Times Advocate, 1997-01-15, Page 13anuary 15, 1997
VON Week runs from January 19 to 25
The organization celebrates it's national 100th anniversary this year
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The Hensall Branch of the VON tested blood gl
cose levels during Diabetes Awareness Month in
November. Diabetes Educator Aileen Knip and -
Registered Practical Nurse Jean Bennet demon-.
stratwhow.to use a glucometre.'
part of the 100th Anniversary celebrations, a
VON rosebush has been intrbduced by White
Rose. Pictured from left Ann Overweel and Liz
Sangster planted one of the. bushes in the rose
garden at the entrance to Hensall:
By'Heather Mir
T -A Reporter
HURON -PERTH COUNTIES - The Huron -Perth Victorian Order of Nurses celebrates VON Week
from Jan. 19 to 25. The purpose of the designated week is. to help raise awareness about services the
VON provides to the community.
The VON is also celebrating its 100th national anniversary and a VON rosebush has been •
developed to help commemorate the longeyity of this important health care institution.
Huron -Perth VON history
The Stratford branch of the VON formally launched m Jan. 15 1908 in the boardroom of City Hall.
it was organized by the.General Aid Society, a group pledged to assist the poor. A provisional board of
directors was appointed and fundraising activities were initihted to support a visiting nurse.,
Huron County servicescame many years later at approximately the same time Homecare evolved:
"We have been around fora number of years," said Registered Practical Nurse Jean Bennett, who
sits on the Hensall Branch VON publicity and fundraising committee. "We provide quality care to
citizens in both counties:" -
Pioneer VON nurses date back to the, goldrush of 1898 when they trekked on foot to the Klondike.
Transportationis an important part of ttie VON service today and visiting nurses m rural areas travel
an average of 80 km per day
"The VON Perth -Huron branch is part of a proud tradition of a community health care organization
that has always -strived to meeting the changing needs of Canadians," states a press release from the ,
branch.
The Canadian order of visiting nurses was founded by Judy Aberdeen, the wife of Canada's
_Governor-General, as a memorial of the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's ascent to the throne. The
first 12 nurses were admitted in a ceremony in 1897.
•The first branches were organized in Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver and Kingston.
- - Local services
Hensall branch services have expanded and now include foot care, health counselling, palliative"
care and friendly volunteer visiting as well as nursing service. The Stratford branch also provides
adult day programs'and an Alzheimer's Day -Away program.
The Hensall branch services all of South -Huron, from Grand Bend'to Goderich and Seaforth to
Kirkton. Three teatns comprised of 15 staff members are based in Seatorth, Goderich and South
Huron. In both counties, a total of 50,000 visits were made last year.
"People who have the service absolutely love tis," said Bennett. "The job satisfaction is near 100 per
;cent...becatuse the patients are happy. They're in their home. ,We're happy we can take care of them.
' The nurses have,a diverse background including acute care and long-term settings. Some of those
who now work in the community have been intensive care nurses. • '
in addition to the direct nursing the VON provides, education plays an importantrole in the
conumunity.service. This may include learning about managing Diabetes, foot care; diet, how to'dress a•
eneral Health care.
Volunteer services
unique to Huron.(ounty is the palliative care program;,an off -shoot of the Hensall Branch of the .
VON. 'Deanna Brock, of Staffa, became involved -With the program as a volunteer and has been • •
coordinator for the past two years.. ' . '
'Palliative care is described by the VON as a "vital part of the program" that trains volunteers to
• offer emotional support and comfort to dying patients and their families. ' ,
• Volunteers visit patients and provide respite for -care -givers and often develop a strong bond and
friendship with they family. Anyone can refer a patient to the program through the Hensall branch of
the VON and volunteers receive intensive training each autumn. - • •
"You have to be a good. listener,'" explains Brock. "You have to want to help people."
Upcoming events
' *On Jan. 21 the VON will be at Darling's Foodmart in Exeter from 1 to 3 p.m. with cake and coffee for
the public. It is planned that Mayor Ben Hoogenboom will be in attendance to proclaim VON week.
-As well, past VON -patients and - family of patients will be on hand to help serve cake.:
Look for events throughout the year including blood pressure clinics, local displays, volunteer
•- appreciation and a variety of educational activities: Flower beds will be planted to commemorate the.
VON' s 100th anniversary and a reunion dinner/dance is planned for May 30 in Mitchell.
In Julv, four period uniforms will be on display at the Stratford -Perth Museum as part VON's
-:history.
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