Equity, diversity, and inclusion at BCHS

June is Pride Month in Canada. A time when we come together to celebrate, honour, and show support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) community and its allies.

The Brant Community Healthcare System, which operates the Brantford General and Willett Hospitals, will join other local companies and organizations in the celebration, led by the hospital’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council.

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council was formed last year. The chair is Tyson Benn, Manager, Inpatient and Emergency Mental Health & Addictions.

“I was born and raised in Brantford,” Benn said. “I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University and began working in social services.”

“I was working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton as manager of Emergency Psychiatry, Patient Flow, and Psychiatric Consultation Services. It was nice to be able to return home and work in Brantford.”

St. Joseph’s Hospital had a similar council in place, so when Benn recognized the need locally, he followed through.

“I floated the idea for something similar to President David McNeil and Martin Ruaux, the chief nursing officer, and they wholeheartedly agreed.”

Staff, physicians, and volunteers were made aware of the plan to create an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council. There was a large expression of interest and 25 joined.

“We have members from throughout our entire organization,” Benn said. “It is important to note that our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council is peer-led.”

“At the beginning we developed our terms of reference, guiding values ​​and principles, and identified some key issues. From this we developed our work plan.”

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council meets regularly and has begun its work.

“Our goal is to bring together the LGBTQIA2S+ people across both our hospitals to promote cultural safety,” Benn said. “This is part of the larger set of strategies of the Brant Community Healthcare System strategic plan.”

“We use education and our collective experience to focus on LGBTQIA2S+ issues throughout the entire organization. In turn, the staff, physicians, and volunteers transfer their new skills and experiences to our patients and the families we serve.”

So far, the feedback has been positive. Staff have noted they are looking for ways to support their patients and families. The collective experience is proving to be a valuable tool.

During Pride Month in June the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council will complete an analysis to better align their activities with the staff and the community.

Benn said, “Employee well-being and providing safe care for our entire community is a must.”

“We will also be flying the Pride flag,” Benn said. “The mission of the Brant Community Healthcare System is to work together to build a healthier community.”

“It is the right thing to do.”

Hospital Insider is written by Gary Chalk who assists with communications for the Brant Community Healthcare System.