Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation Donor Report 2017 Donor Report 2017 | Page 6

The Paletta Family Leads by Example and others, the Paletta family was learning about the change in process and culture underway at Joseph Brant Hospital, and the impact it was having on care and staff morale. “As a family, we would not be putting our dollars here if we didn’t believe that change was happening,” Angelo said. “I’m telling you firsthand that there is change for the better.” The adoption of the LEAN principles of management, and Kaizen sessions where staff can provide feedback and ideas to management, provided an understanding of the open lines of communication, and the corporate and personal commitment to making positive changes. Since arriving in Burlington in 1964 to start their family and their business, Pasquale and Anita Paletta have quietly, and without renown, been committed to making a difference in their community. The family has always been driven by results, and for Pasquale the two most important things are his family, and his community. As the four Paletta sons, Angelo, Remi, Paul and Michael grew up in the family business, they learned directly from their parents, and have taken on their beliefs of pride, honour, integrity and giving back. The family had been approached to support Joseph Brant Hospital in the past, but being results-driven, making a donation didn’t feel right at the time. “Based on our own past experiences, the long wait times, the look and feel 6 Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation of the facility, and the poor morale of the staff the hospital didn’t meet our expectations,” said Angelo. “Well, that has changed. The hospital is on a new path, with a new direction and new efficient facility with more modern equipment and the timing was right for us to give back.” In September 2016, the Paletta Family announced the Pasquale and Anita Paletta Family Match Challenge. Through “While in the ICU, I noticed the board in the hallway with multiple green sticky notes with suggestions from staff, and responses from management as to what has been implemented, and what was still being reviewed,” said Angelo. “Staff and management are listening to each other, and morale is improving.” this challenge to the community, the family is matching all donations, up to $5 Million. When fully realized, the match challenge would see the Our New Era Campaign reach the $60 Million goal. During tours of the existing hospital, and through their own experiences it was clear to the Paletta family that the existing hospital was too old, and that our aging community needs a better hospital close to home. The Paletta family was inspired by the changes they saw first-hand, and the experiences and changes underway at the hospital. Through many conversations with JBH President and CEO Eric Vandewall, physician leadership “Now is the time to provide the community with the best hospital, the best equipment for doctors and nurses and staff to do their jobs,” said Angelo. “The exciting thing is that the doctors, nurses, and staff want to help and want to make our hospital better. I’ve seen it and I’ve heard it.” “Let’s be realistic. No one wants to come to the hospital for a vacation, even for a few days. Deep down inside, in the back our minds we want to know that if we need the hospital for ourselves, or a loved one, the facility, the equipment and the staff are there, ready, willing and able. And we are asking you to please help us get to the finish line.” “As a family, we would not be putting our dollars here if we didn’t believe that change was happening.” Donor Report 2016-2017 7