Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.
As January comes to a close, we are looking forward to some reprieve from what has been a challenging month across the organization. As you know, this year started with incredible pressures related to influenza and related overcapacity. Our Emergency Department experienced a spike in admissions as our community and region were hit hard with influenza, which we responded to with significant leadership and care. I continue to be inspired by your ability to step up and respond, yet again, to support the needs of our patients and families, locally and regionally.
With that being said, Employee Recognition Week (ERW) is around the corner and provides an opportunity to celebrate the people who make our organization exceptional – our medical staff, employees, teams, volunteers, and Patient Family Advisors. Each day, your skill, compassion, and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families across Northwestern Ontario. From February 27 to March 6, I encourage all staff to take part in ERW activities by visiting the Corporate Intranet, reading the Daily Informed Newsletter, and following our social media channels. Throughout the week, there will be opportunities to connect and celebrate through prize draws, daily trivia, and other engaging activities. Most importantly, it is a time to say thank you and to recognize the extraordinary commitment that defines our collective work.
Looking forward, while we navigate capital improvements and planning, this is also the time of year when we plan our operational budgets for the next fiscal year. This year, however, is far from typical as we have shifted our focus to Health Sector Sustainability Planning in an environment where most hospitals across Ontario are planning for deficit budgets based on a set of planning parameters which assume more inflation and cost pressures than anticipated ministry revenue to meet those pressures. We are no different.
This new landscape for planning in Ontario hospitals is challenging us to think differently, be innovative and advance efficiencies across our health system. The pressure continues to address our growing population health inequities and respond to regional needs.
While the financial landscape for Ontario hospitals can bring uncertainty, we remain focused on supporting our teams and ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care experience, grow opportunities to improve patient care and flow and respond to unmet care needs. We encourage everyone to stay informed and reach out with any questions or concerns, and we will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. We know we are supporting health care needs in a rather unique environment with more challenging issues related to access to care, chronic disease and geography.
We are starting to prepare for our accreditation process. Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to safe, high-quality care and ongoing improvement across our Hospital. To prepare for the May 2026 on-site survey, we will hold a Simulation Survey on February 18, a practice run designed to increase readiness and offer practical guidance. As we prepare for May, the mock survey will help to empower our teams to uphold rigorous standards, for safe, quality care. Through accreditation, we strengthen trust with our patients, staff and communities, to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to excellence in everything we do.
February is Black History Month, a time to share and honour the achievements, histories, and contributions of Black communities throughout our province and beyond. It serves as a meaningful opportunity for us to reflect, learn, and engage in conversations that foster understanding, inclusion, and respect. As we recognize Black History Month, we encourage everyone to participate in activities and educational initiatives that celebrate diversity and enrich our Hospital and Health Research Institute.
Between the weather and the patient volume we see, I recognize that this time of year can often be difficult for many. Please ensure to prioritize your well-being and be mindful of those around us that may need support. In doing so, we create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.
As always, I welcome your feedback about this blog or anything else on your mind. You can reach me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I appreciate hearing from you.
