Shining a spotlight on women at the MUHC - starting with the Montreal General!

International Women’s Day is March 8th, but with so many incredible women working at the MUHC, we want to celebrate their achievements throughout the week. 

Did you know that women account for more than 70 percent of the workforce at the MUHC? We want to take the opportunity to recognize women working in all roles, starting with those who played a significant role in the founding of the Montreal General Hospital. 

The changing face of health in Montreal

The General is celebrating 200 years, and a look back on the hospital’s history wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the vital role played by women. The hospital began as a community initiative driven by the Female Benevolent Society of Montreal. The charity recognized the urgent need to care for the increasing waves of immigrants arriving in Montreal. That was just the beginning. Women have never stopped contributing to its evolution. 

Nurse Nora Livingston was hired by the MGH board in 1890 to establish a school of nursing. Described as a no-nonsense, strong woman, Livingston established a curriculum for nurses, negotiated better working and living conditions, elevated the standard of care for patients and hired Canada’s first nurse instructor, Flora Madeline Shaw. Shaw was the founding director of the McGill School of Graduate Nurses and the list of strong women at the MGH goes on to include, among others, Isobel MacLeod who paved the way for the study of nursing to move into CEGEPs.

If you would you like to know more about the Montreal General Hospital’s history visit the special website created for the bicentennial. https://mgh200.com/ You can even add your memory to the new Memory Wall. https://mgh200.com/memory-wall/

No regrets after four decades in health care

On the eve of her retirement, after 42 years at the Montreal General Hospital, we spoke with nurse manager Carole Filteau. “Women’s voices have become stronger over the years,” she says. “I feel that we are taken more seriously. International Women’s Day is a chance for women to show exceptional leadership, to be honoured and for women to have their stories told.” 

Carole admits she struggled with the decision to retire. “I love being a nurse, I have never regretted my choice.” In her spare time, Carole enjoys knitting and crocheting and has recently taken up snow shoeing. We asked Carole to nominate another woman at the MGH who demonstrates strong leadership skills. Carole says one woman in particular, goes above and beyond. 

PAB recognized for her efforts

Single parent Patricia Root works as a patient attendant in the Emergency Department at the MGH. She says it was caring for her grandmother, in the days before her death, that pushed her to pursue a career in health care. “It took me 10 years,” she says “My creativity, compassion and strength all come from her.” 

Patricia says being a woman in health care isn’t easy but is determined to push forward. “I am a lot stronger physically than I look. I am trying to soak up as much knowledge and experience as I can. My goal is to finish my career on a palliative care unit,” she says, calling the recognition by her supervisor unexpected and an honour. 

When Patricia isn’t working on the front lines, she is taking care of her cats or indulging her passion for art through drawing and airbrushing. 

In the next instalment, we’ll share the inspirational stories of two women at the Glen site.