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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.

Introducing the 2023/2024 Recipients

Watch the full awards presentation below!

Goodwill, gratitude and generosity makes a difference to health care in our community and on National Philanthropy Day, which is celebrated on November 15, we shine a spotlight on some of our supporters whose donations, actions and thoughtful gestures have a lasting impact.

Joan Proudfoot – Donor

For more than 20 years, Joan Proudfoot has been an exceptional supporter of LGH. She played a pivotal role as a founding member of our Women’s Giving Circle and serves as a Director on our Board, offering her wealth of expertise and knowledge to our fundraising initiatives. Most recently, Joan contributed a very generous donation to kick-start our Gala Fund-a-Cause and she championed the Women’s Giving circle team at Step Up for LGH. Joan is always ready and willing to lend her support to numerous Foundation projects and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to her for her invaluable friendship and incredible dedication to health care in our community.

National Bank – Corporate Philanthropist

National Bank has been a steadfast supporter of Lions Gate Hospital Foundation since 2017. As the recurring Refreshment Cart Sponsor for our annual Golf Classic, dedicated participants in our yearly Lawn Bowling Tournament and a supporter of our spring Gala, their involvement has been impactful. National Bank’s generous contributions over the years have significantly boosted our fundraising efforts, and their unwavering enthusiasm for supporting healthcare in our community serves as a beacon of inspiration.

Ash Abhyankar – Donor

Ash Abhyankar has been a dedicated supporter of the Foundation for more than two decades. As an essential member of our Tech Transformation Committee and a former volunteer for our ED Mental Health Committee, Ash consistently shares invaluable insights and expertise, enriching our campaigns. Beyond his advisory role, Ash stands out as an enthusiastic supporter, actively participating in our fundraising events year-round. Whether lawn bowling, participating in silent auctions, or joining our community Walk-a-Thon, Ash’s commitment continues to be instrumental in advancing healthcare within our community.

North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club – Community Group

Since 1994, the North Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club (NVLBC) has been a valuable supporter of our hospital. Through the club’s annual Canada Day Lawn Bowling Tournament, they consistently raise substantial funds to support patient care. The club also graciously hosts our annual Bowl for LGH event, providing both the venue and cheerful volunteers who are crucial in guiding and supporting our participants. As a prominent community group on the North Shore, NVLBC’s commitment has significantly impacted local healthcare. We are deeply grateful for their support and generous spirit.

CONTEST CLOSED!

Thank you for all of the wonderful submissions. The winner of our 2023 Christmas Card Design Contest is Handsworth Secondary student Lauren Yung. Her winning design is now on sale at the Foundation office at LGH and all Save-on-Foods stores on the North Shore.

The cards cost $15 for a pack of 12 and all proceeds from sales will support our Technology Transformation Campaign.

LGH Foundation is on the hunt for a talented young artist who can create an eye-catching festive design for our 2023 Christmas Card.

Simply or fancy, bold or subtle, the design should be original and colourful.

Our 2023 LGH Foundation Christmas Card Contest is open to local students in Grades 4 to 12. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to spend at Park Royal.

The winning design will go on sale at local retail outlets. We sell thousands of cards every year which are sent across Canada and around the world by our supporters..

Entries must be bright, colourful, festive, and have a local theme. Whatever design you choose, it should measure 5″x7″ or 7″x5″.

All proceeds from the sale of the cards will support patient care at Lions Gate Hospital.

DEADLINE: Midnight on Sunday, October 15, 2023

Submit all entries to: [email protected]

“Allan’s joie de vivre brings a sense of humour and joy to every fundraising event he attends.”

Dr. Allan Burgmann, has been an honorary member of the LGH Foundation team for many years.

Many of you will know him from his day job as the Medical Director for Acute Psychiatric Services. At the Foundation not only is he an Honorary Director on our Board, he has been an ambassador for our mental health campaigns and a participant in many of our fundraising events.

When LGH Foundation launched the campaign to raise $24 million it was our biggest campaign to date. Dr. Burgmann was an eloquent and passionate champion for the need to replace the previous run-down mental health facility with a building that could properly support the needs of patients and staff.

More recently, Dr. Burgmann was front and center of the Emergency Mental Health Campaign to create the Psychiatric Emergency and Assessment Treatment Area and upgrade the triage zone in the Emergency Department.

He’s also been an enthusiastic participant in many of our events. Allan’s joie de vivre brings a sense of humour and joy to every fundraising event he attends. Whatever the situation, he always has a hat or an outfit to make the occasion special.

Watch the video below to catch a few of our favourite outfits.

“She leads from a place of passion and care, and with that she is able to thread together system design that leads to great outcomes.”

Congratulations to Nikki Brown, Program Lead for Home Health, Chronic Diseases & Health Connections, North Shore Community, the recipient of our Clinical Practice Award.

Drawing on her experience as an ICU Nurse, Home Health Case Manager, a Clinical Coordinator, and a Director of Nursing, Nikki has brought a well-rounded perspective to her role of Program Lead.

She has scaled solutions from front line to systems level quickly and skillfully while approaching her work with an open, collaborative, joyous approach that inspires and motivates her colleagues.

Nikki has provided clinical guidance, networking direction and support to ensure that a high quality of care continues in our Coastal Community. At a time when our system is seeing staffing shortages throughout, Nikki developed interim processes and plans to ensure the most vulnerable are receiving continuous care, while others can still access care as needed, and that staff are able to manage all of these demands.

Without Nikki’s guidance, hundreds of clients would lack proper access to the care they need, and accepting new clients would be nearly impossible. Nikki’s inventive processes along with her resourcing and collaboration skills have allowed for continuous care for all, and better support for staff.

Learn more about Nikki and watch her receive the award below.