​​​​Photo caption: (left to right) Will, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, and Manon, Environmental Services Technician at Kemptville District Hospital​.​

By: Jennifer Westendorp, Kemptville District Hospital Communications Officer​

At a time when hospitals across Ontario are facing staffing challenges, one rural hospital came up with a creative communications initiative to bolster recruitment and retention efforts.

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) launched ‘Healthcare with Heart’ — a campaign that recognizes and showcases health care workers across all departments, including maintenance, scheduling, environmental services, administration, health records, diagnostic imaging, nursing and more. The campaign involves weekly social media posts featuring a staff member, physician, or volunteer talking about why they chose to work in health care. 

“Our people are what make KDH such a fantastic hospital,” said the hospital’s CEO, Frank J. Vassallo. “Without our incredibly dedicated and compassionate staff, KDH wouldn’t have the same heart we all know and value. They provide a level of care that is second to none and I couldn’t be prouder of Team KDH. This campaign is a way for us to promote the people providing excellent care at KDH.”

‘Healthcare with Heart’ also aims to strengthen the connection between staff, physicians, volunteers, and the patients, families, caregivers they all serve. A logo was designed for the campaign and used to create buttons for members of Team KDH to wear as a reminder of why they work in health care.

This public awareness paints a destination picture for people aspiring to work in health care, and creates the conditions for hospital staff, physicians and volunteers to play an important role in the recruitment process by encouraging others to join the health care field.

“My mom is a registered nurse and she inspired me to go into health care. I was working to become an electrician, but it wasn’t for me, and she suggested that I go back to school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so my mom encouraged me to try nursing. After doing one shift in an Emergency Room, I realized how much I enjoyed the acute care side of nursing. Honestly, it’s like a superpower being able to help people; when they leave feeling better than when they came in. Everyone at KDH has been super welcoming and kind.” - Will, Registered Nurse (Emergency Department)

“I chose health care cleaning because I wanted to be part of a team and for my efforts to contribute to the well-being of others. The people I work with at KDH are wonderful, and we have opportunities to grow through training. I get to interact with patients when I’m in the Emergency Department – ask them if they’re cold, offer to get them a warm blanket – and it’s nice being able to help where I can. Our team loves hearing compliments from people about how clean the hospital is! Getting that positive feedback shows that our work is making a difference.” - Manon, Environmental Services Technician​​

‘Healthcare with Heart’ is a simple and effective way to not only bolster recruitment and retention, but also create community connections and highlight how each person contributes to delivering quality health care.​