Name: Coreen Duncan (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Patient Ambassador
Years of Service: 34
Worksite: Columbia House
Community: Invermere
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa and Secwépemc
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: It is important to be kind.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Coreen spent her high school years gaining experience volunteering at care homes and Meals on Wheels. Her volunteer experience and working as a housekeeper led her to Invermere with her current role as a patient ambassador in long-term care (LTC) at Columbia House.
“I remember thinking that I loved being with the elderly residents and clients. I felt that I could help make their days brighter. Thirty-four years later I still feel the same!”
Learn more about Coreen’s journey with IH
A patient ambassador is an important part of the team in health care, including long-term care. A patient ambassador's primary role is to greet and engage with all individuals entering the building such as visitors, employees, and contractors, and to ensure their attendance at the site. Patient ambassadors cultivate a safe environment for patients and their loved ones, which is fundamental to providing high-quality health care to the people in the B.C. Interior.
Coreen embodies her role as a hardworking, kind, cheerful and reliable person. She naturally spreads joy to those around her and brings warmth to Columbia House. Pairing her skills with over 30 years of experience, it is no surprise she is such a perfect fit for this important role. She has found ways to make a real difference in the ambassador role. She takes pride in being ready to greet visitors while making sure they don't have to wait to enter the site.
There have been many proud moments over the years, but right now I feel proud of the job I do making people’s days a little brighter. We are a great team here!”
She knows it’s important to bring celebration and excitement into her work, and she shows that by decorating the public areas and entrances in a positive way throughout the seasons. As a helpful person, she makes sure residents have what they need – even if that need is chocolate!
Outside of work, you will catch Coreen expressing herself through her love of crafting. When she isn’t designing do-it-yourself projects, she takes the opportunity to run, read or travel.
Explore Patient Ambassador Careers@IH
Have you thought about a career as a patient ambassador at IH?
Enjoyed this story?
Sign up to receive the Stories@IH email digest twice a week to your inbox.
Sahra joined IH just two months after graduating from Okanagan College, and has served in many roles with IH that led her to where she is today.
/stories/we-are-ih-recruitment-advisor-finds-purpose-growing-careers
Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.
/stories/stop-guessing-drug-checking-saves-lives
Lillooet Hospital holds a special place in Jessica McLellan's heart. A 3rd-generation resident of Lillooet, she has served as LDHF's chair since 2018.
/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-lillooet-district-hospital-foundation
Righting wrongs gives Sharon a sense of purpose at work. There is no typical day in labour relations which makes the job exciting and a great fit for her.
/stories/we-are-ih-labour-relations-specialist-strengthens-relationships
Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s as an opportunity for adventure. Even if you’re feeling healthy now, it’s a good idea to plan your future health decisions.
/stories/six-ways-plan-age-related-health-decisions
Like many expectant moms, Emily Canzian attended prenatal classes and did a lot of preparing for her son Luca’s birth.
/stories/new-moms-journey-through-first-days-breastfeeding
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.
