Name: Barry Hengel (he/him/his)
Job Title: Manager, Clinical Operations
Years of Service: 6
Worksite: Westview Place
Community: Penticton
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” - Aristotle
Barry was born and raised in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Cranbrook, B.C., home to five Stanley Cup champions – as he proudly points out.
Today, Barry lives in Summerland and is also proud to be leading the clinical operations team at Westview Place long-term care. “I’m inspired by all the great people I get to work with, and the positivity they bring,” he says.
Learn more about his journey with IH
Barry has had many moments to celebrate since he joined Interior Health in 2017.
In early 2022, Westview Place was identified as having one of the best staff retention and recruitment rates for all of IH. “I credit the inclusive, energetic and positive team atmosphere that we’ve created here,” he says.
In 2020, his team was also recognized with an Interior Health Quality Award for increasing the efficiency of the access to and flow of the six short-stay rehabilitation beds.
Barry also highlights the success of his occupational health and safety (OSH) team. Following an intensive audit, his OSH team put together and executed a plan that helped decrease WorkSafeBC claims by more than 70 per cent between 2019 and 2021.
“In this business, you meet a lot of folks who have experienced significant trauma and/or chaotic stress. I am fortunate that I have such an amazing family who are very loving and supportive. I often reflect back on my own educated heart to help those in need resolve their stress and hopefully get to a better place – that's satisfaction defined.”
When Barry isn’t at work, he enjoys spending time at his family’s cottage on Kootenay Lake. Like many who grew up in the 1970s and saw the movie Jaws, the movie left an impression on the young Barry. “Jaws scarred me for life,” he says. “To this day, even though I love water and am a good swimmer, I still keep looking down in the deep water waiting for a big set of teeth to take me under,” he jokes.
He also enjoys winter vacations in Anna Maria Island, Florida, and golfing, camping and relaxing on the beach. “Work hard, have fun, help each other out, go home, relax and repeat” is a philosophy Barry likes to live by. When he retires, Barry looks forward to travelling and spending more time with his three – soon to be four – grandchildren.
Barry nominates Penny Spink, care coordinator, to keep We Are IH going:
“Exceptional skillset, always goes above and beyond. Tremendous insight and feedback capabilities. Staff adore her and respect her.” – Barry Hengel
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