The Timmins and District Hospital (TADH) has hired an inaugural Health Equity Manager to oversee and champion diversity, equity, inclusion, social accountability and anti-racism initiatives within the hospital, as well as work alongside with partners across the district.

CEO and President Kate Fyfe explained the new position is part of TADH’s commitment to focus on equity and social accountability.

Health equity is woven into the five priorities of our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, in addition to being a stand -alone priority,” she said. “We know that every health care effort that doesn’t consider equity and social determinants of health is a missed opportunity to ensuring health care programs and services are reaching the people who may need it most.

Jenna Wilson started work in the newly created position as Manager, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism, in October. With a Masters of Public Health: Indigenous Health and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Global Health and Biology, Wilson’s approach to health equity is to apply principles and values of diversity and inclusion alongside data and analytics.

“I am motivated by TADH’s commitment to address health inequities and create welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity and promote equity for all,” Wilson said. “The work will involve engaging in collaborative partnerships, demonstrating empathy-driven values, and implementing evidence-based practices that support people’s health and well-being.”

Previously Wilson worked as the Indigenous Health Lead with the Porcupine Health Unit and, prior to that, as a researcher with the Ontario Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health. Her initial focus will be on championing and building awareness of the needs Francophone, Indigenous and other priority populations, so that the hospital can provide more equitable and inclusive care.

Wilson’s work will amplify the efforts of the hospital’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Social Accountability, and Anti-Racism Committee, which formed in 2023. Through its work, TADH has undertaken a number of initiatives including the following in the last fiscal quarter:

• Provided training including Sexual Assault training for emergency department nurses,
  Indigenous Cultural Competency training by Mushkegowuk Council for management, and
  regular “Bridging the Gap” sessions for staff that focus on health equity themes such as
  stigma faced by people who use drugs and how to better address structural stigma.
•  Partnered with First Nations to support community withdrawal management services and
  training on administering medications.
• Hired a Nurse Practitioner for the Diabetes Education and Eating Disorder Program whose key role is to support increased timely access to primary and specialized care for vulnerable community members who have not received access to primary care in the past and have experienced ongoing complications or difficulty coping with their chronic illness.

Who we are

TADH is a fully accredited community, referral, and teaching hospital serving the residents of the City of Timmins and Cochrane District as well as the adjoining areas of the Timiskaming, Sudbury and Algoma districts. The hospital offers a full range of medical, surgical, critical care, maternity, newborn, pediatric, long-term care, mental health and diagnostic
imaging services.

Our Commitment

TADH operates within the traditional lands of the Mattagami First Nation, located in Treaty 9 territory. Our team is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with Indigenous communities as we acknowledge the diversity, history and heritage of Indigenous Peoples in the North.