Last week I spent a few days at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia recovering from knee surgery. Since my condition allowed me to walk, I explored the hospital corridors in search of interesting things. I found, plastered to the wall, next to the elevator a policy statement titled:” Respect Works Here”.

Signed by the CEO of Northern Health, this policy statement announces that: “all Northern Health employees, and medical staff DESERVE (emphasis mine) to feel valued and respected as they provide quality healthcare to Northern British Columbians”.

Where I come from they taught me that respect (or the “feeling of”) has to be EARNED through professionalism, dedication, and compassion, in short through superior customer service or patient care in this case.

However, in the non-profit, politically correct environment of the hospital, it seems that respect can be simply mandated. Sounds good, but how do the employees of Northern Health know if their work and dedication is genuinely appreciated and respected?

Maybe by reading the following: To the entire staff of Surgery North, Station A, and in particular nurses Karen and Kim, I would like to express thanks, and yes, my utmost respect for the way they cared not only for me, but especially for my elderly roommate who truly needed extensive care around the clock. You guys rock.

Now, this is respect worth working for.

Kris Zmudzinski,

Prince George