It has been my distinct privilege to work with so many intelligent,
capable, caring and compassionate people who give their all every day to
provide outstanding care for their communities. From the front line to the back
office, physician colleagues to community partners, health care in a community
takes a team – many players working together from many departments and many
agencies. Hospital leadership is a tough job no doubt, but it is also so
rewarding when you have been as blessed as I have to have led a great team.
During my tenure I have been fortunate to work with six
Board Chairs who believed in me and supported me over the years, and countless
Directors who volunteered their time and energy to work through both the good
times and the more difficult times of financial challenges and future planning.
I am so proud to have championed a strong and effective management
team that puts patient- and family-centred care at the forefront of everything
they do. Our hospitals have truly evolved as a result of their efforts and
leadership.
I am humbled to witness our hospitals benefit from the
great work of two hospital foundations and two auxiliaries that have made our
organization better through new equipment and technological advances,
educational opportunities for staff, and dedicated volunteering.
I am grateful for the hundreds of MAHC staff and
credentialed staff who work exceptionally hard and do what they do every day
because they believe in what they do and how they can help others. I have
always believed in you and I’m so proud of the team you are.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my family’s
support for the opportunity to spread my wings over Muskoka for the past 11
years and the sacrifices they made while encouraging me along.
What makes it hardest to leave is the people you leave
behind.
I always wanted to work in an organization that achieved
exemplary status from Accreditation Canada and now I can say that I have. There
are more clinical services available to serve our communities today than only
10 years ago when I first started. And I’m so pleased to leave MAHC in a state
of improved financial health.
It has been said that success is measured by what others achieve. I thank each and every person in the hospitals, in the community, and beyond Muskoka for the success you have fostered in what MAHC has been able to achieve. It has been my privilege to work in a community that is passionate about their hospitals. Until our paths cross again out and about in the region, take care of yourself and each other.
Yours in health,
Natalie
