Caring and connecting

If there is common denominator among this year’s recipients of the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards for Excellence, it’s their secret – or not so secret – superpower. The ability to create connections with profound empathy, compassion and sincerity.

The three recipients fill very different roles yet all are an inspiration to their colleagues for the impact they have on those around them and the thoughtfulness they bring to every interaction.

They include: a unit secretary described as “strong, quiet and a kind champion” for patients and her team; a “go-to” care partner and volunteer whose insights are inspiring change for those we serve; and a porter with a “pure heart” who makes everyone feel seen and heard.

Meet the 2024 recipients of the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards:

• Cyndi Thompson, unit secretary, 4AE, Rehabilitation Program, Parkwood Institute Main Building

• Mindy Lidster, porter, Complex Care Program, Parkwood Institute Main Building

• Vikkie Gibson, care partner and volunteer, Care Partnership Office, Volunteer Services and Veterans Care Program

Established in 1990, the Sisters Awards honour staff, physicians and volunteers who share the remarkable attributes of the founding Sisters of St. Joseph - excellence, positive attitude, reliability, honesty, efficiency, creativity, respect, caring, compassion, empathy and appreciation for the work of others.

To date, there have been a total of 194 individual and team recipients – and hundreds of nominations. Individuals and teams are nominated by their colleagues, who have described each nominee’s acts of support, collaboration, caring and innovation. Without knowing anyone’s identity, an awards selection committee comprised of past recipients and representatives from across the organization selects the recipients. To be nominated and to be a recipient is a distinguished honour.

Cyndi Thompson

Caring, connecting, and a lot of cakes – Cyndi Thompson bakes in nurturing and attention to the smallest detail in her role as unit secretary in the Rehabilitation Program at Parkwood Institute Main Building. It’s a special blend, one that ensures life on the inpatient 4AE unit rises to the level of excellence for both patients and staff alike.

Cyndi’s cupcakes and famous carrot cake have helped the Possibilities Project raise thousands of dollars for assistive devices for patients over the years. For one colleague’s dad, the carrot cake was also an annual birthday treat because she knew he was a fan. When the colleague’s dad died, Cyndi’s signature carrot cake was part of the celebration of life so the family could enjoy one of his favourite things.

Like any great baker, Cyndi has a knack for removing any lumps – and even bumps – in the smooth running of the unit. For example, she makes a point of understanding any physical and cognitive limitations of patients so that their needs are at the forefront throughout their care journey. When a stretcher ride to an appointment for one patient was nauseating, bumpy and painful, Cyndi phoned ahead for all future appointments to determine if a stretcher was required or if the patient could attend by wheelchair. For each appointment, she then explained to the patient which transportation method would be used and why. It also allowed the team to arrange for adequate pain and nausea medications.

Cyndi’s flair and ingenuity in navigating London’s health care system is considered “an incredible power she uses for good” –  for patients, the team and the organization, say colleagues. When patients have an appointment at another site, Cyndi’s role is no small feat. She reschedules the patient’s therapies and arranges transportation, a bagged meal, and sometimes an interpreter and someone to  accompany the patient. One patient was all set for a follow up CT scan at St. Joseph’s Hospital when the individual suddenly also required an emergent CT scan for a different reason. Cyndi worked her magic to make both scans happen on the same day. It required much advocacy and again rejigging the patient’s therapies, transportation and meals, but the individual received the right care at the right time.

For Cyndi, every action orbits around the patient experience and well-being. After learning one patient only spoke and understood a very specific dialect of Arabic, Cyndi made sure to know about important upcoming events and appointments for the patient and that he had access to the interpreter fluent in his dialect.

“Cyndi makes sure patients and their families are cared for, not only by ensuring her role as unit secretary is done to an exceptional standard, but also by showing kindness, empathy, and by genuinely caring about them,” say colleagues. “She is strong, quiet and a kind champion for our patients and our team.”

Mindy Lidster

Referred as “the heartbeat” of her unit in the Complex Care Program at Parkwood Institute Main Building, Mindy Lidster is a porter with purpose.

Rising to every occasion and every challenge, Mindy goes the extra mile for patients, families and staff. When staffing is short, she doesn’t hesitate to pitch in – making beds, setting out wash basins, answering call bells, interacting with patients, families and volunteers at the desk when needed or if the unit secretary is away. She knows everyone who comes onto the unit and if she doesn’t, it’s not long before they know who she is and are made to feel welcome. Among patients who may not remember the names of staff, “high chance the name they do know is Mindy,” say colleagues.

