Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.
October was a month marked by opportunity and appreciation. While we have begun our shift into the challenges that fall brings and the pressures facing health care across Ontario, I would like to take a moment to take pause to appreciate, reflect and recognize the dedication you show day in day out, to creating a supportive environment that supports and aligns with our vision, and our values and overall commitment we make to one another.
Our month began with an Open Doors Career Showcase that was attended by over 300 people. The event featured more than 30 Hospital departments where attendees learned about health care roles and requirements. Guided tours highlighted clinical, technical, and administrative career paths and allowed participants to engage and take a deep dive into professions. Local schools and educational partners also provided information on relevant courses. The event showcased our talent and positively influenced many that we hope to attract to our Hospital and Health Research Institute in the future.
This month we also celebrated 16 years of Sharing and Caring Together; a collaboration between our Patient Family Advisors and Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) department which celebrates the hard work and dedication to advancing the patient experience at our Hospital. The week served as a reminder for all of us to recognize the impact of our philosophy of patient-centred care on everything we do. As we celebrate our accomplishments we strengthen our commitment to enhancing the patient experience, in line with our vision. Bringing us back to the central core of PFCC “nothing about me without me,” ensuring an environment where all voices are heard.
At the same time, our ongoing facility upgrades are driven by the need for a better work environment. This month, work continued on modernizing patient rooms and common areas. Just as significantly, these improvements are specifically designed to promote collaboration, well-being and efficiency for our teams. By investing in the infrastructure around us all, we reinforce our commitment to a positive and productive workplace for everyone and elevate the overall experience of care.
Along the theme of investing and upgrading, we are in the midst of our Electronic Health Record upgrade – the move to Meditech Expanse. This project is not simply a technology change – but rather a critical investment designed to enable safer and more efficient care by improving the integration, access and management to patient information and communication. The recent Device Discovery Fair on October 17th was a necessary step in this process, allowing staff to test and provide direct feedback on the new devices. That feedback will immediately shape future workflows and help maximize the efficiency we urgently need.
The fact is that these systemic improvements are only possible because of the operational discipline you display daily. I continue to value the opportunity to join Quality Huddles across the Hospital and witness the incredible engagement firsthand. These huddles are the mechanism for identifying and implementing improvements in safety and quality care; they are the engine for building stronger, data-driven teams. Congratulations to the recipients of this month’s Quality Huddle Excellence Awards and to the more than 60 departments that actively participate. Your commitment is truly impressive and reflects our strategic priority of relentlessly focusing on quality.
As our seasons change, I want to take the time again to recognize and reflect on you. While the challenges facing health care, here and across Ontario, are real – our path forward is clear. We will meet these challenges by investing in our infrastructure, optimizing our systems, and, most critically, supporting the people who staff this institution, day in and day out. Your dedication and input inspire many, but more importantly, creates the confidence that we are using to drive real operational change. That work continues every day.
As always, I welcome your feedback about this blog or anything else on your mind. You can reach me directly at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net.
