SUNDRE – The community’s dedicated medical professionals were recently recognized and celebrated during an annual event held in their honour.
On Tuesday, May 28, the Myron Thompson Health Centre in coordination with the Sundre Health Professional Attraction and Retention Committee (SHPARC) celebrated the long service awards for the year ending 2023.
Gerry Greschner, the secretary of SHPARC, which operates under the overarching umbrella of the Sundre Hospital Futures Committee, said staff were recognized for five, 10, 15, 20 as well as 25 years of service.
“Staff and family gathered in the United Church hall for a barbecue dinner provided by Sundre Hospital Futures Committee,” Greschner told the Albertan by email.
Among those recognized were the health centre’s site manager Chantal Crawford, who has 15 years of service. Although Crawford was unable to attend, she had written a personalized message for each recipient that Susan Anning, clinical educator for Seniors’ Health, read aloud to acknowledge each individual’s contributions to health-care in the community.
Also honoured were two retirees. They were Mary Brisebois, who racked up an impressive 35 years of service in the nutrition and food service department, as well as Dr. Bill Ward, who was thanked by Dr. Chris Chapman for 10 years of service at the Greenwood Clinic and our hospital, said Greschner.
“Our community needs to know that these milestones occur,” she said.
In addition, she said local dignitaries including Sundre mayor Richard Warnock, Chinook’s Edge School Division Trustee Terry Leslie, as well as Mountain View County Coun. Peggy Johnson also attended to recognize and celebrate Sundre’s health-care workers during Rural Health Week, which this year was observed May 27-31.
“We also recognized our many preceptors who provide support and mentorship to all the students who come through our hospital doors,” she said.
“It is important to recognize the service that our health-care staff provide to our community and honour their long-term commitment to caring for us.”
