A doctor's personal touch was recognized as she helped a patient navigate through mental health challenges.
The North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation recently announced that a Golden Heart Award was presented to Dr Ann Marie McKenna, General Internist, Department of Medicine – Service of Internal Medicine, for her impact on a patient and her family.
A grateful family, led by Julia, Mason and Theo G., believed Dr. McKenna's efforts needed to be highlighted.
“I want to recognize Dr. Ann Marie McKenna of Internal Medicine for her exceptional level of care and dedication to her patients," the family stated.
"At an appointment post-birth in 2022, I was able to share my mental health struggles and tell Dr. McKenna tearfully that I knew something was seriously wrong. The next thing I knew, her arms were around me and she was reassuring me that I was going to be okay and that she was going to get me help.
"Because of her, I was booked in to meet with a psychiatrist the next day. I've said it to every person I've met when I share my story about postpartum depression, and I'll say it again here: 'Dr. McKenna saved my life at that appointment.' Her incredibly warm and caring demeanour, along with her sheer determination to give her patients the highest level of care, will be something I will never forget. My family and I will be forever grateful to her. Thank you for everything,”
The Golden Heart Award is given through the Grateful Family donation where a staff member, physician, volunteer, or department is recognized by a patient or a patient's family.
Those honoured with the donation are recognized at staff meetings through the hospital's social media and are awarded a golden heart badge for their name tag.
