Communications

Ontario's "Healthy" Hospitals are Recognized at OHA HealthAchieve2004


Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
Visit our Web Site: http://www.oha.com

Monday, November 15, 2004

Toronto – As part of an initiative to support improved work environments within hospitals, nine Ontario hospitals will receive “Healthy Hospital Innovators Awards” today during
OHA HealthAchieve2004, the Ontario Hospital Association’s (OHA) annual Convention and Exhibition.

“As Ontario hospitals continue to face mounting change as a result of financial pressures and human resources shortages, strategies to support the well-being of our dedicated health care workers has never been more important,” said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA. “The Award recognizes all aspects of a healthy work environment, which can lead to overall improvements in staff retention, productivity, attendance at work, and in the quality of care delivered to our patients.”

The Healthy Hospital Innovators Awards are part of the OHA’s Healthy Hospital Initiative, which was launched in January 2002. The Initiative provides wellness consulting services to member hospitals so that they may continue to enhance their work environments, and guide employees toward the highest levels of personal wellness.

In partnership with the National Quality Institute, the OHA has developed the Healthy Hospital Innovators Awards to recognize hospitals’ demonstrated willingness to develop and sustain a healthy workplace, and to share their experiences with other organizations, both within and outside the health care sector.

“While we’ve proven that we are leaders in efficiency, we have also shown that Ontario hospitals are well on their way to becoming leaders in the establishment of effective strategies that promote workplace health, wellness and safety,” said Short.

The following organizations are recipients of the 2004 Healthy Hospital Innovators Award:

  • Bluewater Health, Sarnia, ON
  • Renfrew Victoria Hospital, Renfrew, ON
  • Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre, Toronto, ON
  • Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, ON
  • Trillium Health Centre, Mississauga, ON
  • Niagara Health System, St.Catharine’s, ON
  • The Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, ON
  • St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener, ON
  • Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, ON


Further information about the Healthy Hospital Initiative, and OHA HealthAchieve is available on OHA’s website at www.oha.com

For further information:
Cara Francis, OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1371