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Celebrating a job well done at Springdale
Friday July 25, 2003 John Driscoll
A large crowd gathered under threatening skies yesterday to celebrate the official opening of Springdale Country Manor.

The rains held off and joy shone through among residents and staff over the completion of the $1.8 million project.
The project was called a renovation but it quickly became clear to visitors that a new Springdale has sprung up.

Gone is the L-shaped nondescript building that was Springdale Manor and in its place is a true country manor, a rectangular building with an inviting entrance and central courtyard where residents can roam freely.

Of course Springdale was never really about just the building, but more importantly, about the staff and residents, OMNI's CEO Fraser Wilson pointed out at the opening.

“ We are here to celebrate the energy, commitment and perseverance of our staff,” he told the gathering of residents, staff and friends.

Peterborough MPP Gary Stewart praised Fraser, in turn, for taking on this project, without government funding support.
“Congratulations to OMNI for the confidence shown in investing their own dollars in this project,” he said.

“Fraser’s commitment is exceptional and makes it easier for government to put money into long-term care.”

In his address, Fraser outlined OMNI's mission “to experience hope, purpose and belonging in long-term care.”

There were smiles all round as resident council president Gladys Clark cut the ribbon to officially open the new Springdale.

Staff had to put up with somewhat chaotic conditions as construction rumbled around them while they maintained the care and comfort of residents.

Phyllis McFaul, environmental services manager who has worked at Springdale for more than 20 years, couldn’t hold back the laughter when asked how she liked the new building.

“I’ve seen some changes over the years but this is the most fantastic one we’ve ever had,” she said. “It’s marvelous.”

Gladys Clark said she loved the new building and her comfortable room. “It’s a big improvement on life here,” she said.

“There is a whole different atmosphere,” said Kathy McKeown, a personal support worker. “In the old Springdale, the outside appearance didn’t meet the care and warmth inside,” she said. “Now it does.”

Residents have taken to the new inner courtyard complete with gazebo, where they can sit outside and staff don’t have to worry about any of them wandering away, Kathy said.

“Quite a few residents sat out there last night, had their evening snack there and didn’t come in until 9 p.m.,” Kathy said.

That new courtyard has been named The OMNIway, said administrator Pauline Dainard. “It’s a marvelous place where our residents have free access to the outside,” she said.

The courtyard will feature plaques with the words “hope”, “purpose” and “belonging” to remind everyone of the OMNI mission.

The opening marked the end of months of caring for residents under difficult conditions with ongoing construction, Pauline said.

“ The staff has been phenomenal through some hectic times,” she said.

“All of the staff were willing to take the reins to make this happen,” said Wendy Logan, nursing administrative services manager who filled in for Pauline and oversaw much of the move to improved quarters. “I’d like to thank them for their efforts.”

The renovations have added 8,000 square feet to the home and three additional beds bringing the total to 68. There are now 20 private rooms, up from five, and all three-bed rooms have been eliminated.

There is now proper storage space, which makes life easier for both residents and staff.

A dedicated chapel, pub/café, spa, therapy room and beauty salon have also been added.

There are now three dining areas instead of one, including a dining lounge in a specialized living area for eight residents complete with an independent wandering path.

Every room at Springdale has the room number and a picture of the resident on a plaque in the corridor just outside the door.

The first thing visitors see when they enter the building now is the large fireplace with the painting above it in the tastefully furnished lounge.

Throughout the home, there is the warmth of carpet and wood vinyl.

The best thing about the completion of the renovations is the relief for residents, said Wendy.

For weeks they had been out of their dining rooms and eating in the main lounge while renovations went on around them.

“Last night was the first night in the new dining rooms and the atmosphere was so calm,” she said. “It was a pleasurable dining experience."