This article appeared in the May 2022 issue of The Link. To receive Oak Valley Health’s community newsletter, subscribe now.
Pamela (Pam) Ingley has a unique role at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH), as the Perinatal Quality Assurance Specialist, in Childbirth and Children Services department.
“Pam is fiercely creative and collaborative. She is curious and isn’t afraid to speak up when she sees processes that need improvement and has the knowledge and skills to successfully bring change management,” says Abigail Corbin, Patient Care Manager, Alongside Midwifery Unit at Oak Valley Health. “Pam’s passion for efficiency has been a huge asset to our program and we feel so lucky to work alongside her.”
In her role, she applied for and won the Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC) Innovation Safety Grant. As a result, she has launched Moving Up with MoreOB – a program that brings interprofessional staff together to learn through rounds, simulation and creative learning opportunities.
“The program encourages courage and curiosity,” says Pam. “Our ultimate goal is always patient safety, and this framework helps front line staff optimize improvement efforts – it’s about being proactive and not reactive.”
It’s no surprise Pam has often been refereed to as a team player, always stepping up when others need help. A 30 year nursing veteran, and having recently received her Masters in Health Care Simulation and Patient Safety, Pam is a life long learner who knows the importance of mentoring and supporting younger colleagues.
“She is a big thinker who cares deeply about the staff and patients she works with – both by lending a helping hand and by thinking innovatively about how to bring in improvements,” says Abigail.
Nursing in Action – Literally
Pam goes above and beyond the call of duty, not only within our hospital walls, but in the community as well.
“While driving to work one winter day, I noticed a car had flipped over multiple times, and without any emergency vehicles nearby, and without a second thought, I pulled over to investigate,” says Pam.
A young woman had crawled out of the broken windshield, and was sitting next to the car. Pam’s first instinct, of course, was to use her expertly honed nursing skills to work and examine her and move her away from the debris. Next, to Pam’s fear, she peaked inside and saw multiple children’s toys. Her heart racing, she asked the mother if there we any children in the car – to everyone’s relief, her young toddler had just been dropped off at daycare.
“It was the scariest day of my life,” says Danielle Graziano, the young woman who had been in the car accident. “I don’t know what the odds are of getting into an accident and having a nurse who happens to be on her way to work, be the first person to help me. She was incredible – patted me down to make sure I didn’t have any broken bones and she didn’t leave my side. I am unbelievably grateful for Pam, she’s my angel, I will never forget her.”
As the police and ambulance arrived, it was determined her car had been hit by another vehicle, hit a post, hit a post, and then flipped over three times. The patient was transported to MSH, and Pam followed closely behind.
“While at the hospital, the staff were having trouble getting a hold of the patient’s partner,” says Pam. “So I stayed by her side, went with her to receive scans and answered any questions she had, I wanted her to know she was safe.”
To no surprise, Pam created a bond with the young mother – something she often does with young nursing students as well. Through a potentially life altering accident, a beautiful relationship was formed.
Remarkably, the patient walked away with only a few abrasions on her hand. A guardian angel was definitely on her side during the accident, and Pam was there for every step of the way.
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