Respect Award
Kiyoko Koike
Housekeeping Aide, Banff Mineral Springs Hospital
“The whole hospital knows she’s special,” - Miguel Quezada, Manager
The face of an organization’s workforce often changes, but on occasion you meet somebody who leaves a permanent impression on you. At Covenant Health’s Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, you’ll likely meet this person, diligently cleaning, bringing in baking for residents and colleagues on Fridays, or sharing her passion for music in the choir.
Distinguished by the biggest, friendliest smile you have ever seen, “Kiyoko Koike, uses her positive, respectful attitude to great effect in the hospital and makes everyone feel valued regardless of their background,” said Lila Harter. “She is the epitome of the idea that we are more than the work we do.”
With grace and humility, Kiyoko doesn’t consider her actions to be special, it is part of her nature to bring respect and thoughtfulness to people’s lives. She takes time to listen and visit with patients while she cleans, and she frequently comes in on her days off to visit patients or residents who don’t have family or visitors.
“Kiyoko could just fulfill her cleaning duties, but she does so much more than this—she makes people feel valued,” said Lila.
Kiyoko’s interest in working in a hospital was ignited by frequent trips to the hospital with her son who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of three.
“The many trips to hospital made me aware of the importance of the atmosphere, friendliness, compassion and also the cleanliness of the facility,” said Kiyoko. “My dream came true and it has already been two and half years that I [have been] privileged to work in housekeeping at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital. It came as a great surprise to me when I learned that I was nominated for my respect this year.”
“During the last year I learned more about combining my work with my love for the patients, co-workers and Jesus. I want to do small things in a big way, and I would like to make a difference—a change for the better,” she said.
For Kiyoko, it is her heart’s desire to treat everyone at the hospital with respect, be it toward her co-workers or the patients. In doing so, she makes everyone’s day brighter simply by being part of it.
