BARRY’S BAY – A founding member of the Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) program has received special recognition from the Province of Ontario.
Robert (Bob) Ogilvie was one of 20 seniors across the province presented with a 2016 Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
He was nominated for the award by Lisa Hubers, the program director of Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care. The nomination was vetted by a committee, and Ogilvie found out he was chosen as an award recipient a couple of weeks ago.
“It was a really nice surprise,” he said.
Ogilvie served on the MVHPC board as chair since 2010, helping bring to fruition a two-bed hospice located inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital, and a comprehensive palliative program to this area.
“I am very pleased with the award and the recognition,” Ogilvie explained.
However, he was quick to explain that it took many people to develop and provide enhanced palliative care services to local residents.
He credits both Dr. Jason Malinowski, who Ogilvie said is an “excellent palliative care trained physician,” and Registered Nurse Karen Wagner, who is also trained in palliative care. Ogilvie thanked St. Francis CEO Randy Penney for granting space in the hospital for the hospice, as well as St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Toni Lavigne-Conway for “retooling the foundation” to fundraise not only for the hospital, but for the hospice as well.
Get your November 23, 2016 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.