I am the I in IWK: Dawn Marie Murphy

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Dawn Marie Murphy is the administrative assistant to the director of Mental Health and Addictions. But she isn’t new to IWK Health. Murphy has been a team member at the IWK for 25 years working in roles with Children’s Intensive Services (CIS) and the Community Resources Office before this one.

The Mental Health and Addictions program at the IWK is large and covers not only many teams of people, but many physical spaces too, with locations throughout Nova Scotia. In her role, Murphy works to maintain ongoing engagement and communication across the wide-reaching program as well as with key provincial stakeholders. She supports the program directors well as various committees the program is engaged in. Although seated in the Mental Health and Addictions program, Murphy constantly works with other teams and department at IWK Health and each day is a new challenge.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the variety of work I do and the wonderful people I work with,” says Murphy.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health care delivery has shifted and there are few areas where that change is more noticeable than mental health.

“As a result of the pandemic, Mental Health and Addictions staff were able to pivot to virtual care with minimal interruption to client care, and have continued to offer virtual care as an option for clients/families,” says Murphy. “There has been a tremendous improvement in access to care along with many exciting innovations to improve the quality of services.”

In her 25 years at IWK Health, Murphy says it’s the people and their dedication that make her most proud.

“To work with incredible people who are sincerely dedicated to providing the best care to children, youth and families within the Maritimes makes me proud to work at the IWK,” shares Murphy.

This week celebrated Administrative Professionals Day on April 27.