More than 75 years ago, an incredible leap of faith by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie launched a health care legacy that continues to deliver compassionate care today.
At the request of some local doctors, the Sisters committed to the immense task of building an acute care hospital. Initially, the Sisters lacked financial backers for the construction, so they mortgaged their existing properties to finance the construction of the Sudbury General Hospital which opened in 1950. It was an act of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to the community and the people they served.
In 1997, the hospital was renamed —St. Joseph’s Health Centre — and the organization began to focus on supporting adults as they age. While the former hospital has come down, St. Joseph’s Health Centre continues to grow. Today, it operates a two-site rehabilitation hospital and two long-term care homes in Sudbury, and one long-term care home in Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island.
“For 75 years, St. Joseph’s has adapted to the changing health care landscape, always looking to meet unmet needs in the community and serve the most vulnerable with dignity, excellence, service and integrity,” said Kari Gervais, President & CEO. “The Sisters have always courageously gone where the need was greatest and then shifted their gaze to the next need. These awards carry forward that legacy. They remind us that our Mission — to respond to the needs of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit — is alive today through the extraordinary dedication of our staff.”
This year, 17 employees across five sites were recipients of the Awards for Excellence. They were selected by a committee made up of staff, board members, community members and a past recipient. The theme for this year’s awards was ““inspired by faith, moved by compassion, and driven by hope.”
“These awards are not just recognitions of good work — they are intentional and tangible ways of demonstrating how we as an organization live out our Mission,” adds Reverend Dr. Dave Long, Director of Mission. “Let us celebrate these Sisters Awards of Excellence not only as a recognition of individual achievement, but as a reminder of who we are called to be — a community inspired by faith, moved by compassion, and driven by hope.”
This year’s recipients of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s of Sault Ste. Maire Awards for Excellence include:
St. Joseph’s Health Centre (South Bay Road, Greater Sudbury)
- Karen O’Brien, Scheduling Coordinator
- Mikaela Upfold, Payroll Coordinator
St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (South Bay Road, Greater Sudbury)
- Debbie O’Bomsawin, Registered Nurse
- Pierre Paiement, Building Maintenance Coordinator
- Tiffany Stachiw, Social Worker
St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (Lasalle Boulevard, Greater Sudbury)
- Bianca Mallillin, Registered Nurse
- Cara Thompson, Social Worker
- Jordan Moulaison, Physiotherapist
St. Joseph’s Villa (South Bay Road, Greater Sudbury)
- Shelby Goggins, Registered Nurse
- Cassandra Lovegrove, Personal Care Assistant
- Jamie-Lynne Forsyth, Personal Care Assistant
- Melanie Marier, Registered Nurse
Villa St. Gabriel Villa (Chelmsford)
- Savannah St. Denis, Personal Care Assistant
- Katherine Lingenfelter, Assistant Director of Care
- Ryanna Proulx, Registered Nurse
- Marlene Osborne, Personal Care Assistant
St. Joseph’s Lodge (Gore Bay)
- Robyn Yaschuk, Infection Prevention and Control Lead and Educator
Join us in celebrating 75 years of Compassionate Care …
As part of celebrating St. Joseph’s 75th anniversary we are looking for stories from those who have received care and those who have delivered it.
If you have a story or reflection to share, click on this link. To learn more about our rich history visit our interactive timeline.