Frontline healthcare workers at Delta Hospital received a personal, virtual message of thanks and support from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.
Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, virtually welcomed Trudeau, to the hospital. Together, they took the opportunity to speak with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals and thank them for their hard work in keeping Canadians in the Lower Mainland healthy and safe.
Trudeau and Qualtrough both acknowledged the significant challenges Delta Hospital has had to overcome in fighting a COVID-19 outbreak this past fall. The entire community, along with health care workers, came together to support one another and lend a helping hand where possible.
Trudeau said the COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis Canada has ever faced. Canada’s frontline healthcare workers have been at the forefront of protecting Canadians from the virus, and they have played a big part in the progress Canada has made in combatting COVID-19.
Qualtrough said there are no greater heroes in this pandemic than the frontline healthcare workers and other essential workers.
“They have kept our community safe and supported our most vulnerable citizens,” she said. “I was pleased to virtually welcome the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, back to Delta so that together we could thank some of our community’s frontline heroes. We are forever grateful.”
Cathy Wiebe, Executive Director, White Rock/South Surrey and Delta Health Services & Peace Arch and Delta Hospitals said from day one of the outbreak, Delta Hospital staff and medical staff took action to address the outbreak and care for patients.
“Thanks to their immense dedication to our patients and the Delta community, the outbreak was declared over and we continue to work together to minimize the risk of a future outbreak,” added Wiebe.
Delta Mayor George Harvie also thanks all of the front line workers in Delta who consistently put themselves in harm’s way to serve the community.
“Our fight against COVID-19 has shone a bright light on their efforts, particularly those at Delta Hospital and long-term care homes in the community,” he said. “I am honoured to join the Prime Minister in offering my thanks to these courageous and dedicated people.”
Lisa Hoglund, Executive Director, Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation said the support from the community during the pandemic has been overwhelming.
“We have been humbled by the support from our community this past year,” said Hoglund. “Our Foundation had the honour of facilitating the outpouring of in-kind and charitable donations to Delta Hospital in response to the pandemic. Not only was this a huge morale boost for staff, but it allowed our site to respond quickly to the increased equipment needs surrounding infection control.”
