Photo caption: Lori, Responsible Person, Environmental Services, ​Guelph General Hospital.

For more than a decade, Guelph General Hospital (GGH) has been fortunate to have the dedication and warmth of Lori, who currently works as the Responsible Person (RP) on the day shift in our Environmental Services Department. Over her 11 years here, she has held a variety of roles, from environmental services worker to lead hand. Through them all, she has been a steady, caring presence within the hospital. 

​When asked about her favourite memory at GGH, Lori shared a deeply personal story that speaks to the heart of what makes our hospital special. Returning to work shortly after losing her mother, she was assigned to clean a room in the Intensive Care Unit. 

“As I entered, I heard an elderly lady laughing, it sounded just like my mother,” Lori recalled. “She even had similar facial features. Tears trickled down my face, and when she asked if I was okay, I explained how much her smile and laugh reminded me of my mom. These were happy tears.” 

What followed were days of conversation, laughter, and shared moments that lifted her spirit. “She brightened my day every time I saw her. It’s an example of how we can connect with patients in unexpected but meaningful ways.” 

​​That spirit of connection extends to Lori’s colleagues, many of whom she has worked alongside for more than 10 years. “The friendly, caring atmosphere makes this place so special,” she explained. “From the first day a patient comes in until the day they leave; there are so many people who provide a piece of care along the way. Everyone gives so much effort to get patients back home to their families.” 

Her ties to GGH run deep, not only professionally but personally. All three of Lori’s children were born here by C-section, adding another layer of meaning to the hospital she helps care for every day. 

Looking back, one of the most powerful examples of teamwork and resilience she recalls was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everyone was on edge, we didn’t want to bring the virus home to our families, and no one wanted to go into isolation rooms. But we all did it anyway. We were like superheroes. Every department worked tirelessly to care for patients, and the extra cleaning and care we provided made a real difference.” 

The most rewarding moment came when staff lined the front hall, balcony, and stairs to cheer for the first patient to fully recover and leave the hospital after a near-death battle with COVID-19. “There were so many happy tears,” Lori recalls. “It showed us that our efforts were worth it. I feel that during COVID especially, GGH employees truly lived out all our values: compassionate, inclusive, respectful, collaborative, and inspired.” 

After 11 years, Lori’s pride in Guelph General Hospital is as strong as ever. Through the toughest days and the most rewarding moments, she has been part of what that makes GGH not just a hospital, but a community.​​