Lakeridge Health celebrates 2021/2022 Fiscal Year at Annual General Meeting
DURHAM REGION – Lakeridge Health staff and physicians gathered virtually with community members from across Durham Region last night to mark a year of extraordinary achievements, progress, and dedication at the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
“This past year, despite the many challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, team members came together every day to ensure that patients received high-quality care when they needed it most and supported one another during some of the most difficult days they have ever experienced,” said Sharon Cochran, outgoing Chair of the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees.
“The pandemic has tested us in so many ways, but what it has shown us is that when we work together, we can achieve so much,” explained President and CEO Cynthia Davis. “I am excited by what lies ahead, and I look forward to seeing what more we can all accomplish together in the year to come.”
Chief of Staff, Dr. Tony Stone, added that “it’s hard to believe that we dealt with waves three, four, five, and six of the pandemic this year. Our teams, fatigued as they were, continued to deliver the care that Durham Region needed, despite growing health human resources and capacity challenges. Their resolve, their dedication, and their ability to care for those in need in a time of crisis have been remarkable.”
A few of the incredible accomplishments over the 2021/2022 fiscal year have included:
- Continuing the pandemic response through COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics and virtual urgent care centres, as well as opening a new COVID-19 Therapeutic Clinic to deliver the new COVID-19 treatment, Paxlovid.
- Launching a new, digital clinical information system, Epic, simultaneously alongside six partner hospital organizations across Central East Ontario.
- Opening the new long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens. This 320-bed state-of-the-art home was completed in record time through the Ontario government’s Accelerated Build Pilot Program, and in partnership with PCL Construction and Infrastructure Ontario.
The AGM was also a time to thank six departing Board members and welcome new members. Special recognition was paid to outgoing Board Chair Sharon Cochran.
“We are so grateful to Sharon for her unwavering commitment to Lakeridge Health,” said Cynthia. “To date, Sharon has served eight years on the Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees and four years as Chair and will continue to stay on as a Board member. We look forward to working with incoming Board Chair Cordelia Clarke Julien.”
Attendees also paused to remember Board member Jeff Beaton, who sadly passed away in September 2021.
More information about Lakeridge Health’s Board members is available on their website.
In addition, Lakeridge Health Chief and Medical Director, Quality and Patient Experience, and Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Dr. Dan Ricciuto, was celebrated as the recipient of the organization’s 2021/2022 Local Health Care Hero Award.
“Dr. Ricciuto has been a champion for vulnerable populations throughout the entire pandemic,” said Dr. Stone. “He has advocated for effective infection, prevention, and control practices, and for Durham Region community members to receive vaccinations in a timely and accessible way. He has worked tirelessly to review data and best practices to ensure everyone is protected and receives the best care options. His actions have saved countless lives in Durham Region and have protected staff and physicians during an ever-changing situation.”
“Lakeridge Health’s strength is truly our people,” noted Cynthia. “To each and every staff member, physician, volunteer, and partner, thank you. Together, we remain unwavering in achieving our vision of One System. Best Health.”
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About Lakeridge Health:
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, and more than 20 community health-care locations, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive range of acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, and eye care and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, as well as provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of more than 7,700 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is working in collaboration with its Durham Ontario Health Team, primary care, and community partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
For information contact:
Julie Dowdie
Manager, Corporate and Internal Communications
Lakeridge Health
905-429-8425
jdowdie@lh.ca
