UNITED CHURCH HEALTH SERVICES
Recognition
Excellence in BC Health Care Awards
Health Care Heroes 2011 Gold Apple Winner
Carole Clarke
Programs Manager, Mental Health Services
Bella Coola General Hospital
When Carole Clark came to Bella Coola, she saw the need for extra effort to ensure that people in this remote community had access to mental health services. She collaborated with other agencies and service providers to devise ways of getting mental health and addictions clients, family and friends together with caregivers and professionals.
One successful example is The Supper Club, which has been running since 1998. This weekly event brings together a diverse group of people to enjoy a good meal and good company. Carole and other service providers also sought ways to make sure Bella Coola youths knew where to get support. They started "Dysfunctional Pizza", a weekly event at the high school that provides students with a safe, welcome place to be. Thirteen years later, "Dysfunctional Pizza" is attended each week by a group of about 50 students who are grateful for the food and opportunity to connect with others and feel part of their community.
Carole was also instrumental in starting video conferencing assessment, therapy and consultation with psychologists and a psychiatrist from outside the area resulting in hundreds of people receiving direct services that they would have otherwise never received.
Learn more about Carole's Health Care Heroes Award
Excellence in BC Health Care Awards
Health Care Heroes 2011 Gold Apple Winner
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority People First Awards
Glenda Phillips
Manager, Home & Community Support
Bella Coola General Hospital
Glenda describes herself as a "Woman of the Central Coast". If you've had the opportunity to visit Bella Coola you'll most certainly relate. Th ere is incredible beauty here, but along with it comes the challenge of working in a remote, rugged environment. A hospital staff member since 1985, Glenda took a break and moved to the big city to study for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She returned in 2005, taking on the role of Home and Community Support Manager.
Glenda provides inspiring leadership to Community Health Workers and Licensed Practical Nurses who daily go out into the community to help those at home remain at home. Glenda takes initiative in many areas: wound care; foot care; senior's care; long term care; and, the Adult Day Program. She has a strong connection with the Nuxalk Nation, Health and Wellness. We know she will continue to be a vital member of the Bella Coola General Hospital team.
Learn more about Glenda's Health Care Heroes Award
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority People First Awards
Carl Harestad
Maintenance Coordinator
Bella Coola General Hospital
Born and raised on the Central Coast, Carl's work experience includes time spent in both forestry and fishing. Fortunately for the Bella Coola General Hospital, he decided to come on staff in 2006 as Maintenance Coordinator.
Maintaining heating/ventilating systems, alarm systems, auxiliary generators and other complex systems without nearby resources is an important part of his job. But what really stands out is the attention Carl gives to relationships. He is always there to help repair a wheelchair or to assist staff who need to put palliative equipment in a home. He has become a valuable member of the Home and Community Care team. Carl's communication skills are outstanding and his cultural awareness deeply appreciated.