Covenant Health named a top Alberta employer
Two local members of Covenant Health are part of some province-wide recognition for quality care in a trying past year brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Covenant Health — which includes St. Therese Villa and St. Michael’s Health Care Centre — was named one of Alberta’s Top 70 Employers for 2021 in recognition of their staff ’s commitment to creating a positive workplace and providing high-quality care to patients and residents.
Alberta’s Top 70 Employers recognizes Alberta employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work based on criteria such as work atmosphere, employee benefits and professional development opportunities. With this year’s award, Covenant Health has been recognized seven times as one of Alberta’s Top Employers.
“This award is a testament to the quality of care our teams provide at St. Therese Villa, and across Covenant Health," said Remi Bolarinwa, site administrator at St. Therese Villa.
"Every day, we provide safe, quality care for our residents, exemplifying the mission and values of Covenant Health in all we do."
Bolarinwa said St. Therese Villa is proud of their team’s hard work in helping keep their residents and colleagues safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am grateful for each member of our team as they continue to work tirelessly and collaboratively, taking every possible step to respond with compassion to this challenging situation and to ensure a safe environment for care.”
Sherry Irwin, the interim program manager at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre who will take over as the new site administrator Feb. 1, noted the challenges faced in the past year.
“In reflection of the last year and the trials and changes we have experienced in health care, I am honoured and humbled by this recognition which speaks to the dedication and commitment we have within our care teams," she said. "I have been blessed in witnessing the compassion, advocacy and respect the staff demonstrate through all their interactions with patients, residents, families and stakeholders. They have been gracious, open and adaptable in times of great change and unfamiliar circumstance and evidence of living the mission and values is reflected continuously in all interactions.”
More than half of Covenant Health’s 17 facilities are located in rural Alberta communities, providing acute and continuing care services as well as employment for community members.
"I believe, especially this year, given all the demands and changes it has brought, our success is due to the dedication and loyalty of our staff to those we serve," said Sheli Murphy, senior operating officer, Rural Services in a release. "They are amazing individuals working through changing parameters daily, yet they still hold that one most important focus — the person who requires their attention in the moment. Due to these incredible people at all levels throughout our organization, we realize successes. It is not one person, one team, but the collective of great, courageous individuals working together with passion and compassion that propel us forward every single day. They are the reason we are able to achieve recognition such as this, and more importantly our mission."
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