Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s virtual annual general meeting on Oct. 7 saw more than 110 staff and community members login virtually to hear the region’s planned activities and a summary of the past year.

Cyndi Typliski, vice chair of the board of directors, was the master of ceremonies. The meeting opened with a prayer from Ferdinand Funk, spiritual care coordinator for the region.

Board chair Michele Polinuk talked about the region’s population and demographics. She noted the cultural diversity that is historically part of the region and that continues to shape it today with the arrival of newcomers. In addition to reviewing the board’s governance structure and priorities of the board this year, she also announced the four winning staff members of the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

“Staff members submitted 22 outstanding nominations this year and every one of these people reflects the culture we are building in this organization,” Polinuk said.

To the winners Polinuk said, “How you choose to show up to work, what you bring to your workplace, and how you make the people around you feel good is inspiring to us all!”

She recognized the following staff members:

Jamie Brown, Selkirk Regional Health Centre’s health services manager for obstetrics, patient flow and social work. Jamie always takes the lead in complex obstetrical situations and makes sure staff feel supported and that patients receive the best care and advocacy possible.

Barb Ramsay, palliative care volunteer coordinator exemplifies the values of the health authority through her work in leading Camp Stepping Stones, the region’s grief camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Her impact is evident in the standing ovation she received at the end of the weekend.

Ashley Braun, registered nurse at Selkirk Regional Health Centre was recognized for providing compassionate, competent patient care while using her critical thinking to investigate patient care plans. Her collaborative approach to work with other staff members helps move patients to discharge home.

Housekeeping aide Karen Schreyer stands out for her profound impact on both residents and peers in Fisher Personal Care Home. She consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of support services needs and addresses them with both compassion and efficiency, making her a true asset to the region’s health team.

Chief executive officer, Marion Ellis, provided a review of the region’s work and she was joined by the RHA’s executive lead, human resources Julene Sawatzky to provide an overview of the region’s successful training and recruitment initiatives.

Receiving the CEO Award for Community Leadership was Yvonne Oxer, a registered nurse who invested more than 50 years working in the health region. She suspended her retirement to help Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority open its first transitional care unit. This new unit in Selkirk prepares people for their return home or for a move to a new place of residence.

“Yvonne jumped in and really worked with the team,” Ellis said adding that the unit Oxer was instrumental in establishing is helping patients from all over the region receive appropriate care.

Other speakers included Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern RHA who addressed the role of vaccinations as a cornerstone of infectious disease control. Presenting the finance report were Murray Werbeniuk, chair of the finance committee of the board, and Lorianne Kowaliszyn, IERHA’s executive  lead of corporate services and chief financial officer.

A recording of IERHA’s AGM and the IERHA 2023-2024 Annual Report document can be accessed at www.ierha.ca under “About us” and “Annual General Meeting”.

Chair’s Award winner, Jamie Brown, health services manager

Chair’s Award, Barb Ramsay, palliative care coordinator

Chair’s Award winner, Ashley Braun, registered nurse