Tom Henihan
Express Staff
The Smoky River Regional Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (SRRPR&R) put on a Rural Health Appreciation Coffee Break, at McLennan Hospital cafeteria from 9.30 to 10.45 a.m., June 23.
The event has been running for 5 years and all hospital staff are invited including kitchen, janitorial, nursing, physicians, paramedic’s, public health, physiotherapist, administration etc.
On June 23, SRRPR&R Coordinator Myrna Lanctot was on hand to welcome the 48 people who dropped by to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack and have the chance to win a number of door prizes.
The event is a way for the SRRPR&R committee to acknowledge and thank everyone that works at the hospital for their part in providing health services to this region.
The first year of the Rural Health Appreciation Break, SRRPR&R held a pancake breakfast and for the past 4 years they have used a themed coffee break to thank the staff for the work they do in the communities.
To symbolize the contribution made by people who providing rural health services, a token item or snack is available, such as Life Savers, smiling pansies, solar lights, and this year Werthers candy.
“The saying that goes with each theme,” says Lanctot, “is you care about our community, we care about you, you are worthy of a break.”
Rural Health Appreciation Coffee Breaks also happen at each of the two clinics in Falher and McLennan as the physicians and their office staff cannot get to enjoy the break at the hospital.
The SRRPR&R is comprised of 10 members. The municipalities of Donnelly, Girouxville, McLennan, and Falher, are represented on the committee, as is the MD of Smoky River #130.
The McLennan Medical Associate Clinic, Falher Medical Clinic, site Manager of the Sacred Heart Community Support Services, Alberta Health Services Coordinator for Health Services in French, & Family Community Support Services are on the committee.
SRRPR&R also invites all practicing physicians to its meetings and the committee is set to welcome a new physician to the region sometime in August.