Alice Sayese knows and loves her community. For 22 years, she has developed relationships and provided support and comfort to clients and patients in her role as Indigenous Liaison Worker at The Pas Health Complex/St.  Anthony’s General Hospital in Manitoba’s Northern Health Region.

“I started working here (at The Pas) 32 years ago as a dietary aide, worked as a cook after that, and then applied for this job when it became available,” said Sayese. “I know this community and the surrounding communities. I’m very approachable and easy to talk to and my first language is Cree, I think that’s why I was offered the job.”  

“I love working with the Elders and I’m often the first call when they step into the hospital,” said Sayese, who often supports patients and staff when they experience language barriers. “The emergency department will call me and I’ll go down to translate for them, to help them share what their problem is with the doctors or nurses.”

There are many different dialects in the area and Sayese spends much of her time supporting communication and helping patients feel at ease, even telling jokes at times to break the ice. It’s a role she knows is making a difference and having a positive impact on patients. 

“You can see they appreciate that I’m here to listen, to translate what they hope to receive from the staff at the hospital, and to help get their needs met,” said Sayese. “The highlight of my job is getting to help someone who is stressed, being supportive, keeping them calm, and making sure they don’t feel alone or lonely.” 

In her role, Sayese shares her time with those in palliative care and with residents at St Paul’s Personal Care Home. She finds her days very fulfilling, being a support to those when they need it most.

“In challenging times, sometimes people just need that communication. They could be lonely or acting out and all they need is for someone, in their own language, to help calm them.”

With her knowledge of – and connections to the community, Sayese often goes above and beyond for patients, connecting them with spiritual care, accessing replacement clothing and other items that may make their time at the hospital more comfortable.

“I do a little bit of everything,” she said. “I find them the supports they need. Even if it is someone without a phone. It’s a small community.”

Her valuable work is helping to reduce barriers, improve access to culturally safe health care and feel a sense of fulfillment about the impact of her job.

“Becoming a dietary aide was a good starting point for me but there were (and are) so many career opportunities here,” she said. “The hospital is a great and busy place, there’s a lot of ways to grow.”

As part of International Women’s Day, Manitoba’s health system is shining a light on some of the many incredible women in health care who dedicate themselves to the health and wellbeing of Manitobans each and every day.