We are excited to announce that two of our VCH managers – Sandra Edelman, Manager of Public Health & Chronic Disease Services, Parkgate Community Health Centre and Esther Eidse, Employee Relations Manager – were recognized at the BC Health Care Awards on June 27, 2016 for their contribution and achievements in BC’s health care system. The awards are presented by the Health Employers Association of BC, and given in 11 categories to projects improving health care delivery, and to people making a positive impact and inspiring those around them.

Health Care Hero, Vancouver Coastal Health

This award is for an individual that goes the extra mile to make a difference in health care. Their passion and dedication is evident in everything they do, and is someone who all staff can look to for inspiration.

• Sandra Edelman – Manager, Public Health & Chronic Disease Services, Parkgate Community Health Centre

Sandra Edelman

“It feels humbling to be recognized for the work I do, knowing there are so many unsung heroes who contribute daily to the health and well being of the populations they serve,” Sandra tells us. “I am truly honored.”

Workplace Health Innovation, Award of Merit

This award is for a project or best practice that makes use of leading practices to improve workplace and worker health and safety. Winning projects demonstrate leadership, vision and measurable results in improving the health and safety of health care employees.

• Vancouver Coastal Health – Respect Starts Here: Workplace Anti-Bullying Project

              Project Lead: Esther Eidse, Employee Relations Manager

Congratulations to Esther Eidse, Employee Relations Manager, and the entire project team [Wayne Balshin, Stacy Sprague, Nina Paauwe, the EFAP No-bully line team, Learning Technologies and Employee Relations teams] for successfully implementing VCH’s Respectful Workplace Program, and first ever  No-bully reporting line in Canada, which has increased reporting of bullying across VCH. Esther Eidse, who accepted the award on behalf of the team, said “I am truly grateful to you all [project team] for making this change initiative real. Our collaboration on this initiative —and the continued action taken by managers and staff to report and resolve disruptive behaviour – fosters awareness and contributes to a healthy and respectful workplace.”

Big congratulations to this year’s winners and nominees for this honour! Please congratulate the winners in the comments section below.

The VCH Employee Engagement team.

The EFAP No-bully Line Team.