Bluewater Health has a lot of learning and unlearning to do in regards to equity, diversity, inclusion and indigeneity (EDII), according to its president and CEO.
Paula Reaume-Zimmer said the hospital's EDII Coalition, created last year, is working to shape a workplace and hospital where everyone can say "I belong."
"It's been very important so that we can create a very strong network of employees, professional staff, volunteers, but also we have engaged with our community partners," she said. "So that we can create a culture in our organization of inclusivity, so that we recognize some of the structural barriers to providing an inclusive space and that we start working on removing those barriers."
The coalition was endorsed through the hospital's strategic plan and it is made up of over 30 dedicated members – representing staff, patients, families, and community partners. Reaume-Zimmer is the group's executive sponsor.
"We are fortunate to be in very good company in the community where we have very strong leadership in that regard," she said. "With the Social Services Network of Sarnia-Lambton (SSNSL), Lambton College is doing some great work, so we are contributing to an important, larger Sarnia-Lambton EDI space."
In 2021, SSNSL made a commitment to equity and anti-racism. The group of 35 organizations also had staff take part in equity and anti-racism training -- staff at Bluewater Health will participate in similar EDI training.
Reaume-Zimmer said an inclusive community is one that will thrive and have a lasting impact for generations to come.
"For us to grow, we know that we have to step outside of our comfort zone, we have to become vulnerable, and that type of vulnerability allows us to be better people, better caregivers, better team members and better community citizens," she said. "It's a challenge that Bluewater Health is up to and we know that we'll be in a better place for it."
Earlier this month, the hospital network released a video showcasing coalition members and introducing some of the work that's underway.
