Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has officially recognised Southland Hospital with a Covid-19 Response Recognition Award.
Hospital General Manager Simon Donlevy says it is very much appreciated to have his staff recognised for going above and beyond providing care for Southlanders in the most challenging and disruptive circumstances.
During the early days of COVID-19, Donlevy says hospital staff supported each other, made pragmatic decisions and worked through the pandemic to care for others while dealing with uncertainty and concerns for their own families.
Coming out of 2022 was one of the most challenging in Donlevy’s career in health but at the same time he is incredibly proud of all the teams that took on extra shifts, helped colleagues and showed unwavering determination which enabled the hospital to continue to function and provide care to Southland.
“As hospital leaders we always knew teams dealt with tough challenges during the immediate wave of COVID-19 and lockdowns, but it is pleasing their mahi has also been recognised at the highest levels.”
When Donlevy reflects on the word “COVID-19” he thinks “disruption”.
“In 2023, many challenges remain caused by COVID including long waiting lists, staff vacancies and a difficult recruitment market.
“It’s important everyone at the hospital and in the community continues to be vigilant and understand that COVID still causes disruptions, and we need to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.”
While he expected the disruptions to continue to take time to resolve, he is confident as time progresses things will continue to improve, and life and services will begin to return to a more normal pattern.
Dunedin Public Hospital and Lakes District Hospital have also received the organisational award.
About the awards:
The Government established the COVIFD-19 Response Recognition Award to recognise individuals and organisations who contributed to New Zealand’s COVID-19 response. There are two types of awards: Individual and Organisation.
Southland Hospital General Manager Simon Donlevy with the certificate and lapel pin given to acknowledge the hospital in the COVID-19 Response Recognition Awards.
