Hello, Boozhou, Bonjour.
Between what appears to be a never-ending winter here in the Northwest and the 6th wave of COVID rolling into Ontario, “spring” hasn’t really lived up to the hype we were all hoping for, has it?
Finding our way through this pandemic has not been without its challenges. Please understand it has also been challenging for the public, most of whom don’t understand the health care system and are confused right now as many thought the pandemic is over.
Now more than ever, they need us. I know that’s a lot to put on you as it’s been a brutal two years. But I know we can do it if we continue to work as a team as you have done time and time again.
Your actions have demonstrated the power of collaboration, teamwork, commitment and an overall resilience. In recognition, the Walk the Talk President’s Award has been respectfully and honourably given to each of you in recognition of your giving, compassion, effort, and sacrifice. You will each receive your personal certificate shortly, with thanks and gratitude.
With all that said, we continue to have hope for the very near future and we need to plan for it. This pandemic has been a stress test of our health care system in the north and all of Ontario. And what we have learned is that while our people are strong at TBRHSC, our systems need retooling to prepare us for the future of health care needs in our region.
Our new Strategic Plan vision — Exceptional Care for Every Patient Every Time — gives us a sense of refocus and a new beginning. It also has us taking a deliberate and thoughtful look at our culture and the organization that we all want to be a part of.
Focusing on building and renewing our organization in support of an environment that enables you to work safely, grow and ultimately thrive is clearly an outcome focused through staff experience.
As we focus on our culture, embedding our values into our behaviors and supporting transformative change that enables us to achieve our priorities, we are reminded of the importance of protecting and supporting you…our staff.
As you know, our organization at times is host to individuals experiencing differing degrees of complexity — and as a part of care or support to our patients there are times when we are faced with disrespect, aggression and even violence. Often these situations are not easy to manage, and staff are having to deal with varying degrees of energy levels and emotions from those requiring care.
Violence prevention in the workplace is key to ensuring we can meet our directions for Strategic Plan 2026. It is crucial that we acknowledge workplace violence can occur in all areas of the organization, is unacceptable, and it needs to be addressed through a Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy with zero tolerance embedded and enforced. This is directly tied to a safe workplace as part of our Strategic Plan 2026 area of focus — Staff Experience. Many teams across the organization are working to apply best practices and initiate efforts to create meaningful change. Together we can and will advance this work.
As I wrap up with this short reconnect, there are a few housekeeping items to address.
First, please keep an eye open for the Accreditation Canada survey, happening at our Hospital on May 15-19, 2022.
And, finally, as the province has begun to rollout 2nd booster shots to Ontarians, I want to strongly encourage you to get it when you become eligible as it is scientifically proven to improve immunity against the virus. We need you.
I know I’ve been saying it for some time, but I’m never going to stop saying thank you so much for all you do, the effort and sacrifices you make for us, and your continued professionalism. Please remember how much you are valued and appreciated.
As always, I welcome comments on this blog or any other matter. You can reach me at: crockerelr@tbh.net
