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Karen Baillie, RN and Nurse Clinician, Oncology Clinic, LGH
Karen Baillie, RN and Nurse Clinician at the LGH Oncology Clinic is the recipient of our 2024/2025 Spirit of Philanthropy Award!
Karen has been an outstanding supporter for our Bigger, Better Cancer Campaign. Over the past year, she’s toured and talked to donors, attended Foundation events, given a Gala speech, and pulled on her sneakers and her fundraising hat to take part in our walkathon, Step Up for LGH.
Most recently on Monday, she helped us launch our Med Talk program, a series of free seminars for members of the public featuring health care topics of interest.
Congratulations Karen and thank you for your dedicated support.
Nurse Specialist Wound Ostomy & Continence, Clinician for Ambulatory Care Outpatient Services, LGH
“When Rosemary walks through our doors, she is in her happy place, and it shines through in the impact Rosemary has on staff, patients and their families.”
Rosemary Hill, Nurse Specialized in Wound Ostomy Care, Clinician, for Ambulatory Care for Outpatient Services at LGH is the recipient of this year’s Clinical Practice Award.
Rosemary has spent over 40 years dedicating her life to helping others and her commitment, enthusiasm, and perseverance to providing exceptional health care has left an indelible mark on LGH.
Rosemary began her nursing career in the ICU at LGH where she spent 12 years before becoming a clinician teacher in order to expand her knowledge and nursing career in wound, ostomy and continence care.
Rosemary is a recognized expert in the field and in 2024 received a national Achievement award from Ostomy Canada.
Thanks to Rosemary’s enthusiasm and conviction, the latest clinical knowledge and hands-on expertise has been shared, not just at this hospital but across Vancouver Coastal Health.
Many of the specialist nurses working in the field of wound ostomy care in the region have been influenced by Rosemary’s drive to bring the gold standards of care to all local hospitals. This has helped thousands of vulnerable patients with complex care needs have access to the latest treatment options.
Congratulations Rosemary. Thank you for all that you do for patients and staff at LGH!
“Bahar’s contributions have had a direct and lasting impact on staff and patient experiences, showcasing her commitment to energizing the workplace and improving patient care.”
Congratulations to the recipient of our 2024/2025 Workplace Inspiration Award, Bahar Ahmadi, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at LGH.
Despite being one of the youngest nurses in Emergency, Bahar has been described as a catalyst for change with unshakeable determination.
She has spearheaded initiatives that have enhanced comfort and efficiency for staff, improved equipment inventory, enhanced the onboarding process for newcomers and even created a new colour-coded wayfinding system for patients.
Not only has she contributed to the team’s success, she inspires colleagues and patients who come into contact with her.
Congratulations Bahar on making such an impact so early in your career!
Program Manager, Emergency and Trauma Department, LGH
“Sarah embodies what it is to be an inspiring leader. She recognizes individuals’ strengths and seeks to align these strengths with tasks/projects or programs that benefit the person, the unit, and the greater community.”
Congratulations to Sarah Paterson, Program Manager at LGH’s Emergency and Trauma Department who is the recipient of our 2024/2025 Leadership Award!
Sarah leads by example and motivates and encourages all team members to reach their full potential. She has supported initiative to improve patient flow, advocated for safer care protocols and introduced new standards of care that ensure the Emergency Department is better able to meet the needs of the growing number of patients that arrive at LGH
Sarah’s impact on the Emergency Department has been one of transformation. Her unwavering dedication, vision and aspiration to make the unit one of excellence has inspired the team, reduced staff vacancies and created a positive and welcoming culture.
Argyle Secondary student Christine de Guzman is the winner of the 2024 Lions Gate Hospital Foundation Christmas Card Design Contest.
The stunning stained-glass themed winter wonderland card was chosen from numerous entries from students across the North Shore.
“The LGH Foundation team was impressed by Christine’s unique design which really caught the eye,” remarked Louise Campbell, Vice President at LGH Foundation. “It captures the magic of Christmas and the beauty of the North Shore.”
The cards are available at the LGH Foundation office on the main floor of Lions Gate Hospital as well as at all four Save-On-Foods stores in North Vancouver. The charity cards cost $15 for a pack of 10. All proceeds will go towards funding an enhanced and expanded Cancer Clinic at LGH.
“He has a calm and relaxed approach which helps to create a safe and supportive environment for his colleagues.”
Congratulations to Ryan MacDonald, Clinical Nurse Educator for the Intensive Care Unit, the recipient of our Clinical Practice Award.
In just one year in his role, Ryan has left an indelible mark on the Critical Care Program, not only at Lions Gate Hospital but across our Coastal Communities. Colleagues commend his calm and relaxed approach, which contributes to fostering a safe and supportive environment as he fulfils his role as an educator.
