Meet Our Team

Mary Vergeer
 Executive Director

Mary has a long history in health care including 9 years with the Chatham‐Kent Health Alliance as an education coordinator and Director of Mission Effectiveness and Quality Management. She has also held a variety of positions with Chateau Gardens including Administrator and Director of Care for two long term care facilities. Most recently, Mary was the Branch Manager for Comcare Health Services in London where she managed a team of health care professionals who provided care to home care patients. Mary has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in strategic planning, program development, financial management and human resources management.

Mary holds a Masters Degree in Arts from the Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario and a certificate in health care management from the Canadian Healthcare Association. Mary will be meeting with family physicians, health care agencies and Central Lambton community organizations over the next several weeks to learn more about the health care needs of Central Lambton and to share information around the role of the Central Lambton Family Health Team in the community. Over the next few weeks, she will be selecting her team of nurses, social worker, dietician and pharmacist to work with the family physicians in providing improved access to primary health care services in Central Lambton.

 

Greg Layne
Nurse Practitioner

An LCCVI graduate, Greg and his wife Kristy have four young children and are residents of Petrolia. Greg has been working as a nurse practitioner at the North Lambton Community Health Centre in Forest for the past two years. Greg earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2001 and his Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner certificate in 2008 from the University of Western Ontario. Greg has six years experience working in Emergency Departments in London, Chatham, St. Thomas and at Bluewater Health in Sarnia. Greg is an active member of his community as a leader in several youth and Boy Scout organizations.

As a Nurse Practitioner, Greg will see patients who need immediate care for acute health problems like colds, flu and minor aches and pains. He will also see patients who need annual health exams, well-baby and children assessments and assist those dealing with chronic illness issues such as asthma, diabetes, chronic respiratory problems or arthritis. Nurse practitioners can provide immunizations for children, order diagnostic tests such as Mammographies, ultrasounds, basic X-rays, laboratory tests and provide prescriptions for some medications. Greg will be working closely with all of the physicians who are part of the CLFHT and will be visiting patients in the hospital, at local nursing homes and in patients’ homes.

 

Registered Nurse (RN) Position Description

Registered Nurses
Registered nurses (RN) will be expected to perform those tasks and responsibilities outlined by professional associations such as the Ontario College of Nurses and other regulatory agencies. RNs will be expected to be an important part of the Family Health Team and work with other members of the team to ensure the high quality patient care is provided to all patients. RNs will provide a broad range of nursing and administrative services to patients, families and the community including direct patient care, patient education, counseling, referral of patients to appropriate agencies and the coordination of patient care services. During the first six months, RN staff will assist in the care of patients as well as in the development of chronic disease management programs and services for patients. RN staff will also be expected to participate in the development of policies and procedures for the operation of the Family Health Team during the start up stages of the FHT.

Roles and Responsibilities
RN staff will provide a broad range of clinical nursing services to patients including patient assessment, diagnosis, referral and treatment. RN staff will work closely with the family physicians in the Medical Clinic to assist in the treatment of patients During the first 6-9 months, RN staff will assist in the development of Chronic Disease Management Programs and services. It is expected that RN staff will assist in the development of guidelines and protocols for the following types of programs:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory Disease (including asthma)
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
  • Dementia/depression.

The RN will collaborate with members of the Family Health Team and other health care providers to establish protocols and guidelines for the Chronic Disease Management Program.

Assessment

  • Assessment of client health care needs (physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual)
  • Analysis of the findings of a health assessment
  • Interpret client health records
  • Observe and record outcomes
  • Collect data through a therapeutic relationship with a client

Treatment/Management

  • Determine the appropriate service or treatment, the appropriate care provider or the appropriate equipment
  • Provide nursing care and treatment (including complementary therapies and/or counseling) for health problems

Education/Advocacy

  • Help clients to identify and use health resources
  • Involve clients in decisions about their own health
  • Encourage clients to take action for their own health
  • Initiate health education and other activities that assist, promote and support clients as they strive to achieve the highest possible level of health
  • Develop learning resources for nurses and other health care providers
  • Develop and deliver health education programs for patients or communities

Referrals/Collaboration

  • Collaborate with other health care providers in the Family Health Team in the delivery of patient care
  • Refers patients to other members of the Family Health Team as appropriate depending on the needs of patients and in accordance with the guidelines of the Family Health Team.

