It is important that everyone who walks through our doors feels safe, valued and above all, cared for. Our purpose of Extraordinary Caring, for every person, every time calls for us to treat one another with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Our staff, physicians, volunteers, patient partners, and learners come from a variety of different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. Their experiences and expertise are integral to our ability to provide high-quality, safe care to all members of our community.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is made up of staff, physicians and patient partners from across Niagara Health who work to support a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
Some important foundational work has been implemented since our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Plan was introduced last year. This included an external review of our current policies and practices, the establishment of a baseline of demographic information, and feedback from more than 2,300 employees and physicians about their experiences at Niagara Health.
Recommendations from this work are currently being implemented. Among them, we joined the Federal Government’s 50/30 challenge, which encourages organizations to increase diversity in positions of influence and leadership across organizations; we are providing leaders with cultural humility and unconscious bias training; and we celebrate key events such as Indigenous Inclusion Month, Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Diversity Month and Pride Month.
We are listening and learning more about the experiences of Indigenous people at Niagara Health so we can take meaningful action toward reconciliation in the health system. This is part of our commitment to make the hospital a safe, culturally welcoming space for Indigenous people that meets their healthcare needs and respects their traditions.
If you have questions or feedback on our DEI journey, please contact Sandy Traynor
Isaiah Beardy helps to create a safe space by willingly answering questions from those curious about Indigenous Peoples and by creating a welcoming environment at the hospital for all.
After the success of the first cohort at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines last year, the job skills training program has expanded to more departments while continuing to blaze a trail as the first and only French-language version of Project SEARCH in the world.
The symbols of Pride that Shauna Speck and her team display year-round in the Welland Emergency Department have become vital signs to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that it is a safe space.
