Depending on how you marked your calendar, Atlantic Canada is in the 10th week of dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic. During this ordeal Clinical Engineering departments throughout our four provinces were tasked to help prepare our healthcare facilities for the influx of pandemic patients. We were involved with establishing COVID Care Areas within the hospitals, prepping or sourcing extra equipment, assisting with External Clinics used to conduct testing, and ensuring that our healthcare community was prepared to meet this challenge. Each province has experienced the effects on COVID differently, but with our help we were ready for what ever came our way.
Because of COVID, celebrating Clinical Engineering week this year may not have been the same as in the past with social distancing and public safety in mind. Perhaps we could not host our departmental tours, put up displays, or serve cake in the cafeteria, but rest assure our profession was recognized by others. You may not have gotten that pat on the back but it’s not because people did not want to.
The biggest impact I personally felt due to the pandemic was the postponement of ACCES25 Educational Seminars and Trade Expo. The disappointment was felt by the complete conference planning team. This team was very excited and couldn’t wait to show you what they had planned for the Silver Anniversary, a lot of hard work had gone into this event to make this year extra special. The good news is that all these plans are only delayed as next years date has already been selected back in Moncton from May 26th – May 28th. In a few months the planning team will dust off the files and start preparing for ACCES25…..version 2.
A very quick reminder that the 2020 ACCES membership drive campaign is coming to an end very shortly. If you have not done so yet, sign up before May 31 to ensure that you also can receive the ACCES branded members appreciation gifts. It only takes 2 minutes to renew! Simply log onto the ACCES website and renew your membership anytime at your convenience via the Member's Corner.
Finally, I would like to reach out to our members in Nova Scotia. You have experienced extra tough times over the last two months. The complete ACCES executive team are thinking of you and your families that may have been touched by the recent tragedies. Stay safe and know that Atlantic Canadians are a strong knit family and support comes from many direction… Nova Scotia Strong.
Brett Fraser
President, Atlantic Canada Clinical Engineering Society