Join the Comfort & Kindness Club
Every summer, we invite St. Joe’s staff – on behalf of the patients they serve in their department or unit – to submit applications for a grant from the Foundation’s Patient Comfort & Kindness Fund.
This fund is dedicated to helping departments to cover the costs of the “little things” that may not be eligible for funding from the province but are a critical tool in helping improve our patient’s hospital experience and supporting the healing process.
However, as the demand for these comfort items continues to grow, along with the increasing demands placed on our healthcare system, we need your help!
By joining the Comfort & Kindness Club, your monthly contribution will provide us with consistent, reliable funding for the “little things” that mean so much to our patients.
As our way of saying thanks, we'll send you a special pin to wear proudly to let everyone know that you're one of St. Joe's everyday angels.
Custom Colouring Books Granted to Intensive Care Unit
The opportunity for patients to colour helps take their minds off their illness and relieves any worries they may have in that moment. It gives them happiness and joy, and something to pass the time while in Hospital. These books are a beautiful and meaningful resource for them to feel empowered at a time when they may feel helpless, and a treasured gift from the community for the community. We are so grateful that, through our partnership with the Foundation, we were able to bring these colouring books to life.
VR Headsets Granted to Complex Care
The use of technology has been invaluable in improving the mental wellbeing of our patients. It has done so much to foster feelings of relaxation and purpose. The VR headsets have allowed patients to travel virtually anywhere in the world, right from their bedside. Whether it’s walking the streets of Italy or going on a safari in Africa, the opportunities are simply endless. Thank you for providing us with the funding needed to create such a memorable experience for our patients. It means so very much.
All 2022 Grant Recipients
| Department | Patient Comfort and Kindness Request Funded |
|---|---|
| 4MG | Personal table side fans for patients to stay cool during warm days. |
| 5FB | Replacement fabric for chairs to enhance patient comfort. |
| 5FB | Additional portable vital signs machine to provide more efficient and timely care for patients. |
| 7 Surgical | Dementia Fidget Lap Blankets to ease restlessness and anxiety. |
| 7 Surgical | Portable radios to provide entertainment and foster relaxation. |
| 9/10 AMH | VR headset, games, DVD players and sensory items to promote meaningful engagement and socialization. |
| 9AMH | Weighted furniture to ensure patient comfort and safety. |
| ACTT (Brant) | Gift cards for marginalized patients to purchase basic necessities which will improve physical and mental well-being. |
| ACTT (Haldimand Norfolk) | Gift cards to purchase basic necessities and cleaning supplies to maintain their living environment and self-care. |
| ACTT2 | Gift cards for marginalized patients to purchase basic necessities which will improve physical and mental well-being. |
| Bariatrics Medical Outpatient | Meal replacement program to ensure patients have access to nutritious and healthy meals to assist with weight management. |
| Birthing | TENS Machine to provide an alternate form of pain relief for labouring mothers. |
| Bridge to Recovery Program | Gift cards, ice packs, protective covers and fidget toys to improve the emotional well-being of patients. |
| Complex Care | Replacement microwave ovens to allow patients and families to enjoy homemade meals during long stays. |
| Complex Care & Medical Rehabilitation | Replacement otoscope & ear syringe to enhance the care delivered to patients. |
| Concurrent Disorders | Gift cards to purchase art and gardening supplies to support recovery and the reduction of mental health symptoms. |
| Critical Care Research/ICU | Produce an original colouring book designed by McMaster University students and purchase colouring supplies to calm and entertain patients during their hospital stay. |
| CTU 4BD | Massage chair, fans and comfort care items to improve the physical and mental wellness of patients. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | MRI compatible walker to allow patients to walk independently into the MRI room and reduce the risk of falling. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | Wedge positioning pads and sponges to enhance patient comfort and ensure optimal imaging. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | 2 new water stations to provide a convenient location for patients to access water for their ultrasound examination. |