 

Dietitian Position Description

The Registered Dietitian (RD) is a specialist in nutrition, and responsible for the nutrition care of FHT clients identified as moderate to high risk for chronic disease, or clients living with chronic disease. Working in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, the RD will share expertise and knowledge of nutrient care with clients and their families, as well as other health care professionals.

The RD is expected to practice within the scope of practice and according to the standards of practice as outlined in “Professionals Standards for Dietitians in Canada” and The Dietetics Act (1991) and the Regulated Health Professionals Act (1991).

Responsibilities

  • Works in collaboration with interdisciplinary team to safely and effectively provide appropriate nutritional care to FHT clients.
  • Provides nutritional education to meet the learning needs of FHT clients.
  • Screens, prioritizes and processes client referrals from the family physicians, from Nurse Practitioners and other member of the team as appropriate.
  • Plans, organizes and facilitates group nutritional educational sessions using the principles of adult learning and basic educational tools and methods.
  • Evaluates client comprehension and compliance to the nutritional plan by reviewing clinical and learning outcomes.
  • Recommends and adapts teaching to the client’s identified nutritional needs, revising treatment protocols as required.
  • Documents client interactions using client health record system, refers appropriate clients to the Diabetes Education Program operating in Lambton and follows up with clients.
  • Coordinates the assessment of the nutritional status and its impact on risk for chronic disease or management of chronic disease.
  • Reviews client clinical information obtained through physician referral, laboratory reports and health records.
  • Conducts consultations with clients to obtain relevant information and assess client nutritional learning needs.

Planning

  • Assists in development of program calendars, identifying priorities, target dates and implementation strategies.
  • Reviews current literature resources to support preparation of education materials and tools.
  • Develops and discusses appropriate individualized nutritional care plan with the client based on best practices and guidelines.
  • Manages, reviews and makes recommendations regarding protocols for the nutrition education of FHT clients.

Evaluation

  • Prepares monthly statistical reports for the Executive Director of the CLFHT for submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Primary Care Branch.
  • Identifies key performance indicators and workload measurement for Dietitian services and participates in the measurement of these indicators.
  • Monitors the nutritional health care needs of the Central Lambton community and develops programs to dealing with the needs of the community with a special focus on chronic disease management, the elderly and public education.

Collaboration

  • Works effectively within other members of the CLFHT interdisciplinary team, in varied practice settings, to improve access to nutritional care for the residents of Central Lambton.
  • Provides nutritional consultations for clients and staff of the CLFHT.
  • Plans, organizes and conducts in-service educational workshops for team members, other health professionals and community partners.
  • Promotes awareness of the FHT’s services and programs.
  • Actively participates in staff, team and committee meetings as appropriate.
  • Provides consultation as requested to community groups, partners and team members.
  • Provides leadership and mentorship to nutrition students that enter the FHT on a placement.
  • Participates in the education of other health professional students.
  • Participates in the development, planning and evaluation of treatment, education, counselling and health promotion activities of the FHT.
  • Communicates effectively with health care team members to create a cohesive team and seamless services to the community.
  • Communicates effectively with all clients, families, peers, other health care professionals and community partners.
  • Participates in interdisciplinary meetings as required. Professional Development
  • Maintains and develops competence through ongoing professional development.
  • Participates in the Quality Assurance Program of the College of Dietitians of Ontario.
  • Stays current and aware of opportunities to implement new, evidenced-based methods of client assessment and treatment.
  • Participates in self-directed learning to ensure that practice remains relevant by attending professional conferences, e-learning and journal reviews.
  • Participates on interdisciplinary committees to promote professional development.
  • Participates in clinical projects and research studies as appropriate.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

  • Baccalaureate of Science in Nutrition or equivalent
  • Current registration with the Ontario College of Dietitians
  • Current membership with Dieitians of Canada Association
  • Proof of professional liability insurance coverage.
  • Basic CPR certification and current Ontario Drivers’ License
  • Demonstrated experience in community and primary care environments
  • Demonstrated experience in the area of chronic disease management

SKILLS / ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidenced-based methods and practices of primary care delivery, with an emphasis on heath promotion and risk reduction.
  • Superior leadership, organizaiton, research, evaluation, time management.
  • Proficiency in the use of the computer hardware and software used by the CLFHT.
  • Desire and ability to pdate knowldege and skills through various means including technology-based opportunities, courses, workshops and conferences.
  • Multi-tasking skills related to the delivery of efficient primary care including the ability to share information and teach while treating a patient.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of the goals and structure of the organization, the policies and procedures and the programs