We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Cindy Crawford Worksite: Trinity Care Centre, Penticton, Okanagan / Sylix Nation Years of Service: 7 Job Title: Nursing Assistant Quote: "We all have things going on in life - be kind." Passionate, ambitious, and humorous perfectly describe Cindy. Living by her motto “life is too short to not enjoy as much of it as you can,” Cindy appreciates travelling and adores time spent with her adorable dog, Malachi (Mal-a-k-eye). Longing for an occupation full of excitement, service, and fulfilment, Cindy decided to begin a new career endeavour in health care. She began as a support staff worker at Fraser Health, working within housekeeping and dietary. Eager to advance her career and implement necessary changes for patients, Cindy was determined to go back to school to become a Nursing Assistant. In 2008, Cindy relocated to Penticton to begin her education as a Health Care Aide at Sprott Shaw College. While attending school, Cindy worked within the Housekeeping department at the Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH). She was overjoyed when she was accepted into the Activity Assistant program last year at the College of the Rockies, graduating this year. Her admirable work ethic and compassionate nature has been prominent throughout her entire career. From day one, Cindy’s daily objective has remained the same: “I show up to work to seek the ability to make someone smile and laugh for another day.” Her co-workers appreciate her positive outlook and fun attitude that brings so much joy to the workplace. A monumental career moment for Cindy was when she was offered the opportunity to become a facilitator for Provincial Violence Prevention. Shortly after, she received training to facilitate the Safe Patient Handling course. Cindy proudly states, “it is an honour to be able to assist my co-workers to be safe,” a true testament to her genuine character. Cindy has held the position as co-chair on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee for six years at Trinity Care Centre and takes great pride in being part of the team that keeps our workplace safe. Cindy has been taking care of her father since her mother passed away, and finds pleasure in providing a safe space for each one of our patients. Truly a selfless, considerate and generous individual. Thank you for all that you do Cindy, IH and Malachi appreciate you, so much! Cindy with co-worker, Cheri at Trinity Care Centre in Penticton Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Cheri Scroggi Message: "She is very kind and cares, not only about her residents but also her co-workers." For more information, contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

Olympic gold medal winner and freestyle skier Kelsey Serwa took some time last week to thank ski operators and their employees for working hard to keep us safe while we have fun this winter. Stay safe on the hill this winter with Kelsey's tips: Ski your local mountain and support your local businesses. Wear a mask in the lift lines and indoors. Keep to your bubble.    

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Jessica Reimer Worksite: Kelowna Health Services, Okanagan / Sylix Nation Years of Service: 2 Job Title: Career Marketing Assistant Quote: "You can't buy back your time, be present." There is something special about Jessica. Many recognize her by her beautiful bright white smile, warm demeanour, bubbly personality, and fun attitude. Her positively infectious energy radiates through the Kelowna Health Services building when she is around. Regularly cheerleading her co-workers on, Jess provides a creative insight into problem-solving and creating meaningful ways to attract, retain, and recognize Interior Health's employees. Jessica Reimer with Manager, Lauren Hristoski, at Interior Health photoshoot Jessica's strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and positive outlook have greatly contributed to her career development from a Recruitment Service Partner to her current role as a Career Marketing Assistant. Working alongside many departments such as Employee and Physician Recruitment, Employee Experience and Communications, Jessica aligns the goals of the organization to execute engaging, meaningful, and effective marketing strategies. Born in a small farm town outside of Vancouver called Agassiz, Jess was raised with her younger sister and close to her family to be the incredible person she has become today. She began to build a life for herself in Kelowna after moving to the city in Grade 11 and graduating from the Okanagan College with her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management. The education she received and the work experience she gained during these years greatly contributed to her successful career at Interior Health. Jessica Reimer at Okanagan College graduation with fellow Interior Health employee Ryan Lazauskas (right) Inspired to make a positive impact in the lives of others, Jess has created a career path that allows her to use her creative design abilities and outgoing personality to connect with others on a personal level. A proud moment for Jessica was during a video interview at Kelowna General Hospital with a Medical Lab Technologist, Mussarat, where they bonded over his life experience. Born and raised in Pakistan, Mussarat taught Jessica a few Arabic phrases and shared his journey to Interior Health. Both Mussarat and Jessica felt grateful for this special experience that moved Jessica to tears, knowing that one person and one story can be so impactful and unique. It's moments like these that confirm to Jess that she is on the right career path. You may also recognize Jessica for her In Focus article in Kelowna Now where she opens up more about her personal and professional life. Like many, Jessica's plans changed in 2020 with the global pandemic. After over a decade with her husband, Brad, they had planned a backpacking trip across Europe for six weeks. Unable to travel, they created new plans, starting their family. Currently awaiting her first child in February, Jess will be starting a very new exciting adventure. Congratulations, Jessica and Brad! Jessica Reimer snowshoeing at Big White Mountain, Kelowna An adventurer at heart, Jess is looking forward to spending more quality time with her family outdoors. She can be found snowboarding or exploring the snowy mountains on snowshoes in the winter. During the spring and summer, she spends time gardening and exploring the many opportunities the Okanagan offers. As a free spirit, she can be caught dancing in the kitchen like no one is watching, singing along to her favourite tune. This summer Jess was able to cross an item off her bucket list with Interior Health. To promote the beautiful Okanagan, Jess played a role behind-the-scenes in planning and on-the-screen as one of the real Interior Health employees in an IH promotional video. Jessica's kind heart opens to the people she meets in health care as she connects with different departments. Through experience, her eyes are continually opened to learning more about the complexities of health care and her gratitude for our employee's service. Inspired to recognize those employees for their hard work, Jess creatively acknowledges those employees touching the lives of many. Thank you for all that you do, Jessica! We are so excited for you to start your family! Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Tonia Polak Message:  "I wanted to recognize Tonia for her outstanding problem solving and managerial skills. I was very impressed by her demeanour and positivity. I don't know her personally, but if she's anything like how she is at work she would be an amazing We Are IH feature." For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

