Fall 2020/Winter 2021 - Rona McKey is one of the original staff of the hospital.
It’s been 30 years since MSH opened its doors, and Rona was here from the beginning. In fact, she joined the hospital two months before it opened in March 1990.
“I was part of an amazing team of 13 nurses, from nine different hospitals,” she says. “We came together along with five obstetricians, three anaesthetists, 12 family doctors and support staff to build a family birthing unit that provided exceptional care to our growing community.”
She has since welcomed countless babies into the world. “It’s a privilege to be a part of someone’s most precious moments,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to see some of these babies graduate and return to MSH as nurses and physicians.”
Since those early days, Rona has diversified her career. Today she is an operating room nurse, extending her care and compassion to surgical patients. “I value my role in easing the stress and anxieties associated with the surgical experience.”
Rona’s dedication has shaped multiple projects and programs at MSH. For this, she has been honoured with a gift of thanks through an MSH Heroes donation. “Rona puts her whole heart into her work,” notes a former colleague. “She has a wealth of knowledge and is happy to share. My final year of work was a pleasure because I got to work most of my shifts with Rona.”
Rona’s contributions extend beyond the hospital. Since moving to Markham in 1988 she has received numerous commendations, including an award from the mayor for her volunteerism. However, to be recognized as an MSH Hero, she says, is something very special.
“To know this recognition comes from someone whom I admire and have aspired to emulate in my nursing practice exceeds even the heartfelt gratitude I’ve felt with each birth announcement I’ve been named in, each expression of thanks, or nomination received. I am genuinely honoured,” Rona says.
“I am thrilled to know my contributions have an impact. I will always stand for the golden rule: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ Then, everyone is a hero.”
