Isobel O’Connor-Smith
by Isobel O'Connor-Smith
Consultant, Communications

“Every person I’ve talked to mentions collaboration, partnerships and how they found new solutions so connected care could still happen. No matter the role, everyone across Fraser Health has been so involved and so willing to help get everything done and make it work.”

“As soon as the pandemic started, our leadership team sprung into action, bringing our team together quickly and assigning projects. 

The seconds, minutes and hours that followed felt like a blur. We created our strategy and set to work. In a matter of just a few days, we developed entirely new resources – a COVID-19 web hub, multiple social media campaigns, educational videos, infographics, screensavers, digital signage, FAQ documents – on a vast number of topics ranging from hand hygiene to social distancing and from self-isolation to symptom checking. Staying on top of new information to share was crucial. Fast, simple and accurate were our core communication principles. 

An educational video series for direct care providers on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was one of my first and most urgent assignments. Working with our Infection Prevention and Control team and our digital communications student, we quickly moved through scripting, filming, voice-overs, editing and approvals to complete these in record time.  

We were constantly asking 'what’s next?' and 'where can I help?' Between projects, I helped respond to social media inquiries and website comments. Our feedback inbox became a trusted source of information for many people as well and I helped answer those inquiries, too. 

Deadlines would start out tight and get tighter. There was no time to stop and wonder, ‘Can I do this?’ You just did it. I used every skill I had up my sleeve, even ones I didn’t know were there. I work with the best team of professional communicators and leaders so, together, we just made it happen.

When we felt it was time, our focus shifted to making sure we were recognizing and capturing the amazing work and stories of our wider Fraser Health Family. That’s when the idea of Humans of Fraser Health COVID-19 Edition and the ‘Our Stories’ platform was born. I’m part of the project team that got it up and running.

Helping people tell their stories is the work I am most proud of. People have told me they haven’t had a moment to think about how they feel and that’s why I love these stories so much. It gives them a chance to reflect and think, 'Wow, we did that. I did that.' 

Every person I’ve talked to mentions collaboration, partnerships and how they found new solutions so connected care could still happen. No matter the role, everyone across Fraser Health has been so involved and so willing to help get everything done and make it work.

These stories highlight our Fraser Health Together values in action and celebrate extraordinary work in extraordinary times.”