| Diagnostic Services | 2-step patient positioner and DR protector to ensure patient safety and support during standing x-rays. |
| Diagnostic Services | Breast models to educate patients on how procedures are conducted. The models improve overall awareness while reducing patient anxiety. |
| Dialysis and Independent Therapies | Gel Pads to provide support and comfort during dialysis. |
| Dialysis Unit | Gift cards to ensure low-income patients are able to have nutritious and healthy meals. |
| Dual Diagnosis Clinic | Activities, sensory items and adaptive equipment to stimulate and promote mental wellness. |
| Emergency Department | Clothes, bus tickets and medical supplies for recently discharged patients, fostering dignity and supporting their overall health and well-being. |
| Hematology | Compassionate iron sucrose treatments to help patients in need to overcome the symptoms of iron deficiency and improve their quality of life. |
| Hemodialysis | Gel pads and tympanic thermometers to provide comfort and relief during treatment. |
| ICU & CCRT | TVs to provide entertainment and improve overall mood and satisfaction. |
| MASH (Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton) | Warm blanket machine to provide immediate comfort for patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms. |
| Medicine | Compassionate monoferric treatments to help vulnerable patients overcome the symptoms of iron deficiency and improve their quality of life. |
| Medicine | BiPAP masks to provide non-invasive treatment for patients undergoing treatment or therapy. |
| Mountain One | Warm blanket machine to deliver comfort and warmth while reducing stress and anxiety. |
| N2 | White noise machines to promote restful and consistent sleep. |
| Nephrology/RTU (social work) | Gift cards, emergency funds, and home maintenance to address food insecurities and improve quality of life. |
| Occupational Therapy | ROHO cushions, oxygen tank holders, varilite cushions and resting hand splints to enhance patient comfort. |
| Orchard One | TVs to provide entertainment and improve overall mood and satisfaction. |
| Orchard One | Veinlite Vein Finder to provide efficient and timely care. Patients will no longer have to wait as long or be transferred to a different unit. |
| Outpatient | Additional blood pressure machines to provide efficient and timely care for patients. |
| Outpatient Clinic | Patient recliner chair to provide comfort to patients undergoing difficult treatments. |
| Outpatient Forensic Psychiatry | Clothing and toiletries to foster dignity and self-confidence while improving overall well-being |
| Palliative Care | Portable fans to keep patients cool and comfortable. Gift cards to provide coffee or a meal to family members as they stay by their loved one’s bedside. |
| PES (psychiatric emergency services) | Electronics, walker, clothing, personal hygiene, blankets, therapeutic packages to provide comfort, entertainment and improved self-image. |
| Portering & Linen | Additional Staxi chair cushions to enhance patient comfort |
| RAAM (Rapid Access Addiction Medicine Clinic) | Coffee station and ear buds to create a more welcoming environment to support their recovery. Gift cards and bus tickets to help support their well-being, increase engagement and support retention rates. |
| Satellite Hemodialysis | Headphones, electric blankets, and donut cushions to provide entertainment and comfort during treatment. |
| Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic | Fans, clothing and toiletries to help foster dignity and improve patient comfort. |
| SCIS | CD players to play music to improve mood and engagement. Additional clocks and alarms to support and encourage participation in daily routines. |
| SCIS | Luggage and reusable shopping bags to provide to patients in need. This will help to transport their belongings, while also enhancing their self-worth, decreasing stigma and assisting with their recovery. |
| SHF, Complex Care/Medical Rehab, 2ALC/6ALC, Ambulatory | Transportation vouchers for patients who require assistance traveling to medical appointments and treatments. This will allow patients to gain access to care in the most appropriate location, while fostering dignity and respect. |
| Social Work | Cellphones and pre-paid calling cards to remove any communication barriers for patients in need. Providing access to their care providers and support systems to improve patient outcomes. |
| Social Work | PocketTalkers to provide better care and communication for hearing impaired patients. |
| Special Care Nursery | Noise cancelling headphones to help reduce background noise and promote patient privacy. |