Among his notable contributions is the impact he’s had on the successful implementation of the Critical Care Outreach Team (CCOT) across rural sites. Ryan spearheaded the expansion of CCOT services to locations such as Bella Bella and Bella Coola, garnering positive feedback and improvements in patient care.
With Ryan’s guidance, the ICU now has enhanced patient outcomes, strengthened bonds with our Coastal Community partners, and an invaluable improvement in caregiving capabilities. Ryan’s guidance has been instrumental in ensuring that patients in more remote areas of our community receive the best care possible and staff members feel supported in their work.
Watch Ryan receive his award below.
“Krista consistently advocates for the well-being of both her patients and staff, going above and beyond to create a nurturing environment.”
Congratulations to Patient Care Coordinator on 4 West, Krista McPhail, the recipient of our Spirit of Philanthropy Award.
Krista has become an invaluable volunteer for the Foundation through her support of numerous events and fundraising activities. She frequently dedicates time, energy and financial support to the mission of the Foundation.
Her creative set-dressing skills have elevated our annual bowling fundraiser and her decorations of 4 West are legendary. Throughout each season and every holiday, Krista ensures that the department stands out as the best-dressed at LGH.
Beyond her creative contributions, Krista has actively participated in hands-on support for events such as Step Up and recently participated in donor awareness events, championing our Technology Transformation Campaign.
Colleagues commend Krista for her remarkable ability to cultivate a positive and inspiring workplace environment. Her dedication and compassion towards both staff and patients create a culture of collaboration and dedication. Patients, in turn, benefit from an uplifting atmosphere, leading to improved morale and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Krista’s passion for her role has transformed a once drab inpatient ward into a serene sanctuary strategically designed for patient relaxation and solace. This transformation has not only improved the mental and emotional well-being of those under her care but has also cultivated a sense of joy and community.
Her vibrant, thoughtful presence has left an indelible mark on the Foundation’s fundraising endeavors, as well as on the lives of her patients and colleagues. We are truly grateful to have Krista as an honorary member of our team.
Watch us surprise Krista with the award below.
“She is always making time for others and prioritizes fostering a welcoming environment.”
Congratulations to Patient Care Coordinator for Inpatient Surgery, Sonya Bains, the recipient of our Dr. Les Janz Leadership Award.
Sonya has been an integral part of the surgical program at LGH for many years. Her wealth of experience is evident in her role as a mentor, where she consistently supports and guides her colleagues. Sonya’s compassionate nature shines through as she consistently dedicates time to others, creating a nurturing and inclusive work environment for all.
Sonya has taken the best PCC practices from across LGH and seamlessly incorporated them onto the 6th floor. She empowers staff members to take ownership of their practice, fostering a culture of accountability. This includes a revamped approach to morning safety huddles where nurses can collaboratively discuss patient cases, nurturing a team-oriented approach to nursing.
Sonya’s leadership also extends to facilitating the 6th floor’s caregiving. Her proactive identification of patients with heightened health needs allows for effective communication with care aides, enabling them to prioritize and provide the best possible patient care.
In celebrating Sonya, we applaud not only her leadership qualities but also her dedication to elevating patient care and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment at LGH.
Watch Sonya receive her award below.
“Tracey’s commitment and work ethic is truly an inspiration to the Pharmacy team.”
Congratulations to Technician Supervisor in the Pharmacy, Tracey Decker, the recipient of our Workplace Inspiration Award.
Tracey’s career spans over two decades at LGH, evolving from a Pharmacy Technician to a Purchaser/Receiver before assuming her current role in 2021. She has kept the drugs flowing at Lions Gate Hospital for the past 20 years, and her colleagues say “she is an excellent Pharmacy Technician who has always gone above and beyond for the Department and the patients we serve.”
Her influence extends across multiple facets of LGH’s medication supply chain, ensuring that patients receive the crucial medications they require and the pharmacy is stocked with all required medications, regardless of challenges such as medication back orders and recalls.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, Tracey extends her impact by actively participating in hiring, scheduling, and organizing training for student technicians. Her leadership is also evident in her role as a catalyst for team building activities, where she meticulously plans, coordinates, and executes events to boost staff morale. Her most recent undertaking was a festive ugly Christmas sweater luncheon for the entire pharmacy staff.
Colleagues unanimously attest to Tracey’s inspirational presence in the department, acknowledging her diligent work behind the scenes to guarantee a seamless medication supply for patients. Her leadership is marked by integrity, consideration, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all.
Watch us surprise Tracey as we present her award below.
Congratulations to the four recipients of our 17th Annual North Shore Health Care Awards held virtually at Lions Gate Hospital on Wednesday, February 14th.
Healthcare staff from across the North Shore watched the online ceremony to celebrate and support more than 25 outstanding staff members who were nominated by their peers.
Click on the links below to learn more about each of our amazing recipients.
