We are very pleased to congratulate Dr. Rick Irvin, a family physician and a leader in the hospice palliative care field, on being one of a select few individuals to receive the 2012 Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award!
“In addition to his duties as a family physician in Barrie, Ontario,” the official award announcement states, “Dr. Irvin is widely praised for his pioneering work in palliative care. His efforts have not only changed the way end-of-life care is viewed and provided in his region, but also raised awareness of issues that will affect more and more Ontarians in the coming decade. His work stresses that care for dying patients and their families is a core medical need, gives respect and dignity, and includes bereavement care.
“Dr. Irvin’s innovative thinking and effective engagement with the medical community were instrumental in creating palliative care education in the North Simcoe Muskoka region. He helped secure funding to provide essential end-of-life care and was a driving force in establishing Hospice Simcoe’s Hospice House, a 10-bed residential hospice devoted to care and support services for patients and families dealing with life-limiting illness.”
The Prime Minister’s recognition of Dr. Irvin’s contributions is not only well deserved, but also serves to advance awareness of hospice palliative care in Ontario and throughout the country. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Irvin on this momentous award, and in thanking him for his continuing efforts!
