs to create a more pleasing environment to reduce anxiety and stress before an exam.
Dialysis	Gel pads and heated blankets to provide warmth and comfort for patients undergoing dialysis treatments. Bingo supplies and prizes will also be purchased to provide entertainment and a helpful distraction during treatment.
Eating Disorders Clinic	Taxi vouchers and grocery store gift cards to allow patients who are experiencing food insecurity access to healthier food while also providing transportation to the grocery stores.
Emergency Department	Spare clothing and shoes to provide patients with comfort and dignity as they leave the Hospital. Travel vouchers will also be acquired to ensure patients have a safe ride home. Additional pillows will also be acquired to provide comfort for patients who are experiencing longer stays at the Hospital.
Endoscopy	Pillows and fans to create a more comfortable and cool environment as patients attend their appointment. Anti slip mats for safety and to prevent patient falls after sedation.
Eye Clinic	Bariatric chair, artwork and a charging station to create a more comfortable and pleasing atmosphere for the clinic’s hallways and waiting rooms.
Forensic Psychiatry Program	Cricut machine and iPads to give patients the opportunity to design and create meaningful and personalized projects that can also function as decor in their Hospital rooms.
Internal Medicine 4MG	Personal fans for patients who struggle with temperature regulation, a TV for the patient lounge and rec room, and dementia care products such as a memory picture phone.
Haldimand Norfolk ACTT	Monthly activities and events that allow for underprivileged patients to connect and thrive with one another and their providers, outside of traditional clinical environment.
Harbour East 1	A Comfort Room for patients and their families that provides both privacy and calmness, featuring a loveseat, chairs, art, plants, a water fountain, and more.
Hemodialysis	Presto cards to reduce the financial burden of getting to and from frequent appointments, as well as essentials like toiletries, fresh clothes, and grocery cards for those with limited income.
IMRAC	Water jugs to supply the unit’s water cooler that provides patients and their families with a refreshing cup or water or comforting hot tea while they wait for their appointment.
Integrated Comprehensive Care Program	Purchasing of personal items – such as bedding, warm clothing, and grocery vouchers – that the patients need to recover from their illness, alleviating some of the financial stress that can come with ongoing health issues.
Kidney Care Clinics	Blood pressure cuffs in extended sizing that are essential to the monitoring and controlling of blood pressure of individuals experiencing kidney disease.
Medicine	Replacements for comfortable, small nasal masks for patients not able to use full face masks for BiPAP and CPAP therapy. These masks help to prevent intubation.
Medicine	Providing substance use disorder patients with the means to purchase essential and comfort items, helping to make them feel more at ease during their hospital visit and helping ensure they complete the full treatment course.
Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton	Providing essential and recreation items to patients such as socks, undergarments, deodorant, craft supplies, and board games to facilitate a dignifying experience that helps build self-esteem and healthy connections.
Mountain One	A new treadmill for the unit’s fitness room, to help patients reach their exercise goals and better their mental health through physical activity.
MS/CCU	A sleeper chair for patient’s family members who are staying overnight so they can have a more comfortable and restful experience.
Occupational Therapy	Individualized splints, support pillows, and lap belt extenders for patients in wheelchairs, which are key in providing comfort and mobility during the recovery process.
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy West	A library of translated therapy manuals and worksheets in multiple languages that can be used to support therapy for clients that do not speak English, ensuring they can still get the most out of their treatment.
Patient and Family Collaborative Support Services	Creation of a comfort room that includes a variety of multi-sensory activities, low lighting, and comfortable seating, to support patients in developing self-soothing and coping skills that can go beyond the unit when they return home.
Pediatrics/NICU	Brightening up the unit’s waiting room with cheerful decor, comfortable seating, a TV, a bottle warmer, books, and developmental toys to foster a positive healthcare experience for the children and families accessing vital care.
PET	Ice machine to prevent dehydration and help reduce nausea for radiation patients.
Post Acute Care	Purchase of toiletries and necessities for marginalized patients, helping to foster dignity and self-confidence, improving overall wellbeing.
Post Acute Operations	Travel vouchers for patients to have a safe and dignified way to return home after being discharged.
Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences	Personalized gift bags filled with cards, snacks, and small gifts of comforts to be distributed by the Psychiatry Elves (a dedicated group of psychiatry residents) during the holidays to inpatients at both the West 5th and Charlton campuses.
Recreation Therapy	Games, music players, and sensory items that will maximize patient independence and provide opportunities for social and cognitive stimulation.
Recreation Therapy  (ALC Units)	Magazines, newspapers, radios, sensory items, and colouring supplies that will provide opportunities for patients of the ALC program to independently access more leisure resources.
Rehabilitation Unit	Personal fans to promote better air circulation, individual temperature control, and general comfort.
Satellite Health Facility	A reclining shower chair, nail and haircare supplies, and mesh laundry bags, so that every person who stays in the facility has the means to retain their health and dignity.
Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic	Grocery gift cards as a gift in kind for patients who participate in a new pilot project that creates harm reduction supply kits. A new pilot project to supply FVRx boxes (Fruit Vegetable Prescription) to combat food insecurity and health issues that can arise from lack of proper nutrition.
Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service	Creation of Leisure Lockers that provide 24/7 access to board games, puzzles, art supplies, music players and more.
Six Nations Hemodialysis	A water reverse osmosis system that can be used to purify the water/ice maker machine. Pillows and chair pads to provide greater comfort during treatments.
Social Work	Assistance for patients with limited funds to get a cell phone so they can access important health services such as Ontario Health at Home or calling and receiving calls from family physicians and specialists.
Special Care Nursery	Recliner chairs with foot stools and privacy screens so parents and caregivers can comfortably provide skin-to-skin contact to the babies being cared for in the NICU.
Specialty Programs	A NuStep Recumbent Trainer to support the Stay Well Program, an exercise regime designed to assist patients in maintaining good physical function and independence.
Speech Language Pathology	Voice prosthesis and HME for patients with Head and Neck Cancer or those who have who have undergone a Total Laryngectomy.
Spiritual Care   (West 5th)	A replacement piano keyboard for the Multifaith Spiritual Centre at West 5th.
Spiritual Care   (Charlton)	A replacement CD player that is compatible with the PA system in the Charlton Chapel to play music before and after Mass and for other hospital memorial services.
Surgery Centre (King)	Recovery chairs and retina recovery pillows for patients post-op, as well as artwork that features relaxing themes to help patients awaiting surgery.
Therapeutic Recreation	Cricut machine for the recreation program, allowing patients to enhance their fine motor skills, gain a sense of accomplishment, and connect socially.
Urgent Care	Addition of TVs, a phone charging station, and a department walker to help patients safely get to where they need to go. The children’s waiting area will also be re-stocked with activities to keep little ones busy, and the baby changing stations will be updated.
Volunteer Resources	Monthly magazine subscriptions for a year to enhance the department’s Book Nook program for patients and families.
Womankind Addiction Service	Recreational items to support face-to-face interactions that increase community and cultural engagement and a few Galaxy Projectors that can be used during meditation and yoga groups.