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Halton Healthcare Tops Off National Nursing Week with Visit from Ontario?s Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice, Dr. Karima Velji

May 11, 2023

Halton Healthcare is proud to commemorate National Nursing Week from May 8-14, 2023. The week is an annual celebration of nurses across Canada and chance to honour the important role that nurses play in our hospitals and communities. This year, the theme is Our Nurses. Our Future.

“This year’s theme really resonates with me,” explains Joan Jickling, Halton Healthcare’s Senior Vice President Patient Engagement and Chief Nursing Executive. “Throughout the ups and downs of the past few years our nurses and those across the health system have shown that they are leaders and innovators. As a nurse I am heartened to see that the nurses of today are inspiring those in the future to choose a profession that makes a tangible difference in the lives of others. There is a very special trust and respect among nurses and the profession as a whole.”

Combined, more than 2,000 nurses work at Halton Healthcare’s Georgetown Hospital, Milton District Hospital, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and in the organization’s community based programs and services. As part of the many events to honour these professionals, Halton Healthcare was pleased to welcome special guest Dr. Karima Velji, Chief of Nursing and Professional Practice and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Province of Ontario to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. During her visit, Dr. Velji toured the hospital and visited with nurses from different clinical areas after which she participated in a fireside chat sharing her vision for the future of the profession.

During her visit Dr. Velji relayed this message to nursing teams across Halton Healthcare and throughout the province, “Your resilience and commitment to the nursing profession both inspires and reminds me of the incredible impact that one individual can have on the lives of many.”

“National Nursing Week provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role that nursing plays in our health system and to celebrate the contribution that each of our nurses makes individually and collectively to create a strong and vibrant nursing community at Halton Healthcare,” says Hilary Rodrigues, Halton Healthcare’s Interim President & CEO. “We are thrilled that Dr. Velji was able to join us this week to see some of the amazing work of our nurses.”

“The nursing team at Halton Healthcare truly embodies our purpose “To CARE” in everything they do,” concludes Jickling. “To all of our Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners, thank you for continuously showing resilience and strength in the face of trying times – it is beyond incredible to witness. As nurses you are innovators, educators, and carers – thank you for all that you do. Happy National Nursing Week.”

About Halton Healthcare

Halton Healthcare is a healthcare organization comprised of three community hospitals - Georgetown Hospital, Milton District Hospital and Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, along with several community programs and services. Together we provide healthcare services to nearly 400,000 residents in the communities of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. Halton Healthcare has been recognized for its best practices in a number of patient safety and patient care initiatives as well as being recognized as a recipient of “Canada’s Most Admired Cultures Award in 2021-2022.” For more information visit www.haltonhealthcare.com. Follow us on Twitter @HaltonHlthcare, Facebook and Instagram