Visionary retires from VGH STAT Centre

Friday, May 30, 2014 marked Monica Janus’ last day of work at the VGH STAT Centre. A large number of current and past staff, patients, friends and family attended her retirement tea. The tributes flowed some wonderful stories were recounted.

Monica joined the STAT Centre Day Hospital in 1980 as a young nurse. She has remained ever since, a tireless and dedicated advocate for quality, compassionate health care for the elderly. Monica was called a “visionary,” being one of a handful of clinicians who foresaw a better way to care for seniors and, thus, created the STAT Centre 34 years ago. She was also described as tenacious and creative, putting the needs of her patients first. “A nurse to the core,” according to Lesley Nicholson, manager, who noted the hundreds of patients whose lives were touched and improved by Monica.

Monica acknowledged that she is just as passionate now as she was in the beginning about providing excellence in elder care. Her commitment has been evident in Monica’s presence on the STAT Centre day in, day out all these years.

The STAT Centre has evolved to reflect the needs of Vancouver’s elders and resource realities we all face. The Day Hospital, the last one in Vancouver, was externally reviewed last year and found to be a relevant and necessary component in the continuum of geriatric care. With the dedication and skill of staff like Monica Janus (who mentored many) the STAT Centre will continue with the work as envisioned back in 1980.