Giving Back Warms The Hearts And Minds Of Our Community

Have you ever heard of the term, “no wrong door”?

It refers to the notion that regardless of which door a patient enters into the healthcare system, they will receive access to the appropriate care, where and when they need it.

I’m passionate about how people access healthcare and, in particular, mental healthcare in our province and how we can make those pathways to care better – through improved system navigation, collaboration, early intervention, prevention, and timely care. 

I want to thank you for being part of our family of supporters. It is because of your kindness, that we are advancing healthcare at our hospital and throughout our community. Thanks to people like you, we are continuously driving innovation that is making better healthcare delivery possible and creating healthier futures for everyone.

Victoria Hospital has been a large part of my family’s life. It’s an important place for me personally, but as you know, it’s had a vital place in our community for more than 50 years. We have planted strong roots in our community, and I want to ensure our roots continue to grow within, but also beyond the walls of our hospital.

An integral part of our mission is to enhance patient care and improve the health and well-being of our community through an integrated approach to care that places an emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Victoria Lifeline is testament to our rich history of helping people stay healthy and safe at home, reducing the need for hospital care. Another example of how we’ve extended care beyond the hospital is 
through our collaboration with ACCESS Fort Garry – a community clinic that offers primary care, public healthcare, home care, and other community services.

But, I want to assure you that as we grow in our community, the majority of our Foundation’s giving will remain within the walls of Victoria Hospital, supporting our internal priority needs. 
 
Victoria Hospital is our home, and always will be.

That’s why I’m reaching out to you today. As a compassionate supporter of Victoria Hospital Foundation, I know that you want the best possible care for your loved ones and neighbours. I hope that we can count on you for a gift today, to help us advance mental healthcare through our new and innovative Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit and upcoming Tranquility Trail green space and continue to expand access to care throughout our community.

The interplay between hospital and community is incredibly important. What we know about healthcare is that the majority of it occurs in the community. Most of us live our best lives in the community and want to remain there. No one wants to spend their life in a hospital, but we want the hospital to be there if and when we need it.

And the best way for us to ensure that our hospital remains healthy and is there when we need it, is to support our community services and partners. Because when people are living good, healthy lives in their homes and community, we reduce their reliance on our hospital and we increase the chances that our hospital will be there for them when it’s needed the most.

As the saying goes, it really does “take a village” and none of this would be possible without your incredible support. I am so grateful to have you by our side throughout this important journey.

I’ve talked openly about this before, but I first struggled with anxiety and depression as a young person. My early experiences living with mental health issues have played a big part in the choices I’ve made in my career, in terms of wanting to make a difference and having an impact in this world. I know talking about it is also an important way that I can help others.

I hope you will join me today in making a real and meaningful difference in the lives of your loved ones and neighbours.

Together, we will continue to invest in healthier futures, improve patient outcomes, rebuild lives and provide hope to our community for a better tomorrow.

The future of health care is bright in our community, because you’re part of our Victoria Hospital Foundation family.

Thank you for playing a crucial role in the evolution of healthcare in our community.

With gratitude,

Nicole Chammartin
Executive Director
Victoria Hospital Foundation