"She is a physician who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, especially in the advancement of the health of women of Prince Albert and northern Saskatche-wan ... I find it simply amazing that she delivered approximately 270 (babies) in Prince Albert this past year," Ajay Krishan, one of her nominators, wrote in a letter to The Prince Albert Kinsmen Club and the Daily Herald.
Dr. Lalita Malhotra has won Canada's highest civic accolade and counts the 2007 Prince Albert Citizen of the Year as one of her greatest honours.
Last Wednesday she was named the Prince Albert Citizen of the Year by The Prince Albert Kinsmen Club and the Daily Herald.
Malhotra was awarded the Order of Canada in 2006 and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2001.
But this new honour is very important to Malhotra, who has called Prince Albert home for 32 years.
"This is the biggest honour Prince Albert can give me ... When your own community honours you like this, it is totally different. I am very touched, very emotional."
As an obstetrician, Malhotra is known in the province for delivering an stunning average of 250 babies a year.
"Every baby is a thrill and it keeps me going. I feel every child is a challenge to me and it is a learning experience every day. I have no intention of giving up."
Read the rest of the story here
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Physician becomes Prince Albert Citizen of the Year 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Political Action Award 2007 for two Mississauga nurses
Two Mississauga nurses, whose efforts helped bring about an increase in the food allotment for residents of Ontario's seniors' homes, have won an award for their efforts.
They have been friends since attending Credit Valley School of Nursing together more than three decades ago.
When they began speaking to their congregation at St. Christopher parish last April, Curitti and Shaw had no idea of the campaign they'd soon be embarking upon: collecting thousands of
signatures on petitions, visiting Queen’s Park, enlisting the assistance of the RNAO and the Dietitians of Canada and, ultimately, changing the policy of the provincial government.
While those advocacy groups had been trying to get the $5.46 daily, per resident, allowance hiked for several years, the homegrown campaign started by the nurses in the run-up to the provincial election struck a chord with the public, and politicians.
In August, Health Minister George Smitherman announced he was allocating $23.1 million to increase the daily "raw food allowance" to $7 per day.
That covers the costs of three meals (with two choices at each one), three snacks and all beverages.
When Shaw and Curitti, who are co-chairs of the family council at Cawthra Gardens long-term care facility, spoke to managers of seniors' homes, they found many were struggling to provide the required nutrition within the budget limitations.
The fact that the allowance is raised will be making a big difference to the quality of life of senior residents.”
Linda Dietrich, regional director for the Dietitians of Canada, told The News the nurses' efforts are very much appreciated.
“I think their work has been significant to help persuade the government to take the action they did.”
Angela Shaw and Julie Curitti will receive the Political Action Award for 2007 from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), at Queen's Park on January 24th.
Source: The Mississauga News
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Top grades from CCHSA experts for Peel's long-term care homes
Peel's five long-term care centres have received a full, three-year accreditation, with no high risk areas identified, from the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA).
CCHSA is Canada's leading authority for excellence among health services organizations.
This award is the highest level of accreditation that can be achieved, according to a statement issued by the Region. It was granted to only 20 per cent of organizations assessed in 2006.
Health experts from CCHSA commended Peel Long Term Care for being a leader in the field. They recognized the five Regional centres, including the Vera M. Davis Community Care Centre in Bolton, for providing compassionate, client-focused care, being receptive to new ideas, responding to the diverse needs of clients, implementing good safety practices and adopting innovative ideas in activation programming.
"For Peel's Long Term Care centres, being accredited speaks highly of how we care for our clients, how we treat each other and how we collaborate with our partners in the community," said Regional CAO David Szwarc. "By participating in the accreditation process, we build trust among our clients and instill confidence in the services we provide. The accreditation process is valuable and meaningful to our staff because they are engaged in this journey from the start and care about the outcomes."
During this year's review, the Regional homes were also required to comply with 21 new standards related to patient safety. These new requirements help identify unsafe situations, reduce risk to residents and promote safer care. The CCHSA's surveyors found no unmet patient safety standards at Peel's centres.
"The accreditation award recognizes the skills and dedication of long-term care staff," said Caledon Councillor Annette Groves, chair of Peel health services. "Thank you to everyone who participated in the accreditation journey for being open with the surveyors and providing your valuable insight on the quality of care and services we provide to our clients."
CCHSA's surveyors also identified opportunities for growth. They provided nine recommendations related to the centres' quality improvement programs, emergency preparedness practices, complaints process, palliative care, policy management and protocols for ethical decision making.
