Three Northeastern Ontario health system champions have made the Minister’s Medal Honour Roll.

They include the North Bay Transitional Housing partnership, the North East Post Stroke Transitional Care Program and Canadore’s Lisa McCool-Philbin, who is the Dean of Health, Human Care and Wellness, Schools of Biotechnology and Environmental Studies at the college.

“The NE LHIN is home to health care change-makers, innovative thinkers who go beyond the call of duty to deliver quality health care services to fellow Northerners. It’s encouraging to have these passionate people recognized at the provincial level,” said Louise Paquette, CEO of the NE LHIN.

The annual Minister’s Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety recognizes the work done by health care providers across the province.

The program provides an opportunity to recognize system champions who place the patient at the centre of the circle of care, have demonstrated exceptional work in collaboration and achieved sustainable results, while promoting system value and quality in the health care system.

“At Canadore College, through our interprofessional lens, we have integrated interprofessional education (IPE) throughout our health and human service programs. Each of our students has an opportunity to learn the theory, collaborate and practice using IPE outcomes in their labs and in their community practice,” said Lisa McCool-Philbin. “I am very proud of the work and collaboration our faculty and staff have accomplished to integrate the IPE and interprofessional care into their experiential learning and training. This translates into better communication among health providers which ultimately provides better and safer care for patients.”

“The best way to assist clients is by engaging with them directly, and providing service based on current needs,” said Mary Davis, Executive Director of Nipissing Mental Health Housing and Support Services. “Suitable and affordable housing is the foundation for recovery for those who live with mental health issues, acquired brain injury, and addictions.”

When hospital stays are over and outpatient therapy has ended, people can continue their recovery, whether accessing transitional housing, exercise programs or support groups,” said Rebecca Bowes, Regional Director of the Post Stroke Transitional Care Program. “The program alleviates some of the strain associated with knowing what to do and where to turn by connecting individuals and their families to the right services at the right time, helping them to realize the best chance for living the highest quality of life after stroke.”

Recipients were honoured October 20th in Toronto.