Windsor Regional Hospital staff are getting a chance to slow down this winter, thanks to a partnership with St. Clair College that is offering free esthetic services. Through the initiative, esthetician students are providing free manicures, pedicures, and hair removal services to hospital employees through the hospital’s workplace wellness program. Sessions are running at the campus spa through April. “We’re giving back to the community,” said Deborah Agostini, program coordinator for St. Clair College’s esthetician program. “And our students benefit by getting the hands-on experience and work integrated learning experience.” The idea came together last summer, with the college approaching the hospital. “We’ve got hard working frontline staff that work 12 hours on their feet some days,” said Steve Erwin, director of public affairs and communications at Windsor Regional Hospital. “It’s a lot of work.” Erwin says the initiative provides a small but meaningful break during a demanding season. “Some TLC in the in the middle of the winter is a nice thing for our staff,” he said. For students, the partnership also helps fill a slower period in the academic year. “I just think it’s such a great way to give back to the hard workers, and they’re all loving it,” said Phoenix Shortreed, a St. Clair College esthetician student. Among those taking part is Jennifer Piche, a housekeeper at Windsor Regional Hospital whose job is physically demanding. “We’re stripping bedding. We’re tossing linen bags. We’re washing beds and stretchers,” Piche said. “You feel it at the end of the day.” Piche says the experience was a welcome surprise. “I didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “I don’t get my nails done, but this has been very relaxing.”
