“I have enjoyed working alongside Heather for the last 12 years and am happy to see her achieving her goals”, shares Alena Peters, Tsartlip Health Medical Office Assistant and community member.
(Shown to the left, Heather Hastings, the outgoing Community Health Manager at Tsartlip Health)
Heather Hasting’s early days at Tsartlip Health included working as a nurse over a decade ago. Since that time she has spent her career advocating for equitable access to healthcare for her community members.
As of this Friday, April 22, 2022 Heather will be moving on to work in an external role at PHSA where her advocacy work can continue on at a greater scale.
“On behalf of Tsartlip Leadership, I want to say HÍ,SW̱ḴE SIÁM, Heather for your 12+ years of dedicated service to this community. The impact you’ve made as a powerful advocate for our health will leave a lasting legacy. We wish you all the best in your future career endeavours, and of course, we will still see you around in the community.” shares Chief Don Tom
As the Manager for Tsartlip Health, Heather was responsible for managing a growing team, currently numbering 15 staff, as well as relationships with external partners such as Island Health, Saanich Peninsula Hospital and the First Nations Health Authority and the other W̱SÁNEĆ communities.
In her career at Tsartlip Health, Heather played a crucial role in improving primary care for community members by helping to create processes where the four communities work together and bring primary care staff such as nurse practitioners and family practitioners (FP)’s closer to home.
“She was a really good advocate for my mom when she needed a lot of care, she was really supportive and worked to get her all the best care that she could” shares a community member who wanted to stay anonymous.
In addition to strongly advocating for equitable access to healthcare for community members externally and building the internal capacity of the Health Department, Heather has also successfully led Tsartlip Health staff and community members through the pandemic.
While Heather will be missed for her professional capabilities and commitment to serving her community, she will also be remembered for her notable personal achievements. While working full-time at Tsartlip Health and upholding her responsibilities as a wife, sister, and mother of three, Heather has also gone far in her post-secondary education.
“I think it’s important she is recognized for all she has done for the community, but also for herself, even though she may not like having the spotlight shined on her,” shared Yetsa, her eldest daughter. “I don’t think that many people know that while she’s been working full time and raising a family full time, she’s also gone back to school to get her Master’s Degree, and she’s now working on her Doctorate in Social Science. I think without knowing it, she’s inspired people in community to further their own education.”
Heather’s strength and leadership have brought out the best in those around her.
“Personally, Heather has inspired me to become a leader and has supported me in my personal and professional goals. I will always be grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to work with Tsartlip, shares Emily Doehnel, one of the nurses at Tsartlip Health.
While Heather has always taken her work very seriously, she is also known for her great sense of humour and big, booming laugh, as well as her keen fashion sense.
Continues Yetsa, “Heather has given everyone the tools to carry on with what she started. No matter how far she rises in her career, she still stays connected with the community, and brings those connections along with her.”
