2025 Radiothon
Wednesday, May 7th
You can help patients thrive beyond their recovery
Life is unpredictable and sometimes it can change un-expectantly! Maybe you know someone who had suffered a stroke; been in a serious accident or has sustained a life-alerting condition or injury. Maybe a neighbour. Maybe a family member. Possibly even yourself!
Whether following an inpatient stay or helping a person recover from an injury, illness or another type of medical condition, most patients will require some form of rehabilitative therapy. Sometimes this can be the ‘forgotten area of healthcare’, but it is so crucial in the recovery process.
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I am sure you will agree it is comforting to know that there are trained staff available to help us during these critical times. Right now the Occupational Therapy Department at our Regional Health Centre is in need of an accessible up-to-date assessment and treatment area along with increased equipment.
Occupational Therapy services at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre are provided to acute care in-patients, long-term care residents, community based clients and outpatients. Occupational Therapists work with clients to promote independence, meaning and satisfaction in their everyday lives. This can be achieved through teaching new skills and activities, providing adaptive aids and modifying environments.
With your help we plan to increase the number of varying sized wheelchairs available to the department (used during patients’ stay in the hospital); update the adaptive aids wall with newer model demo supplies (used for demonstration with patients); introduce an accessible entrance to the client assessment area along with remodeling the kitchenette (used to assess patients prior to discharge from hospital)… plus much more!
PATIENT STORY
How Rehabilitative Therapy helped Kevin Harnum in his recovery after his leg amputation
Nobody has to convince Kevin Harnum that life can throw you a curveball! What started out as an average February day for the Bishop’s Falls man in 2023, rapidly changed his and his family’s life forever.
Kevin had a couple of falls over several months earlier; as a result, started walking on the side of his foot. Kevin is a diabetic and his foot problem ultimately led to infection and a much bigger problem.
After being ambulanced to the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, the doctor concluded that Kevin’s leg needed to be amputated immediately. That was a Thursday, and by Sunday, the surgeon proceeded with the amputation of his left leg below the knee.
Despite the hurdles ahead of him, Kevin carried himself through his rehabilitation journey with a strikingly positive outlook. Kevin’s physiotherapists helped him build back strength and his occupational therapists helped him practice safe transfers and so he could maneuver from the bed to a wheelchair. Eventually he learned how to get around and perform daily tasks from his wheelchair.
Reflecting on the days after his surgery, Kevin remembers those moments of fear for the future. He had a major setback with a lung infection and ended up in the ICU. At one point his wife was called to the hospital and they did not know if Kevin would make it through the night. She whispered to him “It is Ok to go Kevin, I will be alright.” Kevin heard his wife’s voice that night. In fact, Kevin did make a recovery and it was at that point he said to himself, “I will never give up. I never will!” It was his will to be around to enjoy as much time as he can with his family – his wife, son Matthew and daughter Meghan and his three grandchildren.
After his initial days in the hospital, Kevin continued to receive rehabilitative services in restorative care for two months at Hollett’s Retirement Home in Grand Falls-Windsor. After getting the care he needed with the community occupational therapist, Kevin and Elsie finally settled into their new place at Kingsway on July 4, 2024.
Today, Kevin feels closer than ever to regaining a sense of independence. He continues to exercise every day, has returned to driving, and is looking forward to being able to receive a prosthetic leg soon.
How you can support our Radiothon!
There are several ways to make your gift: make a secure online donation by clicking on the Donate Now button on this webpage; call us at 709-292-2360; drop by our office at 32 Queensway, Grand Falls-Windsor, or plan to phone in to the Radiothon by calling 709-489-8300 on May 7th. Drop by the Exploits Valley mall and make your pledge in person.​​
Listen Live on Wednesday, May 7th on 620 VOCM​​
Noon to 4 p.m.
Occupational therapy is more than a profession - it’s a passion, and it’s about people. Occupational therapy empowers people
and changes lives!
Occupational therapy at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre focuses on helping people who have difficulty carrying out everyday activities, due to physical, mental or developmental difficulties and encompasses all areas of an individual's life such as taking care of oneself, work-related activities and leisure. Occupational therapists work with clients to promote independence, meaning and satisfaction in their lives. This can be achieved through teaching new skills and activities, providing adaptive aids and modifying environments.
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Occupational therapy services are provided to acute care in-patients, long-term care residents, community based clients and outpatients. Partners include Community Supports Program, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, Special Assistance and Equipment Program, other provincial health authorities etc. Occupational Therapists work as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team which includes physicians, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, nursing, social work, clinical nutrition and pharmacy to provide client centered care to the people served by Central Health.
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The occupational therapists are located at the regional referral sites of James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre and Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre. Consultative services are provided to all long term care sites through visiting clinics; three community therapists provide services to clients in their homes to assess function and provide interventions to promote independence, functioning and safety in the home environment.
Amy Cooke , the Regional Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy - Rehabilitative Services, NL Health Services - Central Zone showing how she inflates a cushion for a patient wheelchair with help from Christina Hanlon, Rehabilitative Services Clerk..
Amanda Yetman, Community Occupational Therapist (standing) and Tasha Duffett, Rehabilitation Assistant showcase some of the adaptive tools available for patients with hand mobility issues.
MEET THE TEAM
Stephanie White
Regional Manager - Rehabilitative Services, NL Health Services - Central Zone
Amy Cooke ​
Regional Clinical Lead for Occupational Therapy - Rehabilitative Services, NL Health Services - Central Zone
Amanda Yetman
Community Occupational Therapist
Mary McMaster
Acute care - Occupational Therapist
Tasha Duffett
Rehabilitation Assistant
Megan May ​
Rehabilitation Assistant
Christina Hanlon
Rehabilitative Services Clerk