Grand River Hospital is thrilled to announce that two team members were awarded Women of the Year distinctions at last night’s K-W Oktoberfest Rogers Women of the Year ceremony for their work supporting the Region’s COVID-19 vaccine efforts.
Vickie Murray, integrated director of pharmacy services at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award, awarded to women who women who have made an exceptional contribution to the development and future of Waterloo Region for over the course of 25-plus years. Murray led the Pinebush Vaccine Clinic, managed by Grand River Hospital and was seconded to the Region to lead the Region’s COVID-19 vaccine response work.
“I’m proud and humbled to be awarded on behalf of those around me who have also worked so hard,” said Murray. “It has been my honour to work on COVID vaccination and I’m so grateful to have been given this chance to serve along so many incredible colleagues. I feel privileged to be part of providing our family, friends, neighbours and co-workers with a safer place to live and work.”
Rachel Radyk (WaabanoKwe), registered nurse, Pinebush Vaccine Clinic indigenous patient navigator and member of the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC), was awarded Woman of the Year under the Health & Wellness category.
Rachel was recognized for promoting and helping others achieve mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing through community involvement and demonstrating continuous dedication to improvements in areas related to spiritual wellness, and mental health and wellbeing. Rachel has been a strong advocate for culturally aware and equitable care at the Pinebush clinic for Indigenous community members through the implementation of spaces that supported vaccine administration with traditional practices and medicines.
“Our work helped to rebuild trust among the Indigenous community,” said Radyk. “It was an incredibly positive experience to take my knowledge – both as an Indigenous person and nurse, and serve my community. The leadership I witnessed at the clinic was outstanding – they all tried their best every day to make it a positive experience for everyone. Chi Miigwetch (a big thank you) to the Pinebush team.”
Our congratulations to all of the nominees and recipients of the Oktoberfest Women of the Year, all leaders and advocates that make our community stronger and healthier every day.
