Sioux Lookout area nurses recognized during National Nursing Week

Tim Brody - Editor

Last week (May 11-17) was National Nursing Week and local nurses were recognized by Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre as well as the Northwestern Health Unit.
Samantha Brooks, Chief Nursing Executive / Director of Patient Care Services at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre shared, “We would like to celebrate our nurses at Meno Ya Win by thanking them for all of the hard work and excellent patient care they are providing, especially during this pandemic. Nurses play a vital role in the delivery of patient care! It is also important that we take time to recognize all of the frontline staff who support our nursing care team. It is through this cohesive teamwork that we are able to make the patient experience a positive one. To quote Margaret Harvey, “When a person decides to become a nurse, they make the most important decisions of their lives. They choose to dedicate themselves to the care of others”. Thank you to all of our nurses who have chosen this profession as well as the care and compassion provided each day. Please take the time to celebrate one another during this special week!”
She added, “2020 is the year of the nurse in honor of the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. It is unfortunate that we are not able to celebrate in the fashion we would normally, given COVID-19.  What we have done this year is provide each nurse a personalized card and voucher for our cafeteria. In addition to this we will be doing draws for $25 gift cards to a variety of local businesses to also support our community during these difficult times. Aramark has also provided recognition by distributing cookies and e-cards to each nurse.”
Marilyn Herbacz, CEO, Northwestern Health Unit stated, “Public Health Nurses (PHN) work to improve health outcomes of entire populations rather than one patient at a time. During this historical time PHN’s at the Northwestern Health Unit have shown dedication, resilience, kept up with the demands put on them during this pandemic.  Often they (are) first in line in projecting defense efforts to reduce and prevent illness and injury. Public health nurses are also advocates for public health policy that supports improving quality of life for all.  We thank all of our Public Health Nurses for all they do in our communities and in our region overall.  Happy Nurses week!”
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa shared on his Facebook page, “This week is National Nursing Week. We honour all the nurses who work tirelessly everyday and who have such an important role in our communities.”
Kenora MP Eric Melillo shared on his Facebook page, “Happy to join my Conservative colleagues to commemorate National Nursing Week.
“On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank Canada's nurses for the important work they do to keep Canadians safe and healthy.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement on National Nursing Week, “Nurses work hard day and night, serving Canadians and protecting our health and well-being. They support us through some of our best and worst moments, providing their skills, expertise, and care when we need them the most.
“Today, as we mark the first day of National Nursing Week, we recognize the work and sacrifices of nurses, and their contributions to our health care system and our lives. This year’s theme, ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead — Nursing the World to Health,’ reminds us of the invaluable work that these health care professionals are doing across our country, and around the world, as we face this pandemic. The World Health Organization has also designated this year as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
“Nurses are everyday heroes and, as our country’s largest health care workforce, they are serving Canadians on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. During this difficult time, when we must stay apart to be safe, nurses are playing a dual role: delivering critical health care while providing a bridge to our loved ones. They’re showing up for us, and we need to do the same for them. That means listening to our public health experts, staying home as much as possible, and following guidelines put in place by health care facilities. We will also continue to have their backs, and make sure they have the supplies and personal protective equipment they need to stay safe and healthy.
“In cities across Canada and around the world, people are showing their support and appreciation for nurses and other health care workers by clapping during shift changes, and leaving rainbows in windows and on driveways to spread hope. The unwavering dedication nurses show to patients and our communities is inspiring to all of us, and will help get us through this pandemic.
“I hope all Canadians will join me today and throughout this week to express our deepest gratitude for their tireless work. Let’s all take the opportunity this week to thank a nurse in our lives for taking such good care of us.”