Vancouver’s senior leaders (l to r): Dean Chittock, senior medical director and Vivian Eliopoulos, chief operating officer, Vancouver Acute; Laura Case, chief operating officer and Rolando Barrios, senior medical director, Vancouver Community.

Happy Holidays to you and yours

Dear Vancouver staff, physicians and volunteers,

As we reflect on the past year this holiday season, we can take pride in our collective achievements.

Thanks to you, our focus on quality can be seen in the exemplary care and service delivered daily, in improved access for patients and clients in need, and in groundbreaking research and academic excellence.

Patients, clients and families regularly share their heartfelt stories about the positive impact you’re making in their lives. You go to great lengths to provide the very best of care, and your professionalism shines through no matter how challenging the case or circumstances.

For this, and so much more, we are proud to serve on the same team as you — and we are humbled.

This year you also took time out of your challenging schedules to answer our My VCH survey, and you told us loud and clear that we can do a better job of creating a supportive workplace. There’s room for improvement to ensure you feel appreciated and valued, to involve you in decisions that impact you, and to connect with each other as people and colleagues with shared values.

We’re listening and you have our commitment that we will act on your feedback and continue learning from you in 2018.

Until then, we wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year, and we extend our special thanks to all volunteers, physicians and staff working through the holiday season.