And the 9th annual North Shore Health Care Award goes to…

VCH staff and physicians from across the North Shore packed the Lions Gate Hospital gymnasium to see their colleagues honoured at today’s 9th Annual LGH Foundation North Shore Health Care Awards for Outstanding Achievement. They didn’t go away disappointed as each of the 35 people nominated were saluted for their efforts and a celebratory mood made the event an uplifting one.

The recipients of this year’s awards are:

Workplace Inspiration – Andra Grigore, RN, Operating Room, LGH

Andra is a driving force in the Operating Room. Her bubbly personality and unrivaled attention to detail puts patients at ease and brings out the best in her teammates. Andra has led numerous initiatives in order to better engage her peers and create communication channels in order to improve OR efficiency. By asking “What makes a perfect OR day?” Andra strives to create a happy and healthy work environment in which her peers feel comfortable vocalizing their ideas. To that end, Andra has spearheaded the “Smile! It’s Contagious!” Button Campaign and co-created the OR Vision Statement. Andra also creates and shares the monthly LGH Perioperative Newsletter, which outlines social events and updates for the team.

Clinical Practice – Gill Walker, Occupational Therapist, HOpe Centre

Gill is a passionate and driven individual whose career has been a quest to break down barriers and pave new roads for clients in their recovery journey. She has spearheaded various efforts to create new and innovative programs that have contributed to bringing the North Shore’s mental health service up to a “golden standard”. Gill helped facilitate the now thriving Sea to Sky Peer Program, as well as the first Hearing Voices group in B.C. She is particularly passionate about social enterprises and was instrumental in bringing her vision to the North Shore in what is now the HOpe Centre Café. Through her efforts, Gill empowers clients to take a more active role in their recovery.

Dr. Les Janz Leadership Award – Cindy Hartley, Manager, Neuroscience, Pediatrics, Perinatal, LGH

Cindy truly leads by example. She has implemented numerous new clinical initiatives, practices and standards of care including the Code 77 Hot Stroke protocol, Releasing Time to Care and Baby Friendly Initiatives. Cindy is also an active supporter of professional development, including staff participation in Quality Academy. She approaches her job with a passionate and caring attitude. Cindy is approachable, encouraging, and has positive energy and a ready smile. Her staff feel empowered to take on new initiatives and additional work thanks to her belief and trust in their skills.

Spirit of Philanthropy – Christie Manlolo, RN, Pediatrics, LGH

Christie has dedicated countless hours to the Foundation. She is a member of the Staff Advisory Committee and has tirelessly helped organize everything from the first St. Paddy’s Day staff dance to the Staff BBQ & dunk tank extravaganza. She’s the chair of the LGH Foundation Young Professionals Committee and was instrumental in the planning and execution of both the first and second annual Nip/Tuck Classic, the latter of which raised $22,281 in September and as well as generating awareness about the Foundation among 25-50 year olds on the North Shore. Christie is so dedicated to the work of the Foundation, that knowing she was going to be at the Healthcare Awards as a Workplace Inspiration Award nominee, she was asking what she could do to help set up.

Seymour the Lion, VCH-Coastal COO Mike Nader and Lion Tamer Dr. Allan Burgmann, who emceed the event, were key parts of the festivities at the 9th annual North Shore Health Care Awards.