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With The Heart of Health series, we’re shining a light on the many dedicated employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers who make Nova Scotia Health such a remarkable place to work and receive care. Today we feature Catherine Guimont, liver transplant recipient coordinator.
When patients in Atlantic Canada are waiting for a liver transplant, Catherine Guimont is a critical part of their care journey. Guimont, liver transplant recipient coordinator, works with and educates patients and families to help get them through to transplant.
“Patients are so physically unwell when we first see them,” said Guimont. “As a result, many of the family members are experiencing caregiver burnout. It’s not just the patients we care for – it’s the families too. We help them get through.”
Wendy Roberts, social worker, said of Guimont, “She is often the first point of contact for people facing the daunting prospect of liver transplantation. It is a frightening and uncertain time for patients and families and Catherine walks them through the assessment process with care and compassion.”
Guimont said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is being able to educate patients and families. “It’s nice to see the outcomes of your education when the lightbulb goes on.”
It’s a challenging job, said Guimont. However, being part of an interdisciplinary team that includes social work, dietary, physical therapy, psychology, physicians and more, makes it easier. “We are all experts and help get the patient where they need to be. We have a really good team – people care and they want to make a difference. From clerical to physicians, we’re here for our patients.”
Because the program serves patients from across Atlantic Canada, the team also works closely with specialists in other Atlantic provinces.
When Guimont is on call, she’s the one who calls transplant patients when an organ is ready for them, whether that be a liver, kidney or heart. “Patients are waiting on a list – they think they’re never going to get called. When I call, some of the patients are in tears.”
Once a liver transplant is complete, Guimont’s role ends and another professional steps in to follow the patient. Guimont sometimes runs into patients months or years later in community. She said it’s often the family she recognizes rather than the patient, since the patient was so unwell when she saw them last. “Some people, when they come to us, are at death’s door. Seeing them do better and come back from the brink, it’s rewarding.”
Roberts said Guimont’s impact goes beyond patients and families, to colleagues too. “She liaises with the many disciplines involved in transplant care and is a strong and passionate patient advocate. Catherine holds the history of the transplant program and has been instrumental in orienting those coming into the program and joining the team. Her expertise and knowledge are invaluable. She has been a treasured colleague for many years and has absolutely changed the lives of those she works with.”
We want to learn and share your stories. What keeps you going, despite challenges? What does working in health and health care mean to you, both personally and professionally? Who is that colleague or teammate that makes going to work easier when things feel hard?
Whether you’ve had a defining moment that reaffirmed your purpose or want to recognize a colleague who embodies the heart of health, share your story with us. Let’s celebrate each other! E-mail: heartofhealth@nshealth.ca