Markham, ON – Saint Elizabeth Health Care (“Saint Elizabeth”) and the Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE) are pleased to announce that Shirlee Sharkey, President and CEO of Saint Elizabeth, has received the 2010 Innovation Award for Health Care Leadership.
Shirlee has transformed Saint Elizabeth from a regional home care agency to a recognized innovative leader providing integrated health solutions to clients across Canada. Saint Elizabeth has fostered a culture of innovation by embedding creative structures and thinking in the organization. Extensive support for staff education and training, annual leadership events and a focus on continual improvement are in place to engage employees and aid in the development of best practices. Saint Elizabeth has also made significant investments in technology to drive more informed and efficient care while enabling a customized health care experience for each client.
"Accepting this award is truly exciting as it is a confirmation of the course we have set for Saint Elizabeth and for our vision to honour the human face of health care” says Shirlee. She adds that, “As the Canadian health system evolves it is important that our organization not just move with the sector but to be a leader for positive change in the system.
“This Award recognizes the outstanding capabilities and achievements of senior executives who have created cultures of innovation that empower people to make positive change”, advises Ray Racette, President and CEO of the College. “Shirlee has exhibited clear leadership in fostering such an environment with great success.”
Fundamental to Shirlee’s commitment is a culture of innovation and its positioning as one of Saint Elizabeth’s core values. Innovation is reflected in all that the organization does – its processes, its strategies and its results. It is innovation that enables Saint Elizabeth to combine people, knowledge and emerging technology to enhance the human experience.
“I was impressed with Shirlee’s ability to build a culture that supported continual innovation and advancement,” says Neil Fraser, President of Medtronic of Canada Ltd., the award sponsor.
Congratulations Shirlee!
About Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Saint Elizabeth Health Care has been a trusted name in Canadian health care for more than a century. Today, an award-winning organization and not-for-profit charitable leader, our dynamic talent team of more than 4,500 nurses, rehab therapists and personal support workers delivers 3.8 million health care visits annually. Our staff are backed by a 24/7 best-practice clinical support network and work in a variety of home and community care settings. Collaboration and client-focused care are hallmarks of our values-driven culture. www.saintelizabeth.com
About the Canadian College of Health Service Executives
Founded in 1970, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE) is a national, non-profit, professional association dedicated to developing, promoting, advancing and recognizing excellence in health leadership. Our 3,000 individual and 80 corporate members work in all health sectors across the country.
We offer a wide range of services including a competency-based certification program, a forum for the exchange of information and best practices, a career network, and an extensive national program of professional development resources and opportunities. We also publish the only peer-reviewed journal that covers issues related to advances in health services management, theory and practice in a Canadian context.
Contacts:
Saint Elizabeth Health Care
Ron Currie
VP Communications & Marketing
905.968.6465
roncurrie@saintelizabeth.com]