Our Shared Values reception honours network’s award winners
By Emily Dawson
When our three hospitals and long-term care home integrated in 2017, we became one of the largest Catholic health networks in the country. We came together with a confidence that stems from the strong foundation of our shared mission and values.
On Nov. 14, the Mission Integration team hosted the Our Shared Values Awards reception, marking the first time we’ve jointly celebrated the recipients of the values awards from across the network.
Each of our sites has a tradition of annually presenting values-based awards. While there are slight differences in the nomination and selection process between the sites, the touchstone is the same for all: a recognition of a person’s or team’s dedication to living the values in the work they do.
“Our shared mission and values invites us all to make an added commitment to caring for people in our communities who experience marginalization or disadvantage,” said David Mulroney, member of the network’s Board of Directors and representative for the Archdiocese of Toronto, during his welcome remarks at the reception.
“Our directors have thoroughly enjoyed reading excerpts from the award nominations in our board reports. We are inspired by the examples that demonstrate how we care for each other, and how we care for our patients, residents, clients and their families.”
At Providence Healthcare, three Living Our Values recipients are awarded each January during Mission and Values Day.
This date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the day Providence relocated from its original home downtown to its current campus in the east end. On Jan. 28, 1962, more than 600 frail elderly residents were moved in what became known as a “Caravan of Kindness.”
The six St. Joseph’s Health Centre Legend Awards are presented annually during its Mission Day on March 19 – the Feast of St. Joseph.
St. Joseph’s introduced the Legend Awards in 2005 in honour of Sister Marcella Herlehy, to recognize people who consistently demonstrate extraordinary achievements and exemplify the mission and values. As a chaplain at the Health Centre for 23 years, Sister Marcella devoted her life to ministering to the sick and supporting the staff, physicians and volunteers at St. Joseph’s.
The six Values in Action awards at St. Michael’s Hospital are announced on St. Michael’s Feast Day each November.
The statue of the archangel Michael has long been a symbol of healing and hope at St. Michael’s, and inspires many in their commitment to the mission and values. In the late 1890s, the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the statue from a second-hand store for $49. We relocated the statue about 25 years ago and found an inscription chiseled in its back: “Pietrasanta” – a Tuscan town whose marble was used by Michelangelo. But the sculptor, where and when it was carved, and how it came to a pawn shop in Toronto, is still a mystery.
Dr. Tim Rutledge, president and CEO, formally presented the St. Michael’s winners with their awards during the reception. He also took time to recognize staff from our three sites with 40 or more years of service – their long-term service also demonstrates a remarkable commitment to our organization.
“Our staff, physicians and volunteers are a collective testament to the history of compassionate care that began with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, over 160 years ago,” said Beth Johnson, executive director, Mission Integration.
“It was an honour to host this reception to celebrate and profile the people who go ‘above and beyond’ in their work and uphold the legacy of our founders.”
About St. Michael’s Hospital
St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.
St. Michael’s Hospital with Providence Healthcare and St. Joseph’s Health Centre now operate under one corporate entity as of August 1, 2017. United, the three organizations serve patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education.