Whitby Hospital Patients Enjoy Tenth Annual Ribfest

Patients at the Whitby Hospital enjoyed a delicious rib luncheon at the tenth annual Whitby Sunrise Rotary Ribfest earlier this month.

For patients like Ella Staite, an 89-year-old who has been receiving care at the Whitby Hospital since June, the ribfest was a welcome social opportunity.

“It’s a gorgeous garden,” exclaimed Ella. “I love being out here and interacting and socializing with others.”

Ella was joined by more than 50 other patients. During the event, the garden was alive with the sounds of laughter and patients connecting with each other.

This year’s ribfest was the most attended in its ten-year history. This is in part to the efforts of the Therapeutic Recreation team, who made sure all patients knew about the event.

Interim Director of Healthy Aging, Jaclyn McLeod, realized the special opportunity to bring this community event to patients in 2013 when she was Patient Care Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation at the Whitby Hospital.

“A long-term hospital stay can be difficult, especially for patients who may enjoy an active social life at home,” explained Jaclyn. “So, to enhance the care experience and quality of life for patients, we reached out to the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club to make a connection and they have been generously donating the ribs ever since!”

A decade later, the ribfest is a tradition at Whitby Hospital and one that Jaclyn looks forward to every year.

“The best part of the event is the sense of community and friendship it creates,” added Jaclyn. “Right now, they’re not patients. They’re just out here having fun together, listening to music, and enjoying some great food.”

As the food arrived and Ella tucked into her plate, she summed up the feeling of the day.

“I’m really glad I came out,” said Ella, with a rib in hand and a smile on her face.