Pictured from left: Christine Fenton-Stone, Library Technician; Sean Conroy, EVP Strategy and Development, CFO, CIO; Vince Rogers, Director of Marketing; Diana Ryman, Director of Quality & Safety; Dr. Brian Young, MD, FRCPC, Neurologist, and Emeritus Professor of Neurology and Critical Care - Western University; Rebecca Brookham, Director of Research & Innovation
By: Rebecca Brookham, PhD, Director, Office of Research & Innovation, Brightshores Health System
In the heart of Ontario's rural landscape, a silent revolution is underway—a transformation poised to redefine the very essence of healthcare in rural communities. At the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) Brightshores Health System, our unwavering commitment to elevating rural health care is not just a statement; it's a pursuit that drives us each day to bridge gaps and explore groundbreaking innovation in healthcare accessibility and treatment.
Empowering Communities through Innovation
Our mission at the ORI is clear: to cultivate an ecosystem of research and innovation that transcends conventional boundaries. We firmly believe that quality research translates into tangible improvements in rural health care. Within our 8,000 km2 of operation across all sites, our holistic approach stands out—integrating acute care and a dedication to understanding the unique health challenges faced by rural, aging seniors and Indigenous populations including Chippewas of Nawash and Saugeen First Nations.
Brightshores is a proud health system that meets the demands of 2 million short-stay visitors with 24/7 Emergency Departments at each of its six Hospitals – in Markdale, Owen Sound, Lion's Head, Wiarton, Meaford and Southampton. Brightshores' budget is $250M a year, which as a community hospital meets the threshold of some larger urban hospital centres.
Brightshores also serves the fastest-growing segment of the population of older adults between 65- 84 years of age, a number projected to climb quickly in the coming decades. There is a real need for research focused on health care provided within rural regions, especially related to seniors.
There is a need to foster Canadian community hospital research in which the majority of hospital beds reside. In May 2023, Brightshores launched an inaugural Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) and plans to transition to a separate entity Research and Innovation Institute in April 2024. Brightshores ORI has the goal of improving health and wellness in rural health care, by cultivating curiosity and implementing innovation.
Breaking Conventions: Our Approach to Research
What sets the ORI apart is our devotion to unconventional research avenues. Beyond traditional clinical trials, our focus spans a broad spectrum—from exploring the impact of climate change on community health to delving into cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics that promise to revolutionize rural care delivery. This work is expected to translate to improved patient care, and improved experiences of our providers by recruiting and retaining specialized skill health care workers to our region.
Partnerships that Propel Progress
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our success. We forge purposeful partnerships with esteemed institutions like Georgian College, Royal Victoria Hospital, London Health Sciences, The Digital Supercluster, Network of Networks, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization and Clinical Trials Ontario, fostering an environment where ideas blossom into patient-centric solutions. Through investments and creative ingenuity, these alliances fuel our commitment to tailored innovations that truly resonate with our rural communities. Brightshores is grateful for the generous support of many hospital partners, academic centers and research organizations to share lessons learned as we launch this new journey.
Nurturing Innovation: Our Services
At the ORI, we're not just advocates of innovation; we're enablers. Our platform invites applications from diverse professionals—physicians, academia, and industry experts—to realize their research and innovation aspirations. From clinical trials to pioneering tech integrations, our commitment is to support these ideas, ensuring they materialize into impactful projects.
Bridging Borders: A Vision for Tomorrow
Looking ahead, we envision a milestone transition in 2024, propelling the ORI into an independent Research Institute. This evolution marks our ambition to transcend borders, fostering international partnerships and solidifying our stance as global leaders in rural health and wellness.
Key Takeaway: Revolutionizing Rural Health Care
The journey of the ORI holds a key lesson for Ontario's healthcare system - innovation isn't confined to metropolitan areas. By investing in rural research and innovation, we tap into a wellspring of solutions that cater to the unique needs of rural communities. It's a lesson in embracing diversity, acknowledging the distinctive health challenges, and empowering innovation that aligns with these specific requirements.
In essence, our story is a testament to the transformative power of research and innovation in rural healthcare. It's an ode to the resilience of our rural communities and a beacon illuminating the path toward a future where quality care knows no geographical boundaries.
For inquiries or collaboration opportunities reach out to us at research@brightshores.ca