by Mary Wilson Trider
May 12-18, 2014 is National Nursing Week – an opportunity to reflect on the contribution that nurses make to health care in Canada and in our local community.
Almonte General Hospital (AGH) and Fairview Manor are blessed with dedicated Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who live our values of compassionate care with pride and excellence; individual integrity, respect and dignity; innovation; transparency and accountability; collaboration, co-operation and team work; and trustworthiness, consistency, justice and fairness each and every day.
Many readers of this column will have met members of our front-line nursing team in Fairview Manor, the Emergency Department or the Operating and Recovery Rooms.
Others will have met nurses on the Rosamond, Medical Surgical or Obstetrics units.
You will have experienced their professionalism and commitment to safe, high-quality care for our patients and residents.
I have been pleased and proud to receive very positive feedback from patients, residents and family members about their experiences with our nursing staff.
I would be remiss if I did not also recognize the nurses who members of the community may not see – our Nurse Leaders. Heather Garnett, Chief Nursing Executive, provides important nursing input as a member of the Board and Senior Management Team.
Her patient/resident care management team – Fran Cameron, Mary-Ellen Harris, Tammy Hirkala and Pam Murphy – provide day-to-day oversight of our patient and resident care areas, as well as leadership in quality improvement, local and regional collaboration and educational activities.
Jane Younger, Director of Occupational Health & Safety and Infection Prevention & Control, works closely with staff across all three operating divisions to ensure a safe, healthy environment for staff, patients and residents.
Team Leads and Charge Nurses across the organization also play an important role in care coordination and daily problem solving.
Last, but by no means least, I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Sue Breckenridge RN, President of the Ontario Nurses’ Association, and Linda Melbrew, President of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, in representing their member RNs and RPNs and working constructively with the Management Team to resolve issues and make improvements, always with patient and resident care as a top priority.
As we celebrate Nursing Week, my thanks to our colleague nurses for their many contributions as members of the AGH team.
Mary Wilson Trider is President & CEO of Almonte General Hospital and Fairview Manor
