Tom Henihan
Express Staff
The Smoky River Regional Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee (SRRPR&R) held a Rural Health Appreciation Coffee Break, at McLennan Hospital cafeteria at 10am, June 19.
The event has been running for 7 years and all hospital staff are invited to the coffee break including kitchen, janitorial, nursing, physicians, paramedic’s, public health, physiotherapist, administration etc.
On June 19, SRRPR&R Coordinator Myrna Lanctot was on hand to welcome those who dropped by to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack.
The event is a way for the committee to acknowledge and thank everyone who works at the hospital for the part they play in providing health care to this region.
The first year of the Rural Health Appreciation Break, the SRRPR&R held a pancake breakfast and for the past 6 years they have used a themed event when thanking the staff for the work they do in our communities.
This year’s theme was Hawaiian, reflected in the flower petals strewn decoratively on the hospital cafeteria tables.
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 the hospital to enjoy a break.
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, and Family Community Support Services are on the committee.