Before joining the Arnprior Regional Health Maintenance Team, Jamie Waite was an automotive tradesperson. He worked in large automotive facilities where he met client expectations through quality repairs.

“Setting expectations and following through are some of the first things I learned in the automotive industry, and they are just as important in health care.” explained Jamie, who recently moved into the role of Lead Hand in the Hospital’s Maintenance Department. “When I first came on board at ARH, I thought it was a great opportunity to take on challenging and interesting work.”

Jamie Waite, Lead Hand, Hospital Maintenance Department

One of the more rewarding challenges for Jamie is figuring out how to optimize the resources that are available to make the facility run efficiently and safely—all while balancing and prioritizing issues that are reported by the ARH Team.

“We work with all departments and in all areas of the Hospital, because of this very little of what we do goes unnoticed,” he said.  “We are the team who repairs your chair, desk, or a patient bed—working indoors and outdoors from ceilings to floors. Reporting areas of concern helps us keep everyone in our workplace safe.”

Facility wins 

Because the Hospital is an aging facility, Jamie and his team often face infrastructure challenges (like old piping and wiring) that need problem solving to ensure staff, patient, and client safety. But recently Jamie has been involved in some significant upgrades to the Hospital facility that have enhanced the quality and efficiency of the building.

“We have partnered with Trane to make infrastructure improvements to our heating, cooling and ventilation systems at the Hospital,” shared Jamie. “We’ve converted our high-pressure steam boilers to hot water condensing boilers, reducing energy consumption substantially. We also installed new rooftop units for supplied air for our critical care units, improving air quality and allowing us to control temperature and humidity better.”

Leadership growth 

To support Jamie in his transition to the new leadership role as Lead Hand, he was enrolled in the first cohort of ARH’s Emerging Leaders Program.

“There is a great deal of responsibility in the Lead Hand role, but it comes with the opportunity to promote collaboration with all teams and departments at ARH. ”

Jamie has found the Emerging Leaders coursework helpful and has been able to use some of it in his day-to-day work. For example, he’s put into practice the framework to better approach and communicate problems and solutions when working with his team and senior management.

“You never know what obstacles you’re going to face and by following the Emerging Leaders Program it ensures consistent communication, equality and positivity in the workplace.”

Home life 

Jamie enjoys time at home in Arnprior with this family and makes it a priority to support his aging parents who live in the Cobden area. He has two older sons who have recently started their careers in the trades, and a seven-year-old daughter (who keeps him on the go with her activities).

“We are always busy, and there is never a dull moment.”