Strength in challenge

Carl Campbell cares a great deal for the physiological health of the staff and physicians at St. Joseph’s. As a member of St Joseph's Psychological Health and Safety Working Group since its inception three years ago, Carl has been involved in providing resources for employees who need physiological help. It just so happens, that health care workers need it now, more than ever.

From a family of health care workers, Carl’s spouse works at London Health Sciences Centre, his sister is a nurse in Baltimore Maryland, his father a retired social worker and mother a retired nurse educator, Carl understands first-hand how important it is to feel supported during difficult times. “The group has been working tirelessly to come up with new coping strategies for all. I am so proud to be involved in this important work and can't stress enough how much the organization sees this as a crucial initiative.”

A dietary aide for 35 years Carl’s job has also become more stressful during the pandemic. “It is my responsibility, during my 12-hour shift, to prepare the hot food that the rest of the team puts on the nearly 200 patient trays they assemble for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week,” he states. “The increased volume of patients we have now has been a challenge but a lot of work has been done behind the scenes to ensure all the meals we prepare are both nutritious and enjoyable.”

Acknowledging it has been a been a challenge to come up with new strategies to help support workers during this added stressful time in health care, he also sees strength in challenge. “Many new initiatives have been implemented since we have been dealing with the pandemic and our team have adapted very well, all things considered. We seem to be a much closer department than before all of this started. Each and every one at St Joseph's should be very proud of the work they do. I am humbled by the level of compassion and caring I see every day. I am so proud to be part of a group that does so much good in our community.”

Carl’s youngest son is studying in Thunder Bay and his eldest works in London. “The things I miss the most is being able to hug my sons and visit with my parents who are both in their 80s. I look forward to being able to do these things again.”