NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE COUNTY
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MIDHURST – Throughout the pandemic, health care workers have selflessly put the needs of Simcoe County residents first and provided outstanding care to those in need. In May, the County is proclaiming a series of recognition days and weeks to pay tribute to their hard work, skill and commitment that keep our communities safe.
“The County is tremendously proud and grateful to all the men and women working on the frontlines of health care, saving lives, keeping us safe and caring for their patients,” said Warden George Cornell. “The pandemic has highlighted the extent to which we rely on these professionals to keep our communities healthy and safe. This May, in a series of proclamations, we pay tribute to the outstanding service of our paramedics, PSWs, nurses, doctors, and all our unsung heroes working in the health care sector.”
About Long-Term Care and Seniors Services Appreciation Month
Operating four long-term care homes and two seniors’ services facilities requires more than 1,000 staff who care for residents both directly and indirectly. Long-Term Care and Seniors Services Staff Appreciation Month this May recognizes all our employees who keep our facilities going, including around 50 Home Services Assistants and 15 Home Support Workers, more than 100 dietary staff, around 40 recreationists and activationists, and approximately 70 laundry and housekeeping staff, who work alongside numerous maintenance and administrative staff, putting our residents first each and every day.
About PSW Day and Nurses Week
The County of Simcoe employs around 400 PSWs and 200 registered nurses who form part of a team that cares for approximately 540 long-term care residents and provides seniors services to more than 1,300 clients. These dedicated staff members have gone above and beyond during the pandemic, working overtime and forgoing vacation to keep our vulnerable residents safe. This year, the County will recognize Nursing Week between May 10 and 16. Personal Support Worker Day is May 19.
About Paramedic Services Week
Paramedic Services have continued to provide excellent 911 emergency medical response in addition to community paramedicine services, shelter support, vaccinations, COVID testing and high acuity interfacility medical transport services. Approximately 370 County of Simcoe paramedics serve our 16 member municipalities and the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Every year, paramedics respond to 70,000 - 80,000 calls providing emergency front-line medical care in all settings. This year, Paramedic Services Week recognizes their efforts between May 24 and 30 with the theme “Paramedic as Educator - Citizen Ready.”
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