Nightingale Medical Donates to Food Bank

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our lives, health and the global economy over the past several months, Pacific Surgical, the parent company of Nightingale Medical, is very fortunate to be a part of the essential service industry and has been able to continue providing to hospitals and clinics. Our top priorities as always are to supply hospitals across the country with the products they need and continue to keep everyone on our team employed. Beyond that, we recognize our role during this difficult period and want to extend our appreciation for others who are doing important work during this time.

That is why Pacific Surgical, on behalf of Nightingale Medical, have made a donation of $20,000 to food banks in three communities where our offices are situated (Greater Vancouver Food Bank; Feed the Need in Oshawa/Durham; Moisson Montreal). Let’s continue to work together to support our communities as we proceed during this uncertain time.

Nightingale Medical Supports Cancer de Mama

Over the past several years,  Nightingale has been a supporter of Cancer de Mama Clinic by way of collecting new or gently used bras, prosthetic bras, breast forms and lymphedema sleeves dropped off by suppliers and individuals at each of our seven store locations.

Cancer de Mama Clinic coordinates the distribution of these donations to breast cancer survivors in Mexico.  Over 600 women each year travel to Le Penita, from as far away as Guadalajara, Tepic and Puerto Vallarta, to be transformed over three days.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for many breast cancer survivors to lack the means to purchase new products that can help them return to feeling like themselves following a mastectomy procedure.  There are virtually no support groups, no Cancer Society, and in many cases, no information and precious resources to help women in Mexico deal with the physical and emotional damage of breast cancer.  Because of the good work being done by organizations such as Cancer de Mama, breast cancer survivors have hope for the future.

Ongoing donations of new or gently used bras, prosthetic bras, breast forms and lympedema sleeves can be dropped off at any of our seven Nightingale Medical locations.  (May 2020 update:  due to Covid-19, collection of donations is temporarily suspended until further notice).

To learn more about Cancer de Mama, visit https://www.cancerdemamaclinic.com/.

Nightingale Medical Part of Look Good Feel Better Program

In the summer of 2018, Nightingale Medical became an official retailer of the Look Good Feel Better organization’s Breast Cancer Program. The program provides workshops for women who are cancer survivors.

As a result of COVID-19, they are providing their workshops in an online format. The online workshops are free one hour complimentary workshops where cancer survivors receive supportive, informative and inspiring strategies for managing the effects that cancer and its treatments have on appearance. It teaches valuable tools and techniques on cosmetic hygiene, skin care, cosmetics, hair and wig alternatives, followed by a segment on bra and breast form options, fitting tips and managing lymphedema.

Visit https://lgfb.ca to learn more about this important program and upcoming session dates.

Nightingale Medical Participates in BRA Day

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Nightingale Medical has been participating in the annual Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day Vancouver event since 2016.

BRA Day is a free event that brings together leading breast reconstruction experts with mastectomy patients and caregivers.  It was started in 2011 by Dr. Mitchell Brown, a Toronto plastic surgeon who saw the urgent need for improved breast reconstruction education, awareness and access. The goal was to educate patients about their choice for reconstruction when undergoing a mastectomy, and to ensure adequate access for reconstructive surgery.

Within only two years the BRA Day movement spread across Canada and to over 30 countries. BRA Day attendees have the opportunity to learn about complications and cancer treatment considerations when contemplating breast reconstruction. In addition to a Q&A forum with the expert panel, participants also have the opportunity to connect with women who have experienced breast reconstruction, and see real results of reconstruction in the Show & Tell Lounge.

For women choosing to undergo breast reconstruction, Nightingale Medical offers tissue expander breast forms (for use during reconstruction), silicone breast forms (for delayed reconstruction) and compression bras, garments and high-waisted underwear (for use following breast reconstruction and abdominal fat grafting
surgery).

Nightingale Medical Supports Youth Ostomy Camp

Nightingale Medical is a proud supporter of the annual Youth Ostomy Camp held in July at Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek, Alberta.  The camp is organized by Ostomy Canada Society and is a place where young people ages 9-18 with an ostomy or related special needs can spend a week being creative, playful and social.

Under professional supervision, campers are able to:

  • Receive formal/informal education on anatomy and physiology; self-esteem and coping; and sexuality
  • Develop independence and self-confidence with personal care and camp activities
  • Receive individual mentorship on stoma care and ostomy related needs (physical and or psychosocial).

Nightingale Trailblazer Award

Nightingale Medical every year sponsors the Nightingale Trailblazer Scholarship Award (formerly Gail Hawke Trailblazer Award). This $2500 financial award is given annually to one British Columbian graduate of the Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) WOC-EP who has demonstrated that they are a “Leader” in the tri-specialty of Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing and who meets the criteria written for this award. It is administered by the NSWOCC in cooperation with an awards advisory committee.

Past  recipients of this Award include Heidi Sugata, Kristi Kremic and Janyce Abelson. The  2020 recipient is Sue Bolton. Sue began her career as a diploma nurse in Ontario. As she has always had a passion for learning, Sue decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at McMaster University, followed by a Master’s degree in Nursing. After years of various leadership roles, Sue returned to direct patient care. Reflecting on her career, Sue says, “becoming a NSWOC has provided me with great satisfaction. I obtain so much joy from improving the outcomes and wellness of individuals’ lives. In my current job with First Nations Health Authority, I live the values of respect, discipline, excellence and fairness. I have been fortunate to support the community by improving health outcomes.”

To apply for this scholarship, interested applicants please visit https://wocinstitute.ca/awards/

Nightingale Medical Supports FOWC via Donations of Ostomy Supplies

Friends of Ostomates Worldwide Canada (FOWC) is looking for donations to continue distributing much-needed ostomy supplies to ostomates in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South America and more. For over 35 years, FOWC has been doing this incredible work. If you are interested in supporting ostomates in need or learning more please go to www.fowc.ca to make an online donation.

To learn more about FOWC, visit https://www.fowc.ca/.