It was a star-studded night for long term care at the second annual NHNSA Long Term Care Awards of Excellence Gala held at the Delta Marriott in Dartmouth last evening. Senior Public Relations Consultant Ayse Hand emceed the event with style and grace. Executive Director Menna MacIsaac introduced Ms. Hand as a seasoned journalist and talented communications strategist with Irish Communications of Halifax.
The enthusiastic attendees, comprised of nominees and others representing all aspects of long-term care, corporate partners, and government officials, were moved and excited by the many stories of exceptional quality care, innovation, partnerships, teamwork, leadership, and pioneering initiatives taking place across the province.
Ms. Hand said to the nominees and sector representatives, “Among you are everyday care heroes, who with your colleagues have been the backbone of caring for our elders and the most vulnerable in communities across Nova Scotia. October is Continuing Care Month and what a way to make this occasion an opportunity to shine the spotlight on long term care. It has been quite a year for all Nova Scotians and certainly another unprecedented one for long term care. You have continued to manage the impact of the pandemic with grace and diligence and then once again showed your leadership, capacity, collaboration, and sense of community, handing crisis situations during the recent wildfires and flooding smoothly, compassionately, and calmly.”
Minister Barbara Adam, Nova Scotia’s first ever Minister of Long-Term Care, delivered a heartfelt and supportive message communicating her commitment to continue to advance the long-term care sector. Also in attendance were The Honourable Gary Burril, MLA for Halifax Chebucto who offered a gratitude and The Honourable Zach Churchill, Leader of the NS Liberal Party.
With great excitement the following awards were presented:
- The Spirit Award to was presented to Michaela Tracy, Recreation Programmer, Dykeland Lodge, presented by sponsor Pomerleau.
- The Better Together Award to Chantal Beaulieu, Oakwood Manor, presented by sponsor Shannex.
- The Cultural Harmony Award to Windsor Elms Village, was presented by sponsor GEM Health Care Group. Accepted by CEO, Sue MacDougall
- The Champion for Dignity Award was presented to Michelle MacDonald, Director of Care Dykeland Lodge, sponsored by Coast and Iris Communications.
- The Trailblazer Award was presented to Queens Manor Recreation Team by sponsor Davis Pier.
- The Leading the Way Award was presented to Mahmood Hussain, Director of People Relations, GEM Health Care Group, presented by Chair Kyle Richardson, on behalf of sponsor Plan A Nova Scotia.
Stephen Doiron of the Nursing Homes of NS Association Board delivered the Land Acknowledgement while Chair Kyle Richardson also offered remarks on behalf of the NHNSA Board. Mr. Richardson said it is sometimes difficult to find the words to describe the impact and dedication of those devoted to long term care and that he was moved by the profiles of the 18 finalists and inspired by what is happening in nursing homes across Nova Scotia.
Thank you to the Gala Sponsors – Nycum & Associates (Gala Dinner), Grey Cardinal (Entertainment) & Lawtons (Reception) and to the above-mentioned award sponsors.
Emcee Hand closed the evening by offering her congratulations to NHNSA, to the Board, to the Planning Committee, to ED Menna MacIsaac, and Chair Kyle Richardson, for putting together a stellar evening of celebration and to all LTC team members attending on their extraordinary contributions to long term care as well as for the collaboration, professionalism, and commitment. She also thanked the Delta Mariott for a lovely setting and delicious meal and the Gilberts for their amazing talent.
“As we saw in the video – the roles within long term care providing quality care, health, wellness and life enrichment, are much more than a job- they are a calling that takes not only expertise and skill but compassion, vigilance and dedication,” said Ms. Hand. “Thank you also for the respect, affection and dignity given to our elders and for creating places for teams to thrive and flourish- all of which came shining through in your profiles and video. A final nod to your Gala’s uplifting and inspiring recipients, finalists and nominees. I can see Reimaging LTC with Bold and Courageous Change is in exceptionally capable hands indeed!”
