CORNER BROOK The acknowledgment from her colleagues of her role in laboratory services at Western Health is the epitome of a successful career for Hedy Dalton Kenny.
The regional director of laboratory services with Western Health was recently presented the A.R. Shearer Pride of the Profession award by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
“It was very humbling to become aware that my colleagues and friends here at Western (Health) had such high regard for the role that I play in lab services,” Dalton Kenny said. “It was truly an honour.”
The award recognizes technologists who demonstrate professional pride through their leadership and commitment to excellence in the practice of medical laboratory science. It was presented during the opening ceremonies at LABCON 2012 in Gatineau, Que.
Dalton Kenny has been involved in various capacities of laboratory services since graduating as a medical laboratory technologist in 1986. She has been with Western Health since 1997, holding various positions, and joining the management team in 2001.
She said she experienced two different sources of pride in her profession throughout her career.
“Being a med lab tech, I was truly very proud of my profession and the significant role we play in health care in helping physicians to diagnose and monitor patients on a regular basis,” she said. “...Then, as I came into a management role, the sense of pride comes from working with frontline staff and seeing their enthusiasm. My sense of pride for the profession now is a direct reflection of their pride in their roles as lab technicians.”
Dalton Kenny considers the award a team recognition, referring to it as “our award.”
Dr. Ken Jenkins, vice president of medical services with Western Health, said she has proven herself a dedicated and invaluable laboratory professional.
“During her career with Western Health, Hedy has proven to be a dedicated technologist, manager and leader,” he said. “She is committed to safety and quality in the lab and is persistent in its pursuit.
Under Dalton Kenny’s leadership, Western Health received back-to-back accreditation from both Accreditation Canada and Ontario Laboratory Accreditation.
