Trust, Courage and Teamwork spotlighted in 2021 OSMH Board Awards of Excellence

Rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic was a central theme of the nominees and recipients of the 2021 OSMH Board Awards of Excellence, presented Thursday in a special ceremony held in the hospital cafeteria and broadcast to the organization via Zoom.

The peer-nominated awards align with the hospital’s Strategic Plan, with one winner for each of the hospital’s three Values – Trust, Courage and Teamwork.

Audra Jesso, Regional Program Manager for Children’s Services, captured the Trust Award, for the leadership she provides to Paediatrics and the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

Ryan Miller, the Director of Integrated Care, was presented with the Courage Award, for the onsite leadership at Roberta Place Long Term Care home in Barrie at the height of their COVID-19 outbreak, which required Ryan to quarantine from family and colleagues for multiple weeks.

The Teamwork Award was presented to Laboratory Charge Technologists Stephanie Cluff and Stephanie Duesharm, affectionately known as ‘The Stephs’.   The pair were lauded for the work they did behind the scenes to manage the processing of COVID-19 samples, the successful launch of Rapid Antigen tests as part of a provincial pilot program, and their work with the Assessment Centre and community partners to help contain or prevent outbreaks.

“Reviewing all the nominations was heartwarming and spoke volumes to the spirit of teamwork and dedication that exist in our hospital,” said Board Chair Leigh Popov.

“On behalf of our entire Board, I want to recognize the outstanding achievements of all our nominees and recipients. To be recognized by your peers and colleagues for the outstanding work you do every day is a reason to celebrate. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Following the main presentation, Popov announced that in light of the significant challenges the hospital had overcome over the past 18 months, that a fourth Award be presented this year.  Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO, was then presented with the first ever OSMH Board – Excellence in Leadership Award, for his efforts in navigating the hospital through the pandemic.

A recording of the 2021 OSMH Board Awards of Excellence presentation ceremony is available for viewing by clicking here.