Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA)
At Norfolk General Hospital; the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, and Holmes House, we believe every person who enters our doors should feel safe, respected, and cared for.
The way people are treated is part of the care they receive.
Our staff, physicians, volunteers, patients, and families come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. These experiences strengthen how we care for our community.
We are committed to treating one another with dignity and compassion. We work to make sure our words and actions reflect fairness, respect, and accountability in every part of our hospital and nursing home.
If something does not feel right, we want to know. We encourage you to speak with a member of your healthcare team so concerns can be addressed.
We know there is more to learn. We continue to listen, learn, and improve.
Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Plan
Our three-year IDEA action plan outlines how we will continue strengthening this work and how we will measure progress across our organizations.
This work also supports the commitments in our Strategic Plan, including inclusive care, strong teams, and meaningful community partnerships.
- View the Three-Year Plan
About our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism work
Our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Committee includes staff, physicians, leaders, and patient partners from:
- Norfolk General Hospital
- West Haldimand General Hospital
- Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home
- Holmes House
Together, they guide this long-term work across our organizations.
This includes:
- Education in cultural humility and unconscious bias for leaders and teams
- Reviewing policies and practices to reduce barriers and improve fairness
- Listening to feedback from employees and physicians about their experiences
- Collecting information that helps us understand who we serve and how we can improve care
An external review of our policies and practices helped us identify areas for improvement. The recommendations from this work are now being put into action.
Our commitment to Reconciliation
We are listening and learning more about the experiences of Indigenous people at Norfolk General Hospital so we can take meaningful action toward reconciliation in the health system. This is part of our commitment to make the hospital a safe, culturally welcoming space for Indigenous people that meets their healthcare needs and respects their traditions.
Read our Land acknowledgement statement
Our promise
Through this work, we focus on:
- Reducing barriers and addressing disparities
- Supporting learning related to inclusion, equity, and anti-racism
- Reviewing policies and procedures to ensure they support respectful and fair care
- Improving the experience of staff, physicians, patients, and visitors
This work is already happening across our organization.
Education continues to expand into more departments each year.
Norfolk General Hospital and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home were honoured with the 2024 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Award for leadership in Project SEARCH, supporting youth with developmental disabilities in gaining workplace experience.
Staff and community members also come together to learn and reflect during Black History Month, Pride Month, and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
If something in your experience does not feel respectful or inclusive, we want to know.
You can speak with a member of your healthcare team or contact us directly by clicking here:
Listening is how we improve.
