Awards:
The
South Shore Health Spirit Award is presented to an individual or group who has made an exceptional
contribution to any program or service within South Shore Health and has
demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the organization’s values of
Excellence, Integrity, Respect, and Accountability and Leadership.
Contributions can include supporting the organization’s mission, vision and
values, contributing to staff health and wellness, creating a positive work environment
or demonstrating outstanding care and support for colleagues. This year’s award
is presented to Irene Hirtle, who provides bereavement support as part of South
Shore Health’s Palliative Care Service. She consistently demonstrates an
ongoing commitment and passion to support individuals who are experiencing
challenging and difficult times. She gives freely of her personal time and
energy to bring joy to others. One of Irene’s special talents is crafting with
a purpose - making beautiful homemade greeting cards in support of worthwhile
causes such as the Health Services Foundation’s Rose Fund as well as relief
efforts around the world. Irene is a highly regarded member of her team and
community who regularly demonstrates caring and support for colleagues,
patients and families.
Community
Health Leadership Award was presented to Community Mental Health Nurse
Kelly Becker. This award recognizes individuals and or groups who have
made a significant contribution to the well-being of the public at the
community level. This contribution may include activities that promote, protect
or improve the health, safety and well-being of the public, or a specific
population. Through strong and passionate leadership, Kelly has helped to
improve access to timely and targeted addiction and mental health services. She
has been instrumental in the integration of the intake systems for Addiction
and Mental Health Services, creating a single entry point for clients.
This has made it easier for people to access services and helped to significantly
reduce wait times. Kelly has also taken a strong leadership role in the launch
of the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) within Addictions and Mental
Health Services by generating enthusiasm among her colleagues, providing
support and education and finding creative ways to streamline access to
services.
Exemplary Service Award recognizes
individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution in the delivery
of health services within South Shore Health. The individual or group will
demonstrate exemplary service to the people that they serve as part of their
profession as well as commitment to improving the overall health of the
community at large. This year’s award is presented to Dr. John Jenkins who has
practiced family and emergency medicine in the Lunenburg community for 20 years.
Dr. Jenkins is a founding member of Lunenburg Family Health and is currently
the head of the Emergency Department at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital. He has
also served on many committees and held various leadership roles, including
mentoring student learners. Dr. Jenkins has served his patients,
community and profession as an advocate and champion. He is a team player who
is always willing to pitch in when needed.
Outstanding
Quality Initiative Award celebrates the tremendous efforts that are being
made by individuals and teams throughout the District to continuously improve
quality in all aspects of our programs, processes and services. It is awarded
to teams who have worked together on a quality improvement project that is
aligned with South Shore Health’s priorities and has resulted in positive
changes. This year’s award was presented to the South Shore Collaborative
Breastfeeding Network for its work in providing consistent, timely, evidence-based,
family-centred support to improve breastfeeding outcomes in our communities.
The network brings together peer, community and clinical breastfeeding
stakeholders to provide an innovative model of service delivery and partnership
that supports families reach their breastfeeding goals. One of the key features
of the network is a new referral process for health care providers, mothers and community in
regards to breastfeeding challenges. Anyone can refer to the network and
mothers can also contact the Network themselves. The partners include Lunenburg Queens Community
Baby-Friendly Initiative Committee, staff from South Shore Health’s maternal
and child health, chronic disease management and public health teams as well as
midwives and doctors, the Better Together Family Resource Centre and LaLeche
League.
