The holidays are often as much a period of reflection as a period of celebration. As we approach this year’s holiday season, I would like to give pause, as well as thanks, to the many factors that have contributed to an outstanding 2014 for The Scarborough Hospital (TSH) and have laid the foundation for a bright New Year ahead.
No doubt, the most important accomplishment for our hospital was our continued commitment to enhance patient safety, quality care and a healthy workplace. Building on our track record of innovation and health system leadership, this year alone saw a number of exceptional achievements and awards for our hospital. These included:
Being one of a small number of community hospitals selected by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to participate in a three-year case study on a new national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace;
Results in the province’s pregnancy, birth and childhood registry – known as the Better Outcomes Registry and Network (BORN) – that not only exceeded our peer hospitals, but in many cases also rated ahead of the entire province;
The development of “Code: Career” by TSH’s Human Resources team, a first-of- its-kind program among Ontario hospitals, which provides an integrated approach to supporting the personal and professional goals of the hospital’s staff, physicians and volunteers;
A second consecutive Gold Quality Healthcare Workplace Award from the Ontario Hospital Association and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care;
The release of the hospital’s first Diversity and Inclusion Report, which celebrates the many ways TSH has worked to achieve our Vision of providing the best health care for a global community; and,
The launch of “I Am the Patient Experience,” a grassroots effort to fundamentally shift the provision of health care to a model that is truly patient- focused.
Naturally, none of these initiatives would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff, physicians and volunteers. We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented group of individuals with such a passion for providing excellent care and service at our hospital.
We are also equally fortunate to be situated in the diverse and dynamic community of Scarborough. As always, the incredible compassion and spirit of giving of our donors has been instrumental in helping us deliver high quality care close to home. In addition to our regular events, such as the Scarborough World Gala, Scarborough World Cup of Cricket and Scarborough World Cup of Golf, 2014 saw the launch of a number of new fundraising initiatives from The Scarborough Hospital Foundation. These include Philanthropic Councils, a Chinese Radiothon, and the “I Support My Scarborough Hospital” campaign. This holiday season, we are also pleased to offer another way to support your community hospital. The “Share in the Care” fundraising program allows donors to share in the cost of vital medical equipment needed for the hospital.
2015 promises to be just as exciting. We are well on our way to charting the next phase of our hospital’s future through our strategic and clinical directions planning, known as “Forward Together: Building a Healthier Scarborough.” The input and collaboration of all of our stakeholders in this endeavor has been – and will continue to be – integral as we create a shared plan that will lead to a compelling future for TSH. Look for further updates and engagement opportunities in the New Year.
I wish everyone the happiest of holidays. I hope you are able to spend time with friends and family and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
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