Employee Spotlight

Q. How long have you been working for SSCHS?

A. 20 years. This is my 21st year.

Q. Can you describe what a typical work day is like for you?

A. I work in the front at reception in the morning and then in health records in the afternoon, so it's a combined job. It's non-stop! Even if there's nobody to put in for emerge, ultrasound, X-ray, or lab there's always lots of paperwork and reports to do. Once that's done and if it's quieter then I'll take a pile from health records and start working on it. There's never a dull moment. For a small centre there's definitely always something to do.

Q. Who do you interact with the most at work?

A. Definitely the public. I also interact quite a bit with other hospitals since we're part of the NEON (Northeastern Ontario Network) team There are lots of e-mail communications back and forth to our sister hospitals.

Q. How would your co-workers describe you?

A. I think they'd say I'm helpful. I have lots of knowledge and information because I've been here so long. A lot of people come and see me. I think the public would say they can depend on me. They trust me and are comfortable with me. It's nice because in big centres, they probably wouldn't do what we do. They're not as close to people. We go over and above.

Q. What's the best part about your job and working for SSCHS?

A. I love interacting with the people, and that's why I've stayed here at the front all this time.

Q. What is one part of your job that might surprise people?

A. People might not realize that every document that comes through the hospital is scanned by me for health records. I've also organized a lot of different special clinics over the 20 years. That's included general surgery clinics for small procedures, urologists, foot doctors, and pediatricians.

Q. What made you decide to get into this field of work?

A. There was an opening and I applied 20 years ago. I was pretty sure I'd be good at it because I'm bilingual and approachable and I like people and I like helping. I have the gift of the gab too!

Q. What are some of your interests outside of work?

A. My number one is spending time with my granddaughters. I also like to walk and garden and spend time with my son who is 13, whenever he lets me!