Story Posted: 2024-07-08
Message from Hospital and Foundation Leadership
From the St. Paul’s Hospital & SPH Foundation 2023-24 Annual Review.
When we hear the word “innovation” in the 21st century, we most often think of the many ways that technology has changed the world; smartphones that offer a portal to endless information, surgical robots that dramatically improve patient experiences, and ultrasounds that lend themselves to remarkably precise diagnoses. While each of these advancements is welcome and has positively impacted our patients and our communities, we remind ourselves that to innovate toward a better future does not only mean acquiring new things. Innovation can also mean striving to do things in a new and better way.
Since our inception over a century ago, we have maintained our commitment toward delivering compassionate and holistic care to all those who enter our doors. So, as we look back on an incredible year for St. Paul’s Hospital and its Foundation, we reflect on the impact of kindness - our compass point as we seek to innovate - as sometimes the simplest of ideas can manifest the greatest of impacts.
As we innovate, we strive to see beyond the barriers that current challenges sometimes impose. Where we might not be able to reduce the number of patients needing care and support in our Emergency Room, we can take a moment to see those who are simply seeking reprieve from a cold winter evening and give them a toque and a pair of mitts. Where we cannot anticipate the trials and tribulations our many dedicated staff face on the front lines, we can visit them with the Front Line Love Cart that offers a welcomed and pleasant diversion during a particularly long day. Where we cannot change a diagnosis, we can sit with patients to create art, experience a musical interlude, or write a poem that helps them to navigate their stress.
We do all of this together, as a Hospital and its committed Foundation, on behalf of an invested and remarkably generous community. We take this opportunity to thank you, our remarkable donors, for your support of our mission to care for those most vulnerable with kindness, compassion and dignity. Please enjoy this year’s Annual Review that celebrates the important and impactful work of our dedicated health care teams, and highlights the many ways in which our donors have helped us innovate toward better patient experiences and outcomes, and perhaps most importantly – kindness.
Tracy Muggli,
Executive Director, St. Paul’s Hospital
Lecina Hicke CEO,
St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation