Most patients at Markham Stouffville Hospital will never meet Paul Husbands, but much of their care depends on the work he does. Husbands is a stockless inventory attendant with Oak Valley Health, the hospital organization that runs Markham Stouffville Hospital and Uxbridge Hospital. His job is to make sure departments and units have the supplies they need.
Oak Valley Health featured Husbands on Feb. 9 as part of its Black History Month stories. He has worked there for five years.
The best part of my job is being able to interact with my coworkers on a daily basis. I love showing up every day and being able to help them do their jobs.
— Paul Husbands, stockless inventory attendant, Oak Valley Health
He said the work has its hard days, for example when an item is on back order, but that his team usually works through those problems together.
A network for Black staff
For about a year, Husbands has been a member of the hospital's Network for Black Employees, a voluntary group that amplifies Black voices and focuses on issues that matter to Black staff, physicians, volunteers and partners. The network has organized events for staff and the community during Black History Month, as it has in past years.
Husbands recommends joining. He described the network as informative and inspiring, and as a place where members learn from one another's cultural experiences.
Black History Month is an important part of reflecting on our history, including the struggles we've faced and how far we've come.
— Paul Husbands
He said the month also sends a message to younger people: that the world has not always been fair, but that determination and teamwork can carry them through difficult challenges. In his view, the month builds a sense of security that helps people show up for themselves and for those around them.
Serving the community
Asked what the hospital's honoured to care value means to him, Husbands said it is about doing his best for everyone who comes through the doors, and about serving the community so that people feel cared for and heard.
Away from work, he spends time at home with his family, follows sports, particularly soccer, and attends church on Sundays.
