ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂëÌýwas born of a belief that everyone in Canada wants and deserves excellent healthcare.ÌýFrom our vantage points, which span the country andÌýthe continuum of care, it’s clear that despite the tireless commitment of people working in health systems,Ìýwe still have work to do to shape a future where everyone in Canada has safe and high-quality healthcare.ÌýUnintended harm in the health sector is a leading cause of death in Canada, and there are gaps in patient experience and outcomes, care team well-being, and value.Ìý
TodayÌýwe’re launching ourÌýstrategy for 2021-26 – to help us get closer to where we want to be. This is one of many milestones worth celebrating in our first year as a new organization.ÌýOur strategy journey beganÌýoverÌýa year ago.ÌýIn a time when we were unable toÌýmeet face-to-face, weÌýfound a wayÌýtoÌýmeaningfully engageÌýwithÌýover 1,100Ìýpeople across the countryÌýabout what excellence in healthcare means to them, the issues that matter most and how we canÌýhelp. To everyone who contributed, we want to say thanks; through a global pandemic, you made the time to help us set a course for this new organization and quality and safety across Canada.ÌýÌý
The strategyÌýweÌýdeveloped from this engagement sets us upÌýwell for success.ÌýIt’sÌýambitious in purpose but focused inÌýscope, tackling some of our most pressing challenges – improving care of older people, care closer to home,ÌýandÌýacting onÌýlessons learned as we move through the pandemic to create more resilience in our system.Ìý
The pandemic has highlighted and enhanced pre-existing gaps and inequalities in our healthcare system.ÌýYet it has also demonstrated how innovation can take tremendous leapsÌýforwardÌý– whether in virtual care, vaccinationÌýorÌýCOVID-19 outbreaks in long-term careÌý-Ìýthe focus ofÌýourÌýLTC+: Acting on Pandemic Learning Together program.ÌýWorking together withÌýpartners,Ìýthis strategy will help usÌýdeliver lasting improvement in patient safety and experience, work-life of healthcare providers, value for money, and the health of everyone in Canada. Ìý
We’re excited to work with people across the country to spread innovations, build capabilities and catalyze policy change to support large-scale system improvement. And as members of the Board,Ìýwe’reÌýlooking forward to workingÌýtowards these aims with all of you,ÌýandÌýour five new Board directors.Ìý
So, please take a look atÌýourÌýnew strategy,Ìýparticipate in the conversation on social media,Ìýand joinÌýus in shapingÌýa future where everyone in Canada has safe and high-quality healthcare. Ìý
Erik Sande, BoardÌýChair, ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë, andÌýPresident of Medavie Health Services Ìý
Blair O’Neill, Board Vice-Chair ÈÕ±¾ÎÞÂë, practicing cardiologist with Alberta Health Services and professor of medicine with University of Alberta Ìý