New Book Reflects and Inspires Compassionate Care

When Dr. Jeff Nisker invited staff members and students of London Health Sciences Centre to put into words what they had been carrying in their hearts, a unique collection of stories, poems and plays was woven together, deepening our understanding of others and of ourselves.

Published by Pottersfield Press in Halifax, From the Other Side of the Fence: Stories from Health Care Professionals is a compilation of the stories, plays and poems that resulted and is representative of experiences in all Canadian hospitals.

On June 25, LHSC leaders, staff, community members and the authors who provided the stories for From the Other Side of the: Stories from Health Care Professionals, edited by Dr. Jeff Nisker MD PhD, launched the book at an event in University Hospital.

“We are very proud of our staff, physicians and students. Their stories of caring reflected in this book speak to the compassion for and commitment to our patients and their families. Dr. Jeff Nisker’s passion for story telling, and his commitment to sharing and developing this in others, is a gift to staff, to patients and to families,” said Cliff Nordal, LHSC President and Chief Executive Officer.

The book features the emotions and experiences of physicians, staff and students as caregivers and patients at LHSC. All 31 works illustrate the ability, willingness and gratitude of compassionate care practiced within LHSC. Anne Kinsella, Nancy Lawrence and Michele Ivanouski echoed this sentiment as they inspired the 60 guests at the launch event with readings from their work.

“In essence, stories by engaging emotionally as well as cognitively provide us with an appreciation and understanding of situations without directly experiencing them. And, better understanding of health care issues though stories may promote more compassionate decisions by health policy-makers,” says Nisker.

Some of the stories were encouraged by the Story for Patient-Centred Care Workshops facilitated by Nisker and others were submitted after an email invitation to LHSC staff and students. A committee of peers selected the stories to be published. The book is the culmination of years of work and effort by many people throughout LHSC.

Over 30 copies of the book were sold at the launch event. Nisker is donating all royalties to the London Health Sciences Foundation and the money will be used to support the Women’s Health Centre. Copies of the book can be bought directly from LHSF and online at Chapters.ca. The book will also be available in the Masonville and Wellington Chapters stores in coming weeks.

At the LHSC launch of From the Other Side of the Fence: Stories from Health Care Professionals, Dr. Jeff Nisker presented signed copies of the book to the authors, including Nancy Lawrence (front) and Michele Ivanouski.