Queen Elizabeth Hospital staff and Retirees were recently invited to a celebration to mark the 25th year of hospital operations. There were approximately 140 retirees and their guests in attendance. Hospital staff and managers also participated in the event held in the hospital cafeteria.
Greetings were given by the Honourable Doug Currie, Minister of Health. He said, “It is important to take a pause and reflect on the many past accomplishments of the QEH staff and look toward to the future and the many opportunities that will result from hospital redevelopment process which is underway.”
Rob Philpott, Executive Director said, “The celebration was a chance for us to honour and to recognize retired staff and their immense contributions to healthcare. It was also a great chance for the retirees to revisit the hospital and to rediscover old friends.”
David White, Director of Support Services was Emcee. Mr. White introduced past and present QEH Executive Directors including Kenneth Ezeard, Marjorie Vessey, Cecil Villard, Patsy MacLean (Interim), David White (Interim), and Rob Philpott. Best wishes were also sent by Pat Lee who was not able to attend.
Kenneth Ezeard, the hospital’s first Executive Director (1978-1993) reflected on the development and the operation of the hospital. Mr. Ezeard recounted fond memories of his time with the Hospital including the move to the QEH on April 25, 1982 and memories of staff social events.
Mr. White said, “When the hospital opened it was considered state of the art for its time. Years of discussion and intensive planning and design efforts brought together the Charlottetown Hospital, the P.E.I. Hospital, Acute Psychiatry services, Provincial Rehab and Physical Medicine services and the Provincial Laboratory services under one roof. Of the approximately 1,100 staff persons who worked that day 25 years ago, there are 232 people who are still working here today.”
Mr. Philpott added, “Many in attendance said they thoroughly enjoyed the event and that it was a great trip down memory lane. Ultimately, it is the staff who make a hospital’s operations successful and the organizing committee felt that the 25th Anniversary was an important time to honour staff who worked in the hospital over the years.”
There are many Anniversary activities happening throughout the year at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.