It’s been two long years. Together we have endured a lot. For years we have been fighting for recognition. But very few have paid attention. You are patient facing, but don’t get recognition. You are hidden behind laboratory doors, but you are not acknowledged. You manage and lead teams, but your voices are not heard.
But you endure.
The world is overtaken by a pandemic. The only way to determine a way forward is through testing. Testing from those that have not been recognized, acknowledged, or heard.
But you endure.
You are asked to keep meeting testing targets. You are understaffed. You are over worked. You are exhausted. 5,000, 20,000, 50,000, 1 million, 23 million tests done.
But you endure.
You are at the epicenter of the pandemic. Pandemic pay is provided to those heroes that are in the warzones. Those that are working with COVID-19. But you are not included.
But you endure.
You must make difficult decisions. Which tests take priority? Not enough staff could mean people will die. You are managing moral injury and distress.
But you endure.
You are asked to do more each week. Work longer, do more, sacrifice your lives, your families, and your mental health, with no end in sight.
But you endure.
You have reached a point in this pandemic where any normal human being would give up. But you haven’t. Because you are a different type of people. You sacrifice, you endure, you know the value you bring, and you will not stop until people stop dying. We know you are tired. Please know that you are seen, you are heard, and you ARE essential.
The people of Ontario appreciate you and we thank you.
Michelle Hoad, CAE
CEO, Medical Laboratory Professionals' Association of Ontario
