• Clinical Programs
• Allied Health
  
• Support Services
  
• Affiliated Programs and Services
  
• Volunteer Services
  
  

Clinical Programs

Critical Care (Intensive Care Unit)
Critical Care is an eight bed multi-system (Level 2) Intensive Care Unit. The Unit has advanced technology with a computerized cardiac/hemodynamic monitoring system at each bedside as well as a central desk monitor. Critical Care is also equipped with triple channel intravenous pumps and electric beds with weigh scales for accurate titration of drug administration to patient weight. There is also central cardiac monitoring for an additional eight patients dispersed throughout the Hospital on Medicine, Surgery and in the Observation Unit. Over ninety-percent of Critical Care's Registered Nurses are certified in Advance Cardiac Life Support.

The Vic's Critical Care is one of the smallest in the region and with being located in the center of the Hospital's main floor prohibits access to natural light. As part of the Hospital's redevelopment project, the Critical Care will be shifted from its current location to a windowed space elsewhere on the main floor to permit patients access to natural light.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Critical Care Program, please click here for a direct link to job opportunities at VGH.


Emergency
The Emergency Department provides comprehensive emergency services 24 hours a day and is equipped to treat injuries and illnesses in all age groups. More than 100 patients present to the Emergency Department each day, all of whom are seen by a Triage nurse to assess their condition and determine when they will be seen. Eighty-six percent of the patients see in the Vic's Emergency Department are identified as 'emergent' or 'urgent', requiring a high level of care.

The Emergency Department was renovated in 1982 at which time ambulance bays and additional treatment space was added. The Department was initially designed to treatment 15,000 patients per year; however, because that number has more than doubled, further renovations are required to improve patient, family and staff spaces and storage. Changes in these and other areas are being planned as part of the Hospital's redevelopment project.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Emergency Program, please click here for a direct link to job opportunities at VGH.


Family Medicine
Family Medicine is the largest inpatient program at VGH, occupying more than 90 beds in the Hospital on three separate floors. A multidisciplinary team provides care to a diverse group of patients experiencing acute illnesses of varying natures, some of which require extensive, in depth intervention from a variety of health care professionals. The complex medical conditions of some family medicine patients require prolonged hospital stay. Once their condition is no longer acute, but ongoing care is still required, allied health professionals working along side direct care providers liaise with regional resources to find more suitable accommodations in the community.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Family Medicine Program, please click here for a direct link to job opportunities at VGH.


Medical Rehabilitation
The Medical Rehabilitation Unit is designed to accommodate individuals who require assistance in adapting to the physical or psychosocial skills needed in everyday living. When disability exists, the role of rehabilitation is both preventative and restorative directed towards improvement of function. The objectives of the rehabilitation program are to apply a holistic approach, encompassing the physical, mental, social and spiritual components, to assess the potential of each person and to facilitate rehabilitation treatment to ensure a safe discharge to the appropriate setting.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Medical Rehabilitation Program, please click here for a direct link to job opportunities at VGH.


Mental Health
The Victoria General Hospital Mental Health program is primarily an inpatient program for patients experiencing severe mental health concerns, who require acute inpatient assessment and treatment. A biopsychosocial model is employed and treatment, both individual and group, is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, that comprises all the major mental health disciplines. In addition to providing inpatient care to an adult patient population, our psychiatric team also offers consultation services to primary care physicians. As well, two Community Psychiatric Nurses provide a further link to the community through post-discharge follow-up of selective patients, and the provision of specialized medication clinics, on site.


Oncology
The Oncology program was established to provide consultation and treatment for patients with cancer and diseases of the blood. Its goals are to provide the most current cancer treatments and techniques possible, while providing appropriate palliative care for patients and families in the home and hospital. It also strives to meet the educational needs of patients, families, the public, medical and nursing staff.

Expansion and relocation of the Oncology program at VGH is a major component of our redevelopment project. Considerable planning has occurred, and continues, into the redesign of the clinic to increase the treatment space and improve the environment, for the betterment of patient care.

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Oncology Program, please click here for a direct link to job opportunities at VGH.


