Thanks to a novel new collaboration, patients and visitors at Teulon’s hospital will have an ample supply of books to peruse.
Staff from the local library has filled a cart with books and delivered it to Hunter Memorial Hospital for all to enjoy. On a regular basis, library staff will check on the cart — which was funded by the Teulon Healthcare Foundation — to make sure it’s well-stocked and that any damaged materials are removed and replaced.
Michael Hepples, executive director of South Interlake Regional Library, explained the impetus behind the initiative.
“This project came out of a brainstorming session on outreach services that we could provide as a library, and we felt there was a need we could address for those in our local hospitals that may not have the same recreational options available to them,” he said.
“This was also an opportunity to reach out to local groups that we felt we could partner with to do some community good. In Teulon, that was the Teulon Healthcare Foundation, who generously supplied the funds used to purchase the cart itself.”
He expects they’ll be able to keep a few dozen books on the cart with a mix of materials, including books, magazines and puzzles.
“The materials on the cart are free for anyone to take advantage of, whether they are a patient, staff or a visitor to a current patient,” Hepples said. “If someone grabs a book they enjoy and wish to keep it, that is wonderful. And if they happen to want to leave a book or two behind, we fully support that too.”
With a focus on collaboration, hospital staff also had the chance to share their insights on the project.
“We have connected with the on-site staff at the hospital to get their input on the type of materials they feel will be most beneficial since they have first-hand knowledge of what residents and patients might enjoy,” Hepples said.
“These books are from our supply of donated materials, allowing us to give some of these items a fresh new purpose, without anyone having to worry about checking items in and out of our collection or needing a library membership. We understand that the people that will benefit most from this cart have more important things on their minds and just want to give them the comfort of a good book without adding any additional stress.”
David Oakley, chair of the Teulon Healthcare Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.
“The Teulon Healthcare Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Teulon library to help establish a process to keep books and puzzles refreshed in the hospital. Books and puzzles are wonderful tools that are conversation pieces that can help enrich patients’ and residents’ days, as well as family visits,” he said.
“The process of targeting and refreshing the selection maintains interest as there is always something new and refreshing. Otherwise, they just become part of the room décor and provide little to no benefit to the residents, patients or family.”
He expressed gratitude for all those who helped to bring the project to life.
“Thank you so much to the Teulon library branch for thinking outside the box to help improve the patient and resident experience in Teulon,” said Oakley, adding that they’re looking for a copy of They Came For the Future by the Teulon and District History Book Committee to add to the collection.
“We would also like to thank the community for supporting the foundation. Your generosity helps us look for ways to improve care and enrich patient experience in the local health-care facilities.”
For the library team, Hepples said the best part of the project is the feeling of the “warm and fuzzies” that it creates.
“We derive no direct benefit from the program, but it is a high priority for the staff to have an impact in the community and promote literacy,” he said.
“For patients and their families, we hope that this provides some entertainment alternatives for those staying in the hospital, a distraction for those spending time visiting a loved one, and maybe even a few memories for those who chose to share some reading material together during a visit.”
With an eye on the horizon, Hepples can see opportunities to potentially expand the initiative.
“We would love to expand to other hospitals in our catchment, as well as seniors’ homes and personal care homes, if we can find the willing partners to help make that vision happen,” he said.
Kim Hansen, manager of health services at Teulon Hospital, said that patients are elated with the addition of the book cart.
“This has been a fantastic addition to the patients and visitors of Teulon hospital. Reading is such a therapeutic tool for the elderly and has so many benefits for those living with dementia,” she said.
“Reading assists in preserving cognitive function, can reduce stress and agitation and provides emotional comfort, as well as social connection and comradery with group readings and activities.”
The constant rotation of materials brings new life to the cart and keeps the patients engaged and excited while looking for something new, she added.
“The time and effort that has been put into making this project a success is greatly appreciated — an act of kindness can transform someone’s day. The hospital and community as a whole are always looking for new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of our patients, families and community,” she said.
“It is my greatest honour to serve this community, and I want to give my heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.”