New pieces of equipment, fast track renovations and great teamwork led to a massive increase in the number of COVID-19 tests that are able to be processed at Kelowna General Hospital and Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. KGH and RIH are now home to new Panther fusion instruments, laboratory machines that have increased the capacity for each hospital to perform testing on COVID-19 samples. The new machines have increased Interior Health's ability to process samples from about 900 in a day to over 1,600, ensuring timely results even in a surge event. With these advancements there are new career opportunities with the IH lab teams. Explore career options in IH labs here. To make room for the new technology, renovations had to take place at both sites and a wide array of employees are credited for their perseverance to get the job done in quick order. The KGH lab increased its size by 1,200 square feet (11 square metres). A project that normally may have taken nine months, was completed in nine weeks, to allow for the Panther. “This is what you can accomplish when this is everyone’s top priority. It was really breaking down silos to make this happen. It was a huge feat at both sites. To see whole groups of people coming together to support the labs was amazing,” says Hope Byrne, director of lab operations for the Okanagan. At RIH where there was already a first-generation Panther in place, renovations had to be made to a tight space to accommodate the new Panther as well as a biological safety cabinet. It came on the heels of a renovation in the micro department last year but employees were up to the challenge and new staff were trained and procedures put in place. Among the teams that worked to bring the project to fruition were lab managers and employees, medical microbiologists, infection prevention and control, work place health and safety, capital planning and projects as well as the contractors who worked on the renovations. “There was a big effort that went into increasing our capacity to test COVID-19 samples and making sure our communities stay safe,” says Hope. “It’s a credit to the dedication of the teams involved to provide this enhanced testing to patients in Interior Health. Photo caption: RIH team members celebrate the opening of the new Panther Fusion testing instrument. From left to right: Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony is (L to R) Dr. Rehan, Medical Microbiologist, Deb Eckert, Operations Supervisor, Laura Smith, Tech Lead Micro, Shelley Sanders, PPL, and Lindsey Eastman.

Inspired by Jerusalema Dance Challenge videos she had seen from her South African colleagues over the past year, Dr. Nerine Kleinhans, Chief of Staff at Creston Valley Hospital (CVH), spearheaded this fun challenge. All departments took part with more than 90 staff participating in the making of this video – either as dancers, extras or as the filming and production crew.      "At a time when the pressures of COVID-19 weigh heavily on all staff working in our health-care sites, this was a fun chance for the team to come together and have some laughs (and lots of fun) while highlighting their message 'We are here for you, please stay safe for us!' "  - Dr. Nerine Kleinhans, Creston Valley Hospital   Jerusalema has taken on diverse meanings for people around the world including those of celebration, unity, peace, and the desire for more. The Jerusalema Dance Challenge has been the source of hope and cheer over the last year with participants posting videos of their own following the simple dance routine to the song Jerusalema by South African DJ Master KG and vocalist Nomcebo. Dr. Kleinhans acknowledges and is tremendously grateful for all the departments that were so keen to take part. Without their thumbs-up for making a dance video, this project would not have become a reality. Thank you to everyone at Creston Valley Hospital who took part and spread so much joy at a time when our communities need it most. Read more about this project on the Creston Valley Advance news site.

