Foundation Awards Support Hospital Security Staff

Curtis Grueter has been working in the St. Paul’s Hospital security department for 17 years.

Security might not be the first profession that comes to mind when you think about a hospital but the security department at St. Paul’s plays an important role in the safety of the physicians, patients, staff and volunteers.

Curtis Grueter has been working in the St. Paul’s Hospital security department for 17 years and this year he received funding from SPH Foundation to take a locksmithing course.

“People think locksmithing is just about keys but there’s more to it than that,” Curtis said. The course taught him about the electronics that are used in security systems, including alarms and cameras. “Access control, security is all about that. Making areas secure where only staff can access.”

Each year, SPH Foundation allocates funds from the St. Marguerite d'Youville Endowment to the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation Professional Development Awards, which grants groups and individuals financial support to advance employee knowledge, skills and qualifications.

Award categories include: 

• Les Dubé Scholarship — a scholarship for a St. Paul’s Hospital employee enrolled in a health care or allied discipline at a recognized university or post-secondary institution.
• Janice Bergan Endowment Award — an award for Licensed Practical Nurses supporting classes that will benefit their work at St. Paul’s Hospital.
• In-Hospital Program Assistance — a grant for a St. Paul’s Hospital department or group to support organizational assistance for in-hospital training, development or other programs.
• Urban and Rod Donlevy Innovation Award — a grant for a St. Paul’s Hospital employee, department or group to help implement an innovation that will improve Hospital life.
• Ian Buckwold Mental Health and Addictions Continuing Education Award — an award for a Saskatchewan Health Authority employee, department or group to support advanced education or training in the field of Mental Health and Addictions.

The Awards are presented on Feast Day during Mission Week in October. This year, Feast Day fell on Oct. 16.

Curtis received funds from the Les Dubé Scholarship Award, which is awarded to St. Paul’s Hospital employees enrolled in courses related to their current or future position. 

“I wish to thank all of the donors who make this award possible,” Curtis said. “These funds will help me continue to grow and hone my skills which will benefit my department and ultimately all those we serve.”