As 2023 winds to a close, we look back on a year that, for many, has been punctuated with difficult moments.
Nevertheless, it is essential—for ourselves and for the sake of those who depend on us—that we count our blessings and cherish the rays of hope that uplift us and bring us comfort. Indeed, embracing the light and intensifying its brightness are intrinsic to many of our seasonal festivals, which have already begun or will be arriving soon.
In CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, we repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to the hopefulness of a better future in 2023. Our dedication to the well-being of those in our care enabled us to distinguish ourselves in fighting COVID-19. Then, in the aftermath of the pandemic, instead of returning to the status quo, we rallied around the vision of Care Everywhere to develop and enhance—and even win awards for—programs such as Virtual Care (including Hospital@Home), C4 (the Command Centre), the Connected Health Record and OROT.
In these instances and in many other programs and services across our CIUSSS, our primary objective has been to provide much-needed support and hope, always with a reassuring human touch. It is this vital element of hope that shines at the heart of the current holiday season, bringing with it an affirmation of life and a renewed commitment to the values we treasure.
In this spirit, I would like to thank every CIUSSS employee, regardless of your specialty or field, for your hard work, kindness and creativity in 2023. Together, you have made life brighter for many thousands of patients, clients and residents, while laying the foundation for significant advances in the year to come.
May your seasonal celebration be a time of hope, joy and spiritual renewal, amid the love and good cheer of those who are dearest to you. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you for a year of personal fulfillment, professional success and, above all, the best of health.
Lawrence Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D.
President and CEO