The latest cohort of Sunshine Coast healthcare workers furthering their medical education gathered beneath the big red heart at Sechelt Hospital. David Silverman, Paul Jung, Megan Lacey and Kelsey Oxley are all members of the medical imaging team. They are studying to expand their diagnostic certifications to include next generation medical equipment and technology at our hospital, thanks to Sechelt Hospital Foundation’s Staff Education Fund.
Now in its 10th year, the fund supports and encourages the continued education and skills development of healthcare workers at the hospital, covering up to 100 percent of tuition costs for qualifying applicants.
“Having certified technologists available as new equipment is activated significantly strengthens our hospital’s diagnostic capacity,” said Pierre du Plessis, director at Sechelt Hospital Foundation and a retired physician. “We’ve seen from previous Foundation experience, as with echocardiography in 2014, that investing in people increases our return on investments in technology.”
The foundation can cover the cost but not the significant work involved. “I was hesitant to take on the financial burden of new courses while working full time as the X-ray/CT Supervisor,” said Paul Jung. “But support from the Foundation made it manageable. I know that staffing shortages are prevalent in healthcare, and I am very grateful to have been approved as a recipient.”
Nancy Shamess, former head of the Medical Imaging Department at Sechelt Hospital, was inspired to come out of retirement to re-certify her skills. “I’ve always thought there would be demand here that would keep a tech busy,” said Shamess. “I want to be ready.”
The foundation’s Education Fund has invested more than $90,000 into the most valuable asset in our local healthcare system: people. The medical imaging team’s expanded certification is just the latest example of how our donors help the foundation prioritize and support new services and equipment, staff retention and enhanced patient care, to the benefit of all.
“Mary-Lou Owen, a former teacher and one of our major gift donors to the Medical Imaging Department in 2023, was a huge supporter of this team and of lifelong education,” said Jane Macdonald, executive director of Sechelt Hospital Foundation. “It is our duty to honour her legacy.”
For more information on the Staff Education Fund and to invest in the next generation of medicine on the Sunshine Coast, please visit www.sechelthospitalfoundation.com.
