Providing much, much more than just smiles!

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At Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), our volunteers do it all – they even help save lives! That was one the messages shared at the WDMH Auxiliary Luncheon, held on April 27 at the Chesterville Legion.

Lynne Waytowich, Registered Medical Radiation Technologist and Clinical Instructor, was on hand to thank the volunteers for their ongoing support. “Volunteers for always helping us care for our patients by doing odd jobs that take the pressure off us which makes our jobs easier,” Lynne noted. “But they also raised $191,675.47 for the new mobile x-ray machine. The image appears instantly on the screen right at the patient’s bedside which saves precious time when seconds count. It also allows us to see the placement of life-saving tubes and lines within the patient; we can see if these lines are in the desired location instantly. Caring for our patients with compassion and pursuing excellence just got a lot easier and more efficient thanks to our amazing volunteers. They are helping us to save lives!”

WDMH CEO Cholly Boland also thanked the volunteers for everything they do: “We can’t thank our volunteers often enough. Whether it’s the thousands of hours they work at WDMH or the thousands of dollars they raise for WDMH, we couldn’t operate a hospital without our volunteers. They are truly priceless!”

At the luncheon, volunteers were also recognized by both WDMH and the Hospital Auxiliaries Association of Ontario (HAAO) for milestone anniversaries.

The need for more volunteers always exists. If you are interested in volunteering at WDMH, please contact Alan Archer at aarcher@wdmh.on.ca or 613-774-2420 ext. 6323.
WDMH Dietitian Named Outstanding Healthcare Professional in Eastern Ontario.

Deirdre Cooke’s colleagues describe her as a ‘fireball’ because of her passion, energy and red hair. Every day, Deirdre brings that passion to Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) where she has worked for more than 20 years. Deirdre is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, and she played a key role in bringing the Diabetes Education Program to Winchester.

Now Deirdre is being honoured as the Outstanding Healthcare Professional in Eastern Ontario by Diabetes Canada. The award is presented to a healthcare professional who has made a difference in improving the lives of individuals living with diabetes in a specific region.

“Deirdre has worked with Diabetes Canada in many capacities over the years to support health promotion, is a Diabetes Canada professional member and is an active member of several committees with the Champlain LIHN where she represents diabetes educators who work for individuals living with diabetes,” noted Linda Rodgers, Manager of Community Health Promotion (Eastern & Southern Ontario) for Diabetes Canada.

Deirdre was quick to thank her colleagues at WDMH when accepting the award: “I am very grateful for the award and very fortunate to work with a team – Rachelle, Nancy and Rachel – that support me and challenge me both professionally and personally. We all operate with the guiding principle ‘what does this person living with diabetes or pre-diabetes need from us and how can we best provide it?’. When everyone is on the same page it makes all the difference!”

WDMH’s Diabetes Education Program provides support and education for individuals living with diabetes and pre-diabetes. More than a dozen programs are offered. All of the programs are provided free of charge and a physician referral is not required. For more details, visit www.wdmh.on.ca/diabetes.

“We are pleased for Deirdre and definitely not surprised,” sums up Lynn Hall, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services. “Deirdre has been a driving force in the development and expansion of our diabetes program. Her commitment to our patients and their well-being is evident in everything she does. Congratulations Deirdre.”

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