For those who had the privilege of working with Darlene, you know that her smile lights up the room. She is caring, patient, passionate and relentless in her commitment to always being there for infants and their families. She is a tireless advocate for family-centred care, was a true champion behind couplet and skin-to-skin care, and was instrumental in bringing state-of-the-art single-room care to the IWK world-class NICU. Everything we are most proud of in the NICU has Darlene’s touch.
“Darlene encompasses all the very best qualities in a health care provider — a deep sense of caring for babies, parents and families, underpinned by a passion for quality care and excellent patient experience. Her amazing smile always reflected the joy of being able to support people, be they patients, families or other care providers, in achieving their very best. Just being around her made you feel better.”
Her years of nursing and leadership roles are woven into the very fabric that is the IWK. A leader ahead of her time, Darlene has taught and mentored countless students and colleagues — leaving her mark on the future leaders of tomorrow! She effortlessly created a learning environment, building teams rooted in kindness and respect while working together to strengthen the voices of healthcare professionals and patients/families. She has made a significant contribution to Maritime patients and families, both here at home and beyond the walls of the IWK.
“Leaders who foster teamwork are essential to providing high quality care at IWK Health and we truly are greater than the sum of our parts. On that note, in recognition of her outstanding performance, superior dedication and positive attitude, I am privileged, honoured and grateful to know Darlene, both professionally and personally, and I am enhanced by her presence.” — Christine Pritchett, Director, Women’s and Newborn Health, IWK Health.
“Another meaningful milestone under Darlene’s guidance was IWK Health earning the World Health Organization’s Baby-Friendly designation—a powerful testament to her advocacy for breastfeeding. Darlene was and continues to be one of the most important mentors of my career and life. Her passion is second to none and I am grateful to have had the privilege of working alongside her for over 20 years. – Tanya Myles, Neonatal Care Team Manager, IWK Health
There is also no greater friend to the IWK Foundation than Darlene. She spent countless hours giving tours, meeting with donors, and attending community events while showcasing with pride the impact of the donor community on the care provided at the IWK. From Jennifer Gillivan and the entire Foundation team, thank you for always putting patients and their families first and for advocating for world-class health care right here at home.
“At the pinnacle of people who make a large difference, Darlene Inglis is a respected and cherished member of three families — as a daughter, wife and mother; as a nurse, educator and administrator; as a mentor, colleague and friend,” says Doug McMillan, Past Division Head, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, IWK Health. “It is a privilege to be part of creating this award, which recognizes others with attributes similar to Darlene, who will continue to improve life for many others.”
We are so proud that Darlene is forever part of our family, the IWK family.