People of KHSC: Barb Patterson

When Administrative Assistant Barb Patterson accepted a three-week temporary position with Kingston General Hospital (KGH) in 1991, she had no idea it was the beginning of a 30-year career in her dream job.

“I can remember sitting in my doctor’s waiting room when I was 11 and thinking I wanted to work in an office. When I finished college, I was submitting resumes and I’m fortunate that I got the call from KGH,” says Barb. “I love what I do and can honestly say that I think of the people I work with as my work family. They’re a great bunch of people who work hard and are passionate about what they do. They still find the time to connect and they love to laugh. Some have started talking about retirement and although I’m happy for them, I’ll really miss them a lot.”

Barb’s role is incredibly diverse. She provides support to professional practice and allied health, including KHSC Nursing Practice Council and KGH Professional Practice Committee, Nursing Scholarships & Grants, Clinical Policies, Delegated Controlled Acts and Medical Directives as well as serving as co-chair of the Kingston Nursing Research Conference. “This year, COVID-19 pushed us to arrange our first virtual conference with support from Queen’s School of Medicine Videoconferencing and Queen’s School of Nursing,” says Barb. “We were relieved when it went off without a hitch and we are already planning for next year’s event.”

Barb says during the pandemic home life has been really quiet but it is important to put safety first. “My family of four stays close to home and we love movies, playing cards, board games and the occasional game of Super Mario. It’s been hard not seeing family and friends but we want to do our part to ensure everyone, including us, stays healthy. I can’t wait to give out lots of hugs to my friends and family when we’ve all been vaccinated.”