Alice Gaynor’s story provides a real example of how the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, a publicly funded facility, is helping patients with congestive heart failure effectively manage their chronic disease.

Alice found out she had congestive heart failure more than ten years ago. She knew it was a chronic illness that meant her heart didn't pump well, and fluid built up in her lungs, making it hard to breathe and do everyday things. But no one really explained what she should do to stay well, and often she had to go to the hospital. That’s not unusual — many people with chronic illnesses in Ontario do not receive enough information to manage their sickness.

Then Alice moved to Sault Ste. Marie to be near her daughter. At the Group Health Centre there, she was sent to Kathy Palombi, a nurse in a special program for people with congestive heart failure. Kathy’s job was to help Alice learn how to take care of herself.
Kathy explained that Alice should limit the fluids she drinks. She helped her learn which foods she shouldn’t eat because they’re high in salt, and encouraged her to start exercising. Kathy also taught Alice how to decide when she needed extra care.

Alice feels better than she has felt in years and any time she has a problem she can call and Kathy and the doctor can check how she is doing instantly on her computerized health record. The Group Health Centre’s heart failure program works the way health
care should work in Ontario — it focuses on what the patient needs, it’s there when it’s needed and it keeps patients safe and well. It also helps Alice avoid pain and having to go to hospital, and saves the health system money.

Since this story, Mrs. Gaynor has passed away, but we hope her story brings hope to many others.  With her family’s permission, we pay her tribute by continuing to tell her story.