Windsor Regional Hospital has recognized a couple of their employees who go above and beyond making life easier for their patients.
The Global Mitra Award celebrates a person and unit in the hospital that promote diversity and acceptance regardless of race, creed, disability or sexual orientation.
This year, the award went to the Child Life Services Unit and David Lenz, the administrative assistant in Public Affairs and Communications.
David Lenz says he's grateful for the award.
"I do what I do because I love my community and I like to support those that are feeling marginalized so again I do appreciate it, but it is truly a great honour especially working here at Windsor Regional Hospital," he says.
Award winners Lisa Galbraith (L) and Jen Burton-Liang (R) from Child Life Services. December 12, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Teresinha Medeiros)
Child Life Specialist Jen Burton-Liang says it's about making the hospital, a less scary place.
"Just things with kids who have special needs, physical handicaps, trying to help them feel comfortable in the hospital and in their room, bringing them different playmats and special seating and pillows to make them feel comfortable and toys," says Burton-Liang.
She says the unit also set up signs for mothers who want to stay with a child who is in the hospital.
"A mother might want to take off her hijab and relax and go to sleep, so we made some signs that just simply said males please knock when you are entering and wait a minute, so that gave the mom some time to put her hijab back on," says Burton-Liang.
Mitra comes from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit which means 'friend.'
Commissioner of Mediation and Human Rights Services Aruna Koushik says the awards reflect the hospital's commitment to ensure all feel welcome, respected and equally cared for at Windsor Regional Hospital.