Surgery
The Victoria General Hospital Surgery Program provides the most up to date care in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. Through the use of innovative technology, the Vic performs approximately 85% of its surgical procedures on a day surgery basis, allowing patients to stay in their homes longer and return home sooner, and return to work and their usual activities of daily living quicker.

The Hospital's same day surgery department, SurgiCenter, was created in 1995 and capable of accommodating about 40 patients per day. Patient volumes have doubled in recent years and an expansion of the area is required to accommodate this increase. As part of the Hospital's redevelopment project, plans are underway to increase the size of the SurgiCenter in order to meet the needs of today, but also years into the future.


Women's Health - "An Integral Part of Life's Continuum"
Throughout every stage of a woman's life, the Victoria General Hospital Women's Health Program is there. Nurturing staff provide the most advanced and compassionate care possible in a supportive, home-like environment. Health services for women are provided, encompassing all phases of a woman's life journey from the celebration of giving birth to need for gynecological surgery.

Our Family Birth Center, established in 1992, pioneered Manitoba's first single-room maternity units. The concept LDRP (Labour, Delivery, Recovery and Post Partum) make it possible for women to have their birth experience all in one room.

Our gynecological surgery program offers a quiet and caring environment for women pre and post-surgery. Constant attention to the woman's need for teaching and support in the recovery period is a priority.

Both areas of the Women's Health Program are staffed by a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals including a 24 hour in-house anaesthetist. All team members are committed to facilitating a positive experience for women and their families.

Allied Health

Diagnostic Imaging
The Vic's Diagnostic Imaging department provides high quality diagnostic services to help with the diagnosis and treatment of our patients. The services include: Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning, Ultrasound, non-invasive Cardiology (EKG), Nuclear Medicine and general imaging. In the fall of 2002, the Vic became the first site in Winnipeg to introduce a fully integrated Filmless Imaging system, where all images are now stored digitally and very few films are printed, providing a more timely, efficient and environmentally friendly service.


Pharmacy
The Victoria General Hospital has an in-house Pharmacy Service that supports pharmaceutical needs throughout the hospital. The pharmacists work closely with physicians and other members of the hospital's health care team to monitor drug therapy and ensure the appropriate use of medications.

The Vic's Pharmacy is not for public use. There are several public pharmacies within walking distance of the hospital.

Support Services

Admitting/Information
Having a friendly face at the start of your visit to our Hospital is invaluable, and our Admitting and Information staff provide just that. Whether you are inquiring about a patient or coming in for treatment, surgery or emergency care, our staff will assist you in getting the help you need.


Environmental Services
Everyone has a role to play in the provision of quality health care, and the Vic's Environmental Services staff take that motto to heart. From the sterile requirements of the Operating Room, to the spotless treatment and public spaces, their special skills ensure safe, clean surroundings for patients, staff and visitors.


Finance

• Ensures the financial reporting requirements are met by providing monthly and yearend statements to WRHA and VGH Management.
  
• Responsible for the Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and General Ledger subsystems.
  
• Works closely with the Human Resources dept. to reconcile Payroll to the Position control budget.
  
• Maintains control over the Operating and Capital budgeting process by allocating the WRHA funding to individual programs.
  
• Arranges for long term financing, as approved by the Board for the purpose of various Capital Projects.
  
• Provides guidance and ad hoc reporting to all management staff

For employment information, please contact our Human Resources Department at 477-3365 or click on "Career Opportunities" to access our on-line application system.


Management Information Services

• Works with WRHA IT group to develop standards and policies relating to the deployment of Information Technology.
  
• Oversees the hospital telecommunication systems (phones and pagers)
  
• Provides a Help Desk service of technical support for users
  
• Ensures the computer and network hardware (PCs, printers, servers and switches) are maintained in adequate working condition
  
• Works to keep VGH up to date on industry standards
  
• Acts as a liaison between WRHA program and site

Our Materials Management team plays an important role in the financial and clinical success of the Hospital. To achieve this objective, our Hospital is the first in the Province to employ the state-of-the-art e-business system for requesting, sourcing, purchasing, warehousing and distributing medical and surgical supplies and equipment. This fully automated supply replenishment system enables our Materials Management team to work collaboratively with all other departments, to better manage inventory, track and reduce costs as well as improve efficiency and enhance patient care.


