Reflecting on 10 remarkable years at HHS
When I joined Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) in 2014 as president and chief executive officer (CEO), I was new to health care administration. Although I had spent most of my career as a public sector leader, HHS represented a big learning curve for me. As I step down from my role this week, I am so grateful to the entire HHS team, our partners, and the broader community for helping me to make this journey. Their commitment to improving the health of people in our region has not only shaped the trajectory of HHS, but has also had a profound impact on me personally.
During this past decade, I was privileged to help lead and bear witness to the extraordinary team of the more than 18,000 staff, physicians, learners, and volunteers who make up HHS. Together, we propelled many remarkable accomplishments in pursuit of our hospital’s vision to provide the best care for all. From pioneering initiatives like the largest implementation of a continuous quality improvement management system in a Canadian hospital, to successfully implementing a state-of-the-art, fully-digital electronic health record system to enhance patient safety, to renewing much of the equipment used across our sites, we have continually strived for excellence in the care we provide for Hamilton and region.
In securing provincial government approval for an ambitious 20-year facility renewal plan and initiating the major redevelopment of West Lincoln Memorial and Juravinski hospitals, HHS is ensuring that people in our region will have access to modern healthcare facilities for many years to come. Beyond bricks and mortar, our priority focus on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion is moving us closer to a future where everyone who works, learns, and receives care in those facilities feels valued and respected.
But what has impacted me most during my time at HHS is the fortitude and compassion of the individuals who work, practice, learn, and volunteer here. Our hospital’s response to the challenges facing us, especially during the trying times of the pandemic and amidst on-going resource shortages, revealed the depth of our team’s courage and commitment. In a decade of service, there has never been a moment when I wasn’t proud to be part of the HHS team.
As I transition from my role, I do so with optimism for the future of Hamilton Health Sciences, and for health care in our region. Today, HHS stands as a leading academic health science institution in Ontario’s health landscape. Provided appropriate support from our provincial government, the ongoing contributions of donors, our workforce, and our community, I’m confident that HHS is poised to continue leading the way for decades to come.
– Rob MacIsaac