Several staff members and physicians were honoured this morning with People First awards at the True North Forum.

Our recognition program celebrates VCH employees who excel in supporting the people we serve. There are lessons in each of their nominations that are important to share.

Below is the full list of winners – if you see a familiar name, take a moment to congratulate your colleague as well!

Corporate

Wendy Lo, regional leader, Physician Relations & Compensation, was recognized for leading the physician flu vaccination program at VCH. With her leadership, an unprecedented 89 percent of physicians were immunized!

Vancouver

Lee Yao, a speech language pathologist at South Community Health Centre, has not only provided excellent care to clients in VCH but has also volunteered overseas for the last five years with other professionals to set up a University training program for SLPs.

Vancouver

Roy Ang, clinical supervisor
Josanne Dubeau, case manager
Donna Barker, addiction counselor
Dr. Ashok Krishnamoorthy, geriatric psychiatrist

The team received the award for their outstanding work with the Familiar Faces in Vancouver initiative at Cambie Older Adult Mental Health & Addiction.

“Roy’s client (with over 100 ED visits already this year) actually didn’t go into ED last weekend, but instead used the MHES! This is an absolute feat in itself. He is being most creative in finding what could give her some purpose – such as getting her some volunteer work at the church.”

“Josanne is proactively contacting her client, has got him off the streets into a shelter, and is so close to getting him more suitable supportive housing.”

“Donna is following up with a homeless person, and her interactions with him are encouraging his goal of sobriety. She is coordinating all her care plan efforts with many – including the folks in housing and even the Burnaby ED.”

“All these familiar faces are also seeing Dr. Krisnamoorthy, who is also another huge asset to this initiative. He is doing assessment work that will lead to further suitable treatment and referrals to services.”

Vancouver

Maylene Fong, manager, Home Health
Anne Dennis, case manager
Gordon Barkley, FSSP
Erwin Fung, manager, Home Support Services
Bonnie Wilson, director
Janice Lochbaum, director

Greater Vancouver Community Service Society: Fion Chan, Along Macaraeg, Genevieve Bacquian, Delia Pedro, Liberty Acosta, Mylene Pal, Tugce Simpson, Teresa Mazurek, Diana Hill and Maria Moeller

“The Vancouver Community Home Health team and the Greater Vancouver Community Service Society team basically ‘pulled a rabbit out of a hat’ to settle a woman in the community with safe care.  Their cooperative effort meant that this client could remain safe and avoid having to be admitted to acute care.  There is no way this successful outcome could have been achieved without dedication to high quality client care, willingness to put in extra effort and time, and support for each other.”

Coastal

Loree Tadey, team lead liaison for Neurosurgery, ENT & Anesthesia at Lions Gate Hospital, led a team of volunteers in her own time to produce a great video for children and parents, explaining what goes on in LGH surgery and what to expect when they arrive on their day of surgery. Watch the video on YouTube: LGH Children’s Guide to Pediatric Surgery.

Providence Health Care

Julie Foreman, clinic supervisor, and Dr. Scott MacDonald, physician lead, were recognized for supporting patients and staff of the Crosstown Clinic. The SALOME study serves the most marginalized of patients – those addicted to heroin. The staff work in a lot of chaos, cramped facilities and numerous care-provision challenges. The efforts of Julie and Scott are symbolic of the tireless efforts and advocacy demonstrated by all the staff at Crosstown clinic.

Providence Health Care

Marcelle Hannoun, support services manager in BISS, was nominated for a lifetime of contribution, commitment and caring for PHC residents, patients and families. For over 39 years, Marcelle has always gone the extra mile and dedicated her time to improving support service experiences for residents and patients at Providence Health Care. And never once did she take a sick day!

“Marcelle has always promoted the importance of food and meal times in a resident’s life – meals were not just about getting adequate nourishment, but about connecting and caring.”

For more information

To see photos of the People First winners, view the slideshow shown at the True North Forum (PDF).