Monday, September 26, 2022
To the family of Sheila MacNeil,
Although I don't know any of the other family members, I have wonderful memories of Sheila at the IWK Hospital. Your comment, in the obituary, about her singing Happy Birthday to Dr. Goldbloom over the public address system at the IWK, brought a big smile to my face, because Dr. Richard Goldbloom, who died last November, was my father. Moreover, I too worked at the IWK for 10 years, from 1977-87, when I was beginning my career as a pediatrician. My career subsequently took me to Toronto, and then Minneapolis, but I have wonderful memories of the IWK.
Once I arrived, there were two Drs. Goldbloom in the hospital. This increased Sheila's workload from that point on, as she now had to add our first names when she paged one of us --- either Dr. Richard Goldbloom or Dr. Alan Goldbloom!
Sheila's voice was unmistakeable, and she knew everything that was going on in the hospital. Moreover, she recognized everyone else's voice as well! Whenever I called the switchboard she would recognize my voice immediately, and she loved to joke around with me. More importantly, when distraught parents called the hospital, she was a calming voice who was sensitive to their needs, and always made sure they were connected to the right person. In other words, Sheila's voice was often the first point of contact when people called the hospital, and she was absolutely perfect in that role -- a role which was much more important than most people may realize.
I can still picture Sheila sitting at the switchboard near the main entrance of the IWK. In addition to handling the switchboard, she kept an eye on whoever was coming or going through the front entrance. My father passed by there every time he walked to his office, which was just a few steps from there, and often popped his head in to say hello. They both shared a delightful sense of humour.
I was saddened to learn of Sheila's passing, and I extend my sympathy to all of you. At the same time, I also wanted to let you know just how much she was loved and appreciated at the IWK -- especially by my father and me. She was an essential part of that institution, and indeed was part of its "identity", for many years. She made a difference!
Warmest regards,
Alan Goldbloom
