Shared on behalf of Aaron Skillen, Regional Director, North West Regional Renal Program
After 38 years in health care, most recently as the Manager of the North West Regional Renal Program, Mary Wrigley has announced her plan to retire.
Mary started her health care career on 6 South at McKellar Hospital in 1983. Within that same year, Mary moved to 3 South surgical, where she remained for eight years. In 1990, Mary began what would become a remarkable and impactful career in Renal, first in a research position and then as the Renal Outpatient Coordinator – a part of the new multidisciplinary team in Renal. Mary’s role as Outpatient Coordinator was one of the first in the province; and similar in Canada, at the time. In 2014, Mary moved into her current role as the Manager of the North West Regional Renal Program.
Mary has always strived to encourage a respectful team, grounded in the Patient Family Centred Care (PFCC) philosophy at TBRHSC; and in each of her roles, Mary has been dedicated to ensuring the renal patient is at the centre of every decision made about their care. She brought the patients voice to the leadership level advocating for their needs, including increased physical space and options for independent dialysis. Her advocacy efforts focused on the patient’s immediate needs while her strategic focus ensured they continued to receive great care in the future.
Mary’s achievements are numerous. Under her leadership; and the umbrella of the Ontario Renal Network (ORN), she has seen the expansion of the program both at TBRHSC and its satellite sites in Fort Frances, Kenora and Sioux Lookout. Mary has mentored and inspired many and is well respected and loved by her team. She has been nominated not once, but twice for the TBRHSC Walk the Talk Award in 2012 and 2016, which only further represents her dedication to the renal population. Her guidance, dedication, compassion and enthusiasm over the years has provided a solid foundation for the program for many years to come.
Mary is looking forward to spending time with her family, pursuing her hobbies – including some gardening this summer, and eventually doing some travelling. We wish her well as she embarks on this next stage in life. Thank you Mary for your years of dedicated patient care within the North West Regional Renal Program and at TBRHSC.