By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Grafton resident David Harnden was recognized at last week’s Northumberland Hills Hospital annual general meeting as the recipient the first presentation of a new award – the Experience Partner Award for Exceptional Service.
Harnden was one of the first members of the public to volunteer for service on the Patient and Family Advisory Council when it was formed in 2016. He has continued his work with the committee as the years have passed and – as Vice-President of Patient Experience, Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships Jennifer Gillard said in presenting the award – “has expanded steadily. It is now active in multiple ways as equal partners on all of our core quality-and-practice committees and special projects.”
Gillard praised Harnden as “steadfast in his commitment to Post-Acute Care Services at NHH, where he has been involved in improving discharge planning, patient flow, patient entertainment, patient experience surveys and COVID response, including NHH visiting guidelines.
“He is truly an example of what we mean when we say, ‘patient partner.’”
Looking ahead, Harnden’s recovery from several strokes means that his input will be invaluable as they open a new integrated stroke unit this fall.
“I wanted to be on the PFAC to give back to the hospital, and it was the only way I have to give back for the excellent care I received,” Harnden said.
“I told Jennifer at the time I have a debt to pay back to the hospital.”
No formal award was extended, but there were flower and special thanks for two others present.
Selby took the opportunity to thank Tom McLean of Ward 2, who completed his tenure with the Board of Directors at the June meeting. His previous service included being board Vice Chair, Operations Committee Chair and membership on the Executive Compensation Committee. Most recently, he has chaired the board’s Governance Committee, acted as Vice Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, and served on the committees responsible for Facilities and Campus Development and Executive and Performance Evaluation Committee.
Catharine Tozer of Ward 1 was a long-time board member who completed her board tenure last year and recently concluded a final one-year term as Community Member.
