Health care teams are navigating constant change, from new systems to shifting workflows. All under pressure to adapt quickly. It can be energizing. It can also be overwhelming.
That's why psychological safety is essential.
“Large system transformation is about more than technology. It is about people. By prioritizing wellness and psychological safety at every step, we are making sure our teams feel supported, heard, and ready to move forward together. This is what it means to put people first." Diana Crawford, Director, Organizational Effectiveness, Culture and Transformation.
The CMH Approach: Change x Wellness Champions
At Cambridge Memorial Hospital, a new Change x Wellness Champion program is helping staff feel supported through the Healthcare Information System (HIS) transformation.
This peer network brings together change management and well-being support, so staff are informed and supported through it.
More than 50 Champions across 29 programs are now part of a broader Change Network, working alongside leaders and clinical informatics specialists to support teams in real time.
Champions are equipped with practical tools and training focused on:
- Psychological health and safety
- Supporting well-being during change
Delivered in partnership with Your Health Space, this training helps Champions recognize stress, support their peers, and foster a culture where people feel safe to speak up and adapt.
Just as important, the role is a meaningful development opportunity that builds skills beyond this project.
- Supporting Teams, Now and Beyond Go-Live
- Champions are already connecting with teams in simple, practical ways:
- Starting huddles with brief wellness check-ins
- Sharing tips and tools to manage change
- Creating space for open conversation
They will also be featured at the upcoming Best Practice Fair, May 11 to 14. This annual, multi-day professional development event hosted by CMH's Professional Practice/Clinical Education teams is both a learning opportunity and a celebration of clinical excellence. It brings staff together from across disciplines to share ideas, highlight innovations, and celebrate practices that are improving care and the staff experience.
As we move toward go-live in Fall and Winter 2026, Champion activities will continue to grow based on team needs. After go-live, this network will remain in place to support ongoing wellness efforts and future change initiatives.
Why It Matters
By building psychological safety into the change process, CMH is strengthening staff well-being and our ability to adapt and grow together.
“We're building skills and habits that will support our teams through every change that comes next," said Diana, “and we're already seeing teams use these tools in real time through how they talk about stress and how they support one another every day."