Something I am continually impressed by is the culture of learning here at UHN. Whether it's an open house to discuss the changes we are undergoing organizationally, or an information booth where you can hear about an issue being spotlighted, UHN staff are eager to grow and develop their knowledge in all aspects of health care.
I saw this once again last week with the amazing turnout for our first IT Transformation Town Hall. It was wonderful to hear from all of you, during and after, about the IT agenda we're currently pursuing. We've now scheduled the next two IT Transformation Town Halls, and I hope you'll be able to make it. They are:
- Thursday, May 5th, 2:00 – 3:00pm, in the Toronto Rehab auditorium
- Monday, May 9th, 1:00 – 2:00pm, Toronto Western BMO Centre
This week, we are focused on educating ourselves and the public about the importance of laboratory testing in health care by celebrating National Medical Laboratory Week. Though mostly behind the scenes, Laboratory Medicine Program (LMP) staff at UHN are essential to diagnosis and medical decisions for most patients at UHN. LMP staff will be available in the lobbies of different UHN sites throughout the week sharing what happens when a sample is "sent to the lab", while Michener students will offer a mock phlebotomy practice station where visitors can learn how to properly draw blood.
Last week we gathered with our Board of Trustees and leaders in healthcare from UHN, Toronto, the US, and the Netherlands to learn about population health management. We know that the economic health of our country is dependent on a healthy population. With the demographic shifts happening locally and internationally, it is more important than ever to assess these challenges and opportunities in healthcare to strategically position UHN to provide optimum, safe and patient-centred care for future generations. So we took the day to learn more about population health theory and practice, hear about the successes and struggles other organizations have faced in this shift, and how UHN is already laying the foundation for this work.
I also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to participate in the process of UHN's renewed Purpose, Values and Principles. This work will be the base upon which we build our future and you need to be part of that build because it is your future. We have a number of open houses this week, starting today at the Lyndhurst Centre's Lecture Hall A/B from 10:00am – 12:00pm. The rest of the town halls will take place:
- April 26, 2016 @ Toronto General, 1EN-429/430, 11:00 am—2:00 pm (I will be dropping in between 11:00 – 12:00pm)
- April 27, 2016 @ University Centre, Auditorium 2-014, 11:00 am—2:00 pm (I'll be there from 12:15 – 12:45pm)
- April 28, 2016 @ Princess Margaret, 7-605, 10:30 am—1:30 pm (I'll be stopping by between 10:30 and 11am)
- April 29, 2016 @ Michener, Room 1341, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm (I'll be dropping in from 12:30 – 1:00pm)
The last open house will take place next week at Toronto Western's on Wednesday, May 4th room 6FP-103, 12:00 pm—3:00pm
I look forward to spending the week listening to, and learning from all of you, especially about where UHN is going.
Peter