| Special Care Nursery | Gel donuts to comfort and support a newborn’s head. Twin transport harnesses to allow both babies to travel together in an ambulance or transport vehicle. |
| Urgent Care | Step stools, charging stations, kid activities, tall back chair, and TV to improve the overall comfort and experience of the waiting area. |
| Volunteer Resources | Books, games, and knitting supplies to provide activities for patients to promote socialization while also developing their relationship with staff. |
| YASUP (Young Adult Substance Use Program) | Writing supplies, fidget toys, snacks, gift cards to help support their well-being, increase engagement and support retention rates. |
All 2023 Grant Recipients
| Department | Patient Comfort and Kindness Request Funded |
|---|---|
| 10AMH | Weighted tables to offer a safe and comfortable environment for patients. |
| 10AMH | Weighted dining table and chairs to ensure patient comfort and safety. |
| 10AMH | A variety of creative and sensory items such as jigsaw puzzles, tactile items, fidget tools, aquapaint and tumble balls to provide comforting activities for patients. Weighted bariatric chairs to ensure patient safety and comfort. |
| 3OBS | Comfort care packages for patients who have been experiencing homelessness, substance use and poor social supports. These customized layettes could include a set of pajamas, personal care items and entertainment activities to help foster dignity and support the patient?s health and well-being. |
| 4BD CTU | A responsive animatronic dog and cat to bring comfort and companionship to patients with living with dementia. A children?s sized table and chairs to create a more welcoming environment for families visiting the unit. As well as a new overnight recliner chair to support care partners staying long hours to support their loved ones. |
| 6 Surgical | Supplies to stock a comfort cart for palliative patients and their families. The cart will include snacks, games, activities and more, offering comfort and a welcome distraction during this difficult time. |
| 9AMH | Creative and sensory items such as jigsaw puzzles, tactile items, fidget tools, aquapaint and tumble balls to provide comforting activities for patients living with dementia. |
| Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit | Hearing amplifiers to improve communication between patients and care providers. Oscillating fans to create a more comfortable care environment along with a TV and wall mount for the dining room to promote a sense of community and increase social opportunities. |
| Acute Mental Health | Supplies to implement a new token reward system to help foster a supportive environment that recognizes and encourages positive behaviours among patients. |
| Acute Mental Health | Various therapeutic activities to improve patient happiness and engagement. Bed alarms and rail covers to increase patient safety and comfort. |
| Acute Mental Health | A rowing machine, art supplies, portable DVD players, Bluetooth speakers and sensory activities to aid in patient recovery and offer leisure opportunities to improve patient engagement and well-being. |
| Acute Psychiatry (Orchard 1) | A variety of music playing devices to promote relaxation and reduce stress or agitation. |
| Acute Psychiatry (Orchard 1) | Art supplies including painting kits, colouring sheets and markers for a weekly drop-in art program supporting their recovery journey. |
| ALC and Medicine Program | Multi-sensory items, cognitive activities and comfort items to aid in behavior management and provide opportunities for social and sensory stimulation. |
| 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 basic necessities to improve their physical and mental well-being. |
| Bridge to Recovery | Gift cards to support vulnerable patients and help them purchase basic necessities to improve their physical and mental well-being. New journals, a Bluetooth speaker, djembe drum holders and YMCA/city rec passes for patients to engage in therapeutic recreation programming. |
| Chest, Head & Neck, SDU | 15 Boogie board writing and drawing tablets to facilitate communication with patients who are undergoing a tracheostomy or laryngectomy. This will allow patients to write, ask and answer questions with ease. |
| COAST | Portable printers and a laptop to ensure mental health professionals can provide immediate crisis support and enable real-time referrals wherever their clients are. Additionally, the grant will provide essential gift cards to aid those facing food insecurity. |
| Complex Care | Access to nail and hair care visits for patients in our post-acute units to improve their overall health, well-being and self-esteem. |
