Northumberland Hills Hospital is Home to 2010 OHA Communicator of the Year

TORONTO, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - Northumberland Hills Hospital's (NHH) Director of Communications and Community Engagement Jennifer Gillard was granted the Ontario Hospital Association's (OHA) Communicator of the Year award at HealthAchieve 2010. The annual award recognizes communicators' important contributions to the Ontario health care system.

"Strong, open and ongoing communication and engagement with the communities that a hospital serves is absolutely essential," said Anthony Dale, Vice President of Policy and Public Affairs at the OHA. "As publicly funded organizations, hospitals work very hard to be accountable and transparent. On behalf of the Ontario Hospital Association I am delighted to recognize Jennifer's exceptional contribution as Northumberland Hills Hospital works to deliver on this mandate and implement its new strategic plan."

Gillard was joined by NHH President and CEO Robert Biron, who nominated her, when she received the award at the November 8 Community Affairs and Communications Network session. In his nomination, Biron commended Gillard on her innovative efforts to support the organization, and her ability to link the organization's communications strategies with its strategic directions.

In particular, she spearheaded a challenging community engagement process, during which a Citizens Advisory Panel, or CAP, was established. The CAP consulted the community regarding the scope of services that the hospital should continue to provide, while achieving its balanced budget plan.

In January 2010, the CAP submitted a final report to the hospital's Board of Directors, and in April, Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews, praised NHH's CAP process in the Ontario Legislature as a model for other hospitals to explore.

During this time, Gillard also oversaw extensive internal communications initiatives and worked to secure broad media coverage to support the process and share key messages and decisions with the community.

"The NHH management team, and its board greatly appreciate Jennifer's advice. Her efforts have been integral to helping our organization meet its mission - Exceptional Patient Care. Every Time," said Biron.

About the OHA: The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is the voice of Ontario's public hospitals. Founded in 1924, the OHA uses advocacy, education and partnerships to build a strong, innovative and sustainable health care system for all Ontarians.

For further information:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 416 205 1345