Dan Santiago

Job Title
Supervisor – Patient Flow, Access and Operations

Department/Location
Patient Flow and Access – VGH

How long have you worked at VCH?
More than eight years.

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
Basically, I provide supervision, leadership and guidance to designated staff and team professionals to achieve excellence in client care. Oversees patient flow and access on a 24/7 basis to ensure timely and appropriate patient placement. And a lot of other stuff!

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
In the almost 20 years of my nursing career, my most favourite memory  (not just in VGH but also in the other 6 hospitals I worked before) was when I was still working as a bedside ICU nurse. Being there caring for a very sick patient attached to every imaginable contraptions, drips and machines, and witnessing how they improve each day until they get transferred to a regular ward. It feels very rewarding seeing your patients recover.  Problem solving with various member of the multidisciplinary team validates the years of training and experience I have.

Which True North goal does your work contribute to the most?
Provide the best care.

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I was training to become an airline pilot, I quit and became an RN instead. No regrets!

Who or what inspires you?
My family inspires me in all my endeavours.

Most healthy habit:
I love walking and cycling along the seawall.

Favourite vacation spot:
I have quite a few favourite vacation spots like Vegas, Cancun, Zurich and anywhere it is sunny and sandy, etc. But given a chance, I want to go back to Egypt again, cruise the Nile River and explore the northern part of the country.