| Concurrent Disorders Outpatient Service | Gift cards and personal care items to build confidence and empower patients to move forward with treatment. Prepaid mobile phones to give patients with the opportunity to attend tele-health appointments. |
| Core Labs/SCC/HLA | Hot/cold compresses, stress balls, snacks, water dispenser, and juice boxes to improve patient comfort and care while collecting blood. |
| Critical Care | Produce an original colouring book designed by McMaster University students and purchase colouring supplies to calm and entertain patients during their hospital stay. |
| 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. |
| Department of Medicine | Gift cards, recreational activities, comfort items, hygiene and personal care products to support patients seen by the Substance Use Service. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | TV and cable service in the waiting room to provide entertainment and make their wait a bit more enjoyable. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | Premium Spotify account to play music for our MRI patients at both Charlton and West 5th campuses in order to reduce stress and comfort patients. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | IV chair to provide greater comfort and support for patients who undergo IV procedures prior to exams. |
| Diagnostic Services | Pigg o stat positioning devices for pediatric patients to comfort patients and allow technicians to produce clearer imaging. |
| DSU | Ergo stretcher pillows to offer a more comfortable experience for patients pre/post-surgery. |
| Endoscopy | Ergo stretcher pillows to help place patients in the most comfortable and safe position pre/post-surgery. |
| Eye Clinic | 2 TVs for the waiting room to offer entertainment and make their wait a bit more enjoyable. |
| Firestone Ambulatory Clinic | Reclining patient chair to comfort patients undergoing extended IV treatments. |
| GI Motility | 2 TVs for patient waiting areas to create a more calming and welcoming environment for patients undergoing treatment. |
| Hemodialysis & Dialysis Resource Team | Heated blankets and headphones to provide comfort and entertainment for patients undergoing treatment. Gift cards to ensure low-income patients are able to have nutritious and healthy meals. Infrared thermometers to minimize disruption in a patient?s treatment routine. |
| ICC and Hospital to Home | Gift cards to support marginalized patients with purchasing a balanced meal or other basic necessities. |
| ICC and Hospital to Home | Provide patients with blood pressure monitors, weigh scales, and fingertip pulse oximeters to support effective disease management. |
| Internal Medicine Rapid Assessment Clinic | Magazines to provide a more entertaining and enjoyable experience in the waiting room. |
| Mammography & OBSP | A TV for the patient change room waiting room to offer entertainment and create a more calming environment. 2 breast phantoms to educate patients about lesions. |
| Men?s Addiction Service Hamilton | Gift cards to purchase clothing and basic necessities for our most marginalized patients. These items will help to break down barriers, increase self-esteem and empower patients to be more engaged with their health and recovery. |
| Mood Disorders | Purchase pet supplies and animal care products to help volunteers foster patients? pets while they remain in hospital and engage in treatment. |
| Mood Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic | Adventure-based activities (rock climbing, hikes, guided canoe trips) to provide patients the opportunity to experience new activities, taking risks they may not normally take, and offering exposure to nature to improve their mental and physical health. |
| Mountain One | Replacement recumbent bike for the fitness room to provide access to regular exercise to support patients mental and physical health. |
| Nephrology | Parking vouchers to assist patients with accessibility limitations. Reusable tote bags for patients to carry important materials and medications to and from their appointments. |
| Nephrology/Renal Transplant Unit | Oscillating fans to comfort patients and personal care products such as combs and a hair rinse tray to support patients who have limited mobility. |
| Nuclear Medicine | Water dispenser to provide a more accessible source of water for patients and to reduce the amount of plastic waste from bottled water. |
| Occupational Therapy | A new bariatric manual wheelchair for increased safety and improved rehabilitation. |
| Operating Room | Additional patient pillows for increased comfort or improved positioning during intubation. |
