On October 6, 2020, the GBGH Foundation’s Hartog-Robillard Advisory Committee presented the annual Robbert Hartog Health Innovation Award to three deserving individuals from Georgian Bay General Hospital. Stephanie Patenaude, Lisa Ladouceur and Dr. Paige Churchill were recognized for their outstanding achievements which demonstrate the values of Robbert Hartog, who worked tirelessly on behalf of Georgian Bay General Hospital and the Foundation.
Established by the GBGH Foundation in 2009, the $5,000 award is shared between the winners toward furthering their professional learning and development.
“There are so many exceptional people at Georgian Bay General Hospital who are deserving of recognition, and this year’s recipients are outstanding,” says Lyn Wolfhard, chair, Hartog-Robillard Advisory Committee. “These are folks who add value to the organization by increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and improve the patient experience at GBGH. I am honoured to present the award this year to Stephanie, Lisa and Dr. Churchill.”
Stephanie Patenaude, manager of Environmental Services at GBGH, is recognized this year for playing a vital role in the hospital’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Stephanie has worked tirelessly to address numerous challenges and keep GBGH’s patients, staff and community partners safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Bill Whittaker, vice president, Human Resources, GBGH. “Stephanie oversaw rigorous cleaning protocols, both in the hospital and for the Midland Assessment Centre, and also volunteered to assist one of our community partners by providing her vast expertise to ensure residents and staff had the tools and knowledge they needed to manage the pandemic in their facility.”
Lisa Ladouceur, nurse practitioner, is also recognized for her dedication to the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, as she stepped forward to serve as the Manager for the Midland Assessment Centre.
“Lisa’s innovation and continuous improvement of the Midland COVID-19 Assessment Centre have been evident in her willingness to integrate new systems, develop creative staffing models, adapt to changing information and direction, and implement medical directives to ensure the safe and timely care for our community,” says Gail Hunt, president and CEO, GBGH. “Even while on vacation and putting in many hours outside her role as a nurse practitioner, Lisa continues to be dedicated to our community with this cause. She works tirelessly offering her services and expertise.”
Prior to the pandemic, innovation and expansion were taking place in the hospital’s surgical department, thanks to the decisive and confident leadership of Dr. Paige Churchill.
“Dr. Churchill has been the chief of the Department of Surgery since 2018, and has been instrumental in leading the expansion of surgical services at GBGH during her time here,” says Dr. Vikram Ralhan, chief of staff, GBGH. “Dr. Churchill has brought new procedures to the hospital, including laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. She also brought her expertise with laparoscopic colon surgery, further enhancing the existing surgical program. Most recently and under short timelines, Dr. Churchill has helped usher in a new shoulder surgery program. She is always working toward the best outcomes for the surgical program, patients and our community.”
The GBGH Foundation Board of Directors, staff and members of the Hartog-Robillard Advisory committee extend their sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks to this year’s recipients.