At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) our staff and service providers are known for providing high quality care with great heart. In 2007, VHA started an annual program to recognize and honour staff and service providers who demonstrate spectacular client care. We transformed this staff recognition program into the Client Choice Awards in 2015 and began involving clients and their families in the nomination process. These nominations give clients and families the opportunity to identify exceptional service and share their appreciation for the excellent care they receive. And this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many, many clients and families are showing their support for VHA nurses, personal support workers (PSWs), rehab providers and coordinators through 2021 Client Choice nominations.

“There was a whopping 67% increase in nominations for this year’s Client Choice Awards over last year, with 58% more staff members nominated,” shares Dan Uzelac, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Development at VHA. “This shows just how much our clients and their families appreciate our staff and service providers and want to share their appreciation of the spectacular care they’ve received, especially during the pandemic.”

Emebet Teklemariam, a PSW at VHA, is one of this year’s nominees and has been caring for clients throughout the pandemic. “She is a wonderful young lady. She makes sure that she is always protected with her mask and face shield. She also makes sure that I have a mask to wear. She does all that is possible to make me feel comfortable,” said one client in their nomination for Emebet.

Another nominee is Manraj Singh, a physiotherapist working in Central West. His work ethic and attitude has made an unforgettable impression on his clients and their families. “Manraj has really connected with my husband from the very first visit. He sees him not as a paralyzed individual without any hope, but as someone who can have increased mobility. Manraj always goes above and beyond to fit my husband into his tight schedule. He is very compassionate and thorough in his care. I would not trade him for another,” said the wife of one of Manraj’s clients.

“Congratulations to our 275 Client Choice Award nominees for 2021! The selection committee has been hard at work reviewing the nominations and making tough decisions about this year’s winners,” added Dan. “We’re looking forward to announcing the winners at VHA’s annual Staff Recognition event in September.”

This level of nominations shows how important the meaningful connections our staff and service providers have with their clients and families is, especially during the pandemic. Thank you all for your spectacular care!

Click here to see videos sharing the stories of the 2020 Client Choice Award winners and stay tuned for news about this year’s winners in late September.