In this anniversary year, we are celebrating a decade of innovation and, at the same time, the shared history of two great institutions.

We acknowledge, with pride and gratitude, the work that went before Trillium, the combined century-plus of experience and dedication at South Peel/The Mississauga Hospital and the Queensway General Hospital.

It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors not just because this is a historic moment but because it allows me the privilege of being a part of an extrordinary organization.

As you likely already know, the governors of this hospital work in close collaboration with the management, staff, physicians and volunteers so that, together, we can achieve our goal — in partnership with many others, positively impact the health of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

As members of the Board, we hope to influence that outcome by attending Board and committee meetings, providing ideas, information and guidance. That being said, we are very aware that it’s the work of management, staff, physicians and volunteers day in and day out, year in and year out that makes it all come together at the front line — for the patient.

I cannot stress too much how appreciative your Board is of your work.

More, I have always been impressed that the people who work here have the incredible ability to be innovative, creative and forward-looking while delivering excellent patient care in the here and now.

They can keep their eye on the ball and the future at the same time. I have come to think of that as the mark of Trillium.

Finally, I want to emphasize that Trillium is a place where collaborative work — a sense that we’re all in this together — takes precedence over unnecessary heirarchy because we have a clear focus: we have the interests of the patient and the community at heart. We have all agreed that we will only be able to meet the needs of our community by working together as a team.

To all of you — congratulations on a job well done.