“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success”
As we move forward from 2023 into 2024, on behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome you to our AGM for the fiscal year ending March 2024. I want to extend a special thank you to all the RK MacDonald staffs, Senior Leadership team, and our stakeholders, that have made the commitment along with their dedication to improve the lives of our Residents and Families. Additionally, I would also like to thank the Board of Directors for their true heartedness and investment to the organization.
The Board is truly appreciative for the past and present RK Foundation members on their 30th Anniversary, and for their ongoing and generous support. The donor’s contributions have certainly impacted the lives of the residents and staffs. To the volunteers that support the Home and Residents we are very grateful for all you do.
The Board from post pandemic to resuming normalcy in 2023 marked the 65th year of our relationship with the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha. Although the Congregation has not been involved in the management of the Home since 1971, the Congregation continues to support the Corporation’s governing body. The Congregation appoints one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Board of Directors and continues to play an active role in reviewing amendments to the by-laws of the Corporation.
There are twelve (12) Board of Directors, four of which are appointed by the Municipality of the County of Antigonish and the Town of Antigonish and the Sisters of St Martha. The Board has five (5) working committees; Executive, Quality Safety & Governance, Finance, Infrastructure Renewal, Building & Grounds. Chairs of the Committee report to both the Board Chair and Directors monthly. The Board of Directors have a fiduciary duty to ensure the Cooperation is well managed and in a stable financial position.
The Board was thrilled with the Nursing Home’s award and recognition from the National Accreditation which was conducted in December 2023. The RK MacDonald received the award of full accreditation with commendation. This most certainly reflects the organization’s staff’s dedication and expertise that everyone on the team at the RK MacDonald Home brings with them in their role each and everyday. Planning for an onsite accreditation visit was a significant undertaking and required the whole organization and Board to come together to prepare.
Download the Annual Progress Report 2023 – 2024
Other key milestones achieved last year:
Board Governance:
- Board of Directors AGM was held June 2023 for the first time with residents and their families invited to attend.
- All Board Policies were reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
- By laws approved by the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
- Board self evaluations and results of the action plans completed in March 2024.
- Agreement renewed with the Sisters of St. Martha.
- The RK website now hosts the monthly meeting minutes of the Board of Directors, Family Council, Resident Council, and the Organization’s Quality Indicators.
- Incorporated First Nation Land Acknowledgement is read at the start of each meeting.
- Review and updated the Mission Statement.
- Review and updated of Philosophy statement.
- Review and updated the Committees’ Term of Reference.
- Review Quality Indicator and Risk Management Reports quarterly.
Board Professional Development:
- Review of Financial Statements-September 2023- Director of Finance.
- Board’s role in Accreditation- October & November 2023 -Lead Tracey MacDonald-Accreditation Coordinator.
- Indigenous Culture Training workshop- September 2023.
- Roles of Social Worker- presented by Melissa Arnott 2023.
- Board Succession Planning – presented by Terry MacIntyre January 2024.
- Occupation Health & Safety – presented by Byron Donavan March 2024.
- Board Governance and Professional Development – April /2024 by KPMG and Senior Long-Term Care.
- Health Care Providers role in Caring for 2SLGBTQIA – presented by Suzanne Litke K.C. May 2024.
Culture:
- The Indigenous Reconciliation Plan drafted.
Electronic Charting:
- Inter_ RAI program is an electronic charting system for enhancing care plans for residents.
Financial Audit – 2023:
- Auditor presented to the Board. Financial position was in good standing.
- 2024 Financial Statement will be presented at the June Board Meeting.
Infrastructure Renewal:
- Completed Step 1-5 and was submitted to Senior and Long-Term Care -Facility Development Approval Plan (FDAP).
- Site selection completed September 2023.
- Site Investigations initiated in October 2023
- Architect Firm -Fowler Bower & Mitchell initiated Concept Design, staffs, residents, and families recruited for feedback.
- Step 6 approved with comments 2024.
- Public announcement is anticipated in June 2024 pending Treasury Board and Government agencies approval of design and budget.
Medical Director:
- Dr Steeves resignation accepted, in June 2023 and he was acknowledged at the AGM 2023.
- Dr JaneAnn Howard accepted the Medical Advisor position for the Home May 2024.
Strategic Plan:
- High level goals incorporated into the Operational Plan.
- Quality indicators not meeting the benchmark have been integrated in the Quality Management Plan.
- Quality Indicators are reviewed quarterly.
As the Chair of the Board, it remains an honour to work with the Leadership Team and Directors of the Board to strengthen the organization and deliver efficient governance and support the organization to strive and experience growth as a Long-Term Care facility, in providing care for our residents, their families and our valued staff.
Sincerely ,
Camilla Benoit,
Chair of the RK MacDonald Nursing Home
Download the Annual Progress Report 2023 – 2024