Meet some of the people who led the creation of the Health Sciences Campus Clinic. Top row, left to right: Nancy Waite, Kara Skimson, Barbara Anstett, Jenn Metzloff. Bottom row, left to right: Heather Dixon, Ryan McKee, Trenny McGinnis.
As we celebrate the 10,000th dose of vaccine given at Health Sciences Campus Clinic, we wanted to highlight some of the folks who worked tirelessly to get the clinic off the ground. Supported by a network of people across the region, they turned idea into reality in two short weeks.
Barbara Anstett
Barbara is the assistant nurse manager at the Centre for Family Medicine (CFFM). She organized the flow and layout of the clinic and supported ordering of medical supplies, furniture and personal protective equipment.
“Getting the clinic up and running in a short amount of time was a challenge. Fortunately, we worked with some amazing people and organizations who all came together and made it all happen.”
Barbara provided the first injection when the clinic opened March 15 and continues to work as a clinic lead.
“Our greatest success is that we have given over 10,000 COVID vaccines to date!”
Heather Dixon
Heather is a family physician at the CFFM. She is the clinic’s co-director along with Dr. Ryan McKee. They faced an incredible challenge developing clinical processes, incorporating the provincial COVax vaccine management system and rectifying IT issues in a short timeframe.
“I am fortunate to be a part of a very strong team. We worked together tirelessly to get the clinic up and running on time. We have had incredible feedback from patients, volunteers and staff who have found our clinic to be a positive space and a smooth, efficient process.”
Trenny McGinnis
Trenny is Waterloo Pharmacy’s administrative officer. When the go-ahead was announced, Trenny sprung into action. She was the lead for building logistics which included signage, parking attendants, custodial, room set up and more.
“Numerous university staff and departments, along with other companies in the community, went above and beyond to make this happen. From clearing out our main floor to installing partitions and equipment to preparing signage to developing cleaning and disinfecting protocols and schedules, it truly was an inspiring team effort.”
Now that the clinic is up and running, Trenny volunteers there on the weekend. During these shifts she sees the clinic’s smooth operation and provides support to those receiving vaccines.
Jenn Metzloff
Jenn is the executive director of the CFFM. She initially worked with the University of Waterloo and Region of Waterloo to get agreements in place to facilitate the clinic. She then led the administrative work required to staff the clinic, including hiring casual staff, employment contracts, payroll, scheduling and volunteers.
“We have an amazing team and have had such wonderful partners in the University of Waterloo, KDCHC, Andrew St FHO and the Region. It was wonderful to see how willing our community is to work together to help end this pandemic – a lot of people moved a lot of mountains to make this happen, and we are so grateful for every single person and organization that has had some role in this.”
Kara Skimson
Kara is a nurse manager at CFFM and manager for the vaccine clinic. She supports operations with clinic lead Barbara Anstett and collaborates with medical directors, Heather Dixon and Ryan McKee, as well as Jenn Metzloff, CFFM director.
“We have had an overwhelming amount of support from our volunteers who really make it all run smoothly. They are all so kind, and I have enjoyed getting to know each one and the joys they bring to being a part of our clinic. We have also had so much support from our own team at the CFFM and they have allowed us to succeed in our roles.”
“I’m grateful for this opportunity to support this clinic and our Region in vaccinating our community. As everyone always says ‘we are in this together’ and our clinic embodies this huge team effort.”
Nancy Waite
Nancy, a professor at Waterloo Pharmacy, supported initial planning and rollout. She helped hire and support the pharmacy team and now takes 1-2 shifts a week in the clinic drawing up the vaccine doses.
“I am so proud of our pharmacy students, pharmacy techs and pharmacists who stepped up to the plate and not only gave their time but their input on how to make this is a great clinic experience.”
“Hearing the stories and feelings of patients and caregivers as they get their first dose of vaccine is inspiring – particularly seniors, who have so much to teach us. I often leave the clinic uplifted by something one of them said. They are such positive beacons right now. It is what gives me hope as we face continuing pandemic challenges.”