Jewish General Hospital nurses to embark for Haiti

A group of nurses from the Jewish General Hospital is about to embark for Haiti to offer volunteer assistance in medical facilities that are treating victims of the devastating January 12 earthquake.

Although it is not sponsoring the mission, the hospital is assisting its nurses by fast-tracking the departure process-for instance, rearranging work schedules and granting unpaid leaves of absence. The JGH and its Foundation are also working closely with community partners, including ONEXONE (One by One), a non-profit aid organization, and the Claudine & Stephen Bronfman Family Foundation, to facilitate travel and other arrangements that will allow the nurses to contribute their lifesaving services in Haiti. The nurses will be travelling to Haiti aboard a flight donated by Air Canada (Toronto to Haiti). Air Canada also provided a free flight this past Saturday to transport 400 boxes of medical supplies to Haiti that were donated to the JGH.

"This effort is consistent with the values and practices that the JGH has championed since the day it opened - to 'Care for all' by helping anyone in need, regardless of religion, nationality or ethnic background," says JGH Executive Director, Dr. Hartley Stern. "These values are embodied in the compassion and caring demonstrated by many generations of staff, including the volunteers who are travelling to Haiti."

Several of the nurses leaving for Haiti, along with Director of Nursing Lynne McVey, will be available to speak to the media at the Jewish General Hospital. "We're immensely proud of the members of our nursing staff who have volunteered for this life-saving mission, as well as those who have donated their shifts to enable the volunteers to leave promptly," says Ms. McVey.

WHAT: Media event to speak with nurses leaving for Haiti WHEN: Friday, January 22, 1:00-2:00 p.m. WHERE: Jewish General Hospital, Samuel S. Cohen Auditorium (Pavilion A - Room 102, near the Côte-des-Neiges entrance)