One young patient in her 30s who had been in a car accident and had suffered many losses was missing the pride she used to take in her appearance. She hated that her hair was growing out and wanted to be blonde again. She asked if her hair could be dyed. As usual, Mindy went to a place of ‘YES!’  The hair dye was purchased and Mindy worked with the nurses to plan the patient’s shower schedule and make the makeover happen. The hair was dyed, blow dried and styled and something magical happened. The patient’s sparkle returned. Mindy had restored the young woman’s confidence and a part of who she was before the accident.

It’s not unusual to see Mindy dancing with patients as she transports them to musical activities, or her hair skillfully spun into a foot-tall Christmas tree on top of her head, decorated with garland and lights.

Literally and figuratively, Mindy is a bright light. Her exceptional empathy also shines. When a patient set up a board game but had no one to play with, Mindy took the time to sit down. The patient, who suffers from mental health issues, was often withdrawn so taking the initiative to set up the game was significant and an opportunity for connection Mindy knew shouldn’t be missed. The laughter and fellowship that ensued paved the way for this patient to feel more comfortable, safe and supported in her recovery.

“No ask is too big, no ask ever goes without the answer ‘yes’ or ‘sure,’”  say Mindy’s colleagues.  “Treating everyone with dignity no matter their walk of life or limitations, Mindy has a pure heart and we are truly honoured to have her as part of our team.”

Vikkie Gibson

From recruiting directors to conducting tracers and meticulous audits of organizational practices, Vikkie Gibson has had some hefty responsibilities at St. Joseph’s. But she’s not a leader nor a staff member. She’s not even paid.

Vikkie is a care partner and volunteer who is leaving an indelible mark with her insightful contributions to various initiatives, which she takes on with unwavering commitment. Leveraging her nursing background and providing a strong patient and family voice, Vikkie has participated on several leadership recruitment panels in the past few years, providing a special touch that helps applicants feel at ease and adeptly highlighting the applicants’ strengths and areas for development for the other panelists.

On the Quality and Safety Committee at Parkwood Institute Main Building, Vikkie's role as the care partner advisor stands out. Despite unfamiliarity with the committee’s work, Vikkie fearlessly embraced the challenge of navigating uncharted waters. In preparation for the Accreditation Canada’s onsite survey, the committee was tasked with completing mock tracers encompassing various units and clinics.

A tracer is a method used to evaluate organizations against accreditation standards. It follows the path of a patient or process, asking questions and making observations to determine if the standards are met. Mock tracers were conducted in various programs and services across St. Joseph’s leading up to the accreditation survey to assess consistency, quality and safety of care, services and processes.

A defining moment unfolded when Vikkie engaged with a patient during the tracer. The impact of this interaction was profound, elevating the authenticity of the tracer. Her ability to connect with the patient created a relaxed atmosphere, making the patient's responses more genuine. The dedication, experience, sincerity and warmth Vikkie brought to this interaction made her an invaluable member of the committee, says the Care Partnership Office team.

Considered a “go-to volunteer who consistently surpasses expectations,” Vikkie is highly regarded for her exceptional work ethic, dependability, steadfast commitment to excellence and compassion, and willingness to step up. Even during a difficult period when her husband faced health challenges as a patient at St. Joseph's, Vikkie’s positive attitude and resilience did not wane. After he passed away, Vikkie found the strength to return to her volunteer duties, finding solace and fulfillment in continuing to serve and her lived experience becoming a catalyst for creating a lasting impact on others.

To be nominated is an honour

Those considered for the Sisters of St. Joseph Awards are nominated by their colleagues. In addition to the three recipients, this year’s nominees were:

• Electroconvulsive Therapy Clinic team, Geriatric Psychiatry Program,
   Finch Family Mental Health Care Building

• Danielle Neirinckx, registered pharmacy technician, Prescription Shop, St. Joseph’s Hospital

• Lisa Gingerich, social worker/Team Lead, Adult Ambulatory Services, Flex 2, Finch Family Mental Health Care Building

• Crystal Blair, pharmacy informatics specialist, Pharmacy Services, Finch Family Mental Health Care Building

• Donna Jarvis, registered practical nurse, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Program, Parkwood Institute Main Building

• Jaclyn Haddad, medical radiation technologist, Medical Imaging Program, St. Joseph’s Hospital

• Meghan Blunt, occupational therapist, Forensic Psychiatry Program, Transition Team, Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health