By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—A new program launched by the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) aims to help the organization meet its fundraising goals through a fun program that allows guests of either Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) and Edgewater Gardens to nominate a worker who they feel went above and beyond the call of duty.
Lisa McMahon
“This program has been very successful at other community hospitals and was well received by patients, staff, and donors. We felt that it would be a great fit for our foundation to introduce. It is a heartfelt way of honouring our unsung heroes, not only during the challenging times of COVID, but for the constant dedication to service that they all have shown,” said Rachel Williams, Finance, Administration, and Donor Relations Specialist.
With many people protesting outside of hospitals, it is more important than ever to find new ways of acknowledging the work done by our local health care teams.
Greg Allen
“Health care organizations exist to help individuals during their most vulnerable moments, and it is important that everyone feels safe while working or receiving care here. Our health care workers work around the clock to serve the community. Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and Edgewater Gardens condemn protesting outside hospitals. These protests are undermining the important work of all health care providers while causing undue hardship and stress on patients, staff, physicians, and the entire community,” explained Sharon Moore, HWMH & Edgewater Gardens President & CEO.
Williams touched on the program’s goal of recognizing staff who have made a positive impact on a patient of HWMH or Edgewater Gardens: “All of the staff within the hospital make a positive contribution every day and we want them to be recognized. A patient’s visit begins at the front entrance where they are greeted and screened and is even affected by the cleaning staff or staff members that they see in the halls. Every position contributes positively to our hospital and our community members using our facility.”
Sue Gurney
Any funds raised from the program will be put towards the DHHF’s commitment to raise $1.1 million by the end of 2021 for equipment purchases at HWMH and a new van for the recreation program at Edgewater Gardens: “The DHHF Board has given $850,000 so far with a final cheque for $250,000 to be given at the end of the year if we meet our fundraising targets with our fall events and Trees of Hope Campaign,” said Penny Banks, Executive Director.
Williams cited an example of the exemplary care she hopes the program will highlight: “We received a letter from a patient’s grateful daughter thanking staff for the great care that they gave to her mother amid the pandemic when visitors were limited, and she could only see her for a short time for a scheduled visit in the sunroom. Her mother always said that she was well cared for and enjoyed the activities that Clint Tomlinson, Recreation and Activity Program Coordinator, provided for the patients. She didn’t want to leave the hospital in March because she had many friends among the staff.”
Guests who participate must provide the worker’s first and last name and department in which they work in, along with giving a monetary gift to DHHF: “By making a donation, they not only pay tribute to the person who provided the exceptional care, but they make care better at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and Edgewater Gardens. The staff member will be recognized on our social media platforms, we will present them with a certificate, and they will receive a pin to wear on their lapel. Their supervisor will be notified, and the staff member will be recognized in front of their peers,” said Williams.
She concluded with some advice for those in the community who have participated in protest actions outside of a health care facility: “Everyone is trying their best and showing up to work ready to help others. We are truly grateful for the staff at the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital & Edgewater Gardens. Our hospital is always right there when we need it and the community of health care workers provide exceptional care to ourselves, our children, parents, and grandparents. We need to be thankful that we can receive such great care in our town.”
