When staff think of Christy Hay, an image that comes to mind is a sailor’s hat. During our CST go-live earlier this year, Christy took her role of CST Captain very seriously and even dressed the part. Proving that Christy puts her all – and some fun – into her work.
Here’s what colleague Dr. Kishore Mulpuri had to say about her:
“Christy Hay symbolizes instrumental leadership within PHSA, she always provides expert oversight, maintains a vast portfolio as an Executive Director, and has an outstanding ability to prioritize collaboration and engagement, the last of which I believe to be her greatest strength. She always demonstrates respect for her colleagues, has incredible compassion for all and enthusiastically empowers others to innovate.”
What does winning this award mean to you?
I feel very humbled to have been nominated by my colleagues and selected by the awards committee for this recognition. I know there are countless individuals and teams across our organization doing incredible work through direct patient care, research and education on a daily basis, which makes BC Children's Hospital an amazing place. I feel very fortunate to have started, and continued to grow, my career here.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I think it’s the relationships you have with your colleagues that are the most rewarding part of working in health care. They are essential and make me feel like I’m making a positive impact on our health care system.
What inspires you to go to work every day?
The individuals and teams I have the pleasure to work with everyday inspire me. Knowing that everyone takes great pride in their role and the impact it has on patient care, and the collective teamwork I get to witness and contribute to.
How do you describe your role?
I would describe my role as a listener, facilitator, supporter, mentor and leader of individuals and teams so they can do what they need to do to provide or support the best care possible to our patients and families. Sometimes this can be very easy to do and other times, there are many challenges or obstacles in the way. My role is to do the best I can to help navigate through those obstacles so others can be successful in their role.
What has been one of your proudest moments at work?
I am most proud of the collaborative relationships I have been able to cultivate with others over the years at BC Children's, PHSA and across our province and country. It’s been through these relationships that I have had the opportunity to share many proud moments in my career.
One moment that gave me such joy in a time of uncertainty was leading the provincial COVID-19 vaccine rollout. I was able to witness our staff receive their first vaccines in early 2021, and was so proud to be part of that experience. The positive energy and emotion in the clinics was incredibly inspirational.
Which one of the PHSA values has stood out to you most in the past year?
While I hold each of the PHSA values in high regard, “serve with purpose” stands out to me the most lately. The last few years have been incredibly difficult for all of us in health care. Many, including myself, are in a space of continued uncertainty, fatigue and burn out. Reflecting on the past year, I tried to emulate this value in the work I was leading and participating in, to keep myself grounded, focused and to remind myself why I chose health care as my career, and why I continue to serve with purpose.
What is your life like outside of work?
I am an avid fitness buff, so outside of work, I am either running with my dog Luna, doing a CrossFit workout in my home gym or coaching my daughter’s soccer team. I also enjoy golfing with my husband, or our two boys. When it comes to relaxing, you can find me having a good laugh and a glass of wine with my closest friends and family.
The PHSA+ Awards are part of an internal recognition program that celebrates teams and individuals who bring our PHSA values to life in the workplace. They go above and beyond to serve patients and families across B.C. Read about the other PHSA+ award recipients for 2022.
