Up for Discussion blog wins national award
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain…” is the line from the Wizard of Oz that Chris has used to describe his low-profile role as moderator and caretaker of the blog, but he really is the chief wizard behind the Up for Discussion blog.
Up for Discussion —Vancouver Coastal Health’s executive blog for staff—has been recognized for excellence in communications by Canada’s Health Care Public Relations Association, receiving First Place in the Hygeia Award’s website category.
Hygeia Awards honour outstanding health care communications accomplishments across Canada. The program encourages Canadian health care public relations professionals to strive to meet the highest standards in their communications work, regardless of size, resources or location of their place of employment.
Congratulations to Chris Freek of Communications & Public Affairs whose creativity and hard work brought the Up for Discussion blog to life, the executive blog authors who have created all of the posts up for discussion, and to you for joining in the discussion and sharing your ideas and opinions.
“It’s really the interest and participation of the authors and the staff members who read and comment that have made Up for Discussion a success,” said Chris.
Up for Discussion was chosen for the award, in part, based on the amount of employee participation it has enjoyed since its creation in late 2011. The blog is also an excellent demonstration of organizational openness and transparency. Authors and staff members have not shied away from contentious topics like the staff flu immunization policy.
Hygeia for True North
VCH’s True North communications program, which was recently recognized internationally with an IABC Gold Quill award and Bronze Quill awards, also received a First Place Hygeia Award from HCPRA in the strategic communication management category!
If you know about an award or achievement that you’d like to see recognized, submit the information here, or email news@vch.ca.
Related links
VCH’s True North employee communications program, and its Twitter social media program which were both recognized internationally with IABC Gold Quill awards, have now also been recognized with Bronze Quill awards from the local BC chapter of IABC. Congratulations… again!