| Orthopaedic Surgery | Support the creation of a new video series on nutrition and meal planning for our orthopaedic surgery patients, created in collaboration with a registered dietician to support our patients health journey. |
| OSP West | Art supplies, a swinging egg chair, water cooler, waiting room activities and plants to create a welcoming space that will enhance patient comfort and reduce stigma for seeking care. |
| OSP West | iPads for clients who do not have access to technology for virtual treatment services. |
| Pediatrics (NICU) | New furniture, fridge, coffee machine, phone charger, decor and activities to support the creation of a Family Lounge where families visiting babies in the NICU can have a warm and inviting space to recharge. |
| PES | Gift cards to purchase basic necessities and hygiene kits to support our vulnerable patients and improve their physical and mental well-being. |
| RAAM | Live plants and UV lamps to create a more welcoming environment and promote relaxation. Gift cards to support patients in purchasing basic necessities and transit vouchers to remove any barriers to accessing treatment. |
| Recreation Therapy | New tables and white boards to continue to deliver quality programming and ensure patients are in a safe and welcoming environment. A new toaster oven to enhance current food program (promote healthy eating, reintegration back into community and fine motor skills). |
| Recreation Therapy | New arm chairs to reduce risks of falls and improved comfort and relaxation |
| Recreation Therapy | New clock radios to replace worn and dated clocks. Activities and supplies to provide meaningful engagement and foster feelings of relaxation and purpose. |
| Satellite Health Facility | Arm/leg pedal machine for patients to strengthen their upper and lower body strength as well as improve cardiovascular health. |
| Satellite Hemodialysis | Heated blankets and headphones to provide comfort and entertainment for patients undergoing treatment. Gift cards for patients who are struggling with food security. Reusable grocery bags for patients to help carry their needed items back and forth for treatments. |
| SCIS, ACTT2 | Gift cards for our most vulnerable patients to purchase basic necessities to improve their physical and mental well-being. |
| SCIS, HN ACTT | 14 pairs of winter boots for patients in need. Gift cards to help patients purchase nutritious food and basic necessities. |
| Special Care Nursery | Developmental toys for infants aged 2-18 months to monitor their growth and development. |
| Stay Well Program | Fans, whiteboards, adaptive equipment and new music to improve programming. This will help to keep clients motivated to attend classes and maintain or increase their current level of physical function and independence. |
| Stay Well Program | An additional NuStep Recumbent Trainer to be able to accommodate more clients within the program. |
| Transitional Outpatient Program, Schizophrenia Service | Haircut gift cards for clients in need. This will help to enhance their self-image, foster confidence and support their overall well-being. |
| Urgent Care | TV, charging station and children?s activities to improve the experience and offer comfort for patients and families waiting in urgent care. |
| Womankind Addiction Service | Stress and anxiety reducing items such as stress balls, fidget spinners, meditation books, weighted blankets, and kinetic sand zen gardens. |
| Women?s Health Centre & OBSP | Chairs and a TV offering some entertainment and creating a more comfortable, calming environment for patients undergoing treatment. |
| Women?s Health Concerns Clinic | Funds to cover gym space rentals to provide peer support activities for clients and their babies. Additional funds were granted to develop baby care packages (diapers, formula and clothes) for low-income clients. |
| YASUP | Art supplies for the expansion of a weekly drop in program. The program consists of peer led discussions with impromptu one-on-one sessions. Additional funding was granted to support the participation of community events (e.g. a booth on Overdose Awareness Day). |
| Youth Wellness Centre | Create Distress Tolerance Kits containing a range of items to help youth cope with overwhelming emotions (ice masks, sensory items, comfort supplies, printed resources). These kits will be distributed to youth who seek to learn how to regulate their emotions and allows the team to offer practical and immediate resources to support this. Additional funding was granted to supply a ?Take What You Need? basket to help meet the essential and diverse needs of clients. |