Health Records
All patients' personal health information that has been recorded in the medical record is stored for accurate and efficient treatment of patients. Whether it is diagnostic or treatment information, or simply the name and address of a patient or their next of kin, the Hospital's health records staff respect the privacy of our patients. We carefully follow guidelines set out by Manitoba's Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), coordinated by the Hospital's Privacy Officer.


Physical Plant
With over 220,000 square feet of space, the Vic's Physical Plant team are responsible for the maintenance and repair of our facility. On staff, we have engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters and other qualified professionals with years of experience.

The Plant Manager's responsibilities for the Hospital's physical structure include extensive involvement in Workplace Health and Safety issues, as well as the Vic's security personnel.


Research and Evaluation
The Department of Research and Evaluation has been in operation since 1990 and is funded by the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. The Mission of the Victoria General Hospital Research and Evaluation Department is to promote research, facilitate the research process, respond to research issues at the Hospital, and undertake clinical research that will benefit the Hospital's various patient populations.

The Department of Research and Evaluation liaises with representatives of the academic, governmental and community health care sectors on issues related to research activities. The Director serves as a consultant to Hospital programs and services concerning research issues. Outcome evaluation of Hospital programs and processes is an important component of the Department.

The Interdisciplinary Research Committee - its purpose is to enhance employee awareness of research and to promote a culture of inquiry, information-sharing and data-driven practice. Membership in this committee is comprised of individuals from multidisciplines throughout the facility.

Staff
Director - Wendy M. Fallis, R.N., Ph.D.

Background: A Ph.D. prepared researcher with a background in clinical nursing practice, community health, cardiac rehabilitation and education. Area of research expertise is in temperature monitoring, thermoregulation and critical care, with a focus on the adult population and quantitative methodologies. Additional areas of research interest include cardiology, as well as physiological and outcome research.

Telephone: 477-3372   E-Mail: wfallis@vgh.mb.ca

Administrative Assistant - Ethyl Armstrong

For research access information and/or application forms, please contact:
Telephone: 477-3374   E-mail: earmstrong@vgh.mb.ca

Affiliated Programs and Services

Central Speech and Hearing Clinic
The Central Speech and Hearing Clinic is a privately operated clinic affiliated with the Hospital. It provides auditory verbal rehabilitation to deaf and hard of hearing children, some of whom have received cochlear implants.


Redevelopment and Corporate Planning
The Victoria General Hospital has embarked on the beginning of a major journey. The destination and goal is the completion of an $11.0 million project encompassing a 40,000 square foot addition and renovation. This project is the largest construction endeavor undertaken by the Vic since it's opening in the early 1970's. Departments and programs involved in this project are:

• New Oncology Addition
  
• New Intensive Care Unit
  
• Expanded SurgiCenter
  
• Redeveloped Emergency
  
• New Gift Shop
  
• New Foundation Offices
  
• New Admitting and Heath Records
  
• New Learning Resource Center

For further information, or to discuss your thoughts on the Project or other facility concerns, feel free to drop in to the Redevelopment Office, located on the Ground Floor, adjacent to Physical Plant by the Café Vic; or contact:

Speech-Language and Hearing Services
The Vic provides hearing testing and speech-language therapy to adults and children. The Variety Speech and Hearing Centre, established in March 2000, offers speech-language assessment and treatment for children and hearing testing for people of all ages. The Vic also has an onsite adult Speech-Language Pathologist provides speech-language assessment and therapy for adults.

Victoria General Hospital Foundation


Victoria Lifeline
Lifeline is North America's leading personal response company. When Lifeline users need help, they simply press the Personal Health button they wear as a pendant or on a wristband, and within seconds their call will be answered by one of Lifeline's caring, highly trained professionals. Other program options are also available, including a reminder service to help clients remember various tasks and medication schedules that they need to keep throughout the day.

Volunteer Guild of the Victoria Hospital

Volunteer Services

The Victoria General Hospital has a strong, vibrant volunteer community, who help our hospital by sharing their time, talents and life experiences to enrich the lives of our patients and visitors.

The Volunteer Services Department is responsible for recruiting, training and placement of volunteers. Every effort is made to assign volunteers in positions, which reflect their interests and needs as well as the needs of the hospital. To apply as a volunteer, click here.