Bluewater Health's new five-year strategic plan puts an enhanced focus on equal access to service.
The document, called "Kaleidoscope of Care" will guide the hospital's direction through 2026.
President and CEO Mike Lapaine said they're building on four key areas in the previous plan, Quality Care, Inspired People, Exceptional Relationships and Outstanding Performance.
"We've added a fifth dimension and that's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," said Lapaine. "We know we have many marginalized groups that have healthcare needs and, for many of them, their health status is below what we would hope. So, reaching out and putting a particular emphasis in those types of communities and populations, we think will add to the overall health of the community. We think it's really important we don't leave anyone behind."
Lapaine said they want to create a more streamlined transition through the healthcare system.
He noted there are still some unknowns while looking at the next five years due to the ongoing pandemic.
"However, a lot of the key things that we had to look at are unchanged and, if anything, they've been amplified because of the pandemic," said Lapaine. "The hospital is part of an overall ecosystem and so what we're really looking at with this plan is how to make a better ecosystem for all patients. That's whether they're accessing the hospital or other healthcare services connected to the hospital."
Lapaine said there are also some key infrastructure projects including construction of a helipad at the Sarnia hospital.
"The two major projects are the renovation of the CEE Petrolia's Emergency Department," he said. "We're on stage two of that process and we're really hoping to get some momentum on that. The other is the permanent withdrawal management beds that we need in Sarnia. That's a 24-bed unit. We're really hopeful everything is completed, and it's in with the ministry, so we're hoping to see some movement on that as well."
A link to the full 2021-2026 Strategic Plan can be found here.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves
