Growing together: Michael Garron Hospital staff celebrate Long Service Awards

“Forty-five years ago, I started working at MGH in a temporary position. I took the job because I lived nearby. I eventually moved to part-time and then full-time roles working on the Intravenous Team and doing electrocardiograms (ECGs). I then got my certification to become a Cardiac Technician, and I’ve been in this position ever since. 

Years ago, I was one of the first staff in the Cardiac Diagnostics Department at MGH, and at the time, I worked with two cardiologists to help set up our exercise stress test and Holter monitor programs. In my current role, I facilitate Holter monitor tests, which is a diagnostic tool for heart-related conditions.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at MGH. The work is rewarding and I enjoy collaborating with the cardiologists and my coworkers. Even though I’ve been here for 45 years, I’m still learning every day! Cardiology is the heart of everything – we see a lot of diagnoses and different situations that keep my work interesting.”   

“I used to live close to the hospital – that's what initially drew me to work here. Now, I stay because of the people. I walk into work and greet people and they greet me back. I feel a camaraderie with my team and those that I work with. I am on the Lab Team, but I often work with people from Information Technology (IT). Since my relationship with others is so strong, I know when I have questions, I can get answers just by speaking to them in person rather than booking a meeting and waiting. 

I was originally hired as a part-time technologist working only one day a week. My long-term goal was to work closer to the IT side of things and I eventually achieved that goal when I transitioned to the role of Lab Information Systems Analyst. I am now a Lab Information Systems Specialist and I really enjoy working with different technologies.” 

“MGH is my community hospital. In 2018, my son had an emergency and was very well taken care of here. I was so grateful and told my daughter, ‘Maybe I will come back and volunteer here.’ Instead, she said, ‘Mum, maybe you will work here!’ 

I was working as a restaurant manager and a casino card dealer when non-essential businesses shut down during the pandemic. I was willing to take a risk, so I joined MGH as a housekeeper. My background was in accounting and taxation, so I started applying to different jobs in the hospital. I also went back to school and did some courses and certificates. I was very lucky, but I also felt very determined.

Today, I work with Quality, Patient Safety and Operational Excellence. I love the culture. We speak to each other like family. My team just celebrated my 50th birthday! Looking back, if you would've told me that I would work in a hospital, I wouldn’t have believed you. But sometimes, you just find your place and you just feel part of something bigger.” 

“As the staff member who works with benefits, I help people day-to-day, but also during big changes in their life. From helping new hires set up their benefits, helping moms answer questions relating to their maternity leave benefits and helping staff with pension-related questions once they are ready to retire. 

When I look back now, I think, ‘Wow, has it really been 35 years?’ I have stayed so long because of the people. I meet a lot of people in this role and I really enjoy it.” 

“My personal experience with loss is what led me to this work, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for others. MGH has become my second home – every day I make the drive in from Newmarket because I don’t want to be anywhere else.”   

“I came to MGH during the COVID-19 pandemic after hearing about a temporary screening role through my sister-in-law, who also works here. 

What started as a very uncertain time for many people turned into a meaningful opportunity for me and I’m grateful that it led to my current role as a Registration Clerk in Patient Access Services. 

What I enjoy most about my role is being one of the first points of contact for patients and families when they arrive at the hospital. I understand that people are often coming in during difficult moments, whether for their own health or for a loved one, and it’s important to me to make that first interaction as welcoming and supportive as possible.  

Even though patients may be going through challenging times, it’s rewarding to be able to ease their experience in small ways and offer kindness at the beginning of their visit. The gratitude from patients and knowing I’ve made a difference in their experience is what makes the job meaningful to me.”