CEO Blog: We’re listening! Facility renewals and new specialists improve care closer to home

February 2018 –

We are very grateful to the Ministry of Health for ongoing investments in our aging facilities. In fact, recent funding of almost $3 million dollars is helping us enhance the patient experience. But, more importantly, the funds are also helping us update our environment to improve safety and quality of care.

To maximize these capital investments, we are talking to you. We want to make sure the renovations match what they perceive as needed improvements. One such example was the recent engagement of patients and caregivers in the evaluation of our ambulatory care (outpatient) programs and service space. Jason Moore, a Master of Health Administration student from the University of Ottawa, led the evaluation.

We investigated several themes known to impact patient and provider experience. Specifically, we reviewed and asked for your opinion about:

  • Directional signage
  • Wait times at registration area
  • Facility amenities

Overall the feedback was very positive. However, a few opportunities for improvement were identified such as:

  • Adjusting the registration staff hours to more carefully match peak registration periods
  • Renovating a washroom to be wheelchair accessible
  • Simplifying directional signage

Thank you for your input!

Our community is growing and aging – and this provides an opportunity to attract new specialists to our region. You have told us that, given a choice, you would rather not drive into Ottawa or pay the high parking costs there. I am pleased to confirm that we have recently attracted two new physicians to provide regularly-scheduled clinics in Ambulatory Care. Please join us in welcoming Otolaryngologist Dr. Tracey Ross (ear, nose and throat) and Neurologist Dr. Shreyans Shah (brain, spine and nervous system) to our team.

If you would like to be part of our ongoing engagement strategies, we’d love to hear from you. Here are just a few ways to get involved:

  • ARH Board of Directors
  • Grove Family Council
  • ARH Foundation Capital Campaign
  • Patient Family Advisory Council
  • Our Auxiliary

For more information, visit www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca or give me a call at 613-623-3166 ext. 220.