MSH Nurses: 'Second to None'

  The week of May 11^th to 17^th marked the annual celebration of National Nursing Week. It was a time to recognize our nurses and their dedication to providing exceptional care at both sites of the hospital every day.  

  National Nursing Week has been celebrated in Canada during the second week of May to coincide with the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, since 1985. This year, staff at both sites participated in many great events including presentations, Karaoke Night, Bowling Night, and coffee breaks, one of which was sponsored by Paul Calandra, MP for Oak Ridges-Markham.  

  “I am honoured to be able to sponsor a coffee break for our nurses at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and sponsoring a coffee break hardly seems like sufficient thanks,” says Mr. Calandra, whose two daughters were born at Markham Stouffville Hospital. “Our nurses are second to none and I thank them on behalf of our entire community for their hard work and dedication.”  

  During the week, our nurses further demonstrated their compassion and dedication by  collecting donations for the Rainwater Harvesting Project. All the proceeds from the funds raised in each unit went to Uhambingeto, a village in Tanzania, with the aim to provide the community with an adequate water supply. Staff also participated in a food drive led by our nurses in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank.  

  There are 607 nurses at the Markham site and 40 nurses at the Uxbridge site, making up close to 40 per cent of the entire work force at Markham Stouffville Hospital.  

  “Our nurses are one of the reasons we are able to provide the level of care that we do for our patients here at the hospital,” Julia Scott, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Chief Nursing Executive says. “It is important that we take the time to recognize these individuals and the tremendous contribution they make to our patients, our hospital and our community.”