Health Sciences Centre Recognized for French Language Health Services

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre was recently recognized for improving access and equity to French language health services.

The Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario held its 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 5, 2017 where they announced the recipients of their first recognition awards. These awards were created to acknowledge the contribution of health service providers, community groups and individuals towards improving access and equity to French language health services.

“Improving our services to Francophone patients and families is a priority,” said Bartkowiak. “Francophones comprise a significant portion of the population we serve, and we are committed to ensuring that we are respectful of, and responsive to their cultural preferences, needs and values.”

A number of initiatives at our Hospital support better care for Francophone patients and families. Bilingual educational documents and care instructions are available to patients and families. Additionally, our Hospital promotes French language training and eligible staff are encouraged to further develop their French language by taking advantage of a tuition reimbursement program. There is also a Francophone Advisory Committee that guides improvements and promote open communication and sharing of information between our Hospital and the francophone community.

The Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario works with communities and the government to improve the health of Francophones living in Northern Ontario. To learn more, please visit http://www.reseaudumieuxetre.ca/en/.