2009 Presidents Award winner an inspiration

Donna Rothwell: “It is a privilege to be a nurse, and it is a privilege to be the recipient of such a prestigious award.”

She is a strong leader whose approach and style foster strong and successful relationships and whose hard work and dedication to nursing are an inspiration to others.

The recipient of the 2009 Niagara Health System President’s Award is Donna Rothwell. The St. Catharines resident is the Chief Nursing and Professional Practice Officer and Health Program Director responsible for the regional Maternal Child Program and the Welland Site.

“Donna is an inspiring leader with a special talent for building strong and vibrant relationships within the hospital and with external partners,” says President and CEO Debbie Sevenpifer. “She is down to earth and approachable, and she shows care, compassion and respect to all, which is evident when she interacts with patients, her colleagues and the public. The vision of nursing at the hospital has been developed and nurtured under Donna’s guidance and leadership, and it reflects her tireless commitment to nursing and quality patient care.”

Donna spent the majority of her hands-on nursing career in the area of maternal child care. She was a popular prenatal nurse instructor for many years, teaching soon-to-be parents about changing diapers and feeding their babies, among other important parenting skills. Donna has evolved her nursing skills to become a
thoughtful and caring leader. She is sought after across the province to share her knowledge in the fields of nursing and interprofessional practice, in which healthcare professionals of all disciplines learn and work together.

In addition to her work at Niagara Health, Donna is completing her Master’s degree in Nursing. She also teaches nursing students at Niagara College.

“It is so hard to believe that I would receive such recognition and acknowledgement for something I love so much and that is nursing!” says Donna. “I feel honoured and overwhelmed. This award is even more meaningful as I was nominated by my colleagues who are very special people. It is a privilege to be a nurse, and it is a privilege to be the recipient of such a prestigious award.”

Six additional awards were presented to NHS employees who were nominated by their peers for demonstrating exceptional behaviours related to NHS Success Factors or Core Values.

Celebrating excellence are, from left: Betty-Lou Souter, Board Chair; Jane Karner, Case Manager; Donna Rothwell, Chief Nursing and Professional Practice Officer and Recipient of 2009 President’s Award; Rev. Bob Bond, Coordinator, Spiritual Care; Betty Boutilier, Site Coordinator Materials Management; Carol Henderson, Ward Clerk; Debbie Sevenpifer, President and CEO; Linda Kisch, Ward Clerk; Sharron Steward, Ward Clerk; Sue Gerbes, Community Care Access Centre; Andy Naundorf, Business Systems Analyst; Christena Watterson, Charge Nurse; Jillian Tweedy, Occupational Therapist.

Focus on those we serve

Linda Kisch, Ward Clerk, Emergency Department, Welland Site. Linda is always professional, patient and conscientious amid the hustle and bustle at the Nurses Station, which is the hub of the ER. She keeps everything moving smoothly while responding to competing demands and requests coming at her from all directions. Linda is eager to help doctors, nurses, patients, and anyone else who could use her help, and she can be counted on to give 100% to every task she takes on.

Bring out the best in each other

Betty Boutilier, Site Coordinator, Materials Management at Niagara Falls, Welland, Port Colborne and Douglas Memorial sites. As Betty’s responsibilities have increased, so too have her enthusiasm and leadership skills. She can be found rolling up her sleeves and working alongside staff to better understand their roles and the challenges they face. She recently identified areas of improvement in work flow and implemented the necessary changes, earning the respect of staff. Betty continually demonstrates her commitment to staff development by empowering staff to enhance their skills.

Build strong and successful relationships

Carol Henderson, Ward Clerk, Emergency Department, Welland Site. For more than five years, Carol has taken the lead in the ER to coordinate a mock scenario for hospital employees’ children for the Take Your Kids to Work day. For the third year now, she is the lead in planning a mock scenario for the Take Care of Your Future program, geared for high school students considering a career in healthcare. Carol volunteers her time to bring together doctors, nurses, healthcare providers, paramedics and firefighters to showcase their skills and compassion by creating a scenario that offers students a realistic snapshot of a day in the life in the ER.

Create a better way

Andy Naundorf, Business Systems Analyst, Information and Communications Technology, all sites. Andy has been instrumental in supporting the technological aspects of setting up, growing and maintaining source•net, the hospital’s intranet, a primary communications tool. He is the resident expert when it comes to questions about computers, and staff routinely approach him to sort out glitches or help resolve problems with various software programs. Andy is always pleasant and loves to help, knowing that he makes life easier for his colleagues and for the Niagara Health System.

Use our resources wisely

Team award. Sue Gerbes from Community Care Access Centre, and from NHS Jane Karner, Case Manager; Sharron Steward, Ward Clerk; Jillian Tweedy, Occupational Therapist; and Christena Watterson, Charge Nurse, all from St. Catharines General Site. This team was established as part of the FLO Collaborative, a LHIN/provincial quality improvement program, and has made significant changes that improve patient flow in the Medical Unit at the St. Catharines site. Team members have developed and implemented several tools which promote improved patient communication and safety and better communication among healthcare disciplines. Lessons learned by this team are shared with their peers.

Compassion, Professionalism and Respect

Rev. Bob Bond, Spiritual Care Coordinator, Welland Site. Among Bob’s many responsibilities at the hospital is helping families and loved ones in the Emergency Department at times of crisis and pain. The nurses in the ER know they can call Bob at any time, and he will respond to their request to help those struggling with loss and grief. Bob is known for treating everyone with utmost compassion, professionalism and respect. He is willing to help in any situation. The challenges of working in an ER are well known to Bob, and he can often be heard providing words of support to the staff.

“All of the nominations are a terrific reflection of the outstanding contributions made by those working in our hospital system to ensure patients receive the best possible care,” says Rachel Bayley, Consultant, Organizational Development.“«