NGH and NHNH staff honoured for their dedication to patient care and teamwork
Friday, March 10, 2023
They may have contributed in different ways, but each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patient care and to their colleagues. That was the central theme of the nominees and recipients of the 2022 Dr. George Marshall Award, Norfolk General Hospital’s (NGH) highest honour. The special awards ceremony took place on February 23, 2023.
Dan Wardell, a proud member of NGH’s maintenance team for 31 years, captured the Dr. George Marshall Individual Award, for both his professional and personal commitment to safety and accountability as well as the pride he demonstrates in his daily work.
“I am still in shock to know that I was chosen as the candidate for this award,” said Dan. “I am so proud and honoured to be acknowledged in this way. I cannot say thank you enough to the NGH family for choosing me. This milestone is something I will never forget.”
(Pictured left to right: Dan Hill, Vice President – Finance & Chief Financial Officer; Donna Wardell; Dan Wardell; and Sarah-Jane Irvine, Chief Human Resources Officer.)
The Dr. George Marshall Award is presented each year to an outstanding employee or a team that shows passion and commitment for improving quality of care, leads by example, and inspires others. The award nominees and winners are also voted entirely by their peers.
Norfolk General Hospital’s Surgical Day Care team was the 2022 group recipient of the Dr. George Marshall Award. The Surgical Day Care team was presented with the award for outstanding commitment to patient centred care.
“This past year I had the opportunity to witness the team going above and beyond in the provision of care,” said Sherry Chambers, Director of Perioperative Services. “A patient came in for a transfusion, which is a very routine procedure for this area. The team provided care as ordered but took the time to pick up on the subtle cues that this person was in crisis. They established a connection through the therapeutic nurse client relationship, making the patient feel safe enough to open up to them. They were then able to work collaboratively with the patient’s family at home, along with our NGH team to create a plan of care. The team stayed with patient throughout the day and worked with their family to ensure all barriers to admission were addressed. The patient reached out months later to thank the team and to let them know that they had saved a life that day.”
(Pictured left to right: Sara Block – RN; Shanya Jansema – RPN; Lindsey Propper – RN; Michelle Mason – Ward Clerk (holding the award); Charlene Neuman – RN Charge Nurse; Lindsay James – RPN; Kim Mullins – VP Clinical; Miriam Taylor – RPN; Sarah Webb – RN; Kathy Wardell – RN/Pre-op Nurse; Sherry Chambers – RN Clinical Director. Absent from the photo are team members Carrie Martin – RPN, Samantha Riel – RPN.)
NGH’s Surgical Day Care Team provide surgical care to patients before, during and after surgery. They work in collaboration with a dedicated and skilled surgery team who provide compassionate care to patients and their families at a vulnerable time.
This past year alone, our amazing Surgical Day Care Team helped perform over 3,100 elective surgeries, more than 2,600 endoscopies, 1,600 medical daycare visits and assisted about 1,000 patients for minor procedures done outside of the operating room.
“I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and recipients of the PRESTIGIOUS Dr. George Marshall Award,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO. “To be recognized by your peers and colleagues for the outstanding work you do every day is a reason to celebrate. Our staff and physicians strive daily to fulfill our mission, which is to relieve illness and suffering, and to help people live healthier lives. I am extremely proud and inspired by the teamwork and dedication that’s carried out every day at NGH.”
PSW named employee of the year at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home
The Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Employee of the Year Award was presented to Jenny Martin-Vandongen, a personal support worker (PSW) at NHNH. The award is given to someone that cares for the residents and goes above and beyond in their role.
(Pictured left to right: Vicky Florio, Director of Care; Jenny Martin-Vandongen, PSW; Susan Pajor, Assistant Director of Care)
“The Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home’s Employee of the year award is reserved for a very special individual who not only cares for our residents but who is seen to go above and beyond,” said Vicky Florio, Director of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home. “Working in a Nursing Home demands a unique kind of sensitivity, patience, respect, and dedication. Jenny Martin Vandongen exemplifies all of these qualities while she provides quality, compassionate care to the Residents that call NHNH home. Congratulations, Jenny!”
Staff, physicians celebrated with long standing Service Awards
Every year, NGH and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) recognize the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our employees and physicians.
We also acknowledge and award employees and physicians for their longstanding service at NGH and NHNH and celebrate retirement as an important milestone.
This past year, NGH and the NHNH recognized nearly 100 recipients with service awards, 25 of whom are marking 20 years or more and one who celebrated an incredible 45 years with the hospital – adding up to 1,245 years of service.
Meanwhile, the Hazel Race Career Advancement Fund was also distributed to nine applicants.
The fund, created by the late John Race and named in memory of his wife, is given to staff that are interested in taking additional courses to advance in their careers.