Two Social Workers from Royal Inland Hospital (RIH), Carla Williams and Brenda Tynan, have helped the community shed some light on the reality of increased loneliness among seniors due to COVID-19 over the holiday season. Before the holidays, they reached out to School District 73 and offered an opportunity for children and youth to do something for elders in the community: let the know - you are not alone. Grade 5 and 6 class at Rayleigh Elementary are among students from across the District who made cards for seniors this holiday season - SD73 PhotoThe response was overwhelming and the week before Christmas, they delivered messages to 1300 seniors in long-term care across Kamloops, Clearwater, Barriere, and Merritt. Messages like these: “I miss my loved ones too that I can’t see. But I am here for you.” “I would give you the biggest hug if I could.” “We care about you, we’re thinking about you all the time, and we are missing you.” Read more about this project and the amazing messages from our youth on the School District 73 website.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Doris Charest Worksite: East Kootenays/Kootenay Boundary Staffing Service Centre, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa Years of Service: 9.5 Job Title: Portfolio Clerk The holiday season is like no other at the Charest family home. Doris Charest, Interior Health’s (IH) endearing Portfolio Clerk, handcrafts many of the festive ornaments that make up her Christmas décor. It’s no secret that she has quite the artistic side; apart from enjoying decorative tole painting, Doris has also been cutting out wooden Christmas decoration pieces for over 15 years. Apart from her crafty nature, Doris loves the outdoors where she can be found immersing herself in a book next to a cozy campfire. True to the nature of anyone born and raised in British Columbia’s beautiful Cranbrook city, she enjoys the many lakes, campgrounds and mountains that surround her. In the future, she looks forward to having grandchildren, helping raise them in the very community she and her children grew up in. Till then, she gives her unconditional love to her grand puppy, Izzie, an affectionate SPCA rescue. Over nine years ago, Doris found herself at a cross-roads when she received a recommendation from a fellow Interior Health employee and friend; she applied knowing it would be a great place to work. Starting her career at IH off with a casual role at reception and Short Call desk, Doris was soon promoted to a full-time position as a Portfolio Clerk. She continues working in this role today at the Staffing Service Centre in East Kootenay/Kootenay Boundary. Her kind and helpful demeanour does not go unnoticed as she helps her team solve problems together. While the holidays are undoubtedly different this year, the lights at the Charest home continue to shine on as brightly as ever. Thanks for everything you do for Interior Health, Doris! We wish you many more successful years. Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Ceilidh Stump  Message: She is wonderful person who is a great listener and very helpful and always there when you need her.  For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.   

The holiday season is an especially poignant time as families and loved ones gather. This year, of course, will be different, as we stay close to home with our households or core bubbles, and those in care won’t have the visitors they normally would. To acknowledge these struggles and the importance of connection with our loved, ones, Interior Health has partnered with singer, songwriter, and artist, Heather Gemmell, on a song accompanied by images from across our region.   Heather takes her inspiration from her community and the beautiful East Kootenay region where she resides. As with all of us, she’s been keeping to her household bubble with her husband and nine-month old daughter. “We hope you feel the warmth, love, and connection this song is about." Heather Gemmell   To all patients, residents, and families, may the New Year bring renewed hope, peace and joy to you and your loved ones.

All aspects of life look different these days, and that is especially evident in long-term care. Programming has changed, gathering is restricted, and visitors are limited. Throughout the many challenges, Music Therapy continues to support people living in long-term care homes, their families, and their health-care teams. At Summerland's Dr. Andrew Pavilion, music therapist Kayla Turnbull works in collaboration with the health-care team to help those experiencing mental health concerns and feelings of isolation. “The music therapy keeps my mom stimulated and it triggers wonderful memories and brings such joy.  It’s phenomenal,” says Nancy Smith, whose mother lives at the Dr. Andrew Pavilion. Certified Music Therapists complete a Bachelor’s Degree and internship with formal training in music, psychology, and in the assessment of clinical conditions.   Music therapist Kayla Turnbull drums with Norris Hunt. Whether sharing favourite songs, providing space for remembering, or supporting a resident in song creation, Kayla meets her clients however they are in that moment. She has a unique role, and brings a wealth of knowledge in music and how it affects health and well-being for older adults with chronic conditions. Kayla helps those experiencing complex grief, and often witnesses smiles, tears, laughter and connections with significant songs from the past. “The joy, happiness and their moods are uplifted. The interaction and connection makes such a huge difference in their day,” says Colette More, a unit clerk at Dr. Andrew Pavilion. Music has the ability to cross cultures, languages, and abilities. While we find our way during this time, remember the words of famous song-writer Vera Lynn: “We’ll meet again some sunny day”.