Editor:
While I was watching and monitoring the news of the disaster to the Bow Valley and beyond from afar, I feel compelled to recognize the collaboration, leadership and support that was evident at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital during my absence.
I was also very pleased to learn that we were able to offer support to our colleagues and partners in health at the Canmore General Hospital and to the Canmore Emergency Operations Center.
Our leadership team, led by Patti McFadyen, staff and physicians, worked long hours to ensure that patient and resident care was not compromised. The team also monitored vulnerable community members to ensure that urgent medical care was provided while at the same time being mindful that their own homes and the homes of their colleagues and friends may be in jeopardy. Like other businesses in Banff, many of our staff and physicians reside in Canmore and transportation to and from work to support patient care was complicated in an environment where medical care and attention cannot wait.
Local businesses stepped in to offer support for our displaced staff and relief workers; the Banff Park Lodge, Banff International Hotel, Earls Restaurant, and Holiday Inn Canmore to name a few. Together with vital support and communication from Parks Canada, Banff Lake Louise Tourism, RCMP, EMS, Alpine Helicopters, Banff Fire Department, ImagineWireless (Torin), Tridon Communications (Jamie), Town of Canmore IT, Alberta Health Services Pharmacy and Mental Health Services, we can be proud of how well we weathered the storm.
Corporate support from Covenant Health senior leadership, communications and disaster and emergency services kept a pulse on day-to-day operations and while Banff was not the only site they were supporting from Edmonton, I keep hearing how access to our corporate leaders was reassuring and extremely helpful.
In closing, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all individuals and groups who supported the hospital, staff and operations during this critical time. I am very proud of our team and appreciative of how the community pulled together to minimize the impact on the health of those we serve.
Cindy Mulherin, Executive Director
Covenant Health – Mineral Springs Hospital
