Ross Memorial Hospital honours over 100 employees for their service

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Ross Memorial Hospital, in Lindsay, honoured their employees for their dedication and years of service, during their annual Long Service and Excellence Awards, held on Wednesday, November 20th.

A total of 151 recipients were recognized, making up a combined 1,815 years of service. The longest serving employee, recognized at the event, was Debbie Archer with 45 years of service.

“It feels more like 25 years than it does 45. I’ve had a lot of good days here, met a lot of really good people. Especially in my job, you see a lot of people coming and going and you’re able to help them. It makes my day to get someone from A to B because they don’t know this building like I do. I know this hospital inside and out,” Ms. Archer said, in a statement.

The service awards were given to people with five years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 35 years and 45 years of service. There were also special award categories, including: Dedicated to Excellence, Champions of Change, Committed to the team and Respectful Communicator. 

“Today’s awards are always so special. As we all know, working in a hospital can be a little hectic and our team puts in so much effort, caring for our patients and their loved ones and ensuring our community knows exceptional caring happens at Ross Memorial [hospital]. It’s so important we take this time to stop and reflect on the contributions, dedication and achievements of all of our team members,” Chief Human Resources Officer, Emma Elley said.

The event also brought dignitaries to speak, including: Kawartha Lakes Mayor, Doug Elmslie; hospital board of directors Chair, Christine Norris; and Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation Chair, Mona Malcolm Sharman.

“Nobody wants to visit the hospital. [However,] there’s peace of mind, knowing, [if] should the situation arise, our loved ones, our neighbours, all those people we care about will receive the best possible care in their moments of need, when they come to Ross Memorial Hospital,” Ms. Norris said.

Mayor Elmslie noted, the best way to measure a desirable workplace “is the longevity of the employees.”

“Clearly, Ross Memorial Hospital measures up to that,” he added.

Ms. Sharman stated, she feels the employees “play a critical role” in the Foundation’s mission for exceptional care at the hospital.