As we celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day on April 24th, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the many unsung heroes who keep our workplaces and hospitals running smoothly day in and day out. Behind every successful team lies an efficient, organized, and highly dedicated administrative professional, often the glue that holds everything together.
At HDGH, we’re fortunate to have countless dedicated admin professionals who work tirelessly to support our hospital’s many teams. In honour of Administrative Professional’s Day, we had the privilege of sitting down with one of them! Lisa DePutter is the Admin Assistant for our Lead Agency and Communications & Mission portfolios. She graciously shared her insights and experiences with us.
Can you tell us about your career journey so far and what led you to HDGH?
My journey hasn’t been straight forward like it is for some, but each opportunity left me better equipped to handle the next and formed long lasting relationships. My first-ever administrative position was a co-op placement at an accounting firm. Eventually, wanderlust would lead me to a receptionist position on a cruise ship in the Bahamas.
In Vancouver, I held the position of Secretary to the President of a gold mining company and, after it stopped producing gold, I jumped at the unique opportunity to be the sales and marketing manager of a BC Wedding Publication. Two years later, I purchased 50% of the publication, grew the business and in 3 years sold it to our strongest competitor. I am very client service oriented. The sale of our business was bittersweet, but it allowed me to move closer to my soon-to-be husband, an RCMP officer located in a small, remote community. I went back to administrative work at a very small, remote hospital where I wore many hats. From managing rental properties for locums and flying in nurses for vacant shifts to coordinating tabletop Tsunami exercises, my admin role was pretty diverse.
Eventually, we would leave the area as remote RCMP postings are limited in duration. A more permanent move would find me walking through the doors of 1453 Prince Road in Windsor. During my time on this campus, first with WRH and then HDGH, I’ve provided administrative support to the Director of Complex Care, the Director Rehabilitation, the Program Medical Director of Restorative Care, the Director of Research & Project Management and their portfolios. Currently, I support the Executive Lead for Lead Agency for Child & Youth Mental Health and the Director of Communication & Mission and portfolio. Working throughout the HDGH campus has provided me with knowledge that I wouldn’t otherwise have and has proven to be helpful in my role. I've also learned that I have some amazing colleagues!
What are some other projects or initiatives that you've raised your hand for over the years that are outside your typical scope of work?
Most recently, I’ve been involved with coordinating the HDGH Clothing Closets [which helps supply patients and clients in need with a variety of clothing items year-round].
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to provide support to an HDGH team while they vaccinated residents at a long-term care home. I am also trained in mask fit testing, so I was able to provide additional mask fitting support to the Occupation Health & Safety department here and at our Crisis and Mental Wellness Centre (CMWC) during the pandemic. Prior to the Pandemic I organized the HDGH WW at Work Program.
During my time in BC, I initiated and spearheaded the upgrade of the hospital phone system after I discovered unused allocated dollars. I also initiated and coordinated various site improvement projects. I like to coordinate things!
What are some of your favourite tips/tricks to stay organized?
Prioritizing tasks and then blocking time in my calendar to complete them helps to keep organized. Also, setting reminders in my calendar for upcoming deadlines. Colour coding my incoming email also helps to keep me organized. I’m not sure what I would do without a to-do- list (a blend of paper and electronic), both at work and at home! Anticipating the needs of those I support also helps when trying to plan ahead.
Can you tell us about HDGH's Patient Benevolent Fund and how you support that process?
The Patient Benevolent Fund was established by our Corporate Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) as a means of assisting patients facing severe financial hardship – meaning that all family, savings, community programs, etc. have already been explored and exhausted. For example, the social worker of a patient/client who might not afford a wrist brace that would benefit their therapeutic plan of care/recovery could apply to have the Benevolent Fund cover this expense.
My role is to guide the application process, coordinate purchases and payments, then work with the HDGH Foundation to disburse funds. It’s a very good feeling to be a part of helping patients who are struggling in this way.
What's a memorable lesson you've learned over the years as an admin assistant?
This is a good question and there are lots of lessons. One lesson is understanding that everyone we work with has a significant role. There was an occasion where I was the only non-union person working at the small, remote hospital I mentioned earlier. I was notified that I would be trained in Dietary and Environmental Services (ES) due to friendly job action. I was terrified but managed to cook, learned about special diets, and the interactions I had with patients while serving meal trays was a highlight. I honed my cleaning skills, and developed a deep appreciation for my ES and Dietary colleagues. I also discovered that a hospital has a lot of toilets!
Oh, and always remember to smile... at everyone!
From managing numerous schedules, to always being willing to raise her hand for additional projects outside her scope of work, and being an overall delight to have on your team, Lisa embodies the essence of professionalism, dedication, and having a positive attitude under pressure.
When reflecting on her time working with Lisa, Nicole Crozier HDGH’s Director of Communications & Mission, shared the following:
"Lisa seamlessly manages tasks with her adaptability, discretion and calm demeanor. She keeps everything on track, with a great attention to detail, but for me, it is her friendly, always willing to help attitude that shines through. Her role in the Clothing Closet and Benevolent Fund really showcases Lisa’s patient-family centred approach. Happy Administrative Assistant Day to all the AA’s at HDGH!”
Lori Kempe, HDGH’s Executive Lead, Lead Agency Child and Youth Mental Health, had these kind words to share:
“It is truly a pleasure working with Lisa. Lisa genuinely enjoys providing assistance and support to others – whether it is a colleague, a patient, or a visitor – and always with a smile. Lisa enjoys connecting with people and extending kindness to everyone – showing care beyond her role.”
Please join us in honouring and celebrating the many dedicated admin professionals who make a world of difference behind the scenes, today and every day. Happy Administrative Professional’s Day!
About Lisa DePutter
Lisa is the Administrative Assistant for the Leady Agency and Communications & Mission portfolios at HDGH. She started at HDGH in 2010 and has supported a variety of teams including Complex Care, Rehabilitative Care, Restorative Care, and Research & Project Management. Prior to moving back to Ontario, Lisa lived in British Columbia where she worked for a gold mining company, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and owned a wedding publication called the Westcoast Bridal Guide.