The Spirit of Giving

The Christmas season is a special time when family and friends come together and reminisce about times past, both good and bad. It is a time when we make sure we have reached out to one another and made time for each other. It is also a time when we think about all that we have and all that we are grateful for. It is also a time to reflect on the fact that not everyone is so blessed and to give back to those who are less fortunate.

People who work in health care are caring people who want to help others. Our hardworking staff, physicians and volunteers at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare give of themselves each and every day they come to work. Many people will be working at the hospitals over the holiday season. At this time of year, I know that they give even more to comfort those in need and to lift the spirits of patients who cannot be with their families over the holiday season even though they themselves are away from their families.

Looking back on 2013, I am overwhelmed with pride for everything our hospitals in Bracebridge and Huntsville have accomplished. Extensive work has gone into improving the people-focused care and the environment at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.

In April, we achieved full accreditation from Accreditation Canada after both hospital sites were evaluated on more than 1,600 standards. Our entire team across MAHC played a role in the success of this process which demonstrates our commitment to ongoing quality improvement.

We have recruited new physicians and have introduced a new gynaecological surgical service in Bracebridge. We have trained more staff from a variety of departments in the LEAN methodology, which is a process improvement tool that helps to eliminate non-value added steps and improve efficiency in our processes. We have developed partnerships with numerous providers, such as Family Youth Child Services of Muskoka and Muskoka-Parry Sound Mental Health Services, as well as Telehealth partnerships with Sick Kids Hospital and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. And these are just a few examples of the good work that is being done.

But what is most rewarding is hearing from our patients about their experiences with us here at MAHC. Through Patient Satisfaction Surveys and individual letters, we continue to receive positive feedback about the above-average quality of care we deliver.

The spirit of giving is core to the work that we do at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare. And at this time of year, we give a little more to make sure everyone’s day is a little bit brighter. On behalf of the Board of Directors for Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, I commend all of our dedicated staff, physicians and volunteers for the significant role you’ve played in making this a successful year. Please accept my sincere appreciation and thanks for the care you provide to our relatives, friends and neighbours each and every day of the year and best wishes for a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season and all the best in 2014.