For Alyssa, North York General (NYG) has always been more than a workplace — it’s been part of her family’s story for decades. Her mother has been an NYGH team member for over 30 years, and her partner works in the OR as a team attendant. Alyssa herself joined the hospital in April 2020, just as the pandemic began, and now serves as Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Surgery.
For Alyssa, North York General (NYG) has always been more than a workplace — it’s been part of her family’s story for decades. Her mother has been an NYGH team member for over 30 years, and her partner works in the OR as a team attendant. Alyssa herself joined the hospital in April 2020, just as the pandemic began, and now serves as Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Surgery.
“I love the hospital and the people who work there,” she says. “It’s such a close-knit, family-oriented place. I knew that when the time came to give birth to my first child, I wanted to do it here. I just feel so comfortable at NYGH.
That decision led her to one of NYG’s recently refreshed birthing suites — part of a donor-funded revitalization of the hospital’s Birthing Centre. It’s a space designed with comfort, calm, and care in mind — and for Alyssa and her partner, it was the perfect setting to welcome their son, Everett.
Like any first-time parent, Alyssa was nervous when she arrived at the hospital. But from her first moments in the assessment room, she felt reassured. “Everyone was very present. It wasn’t just question-and-answer — it was open conversation, lots of pointers, and genuine care. I felt so valued.”
“I showed my badge to the first person I met, but after that I don’t believe anyone knew I was a staff member — and yet I was given what would feel to anyone like ‘special’ treatment. But it’s very obviously just the status quo.”
The care continued after Everett was born. The postpartum team connected her with a range of external services and offered guidance on everything from lactation to bathing the baby. One evening nurse even took Everett for a while so Alyssa and her partner could sleep, keeping him just outside their door. “It was amazing,” Alyssa says. “Everyone went above and beyond.”
Alyssa’s refreshed birthing suite was a haven during those first precious days. “It was a great space — I didn’t feel constricted. It was airy, clean, quiet, and the reclining chair was so comfortable that my partner got a really good night’s sleep,” she says with a smile.
Those thoughtful details — from the peaceful environment to the practical comforts — are part of the Birthing Centre top-to-bottom revitalization, an transformative and ongoing $22 million initiative supported by generous donors.
For Alyssa, the experience was everything she’d hoped for as a new parent — and even more meaningful knowing it happened in the hospital where she works, surrounded by colleagues who care as deeply for their patients as they do for one another.
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