‘Guardian angels’ continue to be recognized

There are countless healthcare heroes on the West Coast, and this week, the Western Regional Hospital (WRH) Foundation is recognizing two more.

The foundation recently presented Dr. Stephen Murphy and Dr. Chris Jenkins each with its Guardian Angel Award.

The Guardian Angel program is presented by the WRH Foundation and enables patients and friends or families of patients at Western Health to recognize a doctor, nurse, volunteer or staff member who made a significant difference in their care or the care of a loved one during their experience at Western Memorial Regional Hospital.

Murphy’s and Jenkins’ respective nominators each shared details of their experience and expressed gratitude in their nomination letters.

Murphy’s nominator wrote: “Back in July, my mother was admitted to WMRH with cardiac concerns and was placed under the care of Dr. Murphy during the latter part of her stay.

“Dr. Murphy provided fantastic care to my mother and was a huge advocate in helping to get her the proper care she required after her heart attack. He did not hesitate to transfer her to the ICU, from where she was later flown to St. John's. Thank you, Dr. Murphy for your care and advocacy put forth towards my mother and for being our guardian angel.”

Jenkins’ nominator wrote: “Dr. Jenkins, you treated my mother (who has a young-on set form of Alzheimer’s) with much respect and dignity when she required emergency surgery. You helped relieve the stress on her and our family which made the situation much easier to cope with. Thank you for being her guardian angel.”

By donating to the WRH Foundation, patients and friends or family of patients can pay tribute to the person who provided the exceptional care as well as ensure the foundation continues to improve health care and offer the best care to patients in the Western Health region.

The guardian angel receives a letter of recognition and an angel pin he or she can wear with pride. All guardian angels are recognized on the WRH Foundation’s website.

To learn more, visit https://westernhealth.nl.ca/initiatives/

CONTRIBUTED Dr. Stephen Murphy, centre, displays his Guardian Angel Award that was presented to him by the Western Regional Hospital Foundation's executive director, Suzanne Carey, left. They are accompanied by Dr. Dennis Rashleigh, VP of medical services.

CONTRIBUTED Dr. Chris Jenkins, centre, displays his Guardian Angel award. The honour was given to him by the Western Regional Hospital Foundation's executive director, Suzanne Carey, left. They are accompanied by Dr. Dennis Rashleigh, VP of medical services.