CCH's Year of Progress: Innovations in Care, Inclusion, and Integration
2023-12-27
Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) released a new
2022-2027 Strategic Plan called Leading Innovation Transformation, which set
the following strategic directions for the future of the organization: Recovery,
People and Integration.
The hospital has made significant progress in these three
strategic areas this past year, reinforcing its status as an innovative community
hospital dedicated to delivering exceptional care to patients throughout
Cornwall, SDG, and Akwesasne.
Recovery:
Recently the hospital announced two major initiatives that
will play critical roles in post-pandemic recovery: a new mammography machine
capable of 3D breast imaging, enhancing both the quality and access to
mammography exams for local women; as well as the acquisition of the property
at 825 McConnell Avenue, which provides CCH with future options for
establishing physical capacity and maintaining a consolidated hospital campus
on this side of McConnell Avenue.
The hospital is also performing favorably in managing long
surgical wait times. This past year, CCH performed more surgical procedures
than those being added to its waitlist.
People:
This year CCH made significant strides in responding to the
needs of its people. The hospital hired a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
who will introduce new programs, training, and awareness initiatives to promote
a more inclusive environment at CCH.
The hospital also hired an Indigenous Patient Navigator, who
serves as a cultural liaison between the hospital and patients from Akwesasne
to help reduce barriers and ensure their needs are respected.
Thanks a new virtual interpretation service called Voyce,
CCH is now better equipped to serve those in our community who do not speak
English or French. With Voyce, staff have access to a tablet which instantly
connects with a live interpreter trained in medical terminology.
Inspired by patients and care partners, our new Essential
Caregiver Program is working to include caregivers as part of the circle of
care like never before, with training opportunities, resources and strengthened
engagement.
Recruitment continues to be a top priority for the hospital
to ensure we can continue delivering uninterrupted care to our community. This
past year we filled nearly 200 positions and recruited more than 30 full-time
and part-time doctors.
Integration:
The province has been moving towards a more integrated
healthcare system to improve coordination and availability of services. CCH has
been following this direction and is playing an active leadership role in
regional healthcare integration to better respond to the short and long-term
needs of patients.
Earlier this year the hospital announced a new partnership
with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions to extend services beyond its
hospital walls with the CCH@Home program. The program helps frail older adults transition
safely and sooner from hospital by providing up to 16 weeks of care in their
homes delivered by an integrated Bayshore HealthCare team.
CCH has also connected with several local Long-Term Care
facilities thanks to the Ontario eHub system, which allows patient electronic health
records to be shared almost immediately between facilities despite different
electronic systems. This is creating enhanced communication between providers
and facilitating safer and more efficient transitions in care for improved
outcomes.
Earlier this year, the hospital started integrating its
Community Addiction and Mental Health Services to its acute care Electronic
Health Record system. When complete, this digital consolidation of patient
records across community and acute care services is going to improve coordination,
communication, and patient experiences.
We are proud to say that CCH has made significant progress
this past year in line with our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. We've acquired
advanced medical technology, worked to expand future physical capacity, and
enhanced patient care through inclusive programs like Voyce and the Essential
Caregiver Program. Collaborations with Bayshore HealthCare and Long-Term Care
facilities demonstrate our commitment to integrated healthcare. Looking ahead,
CCH remains dedicated to leading and innovating for the wellbeing of our
community.