Jul 25, 2023 | Leadership, Faces of HDGH
Over the years I’ve seen a lot of changes and improvements made in our healthcare system. Notably, the realignment of Windsor Regional Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. HDGH transitioned to being a specialty hospital, catering to patients with complex medical needs and caring for those struggling with their mental health or addictions. Through all the developments, HDGH has remained committed to its mission, to provide physical, emotional, social and spiritual care, and vision of being a trusted leader transforming healthcare and cultivating a healthier community.
Recently, HDGH was awarded Exemplary Standing, the highest award from Accreditation Canada, marking the second consecutive time the organization has achieved this designation. This is a testament to HDGH’s dedication to providing the best, high quality, person-centred care possible to our patients, clients and their families. This is a great accomplishment that all the staff, physicians, volunteers and the entire community can take immense pride.
Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that consults with experts to develop health care standards based on best practices. They survey a wide range of health care and social services providers, including hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, clinics, and community health programs by thoroughly evaluating the quality and safety of those organizations. We’re proud to share that HDGH consistently met 100% of the Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) as well as 98.99% of Accreditation Canada standards, the criteria and guidelines required to provide high-quality care and service.
The Accreditation process involves measuring HDGH’s health services against standards, to identify what is being done well and what needs to be improved. Accreditation Canada Surveyors were onsite from June 5-9 to examine and engage with frontline staff, leadership, physicians, our Patient and Family Advisory Committees, community partners and my fellow board members who were also able to participate. During the visit, they evaluated over 1300 criteria from governance and leadership to infection control and clinical care.
A few of HDGH’s strengths recognized by the surveyors include our:
Thank you to Accreditation Canada for their invaluable dedication to upholding rigorous standards. Their commitment to quality improvement has pushed us to continuously strive for excellence and deliver the highest level of care possible. I also want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff and physicians at HDGH whose dedication, compassion and expertise shine through in every interaction, ensuring that our patients, clients and their families receive exceptional care and support on a daily basis.
Dr. Ken Blanchette is the current HDGH Board Chair, and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2015. He is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Ken previously served as the Associate Vice President (Academic) and Chair of Health Sciences at St. Clair College and more recently as the Executive Director at ConnexOntario.
Prior to joining St. Clair College, Ken spent 12 years as a health care professional providing chiropractic patient care including neurological EMG, MRI and interdisciplinary referrals, spinal decompression as well as spinal x-ray diagnostics.
Ken is actively involved in the Windsor and Essex County communities. He has over 10 years executive level leadership and board governance experience. He has served as the Vice Chair of the board of directors for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Co-Chair for the Health Standards Organizations Academic Health Centers and Clinical Research Technical Committee, Co-Chair for the Southwestern Academic Health Network (SWAHN) and a CMA accreditor.