Timmins, December 10, 2015 – Patients and family caregivers in Timmins were given the opportunity to nominate their physician for a Patients’ Choice Award, a unique initiative where patients submit narrative-based nominations that explain how their physician practices the kind of care that patients value. A patient jury acknowledged Dr. Jaclyn Bernardi and Dr. Stephen Morgan as the two winners.

Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) partnered with Patients Canada and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) to host the award, and a special ceremony to honor the winners took place on Wednesday, December 9.

“The Patients’ Choice Awards are a first in Timmins and are a great way to recognize physicians for the amazing care they provide”, said Blaise MacNeil, President and CEO, Timmins and District Hospital. “We have a fantastic team of dedicated physicians who put patients first each and every day and provide quality patient centered care. These awards highlight their passion and dedication and are a great opportunity for patients to acknowledge and thank their physician or specialist. We thank Patients Canada and the Ontario Medical Association for partnering with the Timmins and District Hospital and bringing these awards to our community”.

Dr. Jaclyn Bernardi is an OBGYN and has been practicing in Timmins since 2013. Born in Sudbury, Dr. Bernardi studied medicine at McMaster University and went on to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Queens’ University in Kingston. Her patients appreciate how she is both professional and empathetic, always listening to and helping the person that is behind the patient. For her patients, this is what sets her apart.

Dr. Stephen Morgan is currently entering his third year of independent practice in Timmins. Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Dr. Morgan studied medicine in Adelaide, Australia and completed a residency in family medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) in Timmins. He’s also a part-time coroner and he teaches family medicine at NOSM. Dr. Morgan is also the Medical Director of the Hospitalist Program at TADH. Dr. Morgan’s patients describe him as ‘caring and patient’, and they appreciate his willingness to make house calls to share important patient information, which is truly of value to his patients.

Michael Decter, Board Chair of Patients Canada added, “We’re thrilled to recognize Dr. Bernardi and Dr. Morgan for their commitment to putting patients first. The value of the Patients’ Choice Awards is in how it identifies the qualities of patient and family-centred care, and through this we better understand what matters to patients.”

“Patients are the first priority for Ontario’s doctors, so to have patients nominates physicians for recognition is a great honour,” said Dr. Mike Toth, President, Ontario Medical Association. “On behalf of Ontario’s doctors, I would like to congratulate Dr. Bernardi and Dr. Morgan for providing exceptional patient care to the people of Timmins. I would also like to extend congratulations to all of those who were nominated.”

Timmins and District Hospital is a level C, fully accredited community, referral and teaching hospital serving the residents of the City of Timmins and Cochrane District as well as the adjoining areas of the Temiskaming, Sudbury and Algoma districts. The hospital offers a full range of medical, surgical, critical care, maternity, newborn, pediatric, long-term care, mental health and diagnostic imaging services.

Patients Canada is a national organization that fosters collaboration between patients, family caregivers and the healthcare community. As a network of patients and family caregivers, we believe that working in collaboration with the healthcare system can lead to real, effective change – change that will improve everyone’s experience with healthcare.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) represents over 34,000 physicians and medical students across the province. Ontario’s doctors work closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention. In addition to delivering front-line services to patients, Ontario’s doctors play a significant role in helping shape health care policy, as well as implementing initiatives that strengthen and enhance Ontario’s health care system.

Media Contact
Christina Spencer
Manager, Communications
(416) 900-2975 ext. 1
christina.spencer@patientscanada.ca
@PatientsCanada